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Kolipaka R, Magesh I, Bharathy MA, Karthik S, Saranya I, Selvamurugan N. A potential function for MicroRNA-124 in normal and pathological bone conditions. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:687-694. [PMID: 38577015 PMCID: PMC10990750 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cells produce short single-stranded non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) called microRNAs (miRNAs), which actively regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Several miRNAs have been observed to exert significant impacts on bone health and bone-related disorders. One of these, miR-124, is observed in bone microenvironments and is conserved across species. It affects bone cell growth and differentiation by activating different transcription factors and signaling pathways. In-depth functional analyses of miR-124 have revealed several physiological and pathological roles exerted through interactions with other ncRNAs. Deciphering these RNA-mediated signaling networks and pathways is essential for understanding the potential impacts of dysregulated miRNA functions on bone biology. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of miR-124's involvement in bone physiology and pathology. We highlight the importance of miR-124 in controlling transcription factors and signaling pathways that promote bone growth. This review reveals therapeutic implications for the treatment of bone-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rushil Kolipaka
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Induja Magesh
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - M.R. Ashok Bharathy
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - S. Karthik
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - I. Saranya
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - N. Selvamurugan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, 603203, Tamil Nadu, India
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2
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Li J, Mascarinas P, McGlinn E. The expanding roles of Nr6a1 in development and evolution. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1357968. [PMID: 38440075 PMCID: PMC10909835 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1357968] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The Nuclear Receptor (NR) family of transcriptional regulators possess the ability to sense signalling molecules and directly couple that to a transcriptional response. While this large class of proteins are united by sequence and structural homology, individual NR functional output varies greatly depending on their expression, ligand selectivity and DNA binding sequence specificity. Many NRs have remained somewhat enigmatic, with the absence of a defined ligand categorising them as orphan nuclear receptors. One example is Nuclear Receptor subfamily 6 group A member 1 (Nr6a1), an orphan nuclear receptor that has no close evolutionary homologs and thus is alone in subfamily 6. Nonetheless, Nr6a1 has emerged as an important player in the regulation of key pluripotency and developmental genes, as functionally critical for mid-gestational developmental progression and as a possible molecular target for driving evolutionary change in animal body plan. Here, we review the current knowledge on this enigmatic nuclear receptor and how it impacts development and evolution.
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3
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Hampton PM, Meik JM. Regionalization of the vertebral column and its correlation with heart position in snakes: Implications for evolutionary pathways and morphological diversification. Evol Dev 2024; 26:e12460. [PMID: 37804483 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12460] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Spinal regionalization has important implications for the evolution of vertebrate body plans. We determined the variation in the number and morphology of vertebrae across the vertebral column (i.e., vertebral formula) for 63 snake species representing 13 families using intracolumnar variation in vertebral shape. Vertebral counts were used to determine the position of the heart, pylorus, and left kidney for each species. Across all species we observed a conspicuous midthoracic transition in vertebral shape, indicating four developmental domains of the precloacal vertebral column (cervical, anterior thoracic, posterior thoracic, and lumbar). Using phylogenetic analyses, the boundary between the anterior and posterior thoracic vertebrae was correlated with heart position. No associations were found between shifts in morphology of the vertebral column and either the pylorus or left kidney. We observed that among taxa, the number of preapex and postapex vertebrae could change independently from one another and from changes in the total number of precloacal vertebrae. Ancestral state reconstruction of the preapex and postapex vertebrae illustrated several evolutionary pathways by which diversity in the vertebral column and heart position have been attained. In addition, no conspicuous pattern was observed among the heart, pylorus, or kidney indicating that their relative positions to each other evolve independently. We conclude that snakes exhibit four morphologically distinct regions of the vertebral column. We discuss the implications of the forebody and hindbody vertebral formula on the morphological diversification of snakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Hampton
- Department of Biology, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, Colorado, USA
| | - Jesse M Meik
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tarleton State University, Stephenville, Texas, USA
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4
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Peng Z, Lu S, Lou Z, Li Z, Li S, Yang K, Li C. Retracted Article: Exosomes from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promoted osteogenic differentiation by delivering miR-196a that targeted Dickkopf-1 to activate Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Bioengineered 2023; 14:1996015. [PMID: 34720039 PMCID: PMC10501159 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1996015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Statement of RetractionWe, the Publisher of the journal Bioengineered, have retracted the following article:Zhi Peng et al - Exosomes from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promoted osteogenic differentiation by delivering miR-196a that targeted Dickkopf-1 to activate Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Bioengineered (2021) (DOI: https://www.10.1080/21655979.2021.1996015)Since publication, significant concerns have been raised about the integrity of the data and reported results in the article. When approached for an explanation, the authors checked their data and confirmed there are fundamental errors present. Therefore, they have agreed to the retraction of this article. The authors apologise for this oversight.We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions.The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as 'Retracted'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Peng
- Kunming Medical University, No. 1168 West Chunrong Road, Kunming, Yunnan650504, China
| | - Sheng Lu
- Department of OrthopaedicsThe First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, , No. 504 Qingnian Rd, Kunming, Yunnan650011, China
| | - Zhenkai Lou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, No.295 Xichang Rd, Kunming, Yunnan650032, China
| | - Zhongjie Li
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated of Dali University, No. 32 Jiashibo Rd, Dali, Yunnan, 671000, China
| | - Shaobo Li
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated of Dali University, No. 32 Jiashibo Rd, Dali, Yunnan, 671000, China
| | - Kaishun Yang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated of Dali University, No. 32 Jiashibo Rd, Dali, Yunnan, 671000, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated of Dali University, No. 32 Jiashibo Rd, Dali, Yunnan, 671000, China
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5
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Kawashima T, Sato F. Prominent caudal shift of the lumbar plexus roots in spines with 18 thoracolumbar vertebrae. Surg Radiol Anat 2023; 45:1245-1256. [PMID: 37522999 DOI: 10.1007/s00276-023-03210-y] [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: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE It remains unclear whether concomitant changes in the thoracolumbar (TL) vertebrae and lumbar plexus roots seen in experimental embryology are present in humans with different vertebral formulas, particularly in humans with 18 TL vertebrae. We thus investigated the human lumbar plexus root changes occurring in spines with an additional TL vertebra (18TL). METHODS The lumbosacral plexus was macroscopically dissected in TL anomaly cases found in 161 computed tomography examinations. TL anomalies were distinguished as simple abnormalities in total TL count and abnormal TL trade-offs, i.e., exchanges between the last thoracic and first lumbar vertebrae, and were analyzed separately. RESULTS One additional TL vertebra (7C_18TL_5S) was observed in 4/159 cases (2.5%), excluding cases with cervical and sacral abnormalities. Different from the unclear shifts of nerve roots in cases with 16TL and 17TL trade-offs, the 18TL trade-off tended to involve a caudal shift at the cranial limit, without event change at the caudal limit. In addition, only one nerve segment shift was reconfirmed with a change in two vertebral segments from 16 to 18 TL vertebrae. CONCLUSIONS We revealed that concomitant changes in the lumbar plexus roots and vertebrae in humans with 18TL vertebrae may become more pronounced than those in humans with 16 or 17TL vertebrae, by approaching the typical mammalian TL formula (19TL). This study showed that the TL formula can be used to estimate changes in the lumbar plexus roots, which may assist in the planning of nerve-sparing spinal and pelvic surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu Kawashima
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Toho University, 5-21-16 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan.
