1
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Sundaram MV, Pujol N. The Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle and precuticle: a model for studying dynamic apical extracellular matrices in vivo. Genetics 2024:iyae072. [PMID: 38995735 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyae072] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) coat the exposed surfaces of animal bodies to shape tissues, influence social interactions, and protect against pathogens and other environmental challenges. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, collagenous cuticle and zona pellucida protein-rich precuticle aECMs alternately coat external epithelia across the molt cycle and play many important roles in the worm's development, behavior, and physiology. Both these types of aECMs contain many matrix proteins related to those in vertebrates, as well as some that are nematode-specific. Extensive differences observed among tissues and life stages demonstrate that aECMs are a major feature of epithelial cell identity. In addition to forming discrete layers, some cuticle components assemble into complex substructures such as ridges, furrows, and nanoscale pillars. The epidermis and cuticle are mechanically linked, allowing the epidermis to sense cuticle damage and induce protective innate immune and stress responses. The C. elegans model, with its optical transparency, facilitates the study of aECM cell biology and structure/function relationships and all the myriad ways by which aECM can influence an organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera V Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nathalie Pujol
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 13009 Marseille, France
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2
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Vora M, Dietz J, Wing Z, Liu J, Rongo C, Savage-Dunn C. Genome-wide analysis of Smad and Schnurri transcription factors in C. elegans demonstrates widespread interaction and a function in collagen secretion. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.05.597576. [PMID: 38895257 PMCID: PMC11185707 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.05.597576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Smads and their transcription factor partners mediate the transcriptional responses of target cells to secreted ligands of the Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) family, including those of the conserved bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family, yet only a small number of direct target genes have been well characterized. In C. elegans, the BMP2/4 ortholog DBL-1 regulates multiple biological functions, including body size, via a canonical receptor-Smad signaling cascade. Here, we identify functional binding sites for SMA-3/Smad and its transcriptional partner SMA-9/Schnurri based on ChIP-seq peaks (identified by modEncode) and expression differences of nearby genes identified from RNA-seq analysis of corresponding mutants. We found that SMA-3 and SMA-9 have both overlapping and unique target genes. At a genome-wide scale, SMA-3/Smad acts as a transcriptional activator, whereas SMA-9/Schnurri direct targets include both activated and repressed genes. Mutations in sma-9 partially suppress the small body size phenotype of sma-3, suggesting some level of antagonism between these factors and challenging the prevailing model for Schnurri function. A functional analysis of target genes revealed a novel role in body size for genes involved in one-carbon metabolism and in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) secretory pathway, including the disulfide reductase dpy-11. Our findings indicate that Smads and SMA-9/Schnurri have previously unappreciated complex genetic and genomic regulatory interactions that in turn regulate the secretion of extracellular components like collagen into the cuticle to mediate body size regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehul Vora
- Waksman Institute, Dept. of Genetics, Rutgers University, NJ, USA
- ModOmics Ltd, Southampton, UK
| | - Jonathan Dietz
- Waksman Institute, Dept. of Genetics, Rutgers University, NJ, USA
| | - Zachary Wing
- Department of Biology, Queens College, CUNY, NY, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, NY, USA
| | | | - Cathy Savage-Dunn
- Department of Biology, Queens College, CUNY, NY, USA
- PhD Program in Biology, the Graduate Center, CUNY, NY, USA
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3
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Weng JW, Chen CH. Adult-specific collagen COL-19 is dispensable for contact-mediated mate recognition in Caenorhabditis elegans. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2024; 2024:10.17912/micropub.biology.001141. [PMID: 38454951 PMCID: PMC10918475 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.001141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Mate recognition in C. elegans involves the integration of multiple sensory cues to facilitate the identification of suitable mates for reproductive behaviors. The cuticle, serving as the protective outer layer enveloping the entire body, has been implicated in eliciting contact responses essential for contact-mediated mate recognition in males. However, the specific constituents of cuticular cues have yet to be identified. In this study, we investigate the potential modulatory role of adult-specific collagen COL-19 in contact-mediated mate recognition. Our study shows that the expression of COL-19 ::GFP is adult-specific and not sexually dimorphic. Knockdown of col-19 via RNAi does not affect mate attractiveness of hermaphrodites in male retention assay, as corroborated by generating two independent col-19 putative null mutants via CRISPR/Cas9. These findings suggest that col-19 does not contribute to contact-mediated mate recognition, thereby advancing our mechanistic understanding of the intricate social interactions between sexes in C. elegans .
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Wei Weng
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hao Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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4
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Teuscher AC, Statzer C, Goyala A, Domenig SA, Schoen I, Hess M, Hofer AM, Fossati A, Vogel V, Goksel O, Aebersold R, Ewald CY. Longevity interventions modulate mechanotransduction and extracellular matrix homeostasis in C. elegans. Nat Commun 2024; 15:276. [PMID: 38177158 PMCID: PMC10766642 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44409-2] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctional extracellular matrices (ECM) contribute to aging and disease. Repairing dysfunctional ECM could potentially prevent age-related pathologies. Interventions promoting longevity also impact ECM gene expression. However, the role of ECM composition changes in healthy aging remains unclear. Here we perform proteomics and in-vivo monitoring to systematically investigate ECM composition (matreotype) during aging in C. elegans revealing three distinct collagen dynamics. Longevity interventions slow age-related collagen stiffening and prolong the expression of collagens that are turned over. These prolonged collagen dynamics are mediated by a mechanical feedback loop of hemidesmosome-containing structures that span from the exoskeletal ECM through the hypodermis, basement membrane ECM, to the muscles, coupling mechanical forces to adjust ECM gene expression and longevity via the transcriptional co-activator YAP-1 across tissues. Our results provide in-vivo evidence that coordinated ECM remodeling through mechanotransduction is required and sufficient to promote longevity, offering potential avenues for interventions targeting ECM dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina C Teuscher
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Cyril Statzer
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Anita Goyala
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Seraina A Domenig
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Ingmar Schoen
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Max Hess
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Alexander M Hofer
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Fossati
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, 94158, CA, USA
| | - Viola Vogel
- Laboratory of Applied Mechanobiology, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Orcun Goksel
- Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Department of Information Technology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ruedi Aebersold
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Collin Y Ewald
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, CH-8603, Switzerland.
