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Guzman-Espinoza M, Kim M, Ow C, Hutchins EJ. "Beyond transcription: How post-transcriptional mechanisms drive neural crest EMT". Genesis 2024; 62:e23553. [PMID: 37735882 PMCID: PMC10954587 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23553] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
The neural crest is a stem cell population that originates from the ectoderm during the initial steps of nervous system development. Neural crest cells delaminate from the neuroepithelium by undergoing a spatiotemporally regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that proceeds in a coordinated wave head-to-tail to exit from the neural tube. While much is known about the transcriptional programs and membrane changes that promote EMT, there are additional levels of gene expression control that neural crest cells exert at the level of RNA to control EMT and migration. Yet, the role of post-transcriptional regulation, and how it drives and contributes to neural crest EMT, is not well understood. In this mini-review, we explore recent advances in our understanding of the role of post-transcriptional regulation during neural crest EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariann Guzman-Espinoza
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Minyoung Kim
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Graduate Program, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cindy Ow
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erica J. Hutchins
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Oral and Craniofacial Sciences Graduate Program, School of Dentistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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2
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Merkuri F, Rothstein M, Simoes-Costa M. Histone lactylation couples cellular metabolism with developmental gene regulatory networks. Nat Commun 2024; 15:90. [PMID: 38167340 PMCID: PMC10762033 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44121-1] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryonic cells exhibit diverse metabolic states. Recent studies have demonstrated that metabolic reprogramming drives changes in cell identity by affecting gene expression. However, the connection between cellular metabolism and gene expression remains poorly understood. Here we report that glycolysis-regulated histone lactylation couples the metabolic state of embryonic cells with chromatin organization and gene regulatory network (GRN) activation. We found that lactylation marks genomic regions of glycolytic embryonic tissues, like the neural crest (NC) and pre-somitic mesoderm. Histone lactylation occurs in the loci of NC genes as these cells upregulate glycolysis. This process promotes the accessibility of active enhancers and the deployment of the NC GRN. Reducing the deposition of the mark by targeting LDHA/B leads to the downregulation of NC genes and the impairment of cell migration. The deposition of lactyl-CoA on histones at NC enhancers is supported by a mechanism that involves transcription factors SOX9 and YAP/TEAD. These findings define an epigenetic mechanism that integrates cellular metabolism with the GRNs that orchestrate embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fjodor Merkuri
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Megan Rothstein
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcos Simoes-Costa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Identification and Validation of FGF-Related Prognostic Signatures in Prostate Cancer. DISEASE MARKERS 2023; 2023:7342882. [PMID: 36865499 PMCID: PMC9974262 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7342882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Background FGF signaling is critical to controlling various cancers. Nevertheless, the functions of FGF-related genes in PCa are still unknown. Objective The objective of this study is to build a FGF-related signature that was capable of accurately predicting PCa survival and prognosis for BCR. Methods The univariate and multivariate Cox regression, infiltrating immune cells, LASSO, and GSEA analyses were carried out to build a prognostic model. Results A FGF-related signature that consists of PIK3CA and SOS1 was developed for the purpose of predicting PCa prognosis, and all patients were categorized into low- and high-risk groups. In comparison to the low-risk group, high-risk score patients had poorer BCR survival. This signature's predictive power has been investigated utilizing the AUC of the ROC curves. The risk score has been shown to be an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis. The four enriched pathways of the high-risk group were obtained by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and found to be associated with the tumorigenesis and development of PCa, including focal adhesion, TGF-β signaling pathway, adherens junction, and ECM receptor interaction. The high-risk groups had considerably higher levels of immune status and tumor immune cell infiltration, suggesting a more favorable response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. IHC found that the expression of the two FGF-related genes in the predictive signature was extremely different in PCa tissues. Conclusion To summarize, our FGF-related risk signature may effectively predict and diagnose PCa, indicating that in PCa patients, they are potential therapeutic targets and promising prognostic biomarkers.
