1
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Steinbinder J, Sachslehner AP, Holthaus KB, Eckhart L. Comparative genomics of monotremes provides insights into the early evolution of mammalian epidermal differentiation genes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1437. [PMID: 38228724 PMCID: PMC10791643 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51926-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The function of the skin as a barrier against the environment depends on the differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes into highly resilient corneocytes that form the outermost skin layer. Many genes encoding structural components of corneocytes are clustered in the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), which has been described in placental and marsupial mammals as well as non-mammalian tetrapods. Here, we analyzed the genomes of the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and the echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) to determine the gene composition of the EDC in the basal clade of mammals, the monotremes. We report that mammal-specific subfamilies of EDC genes encoding small proline-rich proteins (SPRRs) and late cornified envelope proteins as well as single-copy EDC genes such as involucrin are conserved in monotremes, suggesting that they have originated in stem mammals. Monotremes have at least one gene homologous to the group of filaggrin (FLG), FLG2 and hornerin (HRNR) in placental mammals, but no clear one-to-one pairwise ortholog of either FLG, FLG2 or HRNR. Caspase-14, a keratinocyte differentiation-associated protease implicated in the processing of filaggrin, is encoded by at least 3 gene copies in the echidna. Our results reveal evolutionarily conserved and clade-specific features of the genetic regulation of epidermal differentiation in monotremes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Steinbinder
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Holthaus KB, Eckhart L. Development-Associated Genes of the Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC). J Dev Biol 2024; 12:4. [PMID: 38248869 PMCID: PMC10801484 DOI: 10.3390/jdb12010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes that encode protein components of the outermost layers of the epidermis in mammals, reptiles and birds. The development of the stratified epidermis from a single-layered ectoderm involves an embryo-specific superficial cell layer, the periderm. An additional layer, the subperiderm, develops in crocodilians and over scutate scales of birds. Here, we review the expression of EDC genes during embryonic development. Several EDC genes are expressed predominantly or exclusively in embryo-specific cell layers, whereas others are confined to the epidermal layers that are maintained in postnatal skin. The S100 fused-type proteins scaffoldin and trichohyalin are expressed in the avian and mammalian periderm, respectively. Scaffoldin forms the so-called periderm granules, which are histological markers of the periderm in birds. Epidermal differentiation cysteine-rich protein (EDCRP) and epidermal differentiation protein containing DPCC motifs (EDDM) are expressed in the avian subperiderm where they are supposed to undergo cross-linking via disulfide bonds. Furthermore, a histidine-rich epidermal differentiation protein and feather-type corneous beta-proteins, also known as beta-keratins, are expressed in the subperiderm. The accumulating evidence for roles of EDC genes in the development of the epidermis has implications on the evolutionary diversification of the skin in amniotes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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3
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Yenmiş M, Ayaz D. The Story of the Finest Armor: Developmental Aspects of Reptile Skin. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:jdb11010005. [PMID: 36810457 PMCID: PMC9944452 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The reptile skin is a barrier against water loss and pathogens and an armor for mechanical damages. The integument of reptiles consists of two main layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis, the hard cover of the body which has an armor-like role, varies among extant reptiles in terms of structural aspects such as thickness, hardness or the kinds of appendages it constitutes. The reptile epithelial cells of the epidermis (keratinocytes) are composed of two main proteins: intermediate filament keratins (IFKs) and corneous beta proteins (CBPs). The outer horny layer of the epidermis, stratum corneum, is constituted of keratinocytes by means of terminal differentiation or cornification which is a result of the protein interactions where CBPs associate with and coat the initial scaffold of IFKs. Reptiles were able to colonize the terrestrial environment due to the changes in these epidermal structures, which led to various cornified epidermal appendages such as scales and scutes, a beak, claws or setae. Developmental and structural aspects of the epidermal CBPs as well as their shared chromosomal locus (EDC) indicate an ancestral origin that gave rise to the finest armor of reptilians.
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4
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Samulevich ML, Shamilov R, Aneskievich BJ. Thermostable Proteins from HaCaT Keratinocytes Identify a Wide Breadth of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins and Candidates for Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214323. [PMID: 36430801 PMCID: PMC9692912 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) move through an ensemble of conformations which allows multitudinous roles within a cell. Keratinocytes, the predominant cell type in mammalian epidermis, have had only a few individual proteins assessed for intrinsic disorder and its possible contribution to liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), especially in regard to what functions or structures these proteins provide. We took a holistic approach to keratinocyte IDPs starting with enrichment via the isolation of thermostable proteins. The keratinocyte protein involucrin, known for its resistance to heat denaturation, served as a marker. It and other thermostable proteins were identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and subjected to extensive bioinformatic analysis covering gene ontology, intrinsic disorder, and potential for LLPS. Numerous proteins unique to keratinocytes and other proteins with shared expression in multiple cell types were identified to have IDP traits (e.g., compositional bias, nucleic acid binding, and repeat motifs). Among keratinocyte-specific proteins, many that co-assemble with involucrin into the cell-specific structure known as the cornified envelope scored highly for intrinsic disorder and potential for LLPS. This suggests intrinsic disorder and LLPS are previously unrecognized traits for assembly of the cornified envelope, echoing the contribution of intrinsic disorder and LLPS to more widely encountered features such as stress granules and PML bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Samulevich
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06292-3092, USA
| | - Rambon Shamilov
- Graduate Program in Pharmacology & Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06292-3092, USA
| | - Brian J. Aneskievich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, CT 06269-3092, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-860-486-3053; Fax: +1-860-486-5792
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5