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5
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Venkatesh SR, Siddiqui R, Sandhu A, Ramani M, Houston IR, Watts JL, Singh V. Homeostatic control of stearoyl desaturase expression via patched-like receptor PTR-23 ensures the survival of C. elegans during heat stress. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011067. [PMID: 38109437 PMCID: PMC10727360 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Organismal responses to temperature fluctuations include an evolutionarily conserved cytosolic chaperone machinery as well as adaptive alterations in lipid constituents of cellular membranes. Using C. elegans as a model system, we asked whether adaptable lipid homeostasis is required for survival during physiologically relevant heat stress. By systematic analyses of lipid composition in worms during and before heat stress, we found that unsaturated fatty acids are reduced in heat-stressed animals. This is accompanied by the transcriptional downregulation of fatty acid desaturase enzymes encoded by fat-1, fat-3, fat-4, fat-5, fat-6, and fat-7 genes. Conversely, overexpression of the Δ9 desaturase FAT-7, responsible for the synthesis of PUFA precursor oleic acid, and supplementation of oleic acid causes accelerated death of worms during heat stress. Interestingly, heat stress causes permeability defects in the worm's cuticle. We show that fat-7 expression is reduced in the permeability defective collagen (PDC) mutant, dpy-10, known to have enhanced heat stress resistance (HSR). Further, we show that the HSR of dpy-10 animals is dependent on the upregulation of PTR-23, a patched-like receptor in the epidermis, and that PTR-23 downregulates the expression of fat-7. Consequently, abrogation of ptr-23 in wild type animals affects its survival during heat stress. This study provides evidence for the negative regulation of fatty acid desaturase expression in the soma of C. elegans via the non-canonical role of a patched receptor signaling component. Taken together, this constitutes a skin-gut axis for the regulation of lipid desaturation to promote the survival of worms during heat stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth R Venkatesh
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Ritika Siddiqui
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Anjali Sandhu
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Malvika Ramani
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Isabel R Houston
- School of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L Watts
- School of Molecular Biosciences and Center for Reproductive Biology, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Varsha Singh
- Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
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6
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Adams JRG, Pooranachithra M, Jyo EM, Zheng SL, Goncharov A, Crew JR, Kramer JM, Jin Y, Ernst AM, Chisholm AD. Nanoscale patterning of collagens in C. elegans apical extracellular matrix. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7506. [PMID: 37980413 PMCID: PMC10657453 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43058-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) are complex extracellular compartments that form important interfaces between animals and their environment. In the adult C. elegans cuticle, layers are connected by regularly spaced columnar structures known as struts. Defects in struts result in swelling of the fluid-filled medial cuticle layer ('blistering', Bli). Here we show that three cuticle collagens BLI-1, BLI-2, and BLI-6, play key roles in struts. BLI-1 and BLI-2 are essential for strut formation whereas activating mutations in BLI-6 disrupt strut formation. BLI-1, BLI-2, and BLI-6 precisely colocalize to arrays of puncta in the adult cuticle, corresponding to struts, initially deposited in diffuse stripes adjacent to cuticle furrows. They eventually exhibit tube-like morphology, with the basal ends of BLI-containing struts contact regularly spaced holes in the cuticle. Genetic interaction studies indicate that BLI strut patterning involves interactions with other cuticle components. Our results reveal strut formation as a tractable example of precise aECM patterning at the nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R G Adams
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Murugesan Pooranachithra
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Erin M Jyo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Sherry Li Zheng
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Alexandr Goncharov
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jennifer R Crew
- Northwestern University School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - James M Kramer
- Northwestern University School of Medicine, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Yishi Jin
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Andreas M Ernst
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Andrew D Chisholm
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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7
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Reich H, Savage-Dunn C. Signaling circuits and the apical extracellular matrix in aging: connections identified in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C1201-C1211. [PMID: 37721005 PMCID: PMC10861026 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00195.2023] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Numerous conserved signaling pathways play critical roles in aging, including insulin/IGF-1, TGF-β, and Wnt pathways. Some of these pathways also play prominent roles in the formation and maintenance of the extracellular matrix. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been an enduringly productive system for the identification of conserved mechanisms of biological aging. Recent studies in C. elegans highlight the regulatory circuits between conserved signaling pathways and the extracellular matrix, revealing a bidirectional relationship between these factors and providing a platform to address how regulation of and by the extracellular matrix can impact lifespan and organismal health during aging. These discoveries provide new opportunities for clinical advances and novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Reich
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, New York, United States
| | - Cathy Savage-Dunn
- Department of Biology, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, New York, United States
- PhD Program in Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York, United States
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8
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Weng JW, Park H, Valotteau C, Chen RT, Essmann CL, Pujol N, Sternberg PW, Chen CH. Body stiffness is a mechanical property that facilitates contact-mediated mate recognition in Caenorhabditis elegans. Curr Biol 2023; 33:3585-3596.e5. [PMID: 37541249 PMCID: PMC10530406 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Physical contact is prevalent in the animal kingdom to recognize suitable mates by decoding information about sex, species, and maturity. Although chemical cues for mate recognition have been extensively studied, the role of mechanical cues remains elusive. Here, we show that C. elegans males recognize conspecific and reproductive mates through short-range cues, and that the attractiveness of potential mates depends on the sex and developmental stages of the hypodermis. We find that a particular group of cuticular collagens is required for mate attractiveness. These collagens maintain body stiffness to sustain mate attractiveness but do not affect the surface properties that evoke the initial step of mate recognition, suggesting that males utilize multiple sensory mechanisms to recognize suitable mates. Manipulations of body stiffness via physical interventions, chemical treatments, and 3D-printed bionic worms indicate that body stiffness is a mechanical property for mate recognition and increases mating efficiency. Our study thus extends the repertoire of sensory cues of mate recognition in C. elegans and provides a paradigm to study the important roles of mechanosensory cues in social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Wei Weng
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University. No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Heenam Park
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Claire Valotteau
- Aix-Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, LAI, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Rui-Tsung Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University. No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Clara L Essmann
- Bio3/Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Schaenzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nathalie Pujol
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living Systems, 163 Avenue de Luminy, case 906, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Paul W Sternberg
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
| | - Chun-Hao Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University. No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, 1200 E California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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9
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Zhu Y, Li W, Dong Y, Xia C, Fu R. C. elegans Hemidesmosomes Sense Collagen Damage to Trigger Innate Immune Response in the Epidermis. Cells 2023; 12:2223. [PMID: 37759445 PMCID: PMC10526450 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The collagens are an enormous family of extracellular matrix proteins that play dominant roles in cell adhesion, migration and tissue remodeling under many physiological and pathological conditions. However, their function mechanisms in regulating innate immunity remain largely undiscovered. Here we use C. elegans epidermis as the model to address this question. The C. elegans epidermis is covered with a collagen-rich cuticle exoskeleton and can produce antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against invading pathogens or physical injury. Through an RNAi screen against collagen-encoding genes, we found that except the previously reported six DPY collagens and the BLI-1 collagen, the majority of collagens tested appear unable to trigger epidermal immune defense when damaged. Further investigation suggests that the six DPY collagens form a specific substructure, which regulates the interaction between BLI-1 and the hemidesmosome receptor MUP-4. The separation of BLI-1 with MUP-4 caused by collagen damage leads to the detachment of the STAT transcription factor-like protein STA-2 from hemidesmosomes and the induction of AMPs. Our findings uncover the mechanism how collagens are organized into a damage sensor and how the epidermis senses collagen damage to mount an immune defense.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rong Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China; (Y.Z.)
