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Basalamah F, Dilogo IH, Raharjo SB, Mansyur M, Siregar NC, Ibrahim N, Setianto BY, Yuniadi Y. TBX3 transfection and nodal signal pathway inhibition promote differentiation of adipose mesenchymal stem cell to cardiac pacemaker-like cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:148. [PMID: 38778426 PMCID: PMC11112768 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03760-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known as one of the best candidate cells to produce cardiac pacemaker-like cells (CPLCs). Upregulation of TBX3 transcription factor and inhibition of the nodal signal pathway have a significant role in the formation of cardiac pacemaker cells such as sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes, which initiate the heartbeat and control the rhythm of heart contractions. This study aimed to confirm the effects of transfection of TBX3 transcription factor and inhibition of the nodal signal pathway on differentiating adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) to CPLCs. AD-MSCs were characterized using flow cytometry and three-lineage differentiation staining. METHODS The transfection of TBX3 plasmid was carried out using lipofectamine, and inhibition of the nodal signal pathway was done using the small-molecule SB431542. The morphology of the cells was observed using a light microscope. Pacemaker-specific markers, including TBX3, Cx30, HCN4, HCN1, HCN3, and KCNN4, were evaluated using the qRT-PCR method. For protein level, TBX3 and Cx30 were evaluated using ELISA and immunofluorescence staining. The electrophysiology of cells was evaluated using a patch clamp. RESULTS The TBX3 expression in the TBX3, SM, and TBX + SM groups significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the control group and cardiomyocytes. The expression of Cx40 and Cx43 genes were lower in TBX3, SM, TBX + SM groups. In contrast, Cx30 gene showed higher expression in TBX3 group. The expression HCN1, HCN3, and HCN4 genes are higher in TBX3 group. CONCLUSION The transfection of TBX3 and inhibition of the nodal signal pathway by small-molecule SB431542 enhanced differentiation of AD-MSCs to CPLCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faris Basalamah
- Doctoral Program in Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University Muhammadiyah Jakarta, Banten, 15419, Indonesia
| | - Ismail Hadisoebroto Dilogo
- Department of Orthopedic and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia-Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Cluster, Indonesia Medical Education and Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
- Stem Cell Medical Technology Integrated Service Unit, Dr Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Sunu Budhi Raharjo
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia-National Heart Center Harapan Kita, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Muchtaruddin Mansyur
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Nuryati Chairani Siregar
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Nurhadi Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
- Neuroscience and Brain Development Research Cluster, Indonesian Medical Education and Researsch Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia
| | - Budi Yuli Setianto
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Nursing, Universitas Gajah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Yoga Yuniadi
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia-National Heart Center Harapan Kita, Jakarta, 10430, Indonesia.
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia-RS Jantung Dan Pembuluh Darah Harapan Kita, Jakarta, 10420, Indonesia.
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2
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Lee C, Xu S, Samad T, Goodyer WR, Raissadati A, Heinrich P, Wu SM. The cardiac conduction system: History, development, and disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2024; 156:157-200. [PMID: 38556422 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The heart is the first organ to form during embryonic development, establishing the circulatory infrastructure necessary to sustain life and enable downstream organogenesis. Critical to the heart's function is its ability to initiate and propagate electrical impulses that allow for the coordinated contraction and relaxation of its chambers, and thus, the movement of blood and nutrients. Several specialized structures within the heart, collectively known as the cardiac conduction system (CCS), are responsible for this phenomenon. In this review, we discuss the discovery and scientific history of the mammalian cardiac conduction system as well as the key genes and transcription factors implicated in the formation of its major structures. We also describe known human diseases related to CCS development and explore existing challenges in the clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carissa Lee
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Sidra Xu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Tahmina Samad
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - William R Goodyer
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Alireza Raissadati
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Paul Heinrich
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Regenerative Medicine in Cardiovascular Diseases, First Department of Medicine, Cardiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Sean M Wu
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
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3
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Berns HM, Watkins-Chow DE, Lu S, Louphrasitthiphol P, Zhang T, Brown KM, Moura-Alves P, Goding CR, Pavan WJ. Single-cell profiling of MC1R-inhibited melanocytes. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024; 37:291-308. [PMID: 37972124 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The human red hair color (RHC) trait is caused by increased pheomelanin (red-yellow) and reduced eumelanin (black-brown) pigment in skin and hair due to diminished melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) function. In addition, individuals harboring the RHC trait are predisposed to melanoma development. While MC1R variants have been established as causative of RHC and are a well-defined risk factor for melanoma, it remains unclear mechanistically why decreased MC1R signaling alters pigmentation and increases melanoma susceptibility. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of melanocytes isolated from RHC mouse models to define a MC1R-inhibited Gene Signature (MiGS) comprising a large set of previously unidentified genes which may be implicated in melanogenesis and oncogenic transformation. We show that one of the candidate MiGS genes, TBX3, a well-known anti-senescence transcription factor implicated in melanoma progression, binds both E-box and T-box elements to regulate genes associated with melanogenesis and senescence bypass. Our results provide key insights into further mechanisms by which melanocytes with reduced MC1R signaling may regulate pigmentation and offer new candidates of study toward understanding how individuals with the RHC phenotype are predisposed to melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Matthew Berns