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Zuniga K, Ghousifam N, Sansalone J, Senecal K, Van Dyke M, Rylander MN. Keratin Promotes Differentiation of Keratinocytes Seeded on Collagen/Keratin Hydrogels. BIOENGINEERING (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:bioengineering9100559. [PMID: 36290526 PMCID: PMC9598618 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9100559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Keratinocytes undergo a complex process of differentiation to form the stratified stratum corneum layer of the skin. In most biomimetic skin models, a 3D hydrogel fabricated out of collagen type I is used to mimic human skin. However, native skin also contains keratin, which makes up 90% of the epidermis and is produced by the keratinocytes present. We hypothesized that the addition of keratin (KTN) in our collagen hydrogel may aid in the process of keratinocyte differentiation compared to a pure collagen hydrogel. Keratinocytes were seeded on top of a 100% collagen or 50/50 C/KTN hydrogel cultured in either calcium-free (Ca-free) or calcium+ (Ca+) media. Our study demonstrates that the addition of keratin and calcium in the media increased lysosomal activity by measuring the glucocerebrosidase (GBA) activity and lysosomal distribution length, an indication of greater keratinocyte differentiation. We also found that the presence of KTN in the hydrogel also increased the expression of involucrin, a differentiation marker, compared to a pure collagen hydrogel. We demonstrate that a combination (i.e., containing both collagen and kerateine or “C/KTN”) hydrogel was able to increase keratinocyte differentiation compared to a pure collagen hydrogel, and the addition of calcium further increased the differentiation of keratinocytes. This multi-protein hydrogel shows promise in future models or treatments to increase keratinocyte differentiation into the stratum corneum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kameel Zuniga
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Neda Ghousifam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - John Sansalone
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kris Senecal
- Natick Soldier Center, U.S. Army Soldier & Biological Chemical Command, Natick, MA 01760, USA
| | - Mark Van Dyke
- College of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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6
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Wang Y, Wu Q, Ren B, Muskhelishvili L, Davis K, Wynne R, Rua D, Cao X. Subacute Pulmonary Toxicity of Glutaraldehyde Aerosols in a Human In Vitro Airway Tissue Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12118. [PMID: 36292975 PMCID: PMC9603730 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutaraldehyde (GA) has been cleared by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a high-level disinfectant for disinfecting heat-sensitive medical equipment in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Inhalation exposure to GA is known to cause respiratory irritation and sensitization in animals and humans. To reproduce some of the known in vivo effects elicited by GA, we used a liquid aerosol exposure system and evaluated the tissue responses in a human in vitro airway epithelial tissue model. The cultures were treated at the air interface with various concentrations of GA aerosols on five consecutive days and changes in tissue function and structure were evaluated at select timepoints during the treatment phase and after a 7-day recovery period. Exposure to GA aerosols caused oxidative stress, inhibition of ciliary beating frequency, aberrant mucin production, and disturbance of cytokine and matrix metalloproteinase secretion, as well as morphological transformation. Some effects, such as those on goblet cells and ciliated cells, persisted following the 7-day recovery period. Of note, the functional and structural disturbances observed in GA-treated cultures resemble those found in ortho-phthaldehyde (OPA)-treated cultures. Furthermore, our in vitro findings on GA toxicity partially and qualitatively mimicked those reported in the animal and human survey studies. Taken together, observations from this study demonstrate that the human air-liquid-interface (ALI) airway tissue model, integrated with an in vitro exposure system that simulates human inhalation exposure, could be used for in vitro-based human hazard identification and the risk characterization of aerosolized chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiying Wang
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Qiangen Wu
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Baiping Ren
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | | | - Kelly Davis
- Toxicologic Pathology Associates, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Rebecca Wynne
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
| | - Diego Rua
- Division of Biology, Chemistry and Materials Science, Office of Science and Engineering Laboratories, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Xuefei Cao
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA
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7
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Evolutionary diversification of epidermal barrier genes in amphibians. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13634. [PMID: 35948609 PMCID: PMC9365767 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18053-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes encoding components of the skin barrier in terrestrial vertebrates. EDC genes can be categorized as S100 fused-type protein (SFTP) genes such as filaggrin, which contain two coding exons, and single-coding-exon EDC (SEDC) genes such as loricrin. SFTPs are known to be present in amniotes (mammals, reptiles and birds) and amphibians, whereas SEDCs have not yet been reported in amphibians. Here, we show that caecilians (Amphibia: Gymnophiona) have both SFTP and SEDC genes. Two to four SEDC genes were identified in the genomes of Rhinatrema bivittatum, Microcaecilia unicolor and Geotrypetes seraphini. Comparative analysis of tissue transcriptomes indicated predominant expression of SEDC genes in the skin of caecilians. The proteins encoded by caecilian SEDC genes resemble human SEDC proteins, such as involucrin and small proline-rich proteins, with regard to low sequence complexity and high contents of proline, glutamine and lysine. Our data reveal diversification of EDC genes in amphibians and suggest that SEDC-type skin barrier genes have originated either in a common ancestor of tetrapods followed by loss in Batrachia (frogs and salamanders) or, by convergent evolution, in caecilians and amniotes.
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8
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Identification of Chicken Transglutaminase 1 and In Situ Localization of Transglutaminase Activity in Avian Skin and Esophagus. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101565. [PMID: 34680960 PMCID: PMC8535770 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 1 (TGM1) is a membrane-anchored enzyme that cross-links proteins during terminal differentiation of epidermal and esophageal keratinocytes in mammals. The current genome assembly of the chicken, which is a major model for avian skin biology, does not include an annotated region corresponding to TGM1. To close this gap of knowledge about the genetic control of avian cornification, we analyzed RNA-sequencing reads from organotypic chicken skin and identified TGM1 mRNA. By RT-PCR, we demonstrated that TGM1 is expressed in the skin and esophagus of chickens. The cysteine-rich sequence motif required for palmitoylation and membrane anchorage is conserved in the chicken TGM1 protein, and differentiated chicken keratinocytes display membrane-associated transglutaminase activity. Expression of TGM1 and prominent transglutaminase activity in the esophageal epithelium was also demonstrated in the zebra finch. Altogether, the results of this study indicate that TGM1 is conserved among birds and suggest that chicken keratinocytes may be a useful model for the study of TGM1 in non-mammalian cornification.