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10
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Birnbaum SK, Cohen JD, Belfi A, Murray JI, Adams JRG, Chisholm AD, Sundaram MV. The proprotein convertase BLI-4 promotes collagen secretion prior to assembly of the Caenorhabditis elegans cuticle. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010944. [PMID: 37721936 PMCID: PMC10538796 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Some types of collagens, including transmembrane MACIT collagens and C. elegans cuticle collagens, are N-terminally cleaved at a dibasic site that resembles the consensus for furin or other proprotein convertases of the subtilisin/kexin (PCSK) family. Such cleavage may release transmembrane collagens from the plasma membrane and affect extracellular matrix assembly or structure. However, the functional consequences of such cleavage are unclear and evidence for the role of specific PCSKs is lacking. Here, we used endogenous collagen fusions to fluorescent proteins to visualize the secretion and assembly of the first collagen-based cuticle in C. elegans and then tested the role of the PCSK BLI-4 in these processes. Unexpectedly, we found that cuticle collagens SQT-3 and DPY-17 are secreted into the extraembryonic space several hours before cuticle matrix assembly. Furthermore, this early secretion depends on BLI-4/PCSK; in bli-4 and cleavage-site mutants, SQT-3 and DPY-17 are not efficiently secreted and instead form large intracellular puncta. Their later assembly into cuticle matrix is reduced but not entirely blocked. These data reveal a role for collagen N-terminal processing in intracellular trafficking and the control of matrix assembly in vivo. Our observations also prompt a revision of the classic model for C. elegans cuticle matrix assembly and the pre-cuticle-to-cuticle transition, suggesting that cuticle layer assembly proceeds via a series of regulated steps and not simply by sequential secretion and deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna K. Birnbaum
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jennifer D. Cohen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Alexandra Belfi
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - John I. Murray
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jennifer R. G. Adams
- Departments of Neurobiology and Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. Chisholm
- Departments of Neurobiology and Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - Meera V. Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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11
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Ewald CY, Nyström A. Mechanotransduction through hemidesmosomes during aging and longevity. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260987. [PMID: 37522320 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemidesmosomes are structural protein complexes localized at the interface of tissues with high mechanical demand and shear forces. Beyond tissue anchoring, hemidesmosomes have emerged as force-modulating structures important for translating mechanical cues into biochemical and transcriptional adaptation (i.e. mechanotransduction) across tissues. Here, we discuss the recent insights into the roles of hemidesmosomes in age-related tissue regeneration and aging in C. elegans, mice and humans. We highlight the emerging concept of preserved dynamic mechanoregulation of hemidesmosomes in tissue maintenance and healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin Y Ewald
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Schwerzenbach CH-8603, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Nyström
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg DE-79104, Germany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), Albertstraße 19, Freiburg im Breisgau DE-79104, Germany
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12
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Zhang Q, Li Y, Jian Y, Li M, Wang X. Lysosomal chloride transporter CLH-6 protects lysosome membrane integrity via cathepsin activation. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202210063. [PMID: 37058288 PMCID: PMC10114921 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202210063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal integrity is vital for cell homeostasis, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we identify CLH-6, the C. elegans ortholog of the lysosomal Cl-/H+ antiporter ClC-7, as an important factor for protecting lysosomal integrity. Loss of CLH-6 affects lysosomal degradation, causing cargo accumulation and membrane rupture. Reducing cargo delivery or increasing CPL-1/cathepsin L or CPR-2/cathepsin B expression suppresses these lysosomal defects. Inactivation of CPL-1 or CPR-2, like CLH-6 inactivation, affects cargo digestion and causes lysosomal membrane rupture. Thus, loss of CLH-6 impairs cargo degradation, leading to membrane damage of lysosomes. In clh-6(lf) mutants, lysosomes are acidified as in wild type but contain lower chloride levels, and cathepsin B and L activities are significantly reduced. Cl- binds to CPL-1 and CPR-2 in vitro, and Cl- supplementation increases lysosomal cathepsin B and L activities. Altogether, these findings suggest that CLH-6 maintains the luminal chloride levels required for cathepsin activity, thus facilitating substrate digestion to protect lysosomal membrane integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Li
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Youli Jian
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meijiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, and Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaochen Wang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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13
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Aggad D, Brouilly N, Omi S, Essmann CL, Dehapiot B, Savage-Dunn C, Richard F, Cazevieille C, Politi KA, Hall DH, Pujol R, Pujol N. Meisosomes, folded membrane microdomains between the apical extracellular matrix and epidermis. eLife 2023; 12:e75906. [PMID: 36913486 PMCID: PMC10010689 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75906] [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: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) form a physical barrier to the environment. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the epidermal aECM, the cuticle, is composed mainly of different types of collagen, associated in circumferential ridges separated by furrows. Here, we show that in mutants lacking furrows, the normal intimate connection between the epidermis and the cuticle is lost, specifically at the lateral epidermis, where, in contrast to the dorsal and ventral epidermis, there are no hemidesmosomes. At the ultrastructural level, there is a profound alteration of structures that we term 'meisosomes,' in reference to eisosomes in yeast. We show that meisosomes are composed of stacked parallel folds of the epidermal plasma membrane, alternately filled with cuticle. We propose that just as hemidesmosomes connect the dorsal and ventral epidermis, above the muscles, to the cuticle, meisosomes connect the lateral epidermis to it. Moreover, furrow mutants present marked modifications of the biomechanical properties of their skin and exhibit a constitutive damage response in the epidermis. As meisosomes co-localise to macrodomains enriched in phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate, they could conceivably act, like eisosomes, as signalling platforms, to relay tensile information from the aECM to the underlying epidermis, as part of an integrated stress response to damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Aggad
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living SystemsMarseilleFrance
| | - Nicolas Brouilly
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living SystemsMarseilleFrance
| | - Shizue Omi
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living SystemsMarseilleFrance
| | - Clara Luise Essmann
- Department of Computer Science, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
- Bio3/Bioinformatics and Molecular Genetics, Albert-Ludwigs-UniversityFreiburgGermany