| | - Fumi Sato
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Toho University, 5-21-16 Omori-Nishi, Ota-ku, Tokyo, 143-8540, Japan
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6
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Tapia Del Fierro A, den Hamer B, Benetti N, Jansz N, Chen K, Beck T, Vanyai H, Gurzau AD, Daxinger L, Xue S, Ly TTN, Wanigasuriya I, Iminitoff M, Breslin K, Oey H, Krom YD, van der Hoorn D, Bouwman LF, Johanson TM, Ritchie ME, Gouil QA, Reversade B, Prin F, Mohun T, van der Maarel SM, McGlinn E, Murphy JM, Keniry A, de Greef JC, Blewitt ME. SMCHD1 has separable roles in chromatin architecture and gene silencing that could be targeted in disease. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5466. [PMID: 37749075 PMCID: PMC10519958 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40992-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between 3D chromatin architecture and gene silencing is incompletely understood. Here, we report a novel point mutation in the non-canonical SMC protein SMCHD1 that enhances its silencing capacity at endogenous developmental targets. Moreover, it also results in enhanced silencing at the facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy associated macrosatellite-array, D4Z4, resulting in enhanced repression of DUX4 encoded by this repeat. Heightened SMCHD1 silencing perturbs developmental Hox gene activation, causing a homeotic transformation in mice. Paradoxically, the mutant SMCHD1 appears to enhance insulation against other epigenetic regulators, including PRC2 and CTCF, while depleting long range chromatin interactions akin to what is observed in the absence of SMCHD1. These data suggest that SMCHD1's role in long range chromatin interactions is not directly linked to gene silencing or insulating the chromatin, refining the model for how the different levels of SMCHD1-mediated chromatin regulation interact to bring about gene silencing in normal development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Tapia Del Fierro
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bianca den Hamer
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Natalia Benetti
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Natasha Jansz
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelan Chen
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tamara Beck
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Hannah Vanyai
- Crick Advanced Light Microscopy Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Alexandra D Gurzau
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lucia Daxinger
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Shifeng Xue
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thanh Thao Nguyen Ly
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Iromi Wanigasuriya
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Megan Iminitoff
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelsey Breslin
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Harald Oey
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yvonne D Krom
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dinja van der Hoorn
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Linde F Bouwman
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Timothy M Johanson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew E Ritchie
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Quentin A Gouil
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bruno Reversade
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fabrice Prin
- Crick Advanced Light Microscopy Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Timothy Mohun
- Crick Advanced Light Microscopy Facility, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Edwina McGlinn
- EMBL Australia, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - James M Murphy
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Keniry
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica C de Greef
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marnie E Blewitt
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
- The Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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7
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Chang YC, Manent J, Schroeder J, Wong SFL, Hauswirth GM, Shylo NA, Moore EL, Achilleos A, Garside V, Polo JM, Trainor P, McGlinn E. Nr6a1 controls Hox expression dynamics and is a master regulator of vertebrate trunk development. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7766. [PMID: 36522318 PMCID: PMC9755267 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35303-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate main-body axis is laid down during embryonic stages in an anterior-to-posterior (head-to-tail) direction, driven and supplied by posteriorly located progenitors. Whilst posterior expansion and segmentation appears broadly uniform along the axis, there is developmental and evolutionary support for at least two discrete modules controlling processes within different axial regions: a trunk and a tail module. Here, we identify Nuclear receptor subfamily 6 group A member 1 (Nr6a1) as a master regulator of trunk development in the mouse. Specifically, Nr6a1 was found to control vertebral number and segmentation of the trunk region, autonomously from other axial regions. Moreover, Nr6a1 was essential for the timely progression of Hox signatures, and neural versus mesodermal cell fate choice, within axial progenitors. Collectively, Nr6a1 has an axially-restricted role in all major cellular and tissue-level events required for vertebral column formation, supporting the view that changes in Nr6a1 levels may underlie evolutionary changes in axial formulae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Cheng Chang
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857EMBL Australia, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Jan Manent
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857EMBL Australia, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Jan Schroeder
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Siew Fen Lisa Wong
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857EMBL Australia, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Gabriel M. Hauswirth
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857EMBL Australia, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Natalia A. Shylo
- grid.250820.d0000 0000 9420 1591Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri USA
| | - Emma L. Moore
- grid.250820.d0000 0000 9420 1591Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri USA
| | - Annita Achilleos
- grid.250820.d0000 0000 9420 1591Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri USA ,grid.413056.50000 0004 0383 4764University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Victoria Garside
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857EMBL Australia, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
| | - Jose M. Polo
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Clayton, VIC Australia
| | - Paul Trainor
- grid.250820.d0000 0000 9420 1591Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri USA ,grid.412016.00000 0001 2177 6375Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas USA
| | - Edwina McGlinn
- grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857EMBL Australia, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800 Australia ,grid.1002.30000 0004 1936 7857Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800 Australia
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8
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Soto X, Burton J, Manning CS, Minchington T, Lea R, Lee J, Kursawe J, Rattray M, Papalopulu N. Sequential and additive expression of miR-9 precursors control timing of neurogenesis. Development 2022; 149:276990. [PMID: 36189829 PMCID: PMC9641661 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200474] [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: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) have an important role in tuning dynamic gene expression. However, the mechanism by which they are quantitatively controlled is unknown. We show that the amount of mature miR-9, a key regulator of neuronal development, increases during zebrafish neurogenesis in a sharp stepwise manner. We characterize the spatiotemporal profile of seven distinct microRNA primary transcripts (pri-mir)-9s that produce the same mature miR-9 and show that they are sequentially expressed during hindbrain neurogenesis. Expression of late-onset pri-mir-9-1 is added on to, rather than replacing, the expression of early onset pri-mir-9-4 and -9-5 in single cells. CRISPR/Cas9 mutation of the late-onset pri-mir-9-1 prevents the developmental increase of mature miR-9, reduces late neuronal differentiation and fails to downregulate Her6 at late stages. Mathematical modelling shows that an adaptive network containing Her6 is insensitive to linear increases in miR-9 but responds to stepwise increases of miR-9. We suggest that a sharp stepwise increase of mature miR-9 is created by sequential and additive temporal activation of distinct loci. This may be a strategy to overcome adaptation and facilitate a transition of Her6 to a new dynamic regime or steady state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Soto
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK,Authors for correspondence (; )
| | - Joshua Burton
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Cerys S. Manning
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Thomas Minchington
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (IST Austria), Am Campus 1, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Robert Lea
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jessica Lee
- Discovery Department, Medicines Discovery Catapult, Block 35, Mereside, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Jochen Kursawe
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews, KY16 9SS, UK
| | - Magnus Rattray
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Nancy Papalopulu
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK,Authors for correspondence (; )
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9
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Maternal SMCHD1 regulates Hox gene expression and patterning in the mouse embryo. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4295. [PMID: 35879318 PMCID: PMC9314430 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32057-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Parents transmit genetic and epigenetic information to their offspring. Maternal effect genes regulate the offspring epigenome to ensure normal development. Here we report that the epigenetic regulator SMCHD1 has a maternal effect on Hox gene expression and skeletal patterning. Maternal SMCHD1, present in the oocyte and preimplantation embryo, prevents precocious activation of Hox genes post-implantation. Without maternal SMCHD1, highly penetrant posterior homeotic transformations occur in the embryo. Hox genes are decorated with Polycomb marks H2AK119ub and H3K27me3 from the oocyte throughout early embryonic development; however, loss of maternal SMCHD1 does not deplete these marks. Therefore, we propose maternal SMCHD1 acts downstream of Polycomb marks to establish a chromatin state necessary for persistent epigenetic silencing and appropriate Hox gene expression later in the developing embryo. This is a striking role for maternal SMCHD1 in long-lived epigenetic effects impacting offspring phenotype. Parents transmit both genetic and epigenetic information to their offspring, with maternal effect genes being critical regulators of the offspring epigenome. Here they show that maternally deposited SMCHD1 has long-lasting effects on Hox gene expression and vertebral patterning during post-implantation development.