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9
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Alibardi L. Vertebrate keratinization evolved into cornification mainly due to transglutaminase and sulfhydryl oxidase activities on epidermal proteins: An immunohistochemical survey. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:333-358. [PMID: 34219408 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The epidermis of vertebrates forms an extended organ to protect and exchange gas, water, and organic molecules with aquatic and terrestrial environments. Herein, the processes of keratinization and cornification in aquatic and terrestrial vertebrates were compared using immunohistochemistry. Keratins with low cysteine and glycine contents form the main bulk of proteins in the anamniote epidermis, which undergoes keratinization. In contrast, specialized keratins rich in cysteine-glycine and keratin associated corneous proteins rich in cysteine, glycine, and tyrosine form the bulk of proteins of amniote soft cornification in the epidermis and hard cornification in scales, claws, beak, feathers, hairs, and horns. Transglutaminase (TGase) and sulfhydryl oxidase (SOXase) are the main enzymes involved in cornification. Their evolution was fundamental for the terrestrial adaptation of vertebrates. Immunohistochemistry results revealed that TGase and SOXase were low to absent in fish and amphibian epidermis, while they increased in the epidermis of amniotes with the evolution of the stratum corneum and skin appendages. TGase aids the formation of isopeptide bonds, while SOXase forms disulfide bonds that generate numerous cross-links between keratins and associated corneous proteins, likely increasing the mechanical resistance and durability of the amniote epidermis and its appendages. TGase is low to absent in the beta-corneous layers of sauropsids but is detected in the softer but pliable alpha-layers of sauropsids, mammalian epidermis, medulla, and inner root sheath of hairs. SOXase is present in hard and soft corneous appendages of reptiles, birds, and mammals, and determines cross-linking among corneous proteins of scales, claws, beaks, hairs, and feathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab Padova and University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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10
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Lachner J, Derdak S, Mlitz V, Wagner T, Holthaus KB, Ehrlich F, Mildner M, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. An In Vitro Model of Avian Skin Reveals Evolutionarily Conserved Transcriptional Regulation of Epidermal Barrier Formation. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:2829-2837. [PMID: 34116064 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.04.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The function of the skin as a barrier against a dry environment evolved in a common ancestor of terrestrial vertebrates such as mammals and birds. However, it is unknown which elements of the genetic program of skin barrier formation are evolutionarily ancient and conserved. In this study, we determined the transcriptomes of chicken keratinocytes (KCs) grown in monolayer culture and in an organotypic model of avian skin. The differentiation-associated changes in global gene expression were compared with previously published transcriptome changes of human KCs cultured under equivalent conditions. We found that specific keratins and genes of the epidermal differentiation complex were upregulated during the differentiation of both chicken and human KCs. Likewise, the transcriptional upregulation of genes that control the synthesis and transport of lipids, anti-inflammatory cytokines of the IL-1 family, protease inhibitors, and other regulators of tissue homeostasis was conserved in the KCs of both species. However, some avian KC differentiation-associated transcripts lack homologs in mammals and vice versa, indicating a genetic basis for taxon-specific skin features. The results of this study reveal an evolutionarily ancient program in which dynamic gene transcription controls the metabolism and transport of lipids as well as other core processes during terrestrial skin barrier formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Lachner
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sophia Derdak
- Core Facilities, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tanja Wagner
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Brigit Holthaus
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Ehrlich
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Mildner
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Skin Biology Laboratory, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Alibardi L, Eckhart L. Immunolocalization of epidermal differentiation complex proteins reveals distinct molecular compositions of cells that control structure and mechanical properties of avian skin appendages. J Morphol 2021; 282:917-933. [PMID: 33830534 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes that encode structural proteins of skin derivatives with variable mechanical performances, from the scales of reptiles and birds to the hard claws and beaks, and to the flexible but resistant corneous material of feathers. Corneous proteins with or without extended beta-regions are produced from avian genomes, and include the largely prevalent corneous beta proteins (CβPs, formerly indicated as beta-keratins), and minor contribution from histidine-rich proteins, trichohyalin-like proteins (scaffoldin), loricrin, and other proteins rich in cysteine or other types of amino acids. The light-microscopic and ultrastructural immunolocalization of major and minor EDC-proteins in avian skin (feather CβPs, EDKM, EDWM, EDMTFH, EDDM, and scaffoldin) suggests that each specific appendage consists of a particular mix of these proteins in addition to the main proteins containing a peculiar beta-region of 34 amino acids, indicated as feather/scale/claw/beak CβPs (fCβPs, sCβPs, cCβPs, bCβPs). This indicates that numerous proteins of the EDC are added to the variable meshwork of intermediate filament keratins to produce avian epidermis with different mechanical and functional properties. Although the specific roles for these proteins are not known they likely make an important contribution to the final material properties of the different skin appendages of birds. The highest number of sauropsid CβPs is found in birds, suggesting a relation to the evolution of feathers, and additional epidermal differentiation proteins have contributed to the evolutionary adaptations of avian skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab Padova and Department of Biology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Abstract
The skin is a passive and active barrier which protects the body from the environment. Its health is essential for the accomplishment of this role. Since several decades, the skin has aroused a strong interest in various fields (for e.g. cell biology, medicine, toxicology, cosmetology, and pharmacology). In contrast to other organs, 3D models were mostly and directly elaborated in humans due to its architectural simplicity and easy accessibility. The development of these models benefited from the societal pressure to reduce animal experiments. In this review, we first describe human and mouse skin structure and the major differences with other mammals and birds. Next, we describe the different 3D human skin models and their main applications. Finally, we review the available models for domestic animals and discuss the current and potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Souci
- ISP, INRAE, Université de Tours, Equipe BioVA, Centre Val de Loire, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Caroline Denesvre
- ISP, INRAE, Université de Tours, Equipe BioVA, Centre Val de Loire, 37380, Nouzilly, France.
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13
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Davis AC, Greenwold MJ, Sawyer RH. Complex Gene Loss and Duplication Events Have Facilitated the Evolution of Multiple Loricrin Genes in Diverse Bird Species. Genome Biol Evol 2019; 11:984-1001. [PMID: 30863850 PMCID: PMC6447390 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evz054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of a mechanically resilient epidermis was a key adaptation in the transition of amniotes to a fully terrestrial lifestyle. Skin appendages usually form via a specialized type of programmed cell death known as cornification which is characterized by the formation of an insoluble cornified envelope (CE). Many of the substrates of cornification are encoded by linked genes located at a conserved genetic locus known as the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). Loricrin is the main protein component of the mammalian CE and is encoded for by a gene located within the EDC. Recently, genes resembling mammalian loricrin, along with several other proteins most likely involved in CE formation, have been identified within the EDC of birds and several reptiles. To better understand the evolution and function of loricrin in birds, we screened the genomes of 50 avian species and 3 crocodilians to characterize their EDC regions. We found that loricrin is present within the EDC of all species investigated, and that three loricrin genes were present in birds. Phylogenetic and molecular evolution analyses found evidence that gene deletions and duplications as well as concerted evolution has shaped the evolution of avian loricrins. Our results suggest a complex evolutionary history of avian loricrins which has accompanied the evolution of bird species with diverse morphologies and lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony C Davis
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina
| | - Matthew J Greenwold
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina
| | - Roger H Sawyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina
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14
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Holthaus KB, Eckhart L, Dalla Valle L, Alibardi L. Review: Evolution and diversification of corneous beta‐proteins, the characteristic epidermal proteins of reptiles and birds. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2019; 330:438-453. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Brigit Holthaus
- Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaWien Austria
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA)University of BolognaBologna Italy
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Department of DermatologyMedical University of ViennaWien Austria
| | | | - Lorenzo Alibardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA)University of BolognaBologna Italy
- Comparative Histolab PadovaPadova Italy
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15
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Cystatin immunoreactivity in cornifying layers of the epidermis suggests a role in the formation of the epidermal barrier in amniotes. ZOOLOGY 2018; 127:40-46. [PMID: 29503061 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2018.02.003] [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: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The presence and localization of cystatin, a cysteine protease inhibitor involved in barrier formation in human and mice epidermis, has been studied in the epidermis of piscine and terrestrial vertebrates using a mouse monoclonal antibody. Cystatin has been localized by Immunostaining in the pre-corneous and corneous layers of monotreme, marsupial and placental mammals, and sparsely in the thin corneous layer of birds. Cystatin-immunolabeling is present in the pre-corneous and corneous layer of crocodilian and turtle epidermis, in the alpha-corneous layer and likely also in the beta-corneous layer of the epidermis in lizards, snakes and the tuatara. In keratinocytes of the pre-corneous (transitional) layers the protein initially shows a peripheral distribution that becomes compacted in mature corneocytes. The protein is not detected using the antibody in the epidermis of cyclostome, teleosts, sarcopterigian fish, and in amphibians. The study concludes that while in fish and amphibians cystatin is absent or however uncertainly localized in the epidermis, the protein instead appears present in the more external pre-corneous and corneous layers of amniotes. This special regionalization suggests a specific role of cystatin in the formation of the corneous epidermal barrier and regulation of desquamation originally evolved in the terrestrial environment.