| | - Benoit Dehapiot
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living SystemsMarseilleFrance
| | - Cathy Savage-Dunn
- Department of Biology, Queens College and the Graduate Center, CUNYFlushingUnited States
| | - Fabrice Richard
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM, Turing Centre for Living SystemsMarseilleFrance
| | - Chantal Cazevieille
- INM, Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, Plateau de microscopie électronique, INSERM, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Kristin A Politi
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
| | - David H Hall
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of MedicineNew YorkUnited States
| | - Remy Pujol
- INM, Institut des Neurosciences de Montpellier, Plateau de microscopie électronique, INSERM, Université de MontpellierMontpellierFrance
| | - Nathalie Pujol
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, CNRS, CIML, Turing Centre for Living SystemsMarseilleFrance
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14
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Chandler LM, Rodriguez M, Choe KP. RNAi screening for modulators of an osmo-sensitive gene response to extracellular matrix damage reveals negative feedback and interactions with translation inhibition. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285328. [PMID: 37155688 PMCID: PMC10166495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In epidermal tissues, extracellular matrices (ECMs) function as barriers between the organism and environment. Despite being at the interface with the environment, little is known about the role of animal barrier ECMs in sensing stress and communicating with cytoprotective gene pathways in neighboring cells. We and others have identified a putative damage sensor in the C. elegans cuticle that regulates osmotic, detoxification, and innate immune response genes. This pathway is associated with circumferential collagen bands called annular furrows; mutation or loss of furrow collagens causes constitutive activation of osmotic, detoxification, and innate immune response genes. Here, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen for modulators of osmotic stress response gene gpdh-1 in a furrow collagen mutant strain. RNAi of six genes identified in this screen were tested under other conditions and for effects on other stress responses. The functions of these genes suggest negative feedback within osmolyte accumulation pathways and interactions with ATP homeostasis and protein synthesis. Loss of these gpdh-1 modulators had distinct effects on canonical detoxification and innate immune response genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke M Chandler
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Michael Rodriguez
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Keith P Choe
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
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15
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Rodriguez Mendoza V, Chandler L, Liu Z, Buddendorff L, Al-Rajhi A, Choi T, Gibb G, Harvey J, Mihalik A, Moravec S, Pilcher W, Raju V, Choe KP. Extracellular proteins OSM-7 and OSM-8 are required for stress response gene regulation at all post-embryonic stages. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000688. [PMID: 36606078 PMCID: PMC9807463 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Nematode cuticles are extracellular matrices (ECMs) that function as structural support and permeability barriers. Genetic disruption of specific cuticle collagen structures or secreted epidermal proteins in C. elegans activates stress response genes in epithelial cells suggesting the presence of an extracellular damage signaling mechanism. Cuticles are replaced during development via molting but investigations of extracellular signaling to stress responses have focused on adults. In our current study, we measured cuticle phenotypes and stress response gene expression in all post-embryonic stages of mutant strains for a collagen and two secreted epidermal proteins to gain insights into developmental patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luke Chandler
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Zhexin Liu
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | | | | | - Thine Choi
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Keith Patrick Choe
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
,
Correspondence to: Keith Patrick Choe (
)
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16
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Njume FN, Razzauti A, Soler M, Perschin V, Fazeli G, Bourez A, Delporte C, Ghogomu SM, Poelvoorde P, Pichard S, Birck C, Poterszman A, Souopgui J, Van Antwerpen P, Stigloher C, Vanhamme L, Laurent P. A lipid transfer protein ensures nematode cuticular impermeability. iScience 2022; 25:105357. [PMID: 36339267 PMCID: PMC9626681 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cuticle of C. elegans is impermeable to chemicals, toxins, and pathogens. However, increased permeability is a desirable phenotype because it facilitates chemical uptake. Surface lipids contribute to the permeability barrier. Here, we identify the lipid transfer protein GMAP-1 as a critical element setting the permeability of the C. elegans cuticle. A gmap-1 deletion mutant increases cuticular permeability to sodium azide, levamisole, Hoechst, and DiI. Expressing GMAP-1 in the hypodermis or transiently in the adults is sufficient to rescue this gmap-1 permeability phenotype. GMAP-1 protein is secreted from the hypodermis to the aqueous fluid filling the space between collagen fibers of the cuticle. In vitro, GMAP-1 protein binds phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine while in vivo, GMAP-1 sets the surface lipid composition and organization. Altogether, our results suggest GMAP-1 secreted by hypodermis shuttles lipids to the surface to form the permeability barrier of C. elegans. GMAP-1 is secreted by the hypodermis toward the cuticle of Caenorhabditis elegans GMAP-1 binds and shuttle phosphoglycerides GMAP-1 sets the lipid composition of the cuticle While healthy, gmap-1 mutant displays high cuticular permeability
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinand Ngale Njume
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Institute for Neuroscience, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Adria Razzauti
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Institute for Neuroscience, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Miguel Soler
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Institute for Neuroscience, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Veronika Perschin
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Gholamreza Fazeli
- Imaging Core Facility, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Axelle Bourez
- RD3-Pharmacognosy, Bioanalysis and Drug Discovery and Analytical Platform of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universite libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Cedric Delporte
- RD3-Pharmacognosy, Bioanalysis and Drug Discovery and Analytical Platform of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universite libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Stephen M. Ghogomu
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, Biotechnology Unit, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Philippe Poelvoorde
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Simon Pichard
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Birck
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Arnaud Poterszman
- Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Pierre Van Antwerpen
- RD3-Pharmacognosy, Bioanalysis and Drug Discovery and Analytical Platform of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universite libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | | | - Luc Vanhamme
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology and Molecular Medicine, IBMM, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Patrick Laurent
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Institute for Neuroscience, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium
- Corresponding author
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17
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Chandler LM, Choe KP. Extracellular matrix regulation of stress response genes during larval development in Caenorhabditis elegans. G3 GENES|GENOMES|GENETICS 2022; 12:6674512. [PMID: 36000892 PMCID: PMC9635657 DOI: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Mutation or loss of 6 extracellular matrix collagen genes disrupts annular furrows in adult C. elegans cuticles, causes a wide “Dumpy” body morphology, and activates osmotic, detoxification, and antimicrobial defense genes. High environmental osmolarity reduces internal turgor pressure, physically distorts the epidermis, and activates the same stress responses. Collagen gene mutations that cause Dumpy without furrow disruption do not activate stress responses. These results are consistent with an extracellular damage sensor associated with furrows in the adult cuticle that regulates environmental stress responses in adjacent cells. Several cuticle characteristics change between molts, but all stages have annular furrows and express furrow collagen genes. We compared body shape, furrow organization imaged with differential interference contrast microscopy, and stress response gene expression in furrow collagen gene mutants at all postembryonic stages. We find that most body shape and furrow disorganization phenotypes start at the L3 stage and increase in severity with each molt afterwards. Stress response genes were induced the strongest in adults, correlating with the greatest Dumpy and furrow phenotypes. Although weaker than in adults, osmolyte transporter gene hmit-1.1 and antimicrobial gene nlp-29 were also induced in some early larvae that had weak or undetectable cuticle phenotypes. Our data are consistent with progressive cuticle phenotypes in which each new cuticle is at least partially directed by organization of the former cuticle. Gene expression and cuticle data support the role of furrow disruption as a signal in L4 larvae and adults, but also suggest a role for other cuticle organization or epidermal cell effects in early larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke M Chandler
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida , Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Keith P Choe
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida , Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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18
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Wu YZ, Jiang HS, Han HF, Li PH, Lu MR, Tsai IJ, Wu YC. C. elegans BLMP-1 controls apical epidermal cell morphology by repressing expression of mannosyltransferase bus-8 and molting signal mlt-8. Dev Biol 2022; 486:96-108. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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19
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Rahimi M, Sohrabi S, Murphy CT. Novel elasticity measurements reveal C. elegans cuticle stiffens with age and in a long-lived mutant. Biophys J 2022; 121:515-524. [PMID: 35065051 PMCID: PMC8874029 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in biomechanical properties have profound impacts on human health. C. elegans might serve as a model for studying the molecular genetics of mammalian tissue decline. Previously, we found that collagens are required for insulin signaling mutants' long lifespan and that overexpression of specific collagens extends wild-type lifespan. However, whether these effects on lifespan are due to mechanical changes during aging has not yet been established. Here, we have developed two novel methods to study the cuticle: we measure mechanical properties of live animals using osmotic shock, and we directly perform the tensile test on isolated cuticles using microfluidic technology. Using these tools, we find that the cuticle, not the muscle, is responsible for changes in the "stretchiness" of C. elegans, and that cuticle stiffness is highly nonlinear and anisotropic. We also found that collagen mutations alter the integrity of the cuticle by significantly changing the elasticity. In addition, aging stiffens the cuticle under mechanical loads beyond the cuticle's healthy stretched state. Measurements of elasticity showed that long-lived daf-2 mutants were considerably better at preventing progressive mechanical changes with age. These tests of C. elegans biophysical properties suggest that the cuticle is responsible for their resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rahimi
- Department of Molecular Biology & Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - Salman Sohrabi
- Department of Molecular Biology & Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - Coleen T. Murphy
- Department of Molecular Biology & Lewis Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey,Corresponding author
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20
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Goodman MB, Savage-Dunn C. Reciprocal interactions between transforming growth factor beta signaling and collagens: Insights from Caenorhabditis elegans. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:47-60. [PMID: 34537996 PMCID: PMC8982858 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies in genetically tractable organisms such as the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have led to pioneering insights into conserved developmental regulatory mechanisms. For example, Smad signal transducers for the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily were first identified in C. elegans and in the fruit fly Drosophila. Recent studies of TGF-β signaling and the extracellular matrix (ECM) in C. elegans have forged unexpected links between signaling and the ECM, yielding novel insights into the reciprocal interactions that occur across tissues and spatial scales, and potentially providing new opportunities for the study of biomechanical regulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam B. Goodman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University, CA 94304
| | - Cathy Savage-Dunn
- Department of Biology, Queens College at the City University of New York, 11367,Correspondence to: >
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21
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Wimberly K, Choe KP. An extracellular matrix damage sensor signals through membrane-associated kinase DRL-1 to mediate cytoprotective responses in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2021; 220:6444994. [PMID: 34849856 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We and others previously identified circumferential bands of collagen named annular furrows as key components of a damage sensor in the cuticle of Caenorhabditis elegans that regulates cytoprotective genes. Mutation or loss of non-collagen secreted proteins OSM-7, OSM-8, and OSM-11 activate the same cytoprotective responses without obvious changes to the cuticle indicating that other extracellular proteins are involved. Here, we used RNAi screening to identify protein kinase DRL-1 as a key modulator of cytoprotective gene expression and stress resistance in furrow and extracellular OSM protein mutants. DRL-1 functions downstream from furrow disruption and is expressed in cells that induce cytoprotective genes. DRL-1 is not required for expression of cytoprotective genes under basal or oxidative stress conditions consistent with specificity to extracellular signals. DRL-1 was previously shown to regulate longevity via a 'Dietary Restriction-Like' state, but it functions downstream from furrow disruption by a distinct mechanism. The kinase domain of DRL-1 is related to mammalian MEKK3, and MEKK3 is recruited to a plasma membrane osmosensor complex by a scaffold protein. In C. elegans, DRL-1 contains an atypical hydrophobic C-terminus with predicted transmembrane domains and is constitutively expressed at or near the plasma membrane where it could function to receive extracellular damage signals for cells that mount cytoprotective responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keon Wimberly
