Nestin is a neuroepithelial target gene of thyroid transcription factor-1, a homeoprotein required for forebrain organogenesis

Nestin-Expressing Cells in the Lung: The Bad and the Good Parts

Nestin is a member of the intermediate filament family, which is expressed in a variety of stem or progenitor cells as well as in several types of malignancies. Nestin might be involved in tissue homeostasis or repair, but its expression has also been associated with processes that lead to a poor prognosis in various types of cancer. In this article, we review the literature related to the effect of nestin expression in the lung. According to most of the reports in the literature, nestin expression in lung cancer leads to an aggressive phenotype and resistance to chemotherapy as well as radiation treatments due to the upregulation of phenomena such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Furthermore, nestin may be involved in the pathogenesis of some non-cancer-related lung diseases. On the other hand, evidence also indicates that nestin-positive cells may have a role in lung homeostasis and be capable of generating various types of lung tissues. More research is necessary to establish the true value of nestin expression as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target in lung cancer in addition to its usefulness in therapeutic approaches for pulmonary diseases.

Two distinct E3 ligases, SCFFBXL19 and HECW1, degrade thyroid transcription factor 1 in normal thyroid epithelial and follicular thyroid carcinoma cells, respectively

Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) regulates the tissue-specific expression of genes. However, the molecular regulation of TTF1 in thyroid normal and carcinoma cells has not been revealed. Here we identify 2 distinct ubiquitin E3 ligases that are responsible for TTF1 degradation in normal thyroid cells and carcinoma cells, respectively. Phorbol myristate acetate induced TTF1 protein degradation in the ubiquitin-proteasome system in both HTori3 thyroid follicular epithelial cells and follicular thyroid carcinoma 133 (FTC133) cells. Lysine 151 residue was identified as a ubiquitin acceptor site within TTF1 in both cell types. Overexpression of E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 containing HECT, C2, and WW domain (HECW1) induced TTF1 degradation and ubiquitination in Htori3 cells but not in FTC133 cells. Overexpression of ubiquitin E3 ligase subunit FBXL19 increased TTF1 ubiquitination and degradation in FTC133 cells, but it had no effect on TTF1 levels in Htori3 cells. Overexpression of TTF1 increased thyroglobulin and sodium/iodide symporter mRNA levels, cell migration, and proliferation in HTori3 cells, whereas the effects were reversed by the overexpression of HECW1. This study reveals an undiscovered molecular mechanism by which TTF1 ubiquitination and degradation is regulated by different E3 ligases in thyroid normal and tumor cells.-Liu, J., Dong, S., Wang, H., Li, L., Ye, Q., Li, Y., Miao, J., Jhiang, S., Zhao, J., Zhao, Y. Two distinct E3 ligases, SCF^FBXL19 and HECW1, degrade thyroid transcription factor 1 in normal thyroid epithelial and follicular thyroid carcinoma cells, respectively.

Nkx2.1 regulates the generation of telencephalic astrocytes during embryonic development

The homeodomain transcription factor Nkx2.1 (NK2 homeobox 1) controls cell differentiation of telencephalic GABAergic interneurons and oligodendrocytes. Here we show that Nkx2.1 also regulates astrogliogenesis of the telencephalon from embryonic day (E) 14.5 to E16.5. Moreover we identify the different mechanisms by which Nkx2.1 controls the telencephalic astrogliogenesis. In Nkx2.1 knockout (Nkx2.1^−/−) mice a drastic loss of astrocytes is observed that is not related to cell death. Further, in vivo analysis using BrdU incorporation reveals that Nkx2.1 affects the proliferation of the ventral neural stem cells that generate early astrocytes. Also, in vitro neurosphere assays showed reduced generation of astroglia upon loss of Nkx2.1, which could be due to decreased precursor proliferation and possibly defects in glial specification/differentiation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis and in vitro co-transfection studies with an Nkx2.1-expressing plasmid indicate that Nkx2.1 binds to the promoter of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), primarily expressed in astrocytes, to regulate its expression. Hence, Nkx2.1 controls astroglial production spatiotemporally in embryos by regulating proliferation of the contributing Nkx2.1-positive precursors.