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dawn E Watkins-Chow
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sizhu Lu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pakavarin Louphrasitthiphol
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tongwu Zhang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kevin M Brown
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Pedro Moura-Alves
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, PT, Portugal
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, PT, Portugal
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - William J Pavan
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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4
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van der Maarel LE, Christoffels VM. Development of the Cardiac Conduction System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1441:185-200. [PMID: 38884712 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44087-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The electrical impulses that coordinate the sequential, rhythmic contractions of the atria and ventricles are initiated and tightly regulated by the specialized tissues of the cardiac conduction system. In the mature heart, these impulses are generated by the pacemaker cardiomyocytes of the sinoatrial node, propagated through the atria to the atrioventricular node where they are delayed and then rapidly propagated to the atrioventricular bundle, right and left bundle branches, and finally, the peripheral ventricular conduction system. Each of these specialized components arise by complex patterning events during embryonic development. This chapter addresses the origins and transcriptional networks and signaling pathways that drive the development and maintain the function of the cardiac conduction system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieve E van der Maarel
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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5
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Jonker T, Barnett P, Boink GJJ, Christoffels VM. Role of Genetic Variation in Transcriptional Regulatory Elements in Heart Rhythm. Cells 2023; 13:4. [PMID: 38201209 PMCID: PMC10777909 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010004] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic predisposition to cardiac arrhythmias has been a field of intense investigation. Research initially focused on rare hereditary arrhythmias, but over the last two decades, the role of genetic variation (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in heart rate, rhythm, and arrhythmias has been taken into consideration as well. In particular, genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of genomic loci associated with quantitative electrocardiographic traits, atrial fibrillation, and less common arrhythmias such as Brugada syndrome. A significant number of associated variants have been found to systematically localize in non-coding regulatory elements that control the tissue-specific and temporal transcription of genes encoding transcription factors, ion channels, and other proteins. However, the identification of causal variants and the mechanism underlying their impact on phenotype has proven difficult due to the complex tissue-specific, time-resolved, condition-dependent, and combinatorial function of regulatory elements, as well as their modest conservation across different model species. In this review, we discuss research efforts aimed at identifying and characterizing-trait-associated variant regulatory elements and the molecular mechanisms underlying their impact on heart rate or rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Jonker
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.J.); (P.B.); (G.J.J.B.)
| | - Phil Barnett
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.J.); (P.B.); (G.J.J.B.)
| | - Gerard J. J. Boink
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.J.); (P.B.); (G.J.J.B.)
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M. Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (T.J.); (P.B.); (G.J.J.B.)
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6
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Schröder LC, Frank D, Müller OJ. Transcriptional Targeting Approaches in Cardiac Gene Transfer Using AAV Vectors. Pathogens 2023; 12:1301. [PMID: 38003766 PMCID: PMC10675517 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12111301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac-targeted transgene delivery offers new treatment opportunities for cardiovascular diseases, which massively contribute to global mortality. Restricted gene transfer to cardiac tissue might protect extracardiac organs from potential side-effects. This could be mediated by using cis-regulatory elements, including promoters and enhancers that act on the transcriptional level. Here, we discuss examples of tissue-specific promoters for targeted transcription in myocytes, cardiomyocytes, and chamber-specific cardiomyocytes. Some promotors are induced at pathological states, suggesting a potential use as "induction-by-disease switches" in gene therapy. Recent developments have resulted in the identification of novel enhancer-elements that could further pave the way for future refinement of transcriptional targeting, for example, into the cardiac conduction system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena C. Schröder
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (L.C.S.); (D.F.)
| | - Derk Frank
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (L.C.S.); (D.F.)