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Keith P Choe
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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22
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Cohen JD, Cadena del Castillo CE, Serra ND, Kaech A, Spang A, Sundaram MV. The Caenorhabditis elegans Patched domain protein PTR-4 is required for proper organization of the precuticular apical extracellular matrix. Genetics 2021; 219:iyab132. [PMID: 34740248 PMCID: PMC8570789 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyab132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Patched-related superfamily of transmembrane proteins can transport lipids or other hydrophobic molecules across cell membranes. While the Hedgehog receptor Patched has been intensively studied, much less is known about the biological roles of other Patched-related family members. Caenorhabditis elegans has a large number of Patched-related proteins, despite lacking a canonical Hedgehog pathway. Here, we show that PTR-4 promotes the assembly of the precuticle apical extracellular matrix, a transient and molecularly distinct matrix that precedes and patterns the later collagenous cuticle or exoskeleton. ptr-4 mutants share many phenotypes with precuticle mutants, including defects in eggshell dissolution, tube shaping, alae (cuticle ridge) structure, molting, and cuticle barrier function. PTR-4 localizes to the apical side of a subset of outward-facing epithelia, in a cyclical manner that peaks when precuticle matrix is present. Finally, PTR-4 is required to limit the accumulation of the lipocalin LPR-3 and to properly localize the Zona Pellucida domain protein LET-653 within the precuticle. We propose that PTR-4 transports lipids or other hydrophobic components that help to organize the precuticle and that the cuticle and molting defects seen in ptr-4 mutants result at least in part from earlier disorganization of the precuticle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer D Cohen
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | | | - Nicholas D Serra
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Andres Kaech
- Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis, University of Zürich, 8006 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Anne Spang
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Meera V Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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23
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Huang Y, Wu J, Chen X, Tong D, Zhou J, Wu F, Zhang H, Yang Y, Ma G, Du A. A Zinc Metalloprotease nas-33 Is Required for Molting and Survival in Parasitic Nematode Haemonchus contortus. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:695003. [PMID: 34327203 PMCID: PMC8313830 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.695003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Molting is of great importance for the survival and development of nematodes. Nematode astacins (NAS), a large family of zinc metalloproteases, have been proposed as novel anthelmintic targets due to their multiple roles in biological processes of parasitic nematodes. In this study, we report a well conserved nas-33 gene in nematodes of clade V and elucidate how this gene is involved in the molting process of the free-living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans and the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus. A predominant transcription of nas-33 is detected in the larval stages of these worms, particularly in the molting process. Knockdown of this gene results in marked molecular changes of genes involved in cuticle synthesis and ecdysis, compromised shedding of the old cuticle, and reduced worm viability in H. contortus. The crucial role of nas-33 in molting is closely associated with a G protein beta subunit (GPB-1). Suppression of both nas-33 and gpb-1 blocks shedding of the old cuticle, compromises the connection between the cuticle and hypodermis, and leads to an increased number of sick and dead worms, indicating essentiality of this module in nematode development and survival. These findings reveal the functional role of nas-33 in nematode molting process and identify astacins as novel anthelmintic targets for parasitic nematodes of socioeconomic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueqiu Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danni Tong
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingru Zhou
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Wu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guangxu Ma
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Aifang Du
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Njom VS, Winks T, Diallo O, Lowe A, Behnke J, Dickman MJ, Duce I, Johnstone I, Buttle DJ. The effects of plant cysteine proteinases on the nematode cuticle. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:302. [PMID: 34090505 PMCID: PMC8180098 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04800-8] [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: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plant-derived cysteine proteinases of the papain family (CPs) attack nematodes by digesting the cuticle, leading to rupture and death of the worm. The nematode cuticle is composed of collagens and cuticlins, but the specific molecular target(s) for the proteinases have yet to be identified. METHODS This study followed the course of nematode cuticle disruption using immunohistochemistry, scanning electron microscopy and proteomics, using a free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans and the murine GI nematode Heligmosomoides bakeri (H. polygyrus) as target organisms. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry indicated that DPY-7 collagen is a target for CPs on the cuticle of C. elegans. The time course of loss of DPY-7 from the cuticle allowed us to use it to visualise the process of cuticle disruption. There was a marked difference in the time course of damage to the cuticles of the two species of nematode, with H. bakeri being more rapidly hydrolysed. In general, the CPs' mode of attack on the nematode cuticle was by degrading the structural proteins, leading to loss of integrity of the cuticle, and finally death of the nematode. Proteomic analysis failed conclusively to identify structural targets for CPs, but preliminary data suggested that COL-87 and CUT-19 may be important targets for the CPs, the digestion of which may contribute to cuticle disruption and death of the worm. Cuticle globin was also identified as a cuticular target. The presence of more than one target protein may slow the development of resistance against this new class of anthelmintic. CONCLUSIONS Scanning electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry allowed the process of disruption of the cuticle to be followed with time. Cuticle collagens and cuticlins are molecular targets for plant cysteine proteinases. However, the presence of tyrosine cross-links in nematode cuticle proteins seriously impeded protein identification by proteomic analyses. Multiple cuticle targets exist, probably making resistance to this new anthelmintic slow to develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor S Njom
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.,Department of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, 1660, PMB, Nigeria
| | - Tim Winks
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.,Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, S1 1WB, UK
| | - Oumu Diallo
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.,Department of Biosciences and Chemistry, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, S1 1WB, UK
| | - Ann Lowe
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Jerzy Behnke
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Mark J Dickman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, ChELSI Institute, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S1 3JD, UK
| | - Ian Duce
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Iain Johnstone
- Department of Life Sciences and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David J Buttle
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, S10 2RX, UK.