Expression of the stem cell marker nestin in peripheral blood of patients with melanoma

BACKGROUND

There is continued interest in markers indicative of circulating melanoma cells. Nestin is a neuroepithelial intermediate filament protein that was found to be expressed in melanoma and in various cancer stem cells.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated expression of nestin in peripheral blood of patients with melanoma.

METHODS

We analysed nestin expression by flow cytometry and by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction both in tissues (n = 23) and in blood samples (n = 102) from patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III-IV melanoma. Forty-six negative controls were also added.

RESULTS

Flow cytometry did not reveal nestin-expressing cells in peripheral blood of healthy volunteers. In patients with melanoma, however, nestin protein was expressed in a proportion of melanoma cells enriched from peripheral blood by immunomagnetic sorting. In melanoma tissue samples a significant correlation was found between mRNAs coding for nestin and tyrosinase (P = 0.001) and melan-A (P = 0.002), whereas in blood a significant correlation was observed only for tyrosinase (P = 0.015), but not for melan-A (P = 0.53). Nestin expression was higher in stage IV patients compared with stage III/IV with no evidence of disease, in patients with high tumour burden, and was positively correlated to expression of tyrosinase and melan-A.

CONCLUSIONS

Nestin was found to be an additional marker of interest for circulating melanoma cells. Prospective studies should investigate its potential added informative value in comparison with markers already in use for melanoma cell detection.

Different transcription factors regulate nestin gene expression during P19 cell neural differentiation and central nervous system development

Nestin is a molecular marker for neural progenitor cells. Rat and human nestin genes possess a central nervous system-specific enhancer within their second introns. However, the transcription factors that bind to the nestin enhancer have not been fully elucidated. Here, we show that the second intron of the mouse nestin gene is sufficient to drive reporter gene expression in the developing nervous system. The core sequence of this central nervous system-specific enhancer localizes to the 3' 320-bp region. The cis-elements for Sox and POU family transcription factors and the hormone-responsive element are essential for nestin expression during embryonic carcinoma P19 cell neural differentiation and in the developing chick neural tube. Interestingly, different transcription factors bind to the nestin enhancer at different stages of P19 cell neural differentiation and central nervous system development. Sox2 and SF1 may mediate basal nestin expression in undifferentiated P19EC cells, whereas Sox2, Brn1, and Brn2 bind to the enhancer in P19 neural progenitor cells. Similarly, in vivo, Oct1 binds to the nestin enhancer in embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) mouse embryos, and Oct1, Brn1, and Brn2 bind to this enhancer in E10.5 and E12.5 mouse embryos. Our studies therefore suggest a temporal coordination of transcription factors in determining nestin gene expression.

Expression of nestin mRNA is a differentiation marker in thyroid tumors

Nestin is a maker that identifies stem cells in some adult tissues, and its expression is believed to relate to malignancy in cancer cells. In this study, we measured the expression levels of nestin mRNA in various kinds of thyroid tumor by the real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Unexpectedly, nestin mRNA was detected in almost all differentiated thyroid tumors and normal thyroid tissues, whereas extremely decreased expression was observed in anaplastic carcinomas, which are the most malignant of the thyroid follicular cell-derived tumors. These results suggest that nestin mRNA is a differentiation marker, and its expression does not relate to malignant characteristics in thyroid tumors.

Thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1/Nkx2.1/TITF1) gene regulation in the lung

TTF-1 [thyroid transcription factor-1; also known as Nkx2.1, T/EBP (thyroid-specific-enhancer-binding protein) or TITF1] is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor essential for the morphogenesis and differentiation of the thyroid, lung and ventral forebrain. TTF-1 controls the expression of select genes in the thyroid, lung and the central nervous system. In the lung, TTF-1 controls the expression of surfactant proteins that are essential for lung stability and lung host defence. Human TTF-1 is encoded by a single gene located on chromosome 14 and is organized into two/three exons and one/two introns. Multiple transcription start sites and alternative splicing produce mRNAs with heterogeneity at the 5' end. The 3' end of the TTF-1 mRNA is characterized by a rather long untranslated region. The amino acid sequences of TTF-1 from human, rat, mouse and other species are very similar, indicating a high degree of sequence conservation. TTF-1 promoter activity is maintained by the combinatorial or co-operative actions of HNF-3 [hepatocyte nuclear factor-3; also known as FOXA (forkhead box A)], Sp (specificity protein) 1, Sp3, GATA-6 and HOXB3 (homeobox B3) transcription factors. There is limited information on the regulation of TTF-1 gene expression by hormones, cytokines and other biological agents. Glucocorticoids, cAMP and TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) have stimulatory effects on TTF-1 expression, whereas TNF-alpha (tumour necrosis factor-alpha) and ceramide have inhibitory effects on TTF-1 DNA-binding activity in lung cells. Haplo-insufficiency of TTF-1 in humans causes hypothyroidism, respiratory dysfunction and recurring pulmonary infections, underlining the importance of optimal TTF-1 levels for the maintenance of thyroid and lung function. Recent studies have implicated TTF-1 as a lineage-specific proto-oncogene for lung cancer.

Homeobox genes in vertebrate forebrain development and disease

Homeobox genes are an evolutionarily conserved class of transcription factors that are key regulators of developmental processes such as regional specification, patterning, migration and differentiation. In both mouse and humans, the developing forebrain is marked by distinct boundaries of homeobox gene expression at different developmental time points. These genes regulate the patterning of the forebrain along the dorsal/ventral and rostral/caudal axes and are also essential for the differentiation of specific neuronal subtypes. Inhibitory interneurons that arise from the ganglionic eminences and migrate tangentially to the neocortex and hippocampus are dramatically affected by mutations in several homeobox genes. In this review, we discuss the identification, expression patterns, loss- and/or gain-of-function models, and confirmed transcriptional targets for a set of homeobox genes required for the correct development of the forebrain in the mouse. In humans, mutations of homeobox genes expressed in the forebrain have been shown to result in mental retardation, epilepsy or movement disorders. The number of homeobox genes currently linked to human nervous system disease is surprisingly low, perhaps reflecting the essential functions of these genes throughout embryogenesis or the degree of functional redundancy during central nervous system development.

Cyclopamine treatment of human embryonic stem cells followed by culture in human astrocyte medium promotes differentiation into nestin- and GFAP-expressing astrocytic lineage

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are able to differentiate into various cell types, including neuronal cells and glial cells. However, little information is available regarding astrocyte differentiation. This report describes the differentiation of hESCs into nestin- and GFAP-expressing astrocytes following treatment with cyclopamine, which is an inhibitor of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, and culturing in human astrocyte medium (HAM). In hESCs, cyclopamine treatment suppressed the expression of Hh signaling molecules, the Hh signaling target gene, and ESC-specific markers. Clyclopamine also induced the differentiation of the cells at the edges of the hESC colonies, and these cells stained positively for the early neural marker nestin. Subsequent culturing in HAM promoted the expression of the astrocyte-specific marker GFAP, and these cells were also nestin-positive. These findings indicate that treatment with cyclopamine followed by culturing in HAM leads to the differentiation of hESCs into nestin- and GFAP-expressing astrocytic lineage.