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Holthaus KB, Strasser B, Lachner J, Sukseree S, Sipos W, Weissenbacher A, Tschachler E, Alibardi L, Eckhart L. Comparative Analysis of Epidermal Differentiation Genes of Crocodilians Suggests New Models for the Evolutionary Origin of Avian Feather Proteins. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:694-704. [PMID: 29447391 PMCID: PMC5827346 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermis of amniotes forms a protective barrier against the environment and the differentiation program of keratinocytes, the main cell type in the epidermis, has undergone specific alterations in the course of adaptation of amniotes to a broad variety of environments and lifestyles. The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is a cluster of genes expressed at late stages of keratinocyte differentiation in both sauropsids and mammals. In the present study, we identified and analyzed the crocodilian equivalent of the EDC. The gene complement of the EDC of both the American alligator and the saltwater crocodile were determined by comparative genomics, de novo gene prediction and identification of EDC transcripts in published transcriptome data. We found that crocodilians have an organization of the EDC similar to that of their closest living relatives, the birds, with which they form the clade Archosauria. Notable differences include the specific expansion of a subfamily of EDC genes in crocodilians and the loss of distinct ancestral EDC genes in birds. Identification and comparative analysis of crocodilian orthologs of avian feather proteins suggest that the latter evolved by cooption and sequence modification of ancestral EDC genes, and that the amplification of an internal highly cysteine-enriched amino acid sequence motif gave rise to the feather component epidermal differentiation cysteine-rich protein in the avian lineage. Thus, sequence diversification of EDC genes contributed to the evolutionary divergence of the crocodilian and avian integuments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Brigit Holthaus
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Bettina Strasser
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Lachner
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Supawadee Sukseree
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Sipos
- Clinical Department for Farm Animals and Herd Management, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenzo Alibardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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Disulfide-bond-mediated cross-linking of corneous beta-proteins in lepidosaurian epidermis. ZOOLOGY 2017; 126:145-153. [PMID: 29129393 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2017.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Corneous beta-proteins (CBPs), formerly referred to as beta-keratins, are major protein components of the epidermis in lepidosaurian reptiles and are largely responsible for their material properties. These proteins have been suggested to form filaments of 3.4nm in thickness and to interact with themselves or with other proteins, including intermediate filament (IF) keratins. Here, we performed immunocytochemical labeling of CBPs in the epidermis of different lizards and snakes and investigated by immunoblotting analysis whether the reduction of disulfide bonds or protein oxidation affects the solubility and mobility of these CBPs. Immunogold labeling suggested that CBPs are partly co-localized with IF-keratins in differentiating and mature beta-cells. The chemical reduction of epidermal proteins from lizard and snake epidermis increased the abundance of CBP-immunoreactive bands in the size range of CBP monomers on Western blots. Conversely, in vitro oxidation of epidermal proteins reduced the abundance of putative CBP monomers. Some modifications in the IF-keratin range were also noted. These results strongly indicate that CBPs associate with IF-keratins and other proteins via disulfide bonds in the epidermis of lizards and snakes, which likely contributes to the resilience of the cornified beta- and alpha-layers of the lepidosaurian epidermis in live animals and after shedding.
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Alibardi L. Review: cornification, morphogenesis and evolution of feathers. PROTOPLASMA 2017; 254:1259-1281. [PMID: 27614891 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-016-1019-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Feathers are corneous microramifications of variable complexity derived from the morphogenesis of barb ridges. Histological and ultrastructural analyses on developing and regenerating feathers clarify the three-dimensional organization of cells in barb ridges. Feather cells derive from folds of the embryonic epithelium of feather germs from which barb/barbule cells and supportive cells organize in a branching structure. The following degeneration of supportive cells allows the separation of barbule cells which are made of corneous beta-proteins and of lower amounts of intermediate filament (IF)(alpha) keratins, histidine-rich proteins, and corneous proteins of the epidermal differentiation complex. The specific protein association gives rise to a corneous material with specific biomechanic properties in barbules, rami, rachis, or calamus. During the evolution of different feather types, a large expansion of the genome coding for corneous feather beta-proteins occurred and formed 3-4-nm-thick filaments through a different mechanism from that of 8-10 nm IF keratins. In the chick, over 130 genes mainly localized in chromosomes 27 and 25 encode feather corneous beta-proteins of 10-12 kDa containing 97-105 amino acids. About 35 genes localized in chromosome 25 code for scale proteins (14-16 kDa made of 122-146 amino acids), claws and beak proteins (14-17 kDa proteins of 134-164 amino acids). Feather morphogenesis is periodically re-activated to produce replacement feathers, and multiple feather types can result from the interactions of epidermal and dermal tissues. The review shows schematic models explaining the translation of the morphogenesis of barb ridges present in the follicle into the three-dimensional shape of the main types of branched or un-branched feathers such as plumulaceous, pennaceous, filoplumes, and bristles. The temporal pattern of formation of barb ridges in different feather types and the molecular control from the dermal papilla through signaling molecules are poorly known. The evolution and diversification of the process of morphogenesis of barb ridges and patterns of their formation within feathers follicle allowed the origin and diversification of numerous types of feathers, including the asymmetric planar feathers for flight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab and Department of BIGEA, University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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Goodwin ZA, de Guzman Strong C. Recent Positive Selection in Genes of the Mammalian Epidermal Differentiation Complex Locus. Front Genet 2017; 7:227. [PMID: 28119736 PMCID: PMC5222828 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2016.00227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) is the most rapidly evolving locus in the human genome compared to that of the chimpanzee. Yet the EDC genes that are undergoing positive selection across mammals and in humans are not known. We sought to identify the positively selected genetic variants and determine the evolutionary events of the EDC using mammalian-wide and clade-specific branch- and branch-site likelihood ratio tests and a genetic algorithm (GA) branch test. Significant non-synonymous substitutions were found in filaggrin, SPRR4, LELP1, and