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25
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Rashtchian S, Youssef K, Rezai P, Tabatabaei N. High-speed label-free confocal microscopy of Caenorhabditis elegans with near infrared spectrally encoded confocal microscopy. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 12:3607-3618. [PMID: 34221682 PMCID: PMC8221957 DOI: 10.1364/boe.427685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is an optically transparent nematode that shares many gene orthologs and homologs with humans. C. elegans are widely used in large populations for genetic studies relevant to human biology and disease. Success of such studies frequently relies on the ability to image C. elegans structure at high-resolution and high-speed. In this manuscript, we report on the feasibility and suitability of a high-speed variant of reflectance confocal microscopy, known as spectrally encoded confocal microscopy (SECM), for label-free imaging of C. elegans. The developed system utilizes near-infrared illumination in conjunction with refractive and diffractive optics to instantaneously image a confocal image line at a speed of up to 147 kHz with lateral and axial resolutions of 2µm and 10µm, respectively. Our imaging results from wild-type C. elegans and four mutant strains (MT2124, MT1082, CB61, and CB648) demonstrate the ability of SECM in revealing the overall geometry, key internal organs, and mutation-induced structural variations, opening the door for downstream integration of SECM in microfluidic platforms for high throughput structural imaging of C. elegans.
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26
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Chiyoda H, Kume M, del Castillo CC, Kontani K, Spang A, Katada T, Fukuyama M. Caenorhabditis elegans PTR/PTCHD PTR-18 promotes the clearance of extracellular hedgehog-related protein via endocytosis. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009457. [PMID: 33872306 PMCID: PMC8104386 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatiotemporal restriction of signaling plays a critical role in animal development and tissue homeostasis. All stem and progenitor cells in newly hatched C. elegans larvae are quiescent and capable of suspending their development until sufficient food is supplied. Here, we show that ptr-18, which encodes the evolutionarily conserved patched-related (PTR)/patched domain-containing (PTCHD) protein, temporally restricts the availability of extracellular hedgehog-related protein to establish the capacity of progenitor cells to maintain quiescence. We found that neural progenitor cells exit from quiescence in ptr-18 mutant larvae even when hatched under starved conditions. This unwanted reactivation depended on the activity of a specific set of hedgehog-related grl genes including grl-7. Unexpectedly, neither PTR-18 nor GRL-7 were expressed in newly hatched wild-type larvae. Instead, at the late embryonic stage, both PTR-18 and GRL-7 proteins were first localized around the apical membrane of hypodermal and neural progenitor cells and subsequently targeted for lysosomal degradation before hatching. Loss of ptr-18 caused a significant delay in GRL-7 clearance, causing this protein to be retained in the extracellular space in newly hatched ptr-18 mutant larvae. Furthermore, the putative transporter activity of PTR-18 was shown to be required for the appropriate function of the protein. These findings not only uncover a previously undescribed role of PTR/PTCHD in the clearance of extracellular hedgehog-related proteins via endocytosis-mediated degradation but also illustrate that failure to temporally restrict intercellular signaling during embryogenesis can subsequently compromise post-embryonic progenitor cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohisa Chiyoda
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kume
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Kenji Kontani
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Anne Spang
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Toshiaki Katada
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Fukuyama
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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27
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Sandhu A, Badal D, Sheokand R, Tyagi S, Singh V. Specific collagens maintain the cuticle permeability barrier in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2021; 217:iyaa047. [PMID: 33789349 PMCID: PMC8045729 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyaa047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Collagen-enriched cuticle forms the outermost layer of skin in nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. The nematode's genome encodes 177 collagens, but little is known about their role in maintaining the structure or barrier function of the cuticle. In this study, we found six permeability determining (PD) collagens. Loss of any of these PD collagens-DPY-2, DPY-3, DPY-7, DPY-8, DPY-9, and DPY-10-led to enhanced susceptibility of nematodes to paraquat (PQ) and antihelminthic drugs- levamisole and ivermectin. Upon exposure to PQ, PD collagen mutants accumulated more PQ and incurred more damage and death despite the robust activation of antioxidant machinery. We find that BLMP-1, a zinc finger transcription factor, maintains the barrier function of the cuticle by regulating the expression of PD collagens. We show that the permeability barrier maintained by PD collagens acts in parallel to FOXO transcription factor DAF-16 to enhance survival of insulin-like receptor mutant, daf-2. In all, this study shows that PD collagens regulate cuticle permeability by maintaining the structure of C. elegans cuticle and thus provide protection against exogenous toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Sandhu
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Divakar Badal
- Center for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Riya Sheokand
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Shalini Tyagi
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Varsha Singh
- Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
- Center for Biosystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
- Lead contact
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28
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Wang M, Witvliet D, Wu M, Kang L, Shao Z. Temperature regulates synaptic subcellular specificity mediated by inhibitory glutamate signaling. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009295. [PMID: 33428618 PMCID: PMC7822552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors such as temperature affect neuronal activity and development. However, it remains unknown whether and how they affect synaptic subcellular specificity. Here, using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans AIY interneurons as a model, we found that high cultivation temperature robustly induces defects in synaptic subcellular specificity through glutamatergic neurotransmission. Furthermore, we determined that the functional glutamate is mainly released by the ASH sensory neurons and sensed by two conserved inhibitory glutamate-gated chloride channels GLC-3 and GLC-4 in AIY. Our work not only presents a novel neurotransmission-dependent mechanism underlying the synaptic subcellular specificity, but also provides a potential mechanistic insight into high-temperature-induced neurological defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Daniel Witvliet
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mengting Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Kang
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurosurgery of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiyong Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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29