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Oliver J. Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (L.C.S.); (D.F.)
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, 24105 Kiel, Germany
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7
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Melzer MK, Schirge S, Gout J, Arnold F, Srinivasan D, Burtscher I, Allgöwer C, Mulaw M, Zengerling F, Günes C, Lickert H, Christoffels VM, Liebau S, Wagner M, Seufferlein T, Bolenz C, Moon AM, Perkhofer L, Kleger A. TBX3 is dynamically expressed in pancreatic organogenesis and fine-tunes regeneration. BMC Biol 2023; 21:55. [PMID: 36941669 PMCID: PMC10029195 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01553-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reactivation of genetic programs from early development is a common mechanism for injury-induced organ regeneration. T-box 3 (TBX3) is a member of the T-box family of transcription factors previously shown to regulate pluripotency and subsequent lineage commitment in a number of tissues, including limb and lung. TBX3 is also involved in lung and heart organogenesis. Here, we provide a comprehensive and thorough characterization of TBX3 and its role during pancreatic organogenesis and regeneration. RESULTS We interrogated the level and cell specificity of TBX3 in the developing and adult pancreas at mRNA and protein levels at multiple developmental stages in mouse and human pancreas. We employed conditional mutagenesis to determine its role in murine pancreatic development and in regeneration after the induction of acute pancreatitis. We found that Tbx3 is dynamically expressed in the pancreatic mesenchyme and epithelium. While Tbx3 is expressed in the developing pancreas, its absence is likely compensated by other factors after ablation from either the mesenchymal or epithelial compartments. In an adult model of acute pancreatitis, we found that a lack of Tbx3 resulted in increased proliferation and fibrosis as well as an enhanced inflammatory gene programs, indicating that Tbx3 has a role in tissue homeostasis and regeneration. CONCLUSIONS TBX3 demonstrates dynamic expression patterns in the pancreas. Although TBX3 is dispensable for proper pancreatic development, its absence leads to altered organ regeneration after induction of acute pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Karl Melzer
- Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
- Clinic of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Silvia Schirge
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Johann Gout
- Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Frank Arnold
- Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Dharini Srinivasan
- Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Ingo Burtscher
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Chantal Allgöwer
- Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Medhanie Mulaw
- Unit for Single-cell Genomics, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Cagatay Günes
- Clinic of Urology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Heiko Lickert
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of b-Cell Biology, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, 81675, München, Germany
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, 1105AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Liebau
- Institute of Neuroanatomy & Developmental Biology (INDB), Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Österbergstrasse 3, 72074, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Martin Wagner
- Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Thomas Seufferlein
- Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | | | - Anne M Moon
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics (adjunct), University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Hess Center for Science and Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lukas Perkhofer
- Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany
| | - Alexander Kleger
- Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany.
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Stem Cell Biology, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, 89081, Germany.
- Core Facility Organoids, Ulm University, 89081, Ulm, Germany.