Colocalization of glial fibrillary acidic protein, metallothionein, and MHC II in human, rat, NOD/SCID, and nude mouse skin keratinocytes and fibroblasts

The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) by perivascular cells of many mammalian organs suggests an as yet unknown function of this intermediate filament protein in the maintenance of homeostasis and vascular permeability at the blood-tissue interface. Although a similar situation may exist at the air-tissue interface, the cellular distribution of GFAP in skin tissue has never been demonstrated. To approach this issue, we have employed immunofluorescence and Western blotting techniques to detect GFAP in skin sections of young and adult humans, normal rodents, and two types of mutant mice, as well as in rat lung sections, and in cultured human keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Colocalization with antigens known to be associated with GFAP in other tissues was also tested. Epidermal and hair follicle keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts showed distinct staining for GFAP as well as colocalization with alpha-actin, metallothionein, and antigens of the class-II major histocompatibility complex (MHC II). GFAP was also identified in rat alveolar fibroblasts which, in common with keratinocytes, form part of the air-tissue interface. GFAP was upregulated together with MHC II in nude mice but was barely detectable in the skin of non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficiency mice, suggesting a possible involvement in antigen-presenting functions. The intriguing distribution of a common set of antigens both in certain cells of the integumentary system and at the blood-tissue interfaces of internal organs suggests the involvement of these proteins in universal mechanisms controlling tissue homeostasis and protection.

Neurogenic potential of human umbilical cord blood: neural-like stem cells depend on previous long-term culture conditions

In vitro studies conducted by our research group documented that neural progenitor cells can be selected from human umbilical cord blood (HUCB-NPs). Due to further expansion of these cells we have established the first human umbilical cord blood-derived neural-like stem cell line (HUCB-NSC) growing in serum-free (SF) or low-serum (LS) medium for over 3 years. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the neurogenic potential of HUCB-NSCs cultured in SF and LS condition in different in vitro settings before transplantation. We have shown that the number of cells attaining neuronal features was significantly higher for cultures expanded in LS than in SF condition. Moreover, the presence of neuromorphogens, cultured rat astrocytes or hippocampal slices promoted further differentiation of HUCB-NSCs into neural lineage much more effectively when the cells had derived from LS cultures. The highest response was observed in the case of co-cultures with rat primary astrocytes as well as hippocampal organotypic slices. However, the LS cells co-cultured with hippocampal slices expressed exclusively a set of early and late neuronal markers whereas no detection of cells with glial-specific markers was possible. In conclusion, certain level of stem/progenitor cell commitment is important for optimal response of HUCB-NSC on the neurogenic signals provided by surrounding environment in vitro.

Intermediate filament protein nestin is expressed in developing kidney and heart and might be regulated by the Wilms' tumor suppressor Wt1

Nestin is an intermediate filament protein originally described in neural stem cells and a variety of progenitor cells. More recently, nestin was detected in rat kidney podocytes. We show here that nestin is expressed in a developmentally regulated pattern in the kidney. Nestin was detected by immunohistochemistry in the condensing mesenchyme surrounding the ureter, in developing glomeruli, in podocytes of the adult kidney, and in a podocyte cell line. Nestin shared a striking overlap in expression with the Wilms' tumor suppressor Wt1. Nestin was significantly upregulated in a cell line with inducible Wt1 expression upon induction of Wt1. Cotransfection experiments in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) revealed stimulation of a nestin intron 2 enhancer element up to six-fold by the Wt1(-KTS) splice variant. Nestin expression was significantly reduced in an inducible mouse model of glomerular disease. This model is based on podocyte-specific overexpression of Pax2 and associated with a loss of Wt1 expression. Furthermore, also in the developing heart, nestin was found in an overlapping pattern with Wt1 in the epicardium and the forming coronary vessels. Strikingly, in the hearts of Wt1 knockout mice, nestin was barely detectable compared with the hearts of wild-type embryos. Our results show that nestin is expressed at different stages of kidney and cardiac development and suggest that its expression in these organs might be regulated by the Wilms' tumor suppressor Wt1.

Characterization and promoter analysis of the mouse nestin gene

The intermediate filament protein nestin is expressed in the neural stem cells of the developing central nervous system (CNS). Promoter analysis revealed that the minimal promoter of the mouse nestin gene resides in the region -11 to +183 of the 5'-non-coding and upstream flanking region, and that two adjacent Sp1-binding sites are necessary for promoter activity. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays (EMSA) and supershift assays showed that Sp1 and Sp3 proteins selectively bind to the upstream Sp1 site. These results demonstrate an important functionality of Sp1 and Sp3 in regulating the expression of the mouse nestin gene.