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10
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Xue S, Ly TTN, Vijayakar RS, Chen J, Ng J, Mathuru AS, Magdinier F, Reversade B. HOX epimutations driven by maternal SMCHD1/LRIF1 haploinsufficiency trigger homeotic transformations in genetically wildtype offspring. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3583. [PMID: 35739109 PMCID: PMC9226161 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31185-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The body plan of animals is laid out by an evolutionary-conserved HOX code which is colinearly transcribed after zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Here we report that SMCHD1, a chromatin-modifying enzyme needed for X-inactivation in mammals, is maternally required for timely HOX expression. Using zebrafish and mouse Smchd1 knockout animals, we demonstrate that Smchd1 haplo-insufficiency brings about precocious and ectopic HOX transcription during oogenesis and embryogenesis. Unexpectedly, wild-type offspring born to heterozygous knockout zebrafish smchd1 mothers exhibited patent vertebrate patterning defects. The loss of maternal Smchd1 was accompanied by HOX epi-mutations driven by aberrant DNA methylation. We further show that this regulation is mediated by Lrif1, a direct interacting partner of Smchd1, whose knockout in zebrafish phenocopies that of Smchd1. Rather than being a short-lived maternal effect, HOX mis-regulation is stably inherited through cell divisions and persists in cultured fibroblasts derived from FSHD2 patients haploinsufficient for SMCHD1. We conclude that maternal SMCHD1/LRIF1 sets up an epigenetic state in the HOX loci that can only be reset in the germline. Such an unusual inter-generational inheritance, whereby a phenotype can be one generation removed from its genotype, casts a new light on how unresolved Mendelian diseases may be interpreted. Hox genes are known to control anteroposterior patterning, including the vertebrate spine. Here Xue et al. show that maternal Smchd1 regulates Hox expression in an epigenetic manner, and that wild type offspring from heterozygous mothers show skeletal homeotic transformations as a result of this dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shifeng Xue
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Thanh Thao Nguyen Ly
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jingyi Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joel Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ajay S Mathuru
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.,Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Bruno Reversade
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore. .,Genome Institute of Singapore, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Paediatrics, School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Medical Genetics, KOÇ University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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11
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Integrated computational analysis reveals HOX genes cluster as oncogenic drivers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7952. [PMID: 35562533 PMCID: PMC9106698 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11590-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in homeobox (HOX) gene expression are involved in the progression of several cancer types including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, regulation of the entire HOX cluster in the pathophysiology of HNSCC is still elusive. By using different comprehensive databases, we have identified the significance of differentially expressed HOX genes (DEHGs) in stage stratification and HPV status in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA)-HNSCC datasets. The genetic and epigenetic alterations, druggable genes, their associated functional pathways and their possible association with cancer hallmarks were identified. We have performed extensive analysis to identify the target genes of DEHGs driving HNSCC. The differentially expressed HOX cluster-embedded microRNAs (DEHMs) in HNSCC and their association with HOX-target genes were evaluated to construct a regulatory network of the HOX cluster in HNSCC. Our analysis identified sixteen DEHGs in HNSCC and determined their importance in stage stratification and HPV infection. We found a total of 55 HNSCC driver genes that were identified as targets of DEHGs. The involvement of DEHGs and their targets in cancer-associated signaling mechanisms have confirmed their role in pathophysiology. Further, we found that their oncogenic nature could be targeted by using the novel and approved anti-neoplastic drugs in HNSCC. Construction of the regulatory network depicted the interaction between DEHGs, DEHMs and their targets genes in HNSCC. Hence, aberrantly expressed HOX cluster genes function in a coordinated manner to drive HNSCC. It could provide a broad perspective to carry out the experimental investigation, to understand the underlying oncogenic mechanism and allow the discovery of new clinical biomarkers for HNSCC.
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12
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Li C, Liu K, Dai J, Li X, Liu X, Ni W, Li H, Wang D, Qiao J, Wang Y, Cui Y, Xia X, Hu S. Whole-genome resequencing to investigate the determinants of the multi-lumbar vertebrae trait in sheep. Gene 2022; 809:146020. [PMID: 34656743 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.146020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Multi-lumbar vertebrae trait is a beneficial mutation that can significantly improve livestock meat production. However, the genetic basis of the multi-lumbar vertebrae in sheep is still unclear. Here, we analysed the number of lumbar vertebrae of Duolang sheep and found three different traits of lumbar vertebrae number. Compared with the normal sheep, the length and weight of animal carcass from the multi-lumbar vertebrae sheep increased by 2.21 cm and 0.78 kg, respectively. We performed high-throughput genome resequencing on multi-lumbar vertebrae (n = 18) and normal (n = 11) Duolang sheep and obtained a total of more than 528.87 GB data. We found that the most significantly selective region were located in the 49.68-49.74 MB of chromosome 4 by selective-sweep analysis. We annotated this region and found that it contains SFRP4 which is known to regulate bone development. We further used the PCR-SSCP technology to detect the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the putative candidate SFRP4 and found that the two SNPs (rs600370085:C > T and rs415133338: A > G) of this gene were significantly associated with the multi-lumbar vertebrae of Duolang sheep. Our study indicates that the SFRP4 may be a potential major gene that affects the number of lumbar vertebrae in Duolang sheep, and has the potential to be utilized for sheep breeding in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cunyuan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China; College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Kaiping Liu
- College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Jihong Dai
- College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Xiaoyue Li
- College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Xia Liu
- College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Wei Ni
- College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Hui Li
- College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Jun Qiao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China.
| | - Yue Wang
- College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Yuying Cui
- College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Xianzhu Xia
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China.
| | - Shengwei Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China; College of Life Science, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China.
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13
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Abstract
The vertebral column of individual mammalian species often exhibits remarkable robustness in the number and identity of vertebral elements that form (known as axial formulae). The genetic mechanism(s) underlying this constraint however remain ill-defined. Here, we reveal the interplay of three regulatory pathways (Gdf11, miR-196 and Retinoic acid) is essential in constraining total vertebral number and regional axial identity in the mouse, from cervical through to tail vertebrae. All three pathways have differing control over Hox cluster expression, with heterochronic and quantitative changes found to parallel changes in axial identity. However, our work reveals an additional role for Hox genes in supporting axial elongation within the tail region, providing important support for an emerging view that mammalian Hox function is not limited to imparting positional identity as the mammalian body plan is laid down. More broadly, this work provides a molecular framework to interrogate mechanisms of evolutionary change and congenital anomalies of the vertebral column. Vertebral column length and shape exhibits remarkable robustness within a species but diversity across species. Here the authors reveal the molecular logic constraining vertebral number in mouse and a novel role for posterior Hox genes in this context.