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Berns HM, Watkins-Chow DE, Lu S, Louphrasitthiphol P, Zhang T, Brown KM, Moura-Alves P, Goding CR, Pavan WJ. Loss of MC1R signaling implicates TBX3 in pheomelanogenesis and melanoma predisposition. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.10.532018. [PMID: 37090624 PMCID: PMC10120706 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.10.532018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The human Red Hair Color (RHC) trait is caused by increased pheomelanin (red-yellow) and reduced eumelanin (black-brown) pigment in skin and hair due to diminished melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) function. In addition, individuals harboring the RHC trait are predisposed to melanoma development. While MC1R variants have been established as causative of RHC and are a well-defined risk factor for melanoma, it remains unclear mechanistically why decreased MC1R signaling alters pigmentation and increases melanoma susceptibility. Here, we use single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of melanocytes isolated from RHC mouse models to reveal a Pheomelanin Gene Signature (PGS) comprising genes implicated in melanogenesis and oncogenic transformation. We show that TBX3, a well-known anti-senescence transcription factor implicated in melanoma progression, is part of the PGS and binds both E-box and T-box elements to regulate genes associated with melanogenesis and senescence bypass. Our results provide key insights into mechanisms by which MC1R signaling regulates pigmentation and how individuals with the RHC phenotype are predisposed to melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Matthew Berns
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Dawn E. Watkins-Chow
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sizhu Lu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Pakavarin Louphrasitthiphol
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tongwu Zhang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, 13 USA
| | - Kevin M. Brown
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, 13 USA
| | - Pedro Moura-Alves
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, PT
- IBMC-Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, PT
| | - Colin R. Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - William J. Pavan
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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Wang Y, Venkatesh A, Xu J, Xu M, Williams J, Smallwood PM, James A, Nathans J. The WNT7A/WNT7B/GPR124/RECK signaling module plays an essential role in mammalian limb development. Development 2022; 149:275368. [PMID: 35552394 PMCID: PMC9148564 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
In central nervous system vascular endothelial cells, signaling via the partially redundant ligands WNT7A and WNT7B requires two co-activator proteins, GPR124 and RECK. WNT7A and RECK have been shown previously to play a role in limb development, but the mechanism of RECK action in this context is unknown. The roles of WNT7B and GPR124 in limb development have not been investigated. Using combinations of conventional and/or conditional loss-of-function alleles for mouse Wnt7a, Wnt7b, Gpr124 and Reck, including a Reck allele that codes for a protein that is specifically defective in WNT7A/WNT7B signaling, we show that reductions in ligand and/or co-activator function synergize to cause reduced and dysmorphic limb bone growth. Two additional limb phenotypes – loss of distal Lmx1b expression and ectopic growth of nail-like structures – occur with reduced Wnt7a/Wnt7b gene copy number and, respectively, with Reck mutations and with combined Reck and Gpr124 mutations. A third limb phenotype – bleeding into a digit – occurs with the most severe combinations of Wnt7a/Wnt7b, Reck and Gpr124 mutations. These data imply that the WNT7A/WNT7B-FRIZZLED-LRP5/LRP6-GPR124-RECK signaling system functions as an integral unit in limb development. Summary: Genetic analyses in mice show that the WNT7A/WNT7B-FRIZZLED-LRP5/LRP6-GPR124-RECK signaling system, first defined in the context of CNS angiogenesis and barrier development, also functions as an integral unit in limb development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanshu Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Arjun Venkatesh
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jiajia Xu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mingxin Xu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - John Williams
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Philip M. Smallwood
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Aaron James
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jeremy Nathans