Accelerated accumulation of N- and C-terminal beta APP fragments and delayed recovery of microtubule-associated protein 1B expression following stroke in aged rats

The age-related decline in plasticity of the brain may be one factor underlying poor functional recovery after stroke. In the present work we tested the hypothesis that the attenuation of neural plasticity in old age could be the result of an altered temporal relationship between factors promoting brain plasticity [microtubule-associated protein 1B (MAP1B)] and neurotoxic factors such as C-terminal betaAPP. Focal cerebral ischemia was produced by reversible occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery in 3- and 20-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. The functional outcome was assessed in neurobehavioral tests at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days after surgery. At the indicated timepoints, brains were removed and immunostained for C- and N-terminal betaAPP and MAP1B. At 2 weeks poststroke, we found an age-related increase in the amount of the C-terminal fragment of betaAPP in the peri-infarcted area and the infarct core as well as an early, vigorous incorporation of N-terminal betaAPP into the developing astroglial scar. The recovery of the plasticity-associated protein MAP1B following stroke was delayed in both age groups and became prominent between days 14 and 28. As aged rats showed diminished functional recovery compared with young rats, these results suggest that the accumulation of C-terminal betaAPP, together with the early incorporation of N-terminal betaAPP into the glial scar, may over-ride the beneficial role of plasticity factors such as MAP1B.

Gene expression profiling reveals multiple novel intrinsic and extrinsic factors associated with axonal regeneration failure

In contrast to the regeneration-competent peripheral nervous system (PNS), lesions of nerve tracts within the central nervous system (CNS) lead to chronically impaired neuronal connections. We have analysed changes in gene expression patterns occurring as a consequence of postcommissural fornix transection at a time when spontaneous axonal growth has ceased at the lesion site. This was done in order to describe both extrinsic and intrinsic determinants of regeneration failure. Using a genomic approach we have identified a number of so far undetected factors such as bamacan and semaphorin 6B, which relate to chronic axonal growth arrest and therefore are promising candidates for lesion-induced axonal growth inhibitors. In addition, we observed that within the subiculum, where the fornix axons originate, neuronal Oct-6 was induced and NG2 was down-regulated, indicating that axotomized neurons as well as glial cells react at the level of gene expression to remote axotomy.

Aberrant trajectory of ascending dopaminergic pathway in mice lacking Nkx2.1

In the embryonic brain, the transcription factor Nkx2.1 is localized in the medial ganglionic eminence and the ventromedial part of the hypothalamus. In the present study, we examined the development of mesencephalic dopamine (DA) neuron system in mice lacking Nkx2.1. In normal mice, tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive axons from mesencephalic DA cells extended bilaterally in the lateral hypothalamus at embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) and project to the ipsilateral striatum by E14.5. In the mutant brain, mesencephalic DA cell groups appeared to develop normally, but the majority of their ascending axons were observed to cross the ventral midline of the caudal hypothalamus and project to the contralateral striatum. DiI, a fluorescent dye, placed in the ventrolateral mesencephalon of E14.5 mutant mice, further revealed that majority of DiI-labeled axons projected to the contralateral striatum, while a minor ipsilateral projection was also observed. In the ventromedial hypothalamus of mutants, the neuroepithelium of third ventricle was missing, and immunoreactivity of semaphorin 3A, a soluble type of axon repellent, which was normally localized in the neuroepithelium, was remarkably reduced. Together with the recent evidence that the expression of slit2, another axon-repellent diffusible factor, is also eliminated in the hypothalamic neuroepithelium of Nkx2.1-deficient mice, the abnormal crossing of ascending DA axons observed may be attributed to the elimination of these chemorepulsive signals in the medial part of the mutant hypothalamus.