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14
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Beltran Diaz S, H'ng CH, Qu X, Doube M, Nguyen JT, de Veer M, Panagiotopoulou O, Rosello-Diez A. A New Pipeline to Automatically Segment and Semi-Automatically Measure Bone Length on 3D Models Obtained by Computed Tomography. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:736574. [PMID: 34513850 PMCID: PMC8427701 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.736574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The characterization of developmental phenotypes often relies on the accurate linear measurement of structures that are small and require laborious preparation. This is tedious and prone to errors, especially when repeated for the multiple replicates that are required for statistical analysis, or when multiple distinct structures have to be analyzed. To address this issue, we have developed a pipeline for characterization of long-bone length using X-ray microtomography (XMT) scans. The pipeline involves semi-automated algorithms for automatic thresholding and fast interactive isolation and 3D-model generation of the main limb bones, using either the open-source ImageJ plugin BoneJ or the commercial Mimics Innovation Suite package. The tests showed the appropriate combination of scanning conditions and analysis parameters yields fast and comparable length results, highly correlated with the measurements obtained via ex vivo skeletal preparations. Moreover, since XMT is not destructive, the samples can be used afterward for histology or other applications. Our new pipelines will help developmental biologists and evolutionary researchers to achieve fast, reproducible and non-destructive length measurement of bone samples from multiple animal species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Beltran Diaz
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Chee Ho H'ng
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Xinli Qu
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael Doube
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - John Tan Nguyen
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael de Veer
- Monash Biomedical Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Olga Panagiotopoulou
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Alberto Rosello-Diez
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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15
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Degani N, Lubelsky Y, Perry RBT, Ainbinder E, Ulitsky I. Highly conserved and cis-acting lncRNAs produced from paralogous regions in the center of HOXA and HOXB clusters in the endoderm lineage. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009681. [PMID: 34280202 PMCID: PMC8330917 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in gene regulatory networks acting in early development. There has been rapid turnover of lncRNA loci during vertebrate evolution, with few human lncRNAs conserved beyond mammals. The sequences of these rare deeply conserved lncRNAs are typically not similar to each other. Here, we characterize HOXA-AS3 and HOXB-AS3, lncRNAs produced from the central regions of the HOXA and HOXB clusters. Sequence-similar orthologs of both lncRNAs are found in multiple vertebrate species and there is evident sequence similarity between their promoters, suggesting that the production of these lncRNAs predates the duplication of the HOX clusters at the root of the vertebrate lineage. This conservation extends to similar expression patterns of the two lncRNAs, in particular in cells transiently arising during early development or in the adult colon. Functionally, the RNA products of HOXA-AS3 and HOXB-AS3 regulate the expression of their overlapping HOX5-7 genes both in HT-29 cells and during differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. Beyond production of paralogous protein-coding and microRNA genes, the regulatory program in the HOX clusters therefore also relies on paralogous lncRNAs acting in restricted spatial and temporal windows of embryonic development and cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neta Degani
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yoav Lubelsky
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rotem Ben-Tov Perry
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Elena Ainbinder
- Department of Life Sciences Core Facilites, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Igor Ulitsky
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail:
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16
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Abstract
The axial skeleton of all vertebrates is composed of individual units known as vertebrae. Each vertebra has individual anatomical attributes, yet they can be classified in five different groups, namely cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and caudal, according to shared characteristics and their association with specific body areas. Variations in vertebral number, size, morphological features and their distribution amongst the different regions of the vertebral column are a major source of the anatomical diversity observed among vertebrates. In this review I will discuss the impact of those variations on the anatomy of different vertebrate species and provide insights into the genetic origin of some remarkable morphological traits that often serve to classify phylogenetic branches or individual species, like the long trunks of snakes or the long necks of giraffes.
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17
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Li C, Liau ES, Lee Y, Huang Y, Liu Z, Willems A, Garside V, McGlinn E, Chen J, Hong T. MicroRNA governs bistable cell differentiation and lineage segregation via a noncanonical feedback. Mol Syst Biol 2021; 17:e9945. [PMID: 33890404 PMCID: PMC8062999 DOI: 10.15252/msb.20209945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Positive feedback driven by transcriptional regulation has long been considered a key mechanism underlying cell lineage segregation during embryogenesis. Using the developing spinal cord as a paradigm, we found that canonical, transcription-driven feedback cannot explain robust lineage segregation of motor neuron subtypes marked by two cardinal factors, Hoxa5 and Hoxc8. We propose a feedback mechanism involving elementary microRNA-mRNA reaction circuits that differ from known feedback loop-like structures. Strikingly, we show that a wide range of biologically plausible post-transcriptional regulatory parameters are sufficient to generate bistable switches, a hallmark of positive feedback. Through mathematical analysis, we explain intuitively the hidden source of this feedback. Using embryonic stem cell differentiation and mouse genetics, we corroborate that microRNA-mRNA circuits govern tissue boundaries and hysteresis upon motor neuron differentiation with respect to transient morphogen signals. Our findings reveal a previously underappreciated feedback mechanism that may have widespread functions in cell fate decisions and tissue patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung‐Jung Li
- Molecular and Cell BiologyTaiwan International Graduate ProgramAcademia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life ScienceNational Defense Medical CenterTaipeiTaiwan
- Institute of Molecular BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ee Shan Liau
- Molecular and Cell BiologyTaiwan International Graduate ProgramAcademia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life ScienceNational Defense Medical CenterTaipeiTaiwan
- Institute of Molecular BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yi‐Han Lee
- Institute of Molecular BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yang‐Zhe Huang
- Institute of Molecular BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ziyi Liu
- Genome Science and Technology ProgramThe University of TennesseeKnoxvilleTNUSA
| | - Andrew Willems
- Genome Science and Technology ProgramThe University of TennesseeKnoxvilleTNUSA
| | - Victoria Garside
- EMBL AustraliaAustralian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVicAustralia
| | - Edwina McGlinn
- EMBL AustraliaAustralian Regenerative Medicine InstituteMonash UniversityClaytonVicAustralia
| | - Jun‐An Chen
- Molecular and Cell BiologyTaiwan International Graduate ProgramAcademia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life ScienceNational Defense Medical CenterTaipeiTaiwan
- Institute of Molecular BiologyAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Neuroscience Program Academia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Tian Hong
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular BiologyThe University of TennesseeKnoxvilleTNUSA
- National Institute for Mathematical and Biological SynthesisKnoxvilleTNUSA
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18
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Chang SH, Su YC, Chang M, Chen JA. MicroRNAs mediate precise control of spinal interneuron populations to exert delicate sensory-to-motor outputs. eLife 2021; 10:63768. [PMID: 33787491 PMCID: PMC8075582 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63768] [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: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the function of microRNAs (miRNAs) during embryonic development has been intensively studied in recent years, their postnatal physiological functions remain largely unexplored due to inherent difficulties with the presence of redundant paralogs of the same seed. Thus, it is particularly challenging to uncover miRNA functions at neural circuit level since animal behaviors would need to be assessed upon complete loss of miRNA family functions. Here, we focused on the neural functions of MiR34/449 that manifests a dynamic expression pattern in the spinal cord from embryonic to postnatal stages. Our behavioral assays reveal that the loss of MiR34/449 miRNAs perturb thermally induced pain response thresholds and compromised delicate motor output in mice. Mechanistically, MiR34/449 directly target Satb1 and Satb2 to fine-tune the precise number of a sub-population of motor synergy encoder (MSE) neurons. Thus, MiR34/449 fine-tunes optimal development of Satb1/2on interneurons in the spinal cord, thereby refining explicit sensory-to-motor circuit outputs. The spinal cord is an information superhighway that connects the body with the brain. There, circuits of neurons process information from the brain before sending commands to muscles to generate movement. Each spinal cord circuit contains many types of neurons, whose identity is defined by the set of genes that are active or ‘expressed’ in each cell. When a gene is turned on, its DNA sequence is copied to produce a messenger RNA (mRNA), a type of molecule that the cell then uses as a template to produce a protein. MicroRNAs (or miRNAs), on the other hand, are tiny RNA molecules that help to regulate gene expression by binding to and ‘deactivating’ specific mRNAs, stopping them from being used to make proteins. Mammalian cells contain thousands of types of microRNAs, many of which have unknown roles: this includes MiR34/449, a group of six microRNAs found mainly within the nervous system. By using genetic technology to delete this family from the mouse genome, Chang et al. now show that MiR34/449 has a key role in regulating spinal cord circuits. The first clue came from discovering that mice without the MiR34/449 family had unusual posture and a tendency to walk on tiptoe. The animals were also more sensitive to heat, flicking their tails away from a heat source more readily than control mice. At a finer level, the spinal cords of the mutants contained greater numbers of cells in which two genes, Satb1 and Satb2, were turned on. Compared to their counterparts in control mice, the Satb1/2-positive neurons also showed differences in the rest of the genes they expressed. In essence, these neurons had a different genetic profile in MiR34/449 mutant mice, therefore disrupting the neural circuit they belong to. Based on these findings, Chang et al. propose that in wild-type mice, the MiR34/449 family fine-tunes the expression of Satb1/2 in the spinal cord during development. In doing so, it regulates the formation of the spinal cord circuits that help to control movement. More generally, these results provide clues about how miRNAs help to determine cell identities; further studies could then examine whether other miRNAs contribute to the development and maintenance of neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsin Chang