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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van Ouwerkerk AF, Bosada FM, van Duijvenboden K, Houweling AC, Scholman KT, Wakker V, Allaart CP, Uhm JS, Mathijssen IB, Baartscheer T, Postma AV, Barnett P, Verkerk AO, Boukens BJ, Christoffels VM. Patient-specific TBX5-G125R Variant Induces Profound Transcriptional Deregulation and Atrial Dysfunction. Circulation 2022; 145:606-619. [PMID: 35113653 PMCID: PMC8860223 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.121.054347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: The pathogenic missense variant p.G125R in TBX5 causes Holt-Oram syndrome (HOS; hand-heart syndrome) and early onset of atrial fibrillation. Revealing how an altered key developmental transcription factor modulates cardiac physiology in vivo will provide unique insights into the mechanisms underlying atrial fibrillation in these patients. Methods: We analyzed electrocardiograms (ECGs) of an extended family pedigree of HOS patients. Next, we introduced the TBX5-p.G125R variant in the mouse genome (Tbx5G125R) and performed electrophysiological analyses (ECG, optical mapping, patch clamp, intracellular calcium measurements), transcriptomics (single nuclei and tissue RNA sequencing) and epigenetic profiling (ATAC-sequencing, H3K27ac CUT&RUN-sequencing). Results: We discovered high incidence of atrial extra systoles and atrioventricular conduction disturbances in HOS patients. Tbx5G125R/+ mice were morphologically unaffected and displayed variable RR intervals, atrial extra systoles and susceptibility to atrial fibrillation, reminiscent of TBX5-p.G125R patients. Atrial conduction velocity was not affected but systolic and diastolic intracellular calcium concentrations were decreased and action potentials prolonged in isolated cardiomyocytes of Tbx5G125R/+ mice compared to controls. Transcriptional profiling of atria revealed most profound transcriptional changes in cardiomyocytes versus other cell types, and identified over a thousand coding and non-coding transcripts that were differentially expressed. Epigenetic profiling uncovered thousands of TBX5-p.G125R sensitive putative regulatory elements (including enhancers) that gained accessibility in atrial cardiomyocytes. The majority of sites with increased accessibility were occupied by Tbx5. The small group of sites with reduced accessibility was enriched for DNA binding motifs of members of the SP- and KLF families of transcription factors. These data show that Tbx5-p.G125R induces changes in regulatory element activity, altered transcriptional regulation and changed cardiomyocyte behavior, possibly caused by altered DNA binding and cooperativity properties. Conclusions: Our data reveal how a disease-causing missense variant in TBX5 induces profound changes in the atrial transcriptional regulatory network and epigenetic state in vivo, leading to arrhythmia reminiscent of those seen in human TBX5-p.G125R variant carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoinette F van Ouwerkerk
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, TAGC, U1090, Marseille, France
| | - Fernanda M Bosada
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karel van Duijvenboden
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan C Houweling
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Koen T Scholman
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Wakker
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis P Allaart
- Department of Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jae-Sun Uhm
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Inge B Mathijssen
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ton Baartscheer
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alex V Postma
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Phil Barnett
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arie O Verkerk
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan J Boukens
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Gauvrit S, Bossaer J, Lee J, Collins MM. Modeling Human Cardiac Arrhythmias: Insights from Zebrafish. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9010013. [PMID: 35050223 PMCID: PMC8779270 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, is associated with morbidity and mortality and is described as one of the most important future public health challenges. Therefore, developing new models of cardiac arrhythmia is critical for understanding disease mechanisms, determining genetic underpinnings, and developing new therapeutic strategies. In the last few decades, the zebrafish has emerged as an attractive model to reproduce in vivo human cardiac pathologies, including arrhythmias. Here, we highlight the contribution of zebrafish to the field and discuss the available cardiac arrhythmia models. Further, we outline techniques to assess potential heart rhythm defects in larval and adult zebrafish. As genetic tools in zebrafish continue to bloom, this model will be crucial for functional genomics studies and to develop personalized anti-arrhythmic therapies.
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12
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Abstract
The Human Genome Project marked a major milestone in the scientific community as it unravelled the ~3 billion bases that are central to crucial aspects of human life. Despite this achievement, it only scratched the surface of understanding how each nucleotide matters, both individually and as part of a larger unit. Beyond the coding genome, which comprises only ~2% of the whole genome, scientists have realized that large portions of the genome, not known to code for any protein, were crucial for regulating the coding genes. These large portions of the genome comprise the 'non-coding genome'. The history of gene regulation mediated by proteins that bind to the regulatory non-coding genome dates back many decades to the 1960s. However, the original definition of 'enhancers' was first used in the early 1980s. In this Review, we summarize benchmark studies that have mapped the role of cardiac enhancers in disease and development. We highlight instances in which enhancer-localized genetic variants explain the missing link to cardiac pathogenesis. Finally, we inspire readers to consider the next phase of exploring enhancer-based gene therapy for cardiovascular disease.