S100A2 genes across 14 mammals. By contrast, we identified recent positive selection in SPRR4 in primates. Additionally, the GA branch test discovered lineage-specific evolution for distinct EDC genes occurring in each of the nodes in the 14-mammal phylogenetic tree. Multiple instances of positive selection for FLG, TCHHL1, SPRR4, LELP1, and S100A2 were noted among the primate branch nodes. Branch-site likelihood ratio tests further revealed positive selection in specific sites in SPRR4, LELP1, filaggrin, and repetin across 14 mammals. However, in addition to continuous evolution of SPRR4, site-specific positive selection was also found in S100A11, KPRP, SPRR1A, S100A7L2, and S100A3 in primates and filaggrin, filaggrin2, and S100A8 in great apes. Very recent human positive selection was identified in the filaggrin2 L41 site that was present in Neanderthal. Together, our results identifying recent positive selection in distinct EDC genes reveal an underappreciated evolution of epidermal skin barrier function in primates and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zane A Goodwin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Pharmacogenomics and Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO, USA
| | - Cristina de Guzman Strong
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Pharmacogenomics and Center for the Study of Itch, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis MO, USA
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Alibardi L. Review: mapping epidermal beta-protein distribution in the lizard Anolis carolinensis shows a specific localization for the formation of scales, pads, and claws. PROTOPLASMA 2016; 253:1405-1420. [PMID: 26597267 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-015-0909-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The epidermis of lizards is made of multiple alpha- and beta-layers with different characteristics comprising alpha-keratins and corneous beta-proteins (formerly beta-keratins). Three main modifications of body scales are present in the lizard Anolis carolinensis: gular scales, adhesive pad lamellae, and claws. The 40 corneous beta-proteins present in this specie comprise glycine-rich and glycine-cysteine-rich subfamilies, while the 41 alpha-keratins comprise cysteine-poor and cysteine-rich subfamilies, the latter showing homology to hair keratins. Other genes for corneous proteins are present in the epidermal differentiation complex, the locus where corneous protein genes are located. The review summarizes the main sites of immunolocalization of beta-proteins in different scales and their derivatives producing a unique map of body distribution for these structural proteins. Small glycine-rich beta-proteins participate in the formation of the mechanically resistant beta-layer of most scales. Small glycine-cysteine beta-proteins have a more varied localization in different scales and are also present in the pliable alpha-layer. In claws, cysteine-rich alpha-keratins prevail over cysteine-poor alpha-keratins and mix to glycine-cysteine-rich beta-proteins. The larger beta-proteins with a molecular mass similar to that of alpha-keratins participate in the formation of the fibrous meshwork present in differentiating beta-cells and likely interact with alpha-keratins. The diverse localization of alpha-keratins, beta-proteins, and other proteins of the epidermal differentiation complex gives rise to variably pliable, elastic, or hard corneous layers in different body scales. The corneous layers formed in the softer or harder scales, in the elastic pad lamellae, or in the resistant claws possess peculiar properties depending on the ratio of specific corneous proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab and Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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21
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ALIBARDI LORENZO. Sauropsids Cornification is Based on Corneous Beta-Proteins, a Special Type of Keratin-Associated Corneous Proteins of the Epidermis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2016; 326:338-351. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- LORENZO ALIBARDI
- Comparative Histolab and Department of Bigea; University of Bologna; Italy
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22
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Calvaresi M, Eckhart L, Alibardi L. The molecular organization of the beta-sheet region in Corneous beta-proteins (beta-keratins) of sauropsids explains its stability and polymerization into filaments. J Struct Biol 2016; 194:282-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2016.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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Alibardi L. The Process of Cornification Evolved From the Initial Keratinization in the Epidermis and Epidermal Derivatives of Vertebrates: A New Synthesis and the Case of Sauropsids. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 327:263-319. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Holthaus KB, Strasser B, Sipos W, Schmidt HA, Mlitz V, Sukseree S, Weissenbacher A, Tschachler E, Alibardi L, Eckhart L. Comparative Genomics Identifies Epidermal Proteins Associated with the Evolution of the Turtle Shell. Mol Biol Evol 2015; 33:726-37. [PMID: 26601937 PMCID: PMC4760078 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msv265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of reptiles, birds, and mammals was associated with the origin of unique integumentary structures. Studies on lizards, chicken, and humans have suggested that the evolution of major structural proteins of the outermost, cornified layers of the epidermis was driven by the diversification of a gene cluster called Epidermal Differentiation Complex (EDC). Turtles have evolved unique defense mechanisms that depend on mechanically resilient modifications of the epidermis. To investigate whether the evolution of the integument in these reptiles was associated with specific adaptations of the sequences and expression patterns of EDC-related genes, we utilized newly available genome sequences to determine the epidermal differentiation gene complement of turtles. The EDC of the western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta bellii) comprises more than 100 genes, including at least 48 genes that encode proteins referred to as beta-keratins or corneous beta-proteins. Several EDC proteins have evolved cysteine/proline contents beyond 50% of total amino acid residues. Comparative genomics suggests that distinct subfamilies of EDC genes have been expanded and partly translocated to loci outside of the EDC in turtles. Gene expression analysis in the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) showed that EDC genes are differentially expressed in the skin of the various body sites and that a subset of beta-keratin genes within the EDC as well as those located outside of the EDC are expressed predominantly in the shell. Our findings give strong support to the hypothesis that the evolutionary innovation of the turtle shell involved specific molecular adaptations of epidermal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Brigit Holthaus
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Bettina Strasser
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Sipos
- Clinical Department for Farm Animals and Herd Management, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heiko A Schmidt
- Center for Integrative Bioinformatics Vienna (CIBIV), Max F. Perutz Laboratories, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Supawadee Sukseree
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenzo Alibardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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25