- Taiwan International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University and Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neuroscience Program of Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Su
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mien Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jun-An Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neuroscience Program of Academia Sinica, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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19
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Ruiz MS, Sánchez MB, Bonecker S, Furtado C, Koile D, Yankilevich P, Cranco S, Custidiano MDR, Freitas J, Moiraghi B, Pérez MA, Pavlovsky C, Varela AI, Ventriglia V, Sánchez Ávalos JC, Larripa I, Zalcberg I, Mordoh J, Valent P, Bianchini M. miRNome profiling of LSC-enriched CD34 +CD38 -CD26 + fraction in Ph + CML-CP samples from Argentinean patients: a potential new pharmacogenomic tool. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:612573. [PMID: 33569005 PMCID: PMC7869017 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.612573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloid stem cell neoplasm characterized by an expansion of myeloid progenitor cells and the presence of BCR-ABL1 oncoprotein. Since the introduction of specific BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), overall survival has improved significantly. However, under long-term therapy patients may have residual disease that originates from TKI-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSC). In this work, we analyzed the miRNome of LSC-enriched CD34+CD38−CD26+ and normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) fractions obtained from the same chronic phase (CP) CML patients, and stem and progenitor cells obtained from healthy donors (HD) by next-generation sequencing. We detected a global decrease of microRNA levels in LSC-enriched CD34+CD38−CD26+ and HSC fractions from CML-CP patients, and decreased levels of microRNAs and snoRNAs from a genomic cluster in chromosome 14, suggesting a mechanism of silencing of multiple non-coding RNAs. Surprisingly, HSC from CML-CP patients, despite the absence of BCR-ABL1 expression, showed an altered miRNome. We confirmed by RT-qPCR that the levels of miR-196a-5p were increased more than nine-fold in CD26+ (BCR-ABL1+) vs. CD26− (BCR-ABL1−) CD34+CD38− fractions from CML-CP patients at diagnosis, and in silico analysis revealed a significant association to lipid metabolism and hematopoiesis functions. In the light of recent descriptions of increased oxidative metabolism in CML LSC-enriched fractions, these results serve as a guide for future functional studies that evaluate the role of microRNAs in this process. Metabolic vulnerabilities in LSCs open the road for new therapeutic strategies. This is the first report of the miRNome of CML-CP CD34+CD38− fractions that distinguishes between CD26+ (BCR-ABL1+) and their CD26− (BCR-ABL1-) counterparts, providing valuable data for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Sol Ruiz
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas-Fundación Cáncer, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Belén Sánchez
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas-Fundación Cáncer, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Simone Bonecker
- Centro de Transplante de Medula Óssea, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carolina Furtado
- Programa de Genética, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Koile
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA)-CONICET-Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Patricio Yankilevich
- Instituto de Investigación en Biomedicina de Buenos Aires (IBioBA)-CONICET-Partner Institute of the Max Planck Society, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago Cranco
- Instituto Alexander Fleming, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Beatriz Moiraghi
- Hospital J. M. Ramos Mejía, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Ana Inés Varela
- Hospital J. M. Ramos Mejía, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | - Irene Larripa
- Instituto de Medicina Experimental, CONICET/Academia Nacional de Medicina, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ilana Zalcberg
- Centro de Transplante de Medula Óssea, Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - José Mordoh
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Fundación Cáncer, Buenos, Aires, Argentina.,IIBBA-CONICET, Fundación Instituto Leloir, Buenos, Aires, Argentina.,Instituto Alexander Fleming, Buenos, Aires, Argentina
| | - Peter Valent
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michele Bianchini
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas-Fundación Cáncer, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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20
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Tietz KT, Gallagher TL, Mannings MC, Morrow ZT, Derr NL, Amacher SL. Pumilio response and AU-rich elements drive rapid decay of Pnrc2-regulated cyclic gene transcripts. Dev Biol 2020; 462:129-140. [PMID: 32246943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate segmentation is regulated by the segmentation clock, a biological oscillator that controls periodic formation of somites, or embryonic segments, which give rise to many mesodermal tissue types. This molecular oscillator generates cyclic gene expression with the same periodicity as somite formation in the presomitic mesoderm (PSM), an area of mesenchymal cells that give rise to mature somites. Molecular components of the clock include the Hes/her family of genes that encode transcriptional repressors, but additional genes cycle. Cyclic gene transcripts are cleared rapidly, and clearance depends upon the pnrc2 (proline-rich nuclear receptor co-activator 2) gene that encodes an mRNA decay adaptor. Previously, we showed that the her1 3'UTR confers instability to otherwise stable transcripts in a Pnrc2-dependent manner, however, the molecular mechanism(s) by which cyclic gene transcripts are cleared remained largely unknown. To identify features of the her1 3'UTR that are critical for Pnrc2-mediated decay, we developed an array of transgenic inducible reporter lines carrying different regions of the 3'UTR. We find that the terminal 179 nucleotides (nts) of the her1 3'UTR are necessary and sufficient to confer rapid instability. Additionally, we show that the 3'UTR of another cyclic gene, deltaC (dlc), also confers Pnrc2-dependent instability. Motif analysis reveals that both her1 and dlc 3'UTRs contain terminally-located Pumilio response elements (PREs) and AU-rich elements (AREs), and we show that the PRE and ARE in the last 179 nts of the her1 3'UTR drive rapid turnover of reporter mRNA. Finally, we show that mutation of Pnrc2 residues and domains that are known to facilitate interaction of human PNRC2 with decay factors DCP1A and UPF1 reduce the ability of Pnrc2 to restore normal cyclic gene expression in pnrc2 mutant embryos. Our findings suggest that Pnrc2 interacts with decay machinery components and cooperates with Pumilio (Pum) proteins and ARE-binding proteins to promote rapid turnover of cyclic gene transcripts during somitogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiel T Tietz
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Thomas L Gallagher
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Monica C Mannings
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Zachary T Morrow
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Nicolas L Derr
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Sharon L Amacher
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA; Center for Muscle Health and Neuromuscular Disorders, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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21
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Chen TH, Chen JA. Multifaceted roles of microRNAs: From motor neuron generation in embryos to degeneration in spinal muscular atrophy. eLife 2019; 8:50848. [PMID: 31738166 PMCID: PMC6861003 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Two crucial questions in neuroscience are how neurons establish individual identity in the developing nervous system and why only specific neuron subtypes are vulnerable to neurodegenerative diseases. In the central nervous system, spinal motor neurons serve as one of the best-characterized cell types for addressing these two questions. In this review, we dissect these questions by evaluating the emerging role of regulatory microRNAs in motor neuron generation in developing embryos and their potential contributions to neurodegenerative diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Given recent promising results from novel microRNA-based medicines, we discuss the potential applications of microRNAs for clinical assessments of SMA disease progression and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tai-Heng Chen
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Academia Sinica, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Emergency, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jun-An Chen
- PhD Program in Translational Medicine, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Academia Sinica, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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22
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Coughlan E, Garside VC, Wong SFL, Liang H, Kraus D, Karmakar K, Maheshwari U, Rijli FM, Bourne J, McGlinn E. A Hox Code Defines Spinocerebellar Neuron Subtype Regionalization. Cell Rep 2019; 29:2408-2421.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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23