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Keuls RA, Oh YS, Patel I, Parchem RJ. Post-transcriptional regulation in cranial neural crest cells expands developmental potential. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2212578120. [PMID: 36724256 PMCID: PMC9963983 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2212578120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental potential is progressively restricted after germ layer specification during gastrulation. However, cranial neural crest cells challenge this paradigm, as they develop from anterior ectoderm, yet give rise to both ectodermal derivatives of the peripheral nervous system and ectomesenchymal bone and cartilage. How cranial neural crest cells differentiate into multiple lineages is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that cranial neural crest cells possess a transient state of increased chromatin accessibility. We profile the spatiotemporal emergence of premigratory neural crest and find evidence of lineage bias toward either a neuronal or ectomesenchymal fate, with each expressing distinct factors from earlier stages of development. We identify the miR-302 miRNA family to be highly expressed in cranial neural crest cells and genetic deletion leads to precocious specification of the ectomesenchymal lineage. Loss of mir-302 results in reduced chromatin accessibility in the neuronal progenitor lineage of neural crest and a reduction in peripheral neuron differentiation. Mechanistically, we find that mir-302 directly targets Sox9 to slow the timing of ectomesenchymal neural crest specification and represses multiple genes involved in chromatin condensation to promote accessibility required for neuronal differentiation. Our findings reveal a posttranscriptional mechanism governed by miRNAs to expand developmental potential of cranial neural crest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Keuls
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Young Sun Oh
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Ivanshi Patel
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - Ronald J. Parchem
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
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Hutchins EJ, Gandhi S, Chacon J, Piacentino M, Bronner ME. RNA-binding protein Elavl1/HuR is required for maintenance of cranial neural crest specification. eLife 2022; 11:e63600. [PMID: 36189921 PMCID: PMC9529247 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
While neural crest development is known to be transcriptionally controlled via sequential activation of gene regulatory networks (GRNs), recent evidence increasingly implicates a role for post-transcriptional regulation in modulating the output of these regulatory circuits. Using available single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets from avian embryos to identify potential post-transcriptional regulators, we found that Elavl1, which encodes for an RNA-binding protein with roles in transcript stability, was enriched in the premigratory cranial neural crest. Perturbation of Elavl1 resulted in premature neural crest delamination from the neural tube as well as significant reduction in transcripts associated with the neural crest specification GRN, phenotypes that are also observed with downregulation of the canonical Wnt inhibitor Draxin. That Draxin is the primary target for stabilization by Elavl1 during cranial neural crest specification was shown by RNA-sequencing, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA decay measurement, and proximity ligation assays, further supporting the idea that the downregulation of neural crest specifier expression upon Elavl1 knockdown was largely due to loss of Draxin. Importantly, exogenous Draxin rescued cranial neural crest specification defects observed with Elavl1 knockdown. Thus, Elavl1 plays a critical a role in the maintenance of cranial neural crest specification via Draxin mRNA stabilization. Together, these data highlight an important intersection of post-transcriptional regulation with modulation of the neural crest specification GRN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica J Hutchins
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaUnited States
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - Shashank Gandhi
- The Miller Institute for Basic Research in Science, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Jose Chacon
- Department of Biology, School of Math and Science, California State University NorthridgeNorthridgeUnited States
| | - Michael Piacentino
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaUnited States
| | - Marianne E Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of TechnologyPasadenaUnited States
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6
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Copeland J, Wilson K, Simoes-Costa M. Micromanaging pattern formation: miRNA regulation of signaling systems in vertebrate development. FEBS J 2022; 289:5166-5175. [PMID: 34310060 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Early embryogenesis requires the establishment of fields of progenitor cells with distinct molecular signatures. A balance of intrinsic and extrinsic cues determines the boundaries of embryonic territories and pushes progenitor cells toward different fates. This process involves multiple layers of regulation, including signaling systems, transcriptional networks, and post-transcriptional control. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as undisputed regulators of developmental processes. Here, we discuss how miRNAs regulate pattern formation during vertebrate embryogenesis. We survey how miRNAs modulate the activity of signaling pathways to optimize transcriptional responses in embryonic cells. We also examine how localized RNA interference can generate spatial complexity during early development. Unraveling the complex crosstalk between miRNAs, signaling systems and cell fate decisions will be crucial for our understanding of developmental outcomes and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Copeland
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Kayla Wilson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Marcos Simoes-Costa
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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Abstract
Neural crest cells (NCCs) are a dynamic, multipotent, vertebrate-specific population of embryonic stem cells. These ectodermally-derived cells contribute to diverse tissue types in developing embryos including craniofacial bone and cartilage, the peripheral and enteric nervous systems and pigment cells, among a host of other cell types. Due to their contribution to a significant number of adult tissue types, the mechanisms that drive their formation, migration and differentiation are highly studied. NCCs have a unique ability to transition from tightly adherent epithelial cells to mesenchymal and migratory cells by altering their polarity, expression of cell-cell adhesion molecules and gaining invasive abilities. In this Review, we discuss classical and emerging factors driving NCC epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and migration, highlighting the role of signaling and transcription factors, as well as novel modifying factors including chromatin remodelers, small RNAs and post-translational regulators, which control the availability and longevity of major NCC players.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Crystal D. Rogers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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8
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Ornitz DM, Itoh N. New developments in the biology of fibroblast growth factors. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1549. [PMID: 35142107 PMCID: PMC10115509 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family is composed of 18 secreted signaling proteins consisting of canonical FGFs and endocrine FGFs that activate four receptor tyrosine kinases (FGFRs 1-4) and four intracellular proteins (intracellular FGFs or iFGFs) that primarily function to regulate the activity of voltage-gated sodium channels and other molecules. The canonical FGFs, endocrine FGFs, and iFGFs have been reviewed extensively by us and others. In this review, we briefly summarize past reviews and then focus on new developments in the FGF field since our last review in 2015. Some of the highlights in the past 6 years include the use of optogenetic tools, viral vectors, and inducible transgenes to experimentally modulate FGF signaling, the clinical use of small molecule FGFR inhibitors, an expanded understanding of endocrine FGF signaling, functions for FGF signaling in stem cell pluripotency and differentiation, roles for FGF signaling in tissue homeostasis and regeneration, a continuing elaboration of mechanisms of FGF signaling in development, and an expanding appreciation of roles for FGF signaling in neuropsychiatric diseases. This article is categorized under: Cardiovascular Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Congenital Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Cancer > Stem Cells and Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Ornitz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nobuyuki Itoh
- Kyoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
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9
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Mallick A, Xu L, Mehta S, Taylor SKB, Hosein H, Gupta BP. The FGFR4 Homolog KIN-9 Regulates Lifespan and Stress Responses in Caenorhabditis elegans. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2022; 3:866861. [PMID: 35821842 PMCID: PMC9261393 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2022.866861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) regulate diverse biological processes in eukaryotes. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a good animal model for studying the roles of FGFR signaling and its mechanism of regulation. In this study, we report that KIN-9 is an FGFR homolog in C. elegans that plays essential roles in aging and stress response maintenance. kin-9 was discovered as a target of miR-246, a microRNA that is positively regulated by the Axin family member pry-1. We found that animals lacking kin-9 function were long-lived and resistant to chemically induced stress. Furthermore, they showed a reduced expression of endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (ER-UPR) pathway genes, suggesting that kin-9 is required to maintain a normal ER-UPR. The analysis of GFP reporter-based expression in transgenic animals revealed that KIN-9 is localized in the intestine. Overall, our findings demonstrate that kin-9 is regulated by miR-246 and may function downstream of pry-1. This study prompts future investigations to understand the mechanism of miRNA-mediated FGFR function in maintaining aging and stress response processes.