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Alibardi L. Immunolocalization of large corneous beta-proteins in the green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis) suggests that they form filaments that associate to the smaller beta-proteins in the beta-layer of the epidermis. J Morphol 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab and Department of Bigea; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
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26
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St-Pierre C, Trofimov A, Brochu S, Lemieux S, Perreault C. Differential Features of AIRE-Induced and AIRE-Independent Promiscuous Gene Expression in Thymic Epithelial Cells. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2015; 195:498-506. [PMID: 26034170 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
Establishment of self-tolerance in the thymus depends on promiscuous expression of tissue-restricted Ags (TRA) by thymic epithelial cells (TEC). This promiscuous gene expression (pGE) is regulated in part by the autoimmune regulator (AIRE). To evaluate the commonalities and discrepancies between AIRE-dependent and -independent pGE, we analyzed the transcriptome of the three main TEC subsets in wild-type and Aire knockout mice. We found that the impact of AIRE-dependent pGE is not limited to generation of TRA. AIRE decreases, via non-cell autonomous mechanisms, the expression of genes coding for positive regulators of cell proliferation, and it thereby reduces the number of cortical TEC. In mature medullary TEC, AIRE-driven pGE upregulates non-TRA coding genes that enhance cell-cell interactions (e.g., claudins, integrins, and selectins) and are probably of prime relevance to tolerance induction. We also found that AIRE-dependent and -independent TRA present several distinctive features. In particular, relative to AIRE-induced TRA, AIRE-independent TRA are more numerous and show greater splicing complexity. Furthermore, we report that AIRE-dependent versus -independent TRA project nonredundant representations of peripheral tissues in the thymus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles St-Pierre
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; and
| | - Assya Trofimov
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; and Department of Computer Science and Operations Research, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Sylvie Brochu
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; and
| | - Sébastien Lemieux
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; Department of Computer Science and Operations Research, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Claude Perreault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada; and
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Alibardi L, Strasser B, Eckhart L. Immunolocalization of loricrin in the maturing α-layer of normal and regenerating epidermis of the lizard Anolis carolinensis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2015; 324:159-67. [PMID: 25690302 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Numerous corneous proteins are produced during the differentiation of the complex lizard epidermis, comprising hard β-layers and softer α-layers. In the present ultrastructural and immunocytochemical study, we have localized a homolog of the mammalian skin barrier protein loricrin in the skin of the green anole lizard (Anolis carolinensis). We used an antibody specific to the carboxyterminus of loricrin 1, a gene of the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC) of A. carolinensis. Lizard loricrin is present in the maturing α-layer (lacunar cells) of normal scale epidermis and in the accumulating corneocytes of the wound epidermis (lacunar cells) of the regenerating epidermis. The protein appears as a component of the α-layer but not of the β-layer. Lizard loricrin is diffused in the cytoplasm of pre-corneous α-keratinocytes but eventually concentrates in the packing corneous material of the maturing corneocytes of the α-layer (lacunar) in normal epidermis or in the wound epidermis of regenerating epidermis. The protein likely contributes to the composition and pliability of the corneous material but is not specifically accumulated on the corneous cell envelope (marginal layer) that is scarcely differentiated in these cells. The study contributes to the knowledge on the distribution of specific corneous proteins that give rise to the different material properties of α-layers versus β-layers in lizard epidermis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab and Department of Bigea, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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28
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Couteaudier M, Trapp-Fragnet L, Auger N, Courvoisier K, Pain B, Denesvre C, Vautherot JF. Derivation of keratinocytes from chicken embryonic stem cells: establishment and characterization of differentiated proliferative cell populations. Stem Cell Res 2015; 14:224-37. [PMID: 25702531 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2015.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A common challenge in avian cell biology is the generation of differentiated cell-lines, especially in the keratinocyte lineage. Only a few avian cell-lines are available and very few of them show an interesting differentiation profile. During the last decade, mammalian embryonic stem cell-lines were shown to differentiate into almost all lineages, including keratinocytes. Although chicken embryonic stem cells had been obtained in the 1990s, few differentiation studies toward the ectodermal lineage were reported. Consequently, we explored the differentiation of chicken embryonic stem cells toward the keratinocyte lineage by using a combination of stromal induction, ascorbic acid, BMP4 and chicken serum. During the induction period, we observed a downregulation of pluripotency markers and an upregulation of epidermal markers. Three homogenous cell populations were derived, which were morphologically similar to chicken primary keratinocytes, displaying intracellular lipid droplets in almost every pavimentous cell. These cells could be serially passaged without alteration of their morphology and showed gene and protein expression profiles of epidermal markers similar to chicken primary keratinocytes. These cells represent an alternative to the isolation of chicken primary keratinocytes, being less cumbersome to handle and reducing the number of experimental animals used for the preparation of primary cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Couteaudier
- INRA, UMR 1282, Infectious Diseases and Public Health, ISP, Biova Team, Centre INRA de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | - Laëtitia Trapp-Fragnet
- INRA, UMR 1282, Infectious Diseases and Public Health, ISP, Biova Team, Centre INRA de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | - Nicolas Auger
- INRA, UMR 1282, Infectious Diseases and Public Health, ISP, Biova Team, Centre INRA de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Katia Courvoisier
- INRA, UMR 1282, Infectious Diseases and Public Health, ISP, Biova Team, Centre INRA de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Bertrand Pain
- INRA, USC 1361, INSERM U846, Université Lyon 1, U846 S, Institut Cellules Souches et Cerveau, F-69500 Bron, France.
| | - Caroline Denesvre
- INRA, UMR 1282, Infectious Diseases and Public Health, ISP, Biova Team, Centre INRA de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.
| | - Jean-François Vautherot
- INRA, UMR 1282, Infectious Diseases and Public Health, ISP, Biova Team, Centre INRA de Tours, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.