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Zhang X, Li C, Li X, Liu Z, Ni W, Hazi W, Cao Y, Yao Y, Wang D, Hou X, Hu S. Expression profiles of MicroRNAs from multiple lumbar spine in sheep. Gene 2018; 678:105-114. [PMID: 30092341 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The formation of the spine is a critical stage of mammalian development. The increase of the number of individual axons affects its performance, especially in meat production. To understand the role of miRNAs in sheep vertebrae development, the purpose of this article is to screen candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with sheep spine development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a rich family of small regulatory RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing techniques to analyze the microRNAs (miRNAs) expression profiles of L6 (6 lumbar vertebrae) and L7 (7 lumbar vertebrae) in sheep. A total number of 223 miRNAs were detected in the two libraries, and a total of 150 and 148 conserved miRNAs were obtained in L6 and L7, respectively. A total of 5 miRNAs expression differences in L6 compared to L7 (P < 0.05). Of the five obviously differently expressed miRNAs, four miRNAs were down-regulated in the L6 of sheep, and one was up-regulated. In order to further explore the functions of these miRNAs, we predicted the target genes of these differently expressed miRNAs, and obtained 1298 target genes. At the same time, NDRG2 gene, targeted by novel miR-391, which possible plays an important role in the development of the spine. Linkage-integration analysis method was used to construct the interaction network of spinal-associated miRNA and its hypothesized target. In summary, this study provides valuable resources for the transcriptome of multiple vertebral traits in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Cunyuan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Xiaoyue Li
- College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Zhijin Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Wei Ni
- College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China.
| | - Wureli Hazi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China.
| | - Yang Cao
- College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Yang Yao
- College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Dawei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Xiaoxu Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China
| | - Shengwei Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832003, China.
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24
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Cheng VKF, Au PCM, Tan KC, Cheung CL. MicroRNA and Human Bone Health. JBMR Plus 2018; 3:2-13. [PMID: 30680358 PMCID: PMC6339549 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The small non‐coding microRNAs (miRNAs) are post‐transcription regulators that modulate diverse cellular process in bone cells. Because optimal miRNA targeting is essential for their function, single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or proximal to the loci of miRNA (miR‐SNPs) or mRNA (PolymiRTS) could potentially disrupt the miRNA‐mRNA interaction, leading to changes in bone metabolism and osteoporosis. Recent human studies of skeletal traits using miRNA profiling, genomewide association studies, and functional studies started to decipher the complex miRNA regulatory network. These studies have indicated that miRNAs may be a promising bone marker. This review focuses on human miRNA studies on bone traits and discusses how genetic variants affect bone metabolic pathways. Major ex vivo investigations using human samples supported with animal and in vitro models have shed light on the mechanistic role of miRNAs. Furthermore, studying the miRNAs’ signatures in secondary osteoporosis and osteoporotic medications such as teriparatide (TPTD) and denosumab (DMab) have provided valuable insight into clinical management of the disease. © 2018 The Authors. JBMR Plus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Ka-Fai Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong
| | - Philip Chun-Ming Au
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong
| | - Kathryn Cb Tan
- Department of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong
| | - Ching-Lung Cheung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong.,Centre for Genomic Sciences Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Pokfulam Hong Kong
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25
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Agarwal V, Subtelny AO, Thiru P, Ulitsky I, Bartel DP. Predicting microRNA targeting efficacy in Drosophila. Genome Biol 2018; 19:152. [PMID: 30286781 PMCID: PMC6172730 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-018-1504-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short regulatory RNAs that derive from hairpin precursors. Important for understanding the functional roles of miRNAs is the ability to predict the messenger RNA (mRNA) targets most responsive to each miRNA. Progress towards developing quantitative models of miRNA targeting in Drosophila and other invertebrate species has lagged behind that of mammals due to the paucity of datasets measuring the effects of miRNAs on mRNA levels. Results We acquired datasets suitable for the quantitative study of miRNA targeting in Drosophila. Analyses of these data expanded the types of regulatory sites known to be effective in flies, expanded the mRNA regions with detectable targeting to include 5′ untranslated regions, and identified features of site context that correlate with targeting efficacy in fly cells. Updated evolutionary analyses evaluated the probability of conserved targeting for each predicted site and indicated that more than a third of the Drosophila genes are preferentially conserved targets of miRNAs. Based on these results, a quantitative model was developed to predict targeting efficacy in insects. This model performed better than existing models, and it drives the most recent version, v7, of TargetScanFly. Conclusions Our evolutionary and functional analyses expand the known scope of miRNA targeting in flies and other insects. The existence of a quantitative model that has been developed and trained using Drosophila data will provide a valuable resource for placing miRNAs into gene regulatory networks of this important experimental organism. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13059-018-1504-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikram Agarwal
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Computational and Systems Biology Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Present address: Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Alexander O Subtelny
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Prathapan Thiru
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Igor Ulitsky
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - David P Bartel
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 9 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA. .,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
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26
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De Clercq A, Perrott MR, Davie PS, Preece MA, Owen MAG, Huysseune A, Witten PE. Temperature sensitive regions of the Chinook salmon vertebral column: Vestiges and meristic variation. J Morphol 2018; 279:1301-1311. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adelbert De Clercq
- School of Veterinary Science; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
- Evolutionary Developmental Biology; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
| | - Matthew R. Perrott
- School of Veterinary Science; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
| | - Peter S. Davie
- School of Veterinary Science; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
| | | | | | - Ann Huysseune
- Evolutionary Developmental Biology; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
| | - P. Eckhard Witten
- School of Veterinary Science; Massey University; Palmerston North New Zealand
- Evolutionary Developmental Biology; Ghent University; Ghent Belgium
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27
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Botti G, De Chiara A, Di Bonito M, Cerrone M, Malzone MG, Collina F, Cantile M. Noncoding RNAs within the
HOX
gene network in tumor pathogenesis and progression. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:395-413. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerardo Botti
- Department of Support for Oncological Pathways Diagnostic Area, Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale” Napoli Italy
| | - Anna De Chiara
- Department of Support for Oncological Pathways Diagnostic Area, Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale” Napoli Italy
| | - Maurizio Di Bonito
- Department of Support for Oncological Pathways Diagnostic Area, Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale” Napoli Italy
| | - Margherita Cerrone
- Department of Support for Oncological Pathways Diagnostic Area, Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale” Napoli Italy
| | - Maria Gabriella Malzone
- Department of Support for Oncological Pathways Diagnostic Area, Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale” Napoli Italy
| | - Francesca Collina
- Department of Support for Oncological Pathways Diagnostic Area, Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale” Napoli Italy
| | - Monica Cantile
- Department of Support for Oncological Pathways Diagnostic Area, Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori Fondazione “G. Pascale” Napoli Italy
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28
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Smchd1 regulates long-range chromatin interactions on the inactive X chromosome and at Hox clusters. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2018; 25:766-777. [PMID: 30127357 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-018-0111-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of higher-order chromatin structure is complex and dynamic, and a full understanding of the suite of mechanisms governing this architecture is lacking. Here, we reveal the noncanonical SMC protein Smchd1 to be a novel regulator of long-range chromatin interactions in mice, and we add Smchd1 to the canon of epigenetic proteins required for Hox-gene regulation. The effect of losing Smchd1-dependent chromatin interactions has varying outcomes that depend on chromatin context. At autosomal targets transcriptionally sensitive to Smchd1 deletion, we found increased short-range interactions and ectopic enhancer activation. In contrast, the inactive X chromosome was transcriptionally refractive to Smchd1 ablation, despite chromosome-wide increases in short-range interactions. In the inactive X, we observed spreading of trimethylated histone H3 K27 (H3K27me3) domains into regions not normally decorated by this mark. Together, these data suggest that Smchd1 is able to insulate chromatin, thereby limiting access to other chromatin-modifying proteins.