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10
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Tsukano K, Yamamoto T, Watanabe T, Michiue T. Xenopus Dusp6 modulates FGF signaling precisely to pattern pre-placodal ectoderm. Dev Biol 2022; 488:81-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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11
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Antonaci M, Wheeler GN. MicroRNAs in neural crest development and neurocristopathies. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:965-974. [PMID: 35383827 PMCID: PMC9162459 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The neural crest (NC) is a vertebrate-specific migratory population of multipotent stem cells that originate during late gastrulation in the region between the neural and non-neural ectoderm. This population of cells give rise to a range of derivatives, such as melanocytes, neurons, chondrocytes, chromaffin cells, and osteoblasts. Because of this, failure of NC development can cause a variety of pathologies, often syndromic, that are globally called neurocristopathies. Many genes are known to be involved in NC development, but not all of them have been identified. In recent years, attention has moved from protein-coding genes to non-coding genes, such as microRNAs (miRNA). There is increasing evidence that these non-coding RNAs are playing roles during embryogenesis by regulating the expression of protein-coding genes. In this review, we give an introduction to miRNAs in general and then focus on some miRNAs that may be involved in NC development and neurocristopathies. This new direction of research will give geneticists, clinicians, and molecular biologists more tools to help patients affected by neurocristopathies, as well as broadening our understanding of NC biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Antonaci
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR7 7TJ, U.K
| | - Grant N. Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR7 7TJ, U.K
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12
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Abstract
Neural crest stem/progenitor cells arise early during vertebrate embryogenesis at the border of the forming central nervous system. They subsequently migrate throughout the body, eventually differentiating into diverse cell types ranging from neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system to bones of the face, portions of the heart, and pigmentation of the skin. Along the body axis, the neural crest is heterogeneous, with different subpopulations arising in the head, neck, trunk, and tail regions, each characterized by distinct migratory patterns and developmental potential. Modern genomic approaches like single-cell RNA- and ATAC-sequencing (seq) have greatly enhanced our understanding of cell lineage trajectories and gene regulatory circuitry underlying the developmental progression of neural crest cells. Here, we discuss how genomic approaches have provided new insights into old questions in neural crest biology by elucidating transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms that govern neural crest formation and the establishment of axial level identity. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Genetics, Volume 55 is November 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashank Gandhi
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA; ,
| | - Marianne E Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125, USA; ,
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Profiling NSD3-dependent neural crest gene expression reveals known and novel candidate regulatory factors. Dev Biol 2021; 475:118-130. [PMID: 33705737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The lysine methyltransferase NSD3 is required for the expression of key neural crest transcription factors and the migration of neural crest cells. Nevertheless, a complete view of the genes dependent upon NSD3 for expression and the developmental processes impacted by NSD3 in the neural crest was lacking. We used RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to profile transcripts differentially expressed after NSD3 knockdown in chick premigratory neural crest cells, identifying 674 genes. Gene Ontology and gene set enrichment analyses further support a requirement for NSD3 during neural crest development and show that NSD3 knockdown also upregulates ribosome biogenesis. To validate our results, we selected three genes not previously associated with neural crest development, Astrotactin 1 (Astn1), Dispatched 3 (Disp3), and Tropomyosin 1 (Tpm1). Using whole mount in situ hybridization, we show that premigratory neural crest cells express these genes and that NSD3 knockdown downregulates (Astn1 and Disp3) and upregulates (Tpm1) their expression, consistent with RNA-seq results. Altogether, this study identifies novel putative regulators of neural crest development and provides insight into the transcriptional consequences of NSD3 in the neural crest, with implications for cancer.
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