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13
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Ding Y, Lang D, Yan J, Bu H, Li H, Jiao K, Yang J, Ni H, Morotti S, Le T, Clark KJ, Port J, Ekker SC, Cao H, Zhang Y, Wang J, Grandi E, Li Z, Shi Y, Li Y, Glukhov AV, Xu X. A phenotype-based forward genetic screen identifies Dnajb6 as a sick sinus syndrome gene. eLife 2022; 11:77327. [PMID: 36255053 PMCID: PMC9642998 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77327] [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: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously we showed the generation of a protein trap library made with the gene-break transposon (GBT) in zebrafish (Danio rerio) that could be used to facilitate novel functional genome annotation towards understanding molecular underpinnings of human diseases (Ichino et al, 2020). Here, we report a significant application of this library for discovering essential genes for heart rhythm disorders such as sick sinus syndrome (SSS). SSS is a group of heart rhythm disorders caused by malfunction of the sinus node, the heart's primary pacemaker. Partially owing to its aging-associated phenotypic manifestation and low expressivity, molecular mechanisms of SSS remain difficult to decipher. From 609 GBT lines screened, we generated a collection of 35 zebrafish insertional cardiac (ZIC) mutants in which each mutant traps a gene with cardiac expression. We further employed electrocardiographic measurements to screen these 35 ZIC lines and identified three GBT mutants with SSS-like phenotypes. More detailed functional studies on one of the arrhythmogenic mutants, GBT411, in both zebrafish and mouse models unveiled Dnajb6 as a novel SSS causative gene with a unique expression pattern within the subpopulation of sinus node pacemaker cells that partially overlaps with the expression of hyperpolarization activated cyclic nucleotide gated channel 4 (HCN4), supporting heterogeneity of the cardiac pacemaker cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghe Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo ClinicRochesterUnited States,The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University & The Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Di Lang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States,Department of Medicine, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Jianhua Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo ClinicRochesterUnited States,Division of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School Of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Haisong Bu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo ClinicRochesterUnited States,Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Hongsong Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo ClinicRochesterUnited States,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health ScienceShanghaiChina
| | - Kunli Jiao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo ClinicRochesterUnited States,Division of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School Of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jingchun Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo ClinicRochesterUnited States
| | - Haibo Ni
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Stefano Morotti
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Tai Le
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, IrvineIrvineUnited States
| | - Karl J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo ClinicRochesterUnited States
| | - Jenna Port
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Stephen C Ekker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo ClinicRochesterUnited States
| | - Hung Cao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, IrvineIrvineUnited States,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, IrvineIrvineUnited States
| | - Yuji Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at HoustonHoustonUnited States
| | - Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University & The Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Yongyong Shi
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University & The Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University (Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes), Qingdao UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Yigang Li
- Division of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School Of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Alexey V Glukhov
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-MadisonMadisonUnited States
| | - Xiaolei Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo ClinicRochesterUnited States
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14
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Iop L, Iliceto S, Civieri G, Tona F. Inherited and Acquired Rhythm Disturbances in Sick Sinus Syndrome, Brugada Syndrome, and Atrial Fibrillation: Lessons from Preclinical Modeling. Cells 2021; 10:3175. [PMID: 34831398 PMCID: PMC8623957 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhythm disturbances are life-threatening cardiovascular diseases, accounting for many deaths annually worldwide. Abnormal electrical activity might arise in a structurally normal heart in response to specific triggers or as a consequence of cardiac tissue alterations, in both cases with catastrophic consequences on heart global functioning. Preclinical modeling by recapitulating human pathophysiology of rhythm disturbances is fundamental to increase the comprehension of these diseases and propose effective strategies for their prevention, diagnosis, and clinical management. In silico, in vivo, and in vitro models found variable application to dissect many congenital and acquired rhythm disturbances. In the copious list of rhythm disturbances, diseases of the conduction system, as sick sinus syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and atrial fibrillation, have found extensive preclinical modeling. In addition, the electrical remodeling as a result of other cardiovascular diseases has also been investigated in models of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, cardiac fibrosis, as well as arrhythmias induced by other non-cardiac pathologies, stress, and drug cardiotoxicity. This review aims to offer a critical overview on the effective ability of in silico bioinformatic tools, in vivo animal studies, in vitro models to provide insights on human heart rhythm pathophysiology in case of sick sinus syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and atrial fibrillation and advance their safe and successful translation into the cardiology arena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Iop
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani, 2, I-35124 Padua, Italy; (S.I.); (G.C.)
| | | | | | - Francesco Tona
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, Via Giustiniani, 2, I-35124 Padua, Italy; (S.I.); (G.C.)