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29
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Meyer SE, Muench DE, Rogers AM, Newkold TJ, Orr E, O'Brien E, Perentesis JP, Doench JG, Lal A, Morris PJ, Thomas CJ, Lieberman J, McGlinn E, Aronow BJ, Salomonis N, Grimes HL. miR-196b target screen reveals mechanisms maintaining leukemia stemness with therapeutic potential. J Exp Med 2018; 215:2115-2136. [PMID: 29997117 PMCID: PMC6080909 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20171312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We have shown that antagomiR inhibition of miRNA miR-21 and miR-196b activity is sufficient to ablate MLL-AF9 leukemia stem cells (LSC) in vivo. Here, we used an shRNA screening approach to mimic miRNA activity on experimentally verified miR-196b targets to identify functionally important and therapeutically relevant pathways downstream of oncogenic miRNA in MLL-r AML. We found Cdkn1b (p27Kip1) is a direct miR-196b target whose repression enhanced an embryonic stem cell-like signature associated with decreased leukemia latency and increased numbers of leukemia stem cells in vivo. Conversely, elevation of p27Kip1 significantly reduced MLL-r leukemia self-renewal, promoted monocytic differentiation of leukemic blasts, and induced cell death. Antagonism of miR-196b activity or pharmacologic inhibition of the Cks1-Skp2-containing SCF E3-ubiquitin ligase complex increased p27Kip1 and inhibited human AML growth. This work illustrates that understanding oncogenic miRNA target pathways can identify actionable targets in leukemia.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carcinogenesis/genetics
- Carcinogenesis/pathology
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/genetics
- Cell Survival/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11/genetics
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p27/metabolism
- Cyclin-Dependent Kinases/metabolism
- Cyclins/metabolism
- Embryonic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Leukemic
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- MicroRNAs/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Neoplastic Stem Cells/pathology
- Oncogenes
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E Meyer
- Division of Immunobiology and Center for Systems Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - David E Muench
- Division of Immunobiology and Center for Systems Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Andrew M Rogers
- Division of Immunobiology and Center for Systems Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Tess J Newkold
- Division of Immunobiology and Center for Systems Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Emily Orr
- Division of Immunobiology and Center for Systems Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Eric O'Brien
- Division of Oncology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - John P Perentesis
- Division of Oncology, Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | | | - Ashish Lal
- Regulatory RNAs and Cancer Section, Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Patrick J Morris
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD
| | - Craig J Thomas
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD
| | - Judy Lieberman
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Edwina McGlinn
- EMBL Australia, Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bruce J Aronow
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Nathan Salomonis
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - H Leighton Grimes
- Division of Immunobiology and Center for Systems Immunology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
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30
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Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ∼22 nt RNAs that direct posttranscriptional repression of mRNA targets in diverse eukaryotic lineages. In humans and other mammals, these small RNAs help sculpt the expression of most mRNAs. This article reviews advances in our understanding of the defining features of metazoan miRNAs and their biogenesis, genomics, and evolution. It then reviews how metazoan miRNAs are regulated, how they recognize and cause repression of their targets, and the biological functions of this repression, with a compilation of knockout phenotypes that shows that important biological functions have been identified for most of the broadly conserved miRNAs of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Bartel
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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31
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Pnrc2 regulates 3'UTR-mediated decay of segmentation clock-associated transcripts during zebrafish segmentation. Dev Biol 2017. [PMID: 28648842 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate segmentation is controlled by the segmentation clock, a molecular oscillator that regulates gene expression and cycles rapidly. The expression of many genes oscillates during segmentation, including hairy/Enhancer of split-related (her or Hes) genes, which encode transcriptional repressors that auto-inhibit their own expression, and deltaC (dlc), which encodes a Notch ligand. We previously identified the tortuga (tor) locus in a zebrafish forward genetic screen for genes involved in cyclic transcript regulation and showed that cyclic transcripts accumulate post-splicing in tor mutants. Here we show that cyclic mRNA accumulation in tor mutants is due to loss of pnrc2, which encodes a proline-rich nuclear receptor co-activator implicated in mRNA decay. Using an inducible in vivo reporter system to analyze transcript stability, we find that the her1 3'UTR confers Pnrc2-dependent instability to a heterologous transcript. her1 mRNA decay is Dicer-independent and likely employs a Pnrc2-Upf1-containing mRNA decay complex. Surprisingly, despite accumulation of cyclic transcripts in pnrc2-deficient embryos, we find that cyclic protein is expressed normally. Overall, we show that Pnrc2 promotes 3'UTR-mediated decay of developmentally-regulated segmentation clock transcripts and we uncover an additional post-transcriptional regulatory layer that ensures oscillatory protein expression in the absence of cyclic mRNA decay.
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32
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Li C, Zhang X, Cao Y, Wei J, You S, Jiang Y, Cai K, Wumaier W, Guo D, Qi J, Chen C, Ni W, Hu S. Multi-vertebrae variation potentially contribute to carcass length and weight of Kazakh sheep. Small Rumin Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2017.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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33
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MicroRNA filters Hox temporal transcription noise to confer boundary formation in the spinal cord. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14685. [PMID: 28337978 PMCID: PMC5376671 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The initial rostrocaudal patterning of the neural tube leads to differential expression of Hox genes that contribute to the specification of motor neuron (MN) subtype identity. Although several 3' Hox mRNAs are expressed in progenitors in a noisy manner, these Hox proteins are not expressed in the progenitors and only become detectable in postmitotic MNs. MicroRNA biogenesis impairment leads to precocious expression and propagates the noise of Hoxa5 at the protein level, resulting in an imprecise Hoxa5-Hoxc8 boundary. Here we uncover, using in silico simulation, two feed-forward Hox-miRNA loops accounting for the precocious and noisy Hoxa5 expression, as well as an ill-defined boundary phenotype in Dicer mutants. Finally, we identify mir-27 as a major regulator coordinating the temporal delay and spatial boundary of Hox protein expression. Our results provide a novel trans Hox-miRNA circuit filtering transcription noise and controlling the timing of protein expression to confer robust individual MN identity.