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29
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Strasser B, Mlitz V, Hermann M, Rice RH, Eigenheer RA, Alibardi L, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Evolutionary origin and diversification of epidermal barrier proteins in amniotes. Mol Biol Evol 2014; 31:3194-205. [PMID: 25169930 PMCID: PMC4245816 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msu251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of amniotes has involved major molecular innovations in the epidermis. In particular, distinct structural proteins that undergo covalent cross-linking during cornification of keratinocytes facilitate the formation of mechanically resilient superficial cell layers and help to limit water loss to the environment. Special modes of cornification generate amniote-specific skin appendages such as claws, feathers, and hair. In mammals, many protein substrates of cornification are encoded by a cluster of genes, termed the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). To provide a basis for hypotheses about the evolution of cornification proteins, we screened for homologs of the EDC in non-mammalian vertebrates. By comparative genomics, de novo gene prediction and gene expression analyses, we show that, in contrast to fish and amphibians, the chicken and the green anole lizard have EDC homologs comprising genes that are specifically expressed in the epidermis and in skin appendages. Our data suggest that an important component of the cornified protein envelope of mammalian keratinocytes, that is, loricrin, has originated in a common ancestor of modern amniotes, perhaps during the acquisition of a fully terrestrial lifestyle. Moreover, we provide evidence that the sauropsid-specific beta-keratins have evolved as a subclass of EDC genes. Based on the comprehensive characterization of the arrangement, exon-intron structures and conserved sequence elements of EDC genes, we propose new scenarios for the evolutionary origin of epidermal barrier proteins via fusion of neighboring S100A and peptidoglycan recognition protein genes, subsequent loss of exons and highly divergent sequence evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Strasser
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcela Hermann
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert H Rice
- Department of Environmental Toxicology and Forensic Science Graduate Program, University of California-Davis
| | | | - Lorenzo Alibardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Alibardi L. Presence of a glycine-cysteine-rich beta-protein in the oberhautchen layer of snake epidermis marks the formation of the shedding layer. PROTOPLASMA 2014; 251:1511-1520. [PMID: 24817366 DOI: 10.1007/s00709-014-0655-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The complex differentiation of snake epidermis largely depends on the variation in the production of glycine-cysteine-rich versus glycine-rich beta-proteins (beta-keratins) that are deposited on a framework of alpha-keratins. The knowledge of the amino acid sequences of beta-proteins in the snake Pantherophis guttatus has allowed the localization of a glycine-cysteine-rich beta-protein in the spinulated oberhautchen layer of the differentiating shedding complex before molting takes place. This protein decreases in the beta-layer and disappears in mesos and alpha-layers. Conversely, while the mRNA for a glycine-rich beta-protein is highly expressed in differentiating beta-cells, the immunolocalization for this protein is low in these cells. This discrepancy between expression and localization suggests that the epitope in glycine-rich beta-proteins is cleaved or modified by posttranslational processes that take place during the differentiation and maturation of the beta-layer. The present study suggests that among the numerous beta-proteins coded in the snake genome to produce epidermal layers with different textures, the glycine-cysteine-rich beta-protein marks the shedding complex formed between alpha- and beta-layers that allows for molting while its disappearance between the beta- and alpha-layers (mesos region for scale growth) is connected to the formation of the alpha-layers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab and Dipartimento di Biologia, Geologia e Scienze Ambientali, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy,
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31
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Alibardi L. Immunogold labeling shows that glycine‐cysteine‐rich beta‐proteins are deposited in the
O
berhäutchen layer of snake epidermis in preparation to shedding. J Morphol 2014; 276:144-51. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2014] [Revised: 08/30/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab and Dipartimento di BiologiaGeologia e Scienze AmbientaliUniversità di Bologna Italy
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Alibardi L. The corneous layer of the claw in the lizard Anolis carolinensis mainly contains the glycine–cysteine-rich beta-protein HgGC3 in addition to hard keratins. Tissue Cell 2014; 46:326-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Alibardi L. Immunodetection of type I acidic keratins associated to periderm granules during the transition of cornification from embryonic to definitive chick epidermis. Micron 2014; 65:51-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Alibardi L, Mlitz V, Eckhart L. Immunolocalization of Scaffoldin, a Trichohyalin-Like Protein, in the Epidermis of the Chicken Embryo. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2014; 298:479-87. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.23039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2014] [Revised: 06/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab and Department of Biological; Geological and Environmental Sciences (Bigea), University of Bologna; Italy
| | - V. Mlitz
- Department of Dermatology; Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
| | - L. Eckhart
- Department of Dermatology; Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Medical University of Vienna; Vienna Austria
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Strasser B, Mlitz V, Hermann M, Rice RH, Eigenheer RA, Alibardi L, Tschachler E, Eckhart L. Evolutionary origin and diversification of epidermal barrier proteins in amniotes. Mol Biol Evol 2014. [PMID: 25169930 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msu251.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolution of amniotes has involved major molecular innovations in the epidermis. In particular, distinct structural proteins that undergo covalent cross-linking during cornification of keratinocytes facilitate the formation of mechanically resilient superficial cell layers and help to limit water loss to the environment. Special modes of cornification generate amniote-specific skin appendages such as claws, feathers, and hair. In mammals, many protein substrates of cornification are encoded by a cluster of genes, termed the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). To provide a basis for hypotheses about the evolution of cornification proteins, we screened for homologs of the EDC in non-mammalian vertebrates. By comparative genomics, de novo gene prediction and gene expression analyses, we show that, in contrast to fish and amphibians, the chicken and the green anole lizard have EDC homologs comprising genes that are specifically expressed in the epidermis and in skin appendages. Our data suggest that an important component of the cornified protein envelope of mammalian keratinocytes, that is, loricrin, has originated in a common ancestor of modern amniotes, perhaps during the acquisition of a fully terrestrial lifestyle. Moreover, we provide evidence that the sauropsid-specific beta-keratins have evolved as a subclass of EDC genes. Based on the comprehensive characterization of the arrangement, exon-intron structures and conserved sequence elements of EDC genes, we propose new scenarios for the evolutionary origin of epidermal barrier proteins via fusion of neighboring S100A and peptidoglycan recognition protein genes, subsequent loss of exons and highly divergent sequence evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Strasser
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Mlitz
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcela Hermann
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert H Rice
- Department of Environmental Toxicology and Forensic Science Graduate Program, University of California-Davis
| | | | - Lorenzo Alibardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biologiche, Geologiche ed Ambientali (BiGeA), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Erwin Tschachler
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Eckhart
- Research Division of Biology and Pathobiology of the Skin, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Couteaudier M, Denesvre C. Marek's disease virus and skin interactions. Vet Res 2014; 45:36. [PMID: 24694064 PMCID: PMC4030002 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9716-45-36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a highly contagious herpesvirus which induces T-cell lymphoma in the chicken. This virus is still spreading in flocks despite forty years of vaccination, with important economical losses worldwide. The feather follicles, which anchor feathers into the skin and allow their morphogenesis, are considered as the unique source of MDV excretion, causing environmental contamination and disease transmission. Epithelial cells from the feather follicles are the only known cells in which high levels of infectious mature virions have been observed by transmission electron microscopy and from which cell-free infectious virions have been purified. Finally, feathers harvested on animals and dust are today considered excellent materials to monitor vaccination, spread of pathogenic viruses, and environmental contamination. This article reviews the current knowledge on MDV-skin interactions and discusses new approaches that could solve important issues in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Couteaudier