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15
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Cieri RL, Turner ML, Carney RM, Falkingham PL, Kirk AM, Wang T, Jensen B, Novotny J, Tveite J, Gatesy SM, Laidlaw DH, Kaplan H, Moorman AFM, Howell M, Engel B, Cruz C, Smith A, Gerichs W, Lian Y, Schultz JT, Farmer CG. Virtual and augmented reality: New tools for visualizing, analyzing, and communicating complex morphology. J Morphol 2021; 282:1785-1800. [PMID: 34689352 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are new technologies with the power to revolutionize the study of morphology. Modern imaging approaches such as computed tomography, laser scanning, and photogrammetry have opened up a new digital world, enabling researchers to share and analyze morphological data electronically and in great detail. Because this digital data exists on a computer screen, however, it can remain difficult to understand and unintuitive to interact with. VR/AR technologies bridge the analog-to-digital divide by presenting 3D data to users in a very similar way to how they would interact with actual anatomy, while also providing a more immersive experience and greater possibilities for exploration. This manuscript describes VR/AR hardware, software, and techniques, and is designed to give practicing morphologists and educators a primer on using these technologies in their research, pedagogy, and communication to a wide variety of audiences. We also include a series of case studies from the presentations and workshop given at the 2019 International Congress of Vertebrate Morphology, and suggest best practices for the use of VR/AR in comparative morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Cieri
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
| | - Morgan L Turner
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Ryan M Carney
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Peter L Falkingham
- School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Alexander M Kirk
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Tobias Wang
- Department of Biology, Zoophysiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bjarke Jensen
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes Novotny
- VRVis Zentrum für Virtual Reality und Visualisierung Forschungs-GmbH, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joshua Tveite
- Department of Computer Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Stephen M Gatesy
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - David H Laidlaw
- Department of Computer Science, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Howard Kaplan
- Advanced Visualization Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Antoon F M Moorman
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mark Howell
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Benjamin Engel
- School of Dentistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Cole Cruz
- School of Computing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Adam Smith
- School of Computing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - William Gerichs
- School of Computing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Yingjie Lian
- School of Computing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Johanna T Schultz
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Queensland, Australia
| | - C G Farmer
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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16
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Mantri S, Wu SM, Goodyer WR. Molecular Profiling of the Cardiac Conduction System: the Dawn of a New Era. Curr Cardiol Rep 2021; 23:103. [PMID: 34196831 DOI: 10.1007/s11886-021-01536-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent technological advances have led to an increased ability to define the gene expression profile of the cardiac conduction system (CCS). Here, we review the most salient studies to emerge in recent years and discuss existing gaps in our knowledge as well as future areas of investigation. RECENT FINDINGS Molecular profiling of the CCS spans several decades. However, the advent of high-throughput sequencing strategies has allowed for the discovery of unique transcriptional programs of the many diverse CCS cell types. The CCS, a diverse structure with significant inter- and intra-component cellular heterogeneity, is essential to the normal function of the heart. Progress in transcriptomic profiling has improved the resolution and depth of characterization of these unique and clinically relevant CCS cell types. Future studies leveraging this big data will play a crucial role in improving our understanding of CCS development and function as well as translating these findings into tangible translational tools for the improved detection, prevention, and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruthi Mantri
- Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Sean M Wu
- Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - William R Goodyer
- Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. .,Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA. .,Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Electrophysiology, Department of Pediatrics, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Stanford University School of Medicine, Room G1105 Lokey Stem Cell Research Building, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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17
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Rivaud MR, Blok M, Jongbloed MRM, Boukens BJ. How Cardiac Embryology Translates into Clinical Arrhythmias. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8060070. [PMID: 34199178 PMCID: PMC8231901 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8060070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The electrophysiological signatures of the myocardium in cardiac structures, such as the atrioventricular node, pulmonary veins or the right ventricular outflow tract, are established during development by the spatial and temporal expression of transcription factors that guide expression of specific ion channels. Genome-wide association studies have shown that small variations in genetic regions are key to the expression of these transcription factors and thereby modulate the electrical function of the heart. Moreover, mutations in these factors are found in arrhythmogenic pathologies such as congenital atrioventricular block, as well as in specific forms of atrial fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. In this review, we discuss the developmental origin of distinct electrophysiological structures in the heart and their involvement in cardiac arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde R. Rivaud
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Michiel Blok
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (M.R.M.J.)
| | - Monique R. M. Jongbloed
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (M.R.M.J.)