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34
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Leite DJ, Ninova M, Hilbrant M, Arif S, Griffiths-Jones S, Ronshaugen M, McGregor AP. Pervasive microRNA Duplication in Chelicerates: Insights from the Embryonic microRNA Repertoire of the Spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum. Genome Biol Evol 2016; 8:2133-44. [PMID: 27324919 PMCID: PMC4987109 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evw143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small (∼22 nt) noncoding RNAs that repress translation and therefore regulate the production of proteins from specific target mRNAs. microRNAs have been found to function in diverse aspects of gene regulation within animal development and many other processes. Among invertebrates, both conserved and novel, lineage specific, microRNAs have been extensively studied predominantly in holometabolous insects such as Drosophila melanogaster However little is known about microRNA repertoires in other arthropod lineages such as the chelicerates. To understand the evolution of microRNAs in this poorly sampled subphylum, we characterized the microRNA repertoire expressed during embryogenesis of the common house spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum We identified a total of 148 microRNAs in P. tepidariorum representing 66 families. Approximately half of these microRNA families are conserved in other metazoans, while the remainder are specific to this spider. Of the 35 conserved microRNAs families 15 had at least two copies in the P. tepidariorum genome. A BLAST-based approach revealed a similar pattern of duplication in other spiders and a scorpion, but not among other chelicerates and arthropods, with the exception of a horseshoe crab. Among the duplicated microRNAs we found examples of lineage-specific tandem duplications, and the duplication of entire microRNA clusters in three spiders, a scorpion, and in a horseshoe crab. Furthermore, we found that paralogs of many P. tepidariorum microRNA families exhibit arm switching, which suggests that duplication was often followed by sub- or neofunctionalization. Our work shows that understanding the evolution of microRNAs in the chelicerates has great potential to provide insights into the process of microRNA duplication and divergence and the evolution of animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Leite
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Oxford, OX3 0BP, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Ninova
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Maarten Hilbrant
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Oxford, OX3 0BP, United Kingdom
| | - Saad Arif
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Oxford, OX3 0BP, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Alistair P McGregor
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Gipsy Lane, Oxford, OX3 0BP, United Kingdom
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35
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Toraih EA, Fawzy MS, Mohammed EA, Hussein MH, EL-Labban MM. MicroRNA-196a2 Biomarker and Targetome Network Analysis in Solid Tumors. Mol Diagn Ther 2016; 20:559-577. [DOI: 10.1007/s40291-016-0223-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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36
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Causes and consequences of intra-specific variation in vertebral number. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26372. [PMID: 27210072 PMCID: PMC4876516 DOI: 10.1038/srep26372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraspecific variation in vertebral number is taxonomically widespread. Much scientific attention has been directed towards understanding patterns of variation in vertebral number among individuals and between populations, particularly across large spatial scales and in structured environments. However, the relative role of genes, plasticity, selection, and drift as drivers of individual variation and population differentiation remains unknown for most systems. Here, we report on patterns, causes and consequences of variation in vertebral number among and within sympatric subpopulations of pike (Esox lucius). Vertebral number differed among subpopulations, and common garden experiments indicated that this reflected genetic differences. A QST-FST comparison suggested that population differences represented local adaptations driven by divergent selection. Associations with fitness traits further indicated that vertebral counts were influenced both by stabilizing and directional selection within populations. Overall, our study enhances the understanding of adaptive variation, which is critical for the maintenance of intraspecific diversity and species conservation.
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37
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Giusti J, Pinhal D, Moxon S, Campos CL, Münsterberg A, Martins C. MicroRNA-10 modulates Hox genes expression during Nile tilapia embryonic development. Mech Dev 2016; 140:12-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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38
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Williams SA, Middleton ER, Villamil CI, Shattuck MR. Vertebral numbers and human evolution. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2016; 159:S19-36. [DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Scott A. Williams
- Department of Anthropology; Center for the Study of Human Origins, New York University; New York NY 10003
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology; New York NY
| | - Emily R. Middleton
- Department of Anthropology; Center for the Study of Human Origins, New York University; New York NY 10003
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology; New York NY
| | - Catalina I. Villamil
- Department of Anthropology; Center for the Study of Human Origins, New York University; New York NY 10003
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology; New York NY
| | - Milena R. Shattuck
- Department of Anthropology; Center for the Study of Human Origins, New York University; New York NY 10003
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary Primatology; New York NY
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De Kumar B, Krumlauf R. HOXs and lincRNAs: Two sides of the same coin. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2016; 2:e1501402. [PMID: 27034976 PMCID: PMC4805430 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1501402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The clustered Hox genes play fundamental roles in regulation of axial patterning and elaboration of the basic body plan in animal development. There are common features in the organization and regulatory landscape of Hox clusters associated with their highly conserved functional roles. The presence of transcribed noncoding sequences embedded within the vertebrate Hox clusters is providing insight into a new layer of regulatory information associated with Hox genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bony De Kumar
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Robb Krumlauf
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Slijepčević M, Galis F, Arntzen JW, Ivanović A. Homeotic transformations and number changes in the vertebral column of Triturus newts. PeerJ 2015; 3:e1397. [PMID: 26587355 PMCID: PMC4647568 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.1397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We explored intraspecific variation in vertebral formulae, more specifically the variation in the number of thoracic vertebrae and frequencies of transitional sacral vertebrae in Triturus newts (Caudata: Salamandridae). Within salamandrid salamanders this monophyletic group shows the highest disparity in the number of thoracic vertebrae and considerable intraspecific variation in the number of thoracic vertebrae. Triturus species also differ in their ecological preferences, from predominantly terrestrial to largely aquatic. Following Geoffroy St. Hilaire's and Darwin's rule which states that structures with a large number of serially homologous repetitive elements are more variable than structures with smaller numbers, we hypothesized that the variation in vertebral formulae increases in more elongated species with a larger number of thoracic vertebrae. We furthermore hypothesized that the frequency of transitional vertebrae will be correlated with the variation in the number of thoracic vertebrae within the species. We also investigated potential effects of species hybridization on the vertebral formula. The proportion of individuals with a number of thoracic vertebrae different from the modal number and the range of variation in number of vertebrae significantly increased in species with a larger number of thoracic vertebrae. Contrary to our expectation, the frequencies of transitional vertebrae were not correlated with frequencies of change in the complete vertebrae number. The frequency of transitional sacral vertebra in hybrids did not significantly differ from that of the parental species. Such a pattern could be a result of selection pressure against transitional vertebrae and/or a bias towards the development of full vertebrae numbers. Although our data indicate relaxed selection for vertebral count changes in more elongated, aquatic species, more data on different selective pressures in species with different numbers of vertebrae in the two contrasting, terrestrial and aquatic environments are needed to test for causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Slijepčević
- Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | - Ana Ivanović
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Casaca A, Nóvoa A, Mallo M. Hoxb6 can interfere with somitogenesis in the posterior embryo through a mechanism independent of its rib-promoting activity. Development 2015; 143:437-48. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.133074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Formation of the vertebrate axial skeleton requires coordinated Hox gene activity. Hox group 6 genes are involved in the formation of the thoracic area due to their unique rib-promoting properties. We show here that the linker region (LR) connecting the homeodomain and the hexapeptide is essential for Hoxb6 rib-promoting activity. The LR-defective Hoxb6 protein was still able to bind a target enhancer together with Pax3 producing a dominant negative effect, indicating that the LR brings additional regulatory factors to target DNA elements. We also found an unexpected association between Hoxb6 and segmentation in the paraxial mesoderm. In particular, Hoxb6 can disturb somitogenesis and anterior-posterior somite patterning by deregulating Lfng expression. Interestingly, this interaction occurred differently in thoracic and more caudal embryonic areas, indicating functional differences in somitogenesis before and after the trunk to tail transition. Our results suggest the requirement of precisely regulated Hoxb6 expression for proper segmentation at tailbud stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Casaca
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana Nóvoa
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Moisés Mallo
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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