- INRA, UMR1282, Infectious Diseases and Public Health, ISP, BIOVA team, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Caroline Denesvre
- INRA, UMR1282, Infectious Diseases and Public Health, ISP, BIOVA team, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
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Fischer B, Metzger M, Richardson R, Knyphausen P, Ramezani T, Franzen R, Schmelzer E, Bloch W, Carney TJ, Hammerschmidt M. p53 and TAp63 promote keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in breeding tubercles of the zebrafish. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004048. [PMID: 24415949 PMCID: PMC3886889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
p63 is a multi-isoform member of the p53 family of transcription factors. There is compelling genetic evidence that ΔNp63 isoforms are needed for keratinocyte proliferation and stemness in the developing vertebrate epidermis. However, the role of TAp63 isoforms is not fully understood, and TAp63 knockout mice display normal epidermal development. Here, we show that zebrafish mutants specifically lacking TAp63 isoforms, or p53, display compromised development of breeding tubercles, epidermal appendages which according to our analyses display more advanced stratification and keratinization than regular epidermis, including continuous desquamation and renewal of superficial cells by derivatives of basal keratinocytes. Defects are further enhanced in TAp63/p53 double mutants, pointing to partially redundant roles of the two related factors. Molecular analyses, treatments with chemical inhibitors and epistasis studies further reveal the existence of a linear TAp63/p53->Notch->caspase 3 pathway required both for enhanced proliferation of keratinocytes at the base of the tubercles and their subsequent differentiation in upper layers. Together, these studies identify the zebrafish breeding tubercles as specific epidermal structures sharing crucial features with the cornified mammalian epidermis. In addition, they unravel essential roles of TAp63 and p53 to promote both keratinocyte proliferation and their terminal differentiation by promoting Notch signalling and caspase 3 activity, ensuring formation and proper homeostasis of this self-renewing stratified epithelium. The mammalian epidermis is a stratified self-renewing epithelium, in which cell loss at the surface is properly balanced by cell proliferation in basal layers to ensure tissue homeostasis. But how is this balance genetically controlled? Here, we address this question in zebrafish breeding tubercles, epidermal appendages in which keratinocytes undergo more advanced differentiation processes than in regular fish epidermis, sharing crucial features with the cornified mammalian skin. We identify a linear pathway consisting of the transcription factor p53 and its close relative TAp63, which activate Notch signalling and thereby caspase 3 to promote terminal differentiation and eventual shedding of keratinocytes in upper tubercle layers, while at the same time employing non-cell autonomous mechanisms to promote keratinocyte proliferation at the tubercle base, thereby ensuring proper development and homeostasis of this self-renewing tissue. Such a two-fold function of the pathway is consistent with the formerly reported dual role of a caspase during wing regeneration in the fruitfly. Our findings will help to better understand the seemingly contrary effects described for TAp63 in different mammalian systems, while demonstrating partial functional redundancy between p53 and TAp63 during epidermal development in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Fischer
- Institute of Developmental Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Manuel Metzger
- Institute of Developmental Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rebecca Richardson
- Institute of Developmental Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Philipp Knyphausen
- Institute of Developmental Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Ramezani
- Institute of Developmental Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rainer Franzen
- Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elmon Schmelzer
- Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, Cologne, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Institute of Cardiology and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Hammerschmidt
- Institute of Developmental Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Gillespie MJ, Crowley TM, Haring VR, Wilson SL, Harper JA, Payne JS, Green D, Monaghan P, Stanley D, Donald JA, Nicholas KR, Moore RJ. Transcriptome analysis of pigeon milk production - role of cornification and triglyceride synthesis genes. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:169. [PMID: 23497009 PMCID: PMC3610128 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The pigeon crop is specially adapted to produce milk that is fed to newly hatched young. The process of pigeon milk production begins when the germinal cell layer of the crop rapidly proliferates in response to prolactin, which results in a mass of epithelial cells that are sloughed from the crop and regurgitated to the young. We proposed that the evolution of pigeon milk built upon the ability of avian keratinocytes to accumulate intracellular neutral lipids during the cornification of the epidermis. However, this cornification process in the pigeon crop has not been characterised. Results We identified the epidermal differentiation complex in the draft pigeon genome scaffold and found that, like the chicken, it contained beta-keratin genes. These beta-keratin genes can be classified, based on sequence similarity, into several clusters including feather, scale and claw keratins. The cornified cells of the pigeon crop express several cornification-associated genes including cornulin, S100-A9 and A16-like, transglutaminase 6-like and the pigeon ‘lactating’ crop-specific annexin cp35. Beta-keratins play an important role in ‘lactating’ crop, with several claw and scale keratins up-regulated. Additionally, transglutaminase 5 and differential splice variants of transglutaminase 4 are up-regulated along with S100-A10. Conclusions This study of global gene expression in the crop has expanded our knowledge of pigeon milk production, in particular, the mechanism of cornification and lipid production. It is a highly specialised process that utilises the normal keratinocyte cellular processes to produce a targeted nutrient solution for the young at a very high turnover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan J Gillespie
- Australian Animal Health Laboratory, CSIRO Animal, Food and Health Sciences, 5 Portarlington Road, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.
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Kizawa K, Takahara H, Unno M, Heizmann CW. S100 and S100 fused-type protein families in epidermal maturation with special focus on S100A3 in mammalian hair cuticles. Biochimie 2011; 93:2038-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2011.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2011] [Accepted: 05/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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40
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Hoffner G, Vanhoutteghem A, André W, Djian P. Transglutaminase in epidermis and neurological disease or what makes a good cross-linking substrate. ADVANCES IN ENZYMOLOGY AND RELATED AREAS OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2011; 78:97-160. [PMID: 22220473 DOI: 10.1002/9781118105771.ch3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guylaine Hoffner
- Unité Propre de Recherche 2228 du Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Régulation de la Transcription et Maladies Génétiques, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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Clots vs bugs: who's ahead? Blood 2011; 118:2382-4. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2011-06-357574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Abstract
The cornified cell envelope (CE) is a specialized structure assembled beneath the plasma membrane of keratinocytes in the outermost layers of the epidermis. It is essential for the physical and permeability properties of the barrier function of the skin. Our skin is continuously exposed to atmospheric oxygen and threatened by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we identify the CE as a first line of antioxidant defense and show that the small proline-rich (SPRR) family of CE precursor proteins have a major role in ROS detoxification. Cysteine residues within these proteins are responsible for ROS quenching, resulting in inter- and intramolecular S-S bond formation, both in isolated proteins and purified CEs. The related keratinocyte proline-rich protein is also oxidized on several cysteine residues within the CE. Differences in antioxidant potential between various SPRR family members are likely determined by structural differences rather than by the amount of cysteine residues per protein. Loricrin, a major component of the CE with a higher cysteine content than SPRRs, is a weak ROS quencher and oxidized on a single cysteine residue within the CE. It is inferred that SPRR proteins provide the outermost layer of our skin with a highly adaptive and protective antioxidant shield.
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