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan J. Boukens
- Department of Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Meibergdreef 15, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-(0)20-566-4659
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18
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Bosada FM, Rivaud MR, Uhm JS, Verheule S, van Duijvenboden K, Verkerk AO, Christoffels VM, Boukens BJ. A Variant Noncoding Region Regulates Prrx1 and Predisposes to Atrial Arrhythmias. Circ Res 2021; 129:420-434. [PMID: 34092116 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.121.319146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda M Bosada
- Department of Medical Biology (F.M.B., J.-S.U., K.v.D., A.O.V., V.M.C., B.J.B.), Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mathilde R Rivaud
- Department of Experimental Cardiology (M.R.R., A.O.V., B.J.B.), Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jae-Sun Uhm
- Department of Medical Biology (F.M.B., J.-S.U., K.v.D., A.O.V., V.M.C., B.J.B.), Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Cardiology, Severance Hospital, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea (J.-S.U.)
| | - Sander Verheule
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, the Netherlands (S.V.)
| | - Karel van Duijvenboden
- Department of Medical Biology (F.M.B., J.-S.U., K.v.D., A.O.V., V.M.C., B.J.B.), Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arie O Verkerk
- Department of Medical Biology (F.M.B., J.-S.U., K.v.D., A.O.V., V.M.C., B.J.B.), Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Cardiology (M.R.R., A.O.V., B.J.B.), Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent M Christoffels
- Department of Medical Biology (F.M.B., J.-S.U., K.v.D., A.O.V., V.M.C., B.J.B.), Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bastiaan J Boukens
- Department of Medical Biology (F.M.B., J.-S.U., K.v.D., A.O.V., V.M.C., B.J.B.), Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Cardiology (M.R.R., A.O.V., B.J.B.), Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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19
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Differential Spatio-Temporal Regulation of T-Box Gene Expression by microRNAs during Cardiac Development. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8050056. [PMID: 34068962 PMCID: PMC8156480 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8050056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular development is a complex process that starts with the formation of symmetrically located precardiac mesodermal precursors soon after gastrulation and is completed with the formation of a four-chambered heart with distinct inlet and outlet connections. Multiple transcriptional inputs are required to provide adequate regional identity to the forming atrial and ventricular chambers as well as their flanking regions; i.e., inflow tract, atrioventricular canal, and outflow tract. In this context, regional chamber identity is widely governed by regional activation of distinct T-box family members. Over the last decade, novel layers of gene regulatory mechanisms have been discovered with the identification of non-coding RNAs. microRNAs represent the most well-studied subcategory among short non-coding RNAs. In this study, we sought to investigate the functional role of distinct microRNAs that are predicted to target T-box family members. Our data demonstrated a highly dynamic expression of distinct microRNAs and T-box family members during cardiogenesis, revealing a relatively large subset of complementary and similar microRNA-mRNA expression profiles. Over-expression analyses demonstrated that a given microRNA can distinctly regulate the same T-box family member in distinct cardiac regions and within distinct temporal frameworks, supporting the notion of indirect regulatory mechanisms, and dual luciferase assays on Tbx2, Tbx3 and Tbx5 3' UTR further supported this notion. Overall, our data demonstrated a highly dynamic microRNA and T-box family members expression during cardiogenesis and supported the notion that such microRNAs indirectly regulate the T-box family members in a tissue- and time-dependent manner.
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20
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Abstract
Cardiac development is a complex developmental process that is initiated soon after gastrulation, as two sets of precardiac mesodermal precursors are symmetrically located and subsequently fused at the embryonic midline forming the cardiac straight tube. Thereafter, the cardiac straight tube invariably bends to the right, configuring the first sign of morphological left–right asymmetry and soon thereafter the atrial and ventricular chambers are formed, expanded and progressively septated. As a consequence of all these morphogenetic processes, the fetal heart acquired a four-chambered structure having distinct inlet and outlet connections and a specialized conduction system capable of directing the electrical impulse within the fully formed heart. Over the last decades, our understanding of the morphogenetic, cellular, and molecular pathways involved in cardiac development has exponentially grown. Multiples aspects of the initial discoveries during heart formation has served as guiding tools to understand the etiology of cardiac congenital anomalies and adult cardiac pathology, as well as to enlighten novels approaches to heal the damaged heart. In this review we provide an overview of the complex cellular and molecular pathways driving heart morphogenesis and how those discoveries have provided new roads into the genetic, clinical and therapeutic management of the diseased hearts.
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