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Wang C, Yang Y, Fu R, Zhu Y, Zhang H. Periodic subcellular structures undergo long-range synchronized reorganization during C. elegans epidermal development. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs246793. [PMID: 33033182 PMCID: PMC10682509 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.246793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Periodic pattern formation on the cellular and tissue scale is an important process and has been extensively studied. However, periodic pattern formation at the subcellular level still remains poorly understood. The C. elegans epidermis displays a highly ordered parallel stripe pattern as part of its subcellular structure, making it an ideal model to study the formation and reorganization of periodic patterns within cells. Here, we show that the initial formation of periodic striped patterns in the C. elegans epidermis is dependent on actin and spectrin, and requires the apical membrane attachment structures for maintenance. The periodic subcellular structures do not accommodate cell growth by continuously making new stripes. Instead, they increase the number of stripes by going through one round of uniform duplication, which is independent of the increasing epidermal length or the developmental cycles. This long-range synchronized reorganization of subcellular structures is achieved by physical links established by extracellular collagens together with extension forces generated from epidermal cell growth. Our studies uncover a novel strategy employed by evenly spaced and interlinked subcellular structures to maintain their integrity and equidistribution during cell growth and tissue development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yuyan Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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30
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Fu R, Huang Z, Li H, Zhu Y, Zhang H. A Hemidesmosome-to-Cytoplasm Translocation of Small Heat Shock Proteins Provides Immediate Protection against Heat Stress. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108410. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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31
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Cohen JD, Sundaram MV. C. elegans Apical Extracellular Matrices Shape Epithelia. J Dev Biol 2020; 8:E23. [PMID: 33036165 PMCID: PMC7712855 DOI: 10.3390/jdb8040023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Apical extracellular matrices (aECMs) coat exposed surfaces of epithelia to shape developing tissues and protect them from environmental insults. Despite their widespread importance for human health, aECMs are poorly understood compared to basal and stromal ECMs. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contains a variety of distinct aECMs, some of which share many of the same types of components (lipids, lipoproteins, collagens, zona pellucida domain proteins, chondroitin glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans) with mammalian aECMs. These aECMs include the eggshell, a glycocalyx-like pre-cuticle, both collagenous and chitin-based cuticles, and other understudied aECMs of internal epithelia. C. elegans allows rapid genetic manipulations and live imaging of fluorescently-tagged aECM components, and is therefore providing new insights into aECM structure, trafficking, assembly, and functions in tissue shaping.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Meera V. Sundaram
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine 415 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6145, USA;
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32
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Noble LM, Miah A, Kaur T, Rockman MV. The Ancestral Caenorhabditis elegans Cuticle Suppresses rol-1. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2020; 10:2385-2395. [PMID: 32423919 PMCID: PMC7341120 DOI: 10.1534/g3.120.401336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Genetic background commonly modifies the effects of mutations. We discovered that worms mutant for the canonical rol-1 gene, identified by Brenner in 1974, do not roll in the genetic background of the wild strain CB4856. Using linkage mapping, association analysis and gene editing, we determined that N2 carries an insertion in the collagen gene col-182 that acts as a recessive enhancer of rol-1 rolling. From population and comparative genomics, we infer the insertion is derived in N2 and related laboratory lines, likely arising during the domestication of Caenorhabditis elegans, and breaking a conserved protein. The ancestral version of col-182 also modifies the phenotypes of four other classical cuticle mutant alleles, and the effects of natural genetic variation on worm shape and locomotion. These results underscore the importance of genetic background and the serendipity of Brenner's choice of strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke M Noble
- Institut de Biologie, École Normale Supérieure, CNRS 8197, Inserm U1024, PSL Research University, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Asif Miah
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, NY, 10003
| | - Taniya Kaur
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, NY, 10003
| | - Matthew V Rockman
- Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, Department of Biology, New York University, NY, 10003
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33
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Miao R, Li M, Zhang Q, Yang C, Wang X. An ECM-to-Nucleus Signaling Pathway Activates Lysosomes for C. elegans Larval Development. Dev Cell 2020; 52:21-37.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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34
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Zhang Y, Qi L, Zhang H. TGFβ-like DAF-7 acts as a systemic signal for autophagy regulation in C. elegans. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:3998-4006. [PMID: 31658998 PMCID: PMC6891079 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201907196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to stress conditions, autophagy activity in multicellular organisms is systemically modulated to ensure maintenance of cellular homeostasis at an organismal level. Very little is known about the intercellular signals that elicit the long-range organism-wide autophagy response. Here we showed that during Caenorhabditis elegans development, loss of cuticle annular furrow collagens elicits autophagy in the hypodermis, intestine, and muscle. The cilia of sensory neurons with cuticle-localized endings are essential for triggering this systemic response. The TGFβ-like molecule DAF-7, which is secreted in part from a specific pair of ciliated neurons, acts as a systemic factor that activates a canonical TGFβ signaling pathway in distant tissues to induce autophagy. We also showed that AAK-2/AMPK and the STAT-like protein STA-2 act differentially in different tissues for autophagy activation. Our study reveals a circuit that senses and transduces the signal from the damaged cuticle to activate systemic autophagy during animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Linxiang Qi
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China .,College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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35
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Scolaro G, Bridges K, Curry S, Jacobson S, LoPresti M, Pappas K, Ramirez N, Savigne L, Sherman S, Upshaw K, Walsh E, Choe K. Increased expression of pgph-1, T23F2.4, and cyp-14A5 in C. elegans dpy-7 mutants and by high salt. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2019; 2019. [PMID: 32550434 PMCID: PMC7252310 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Scolaro
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Kelsey Bridges
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Shayla Curry
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Stephanie Jacobson
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Marissa LoPresti
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Katina Pappas
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Nicolas Ramirez
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Lindsay Savigne
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Sarah Sherman
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Katherine Upshaw
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Erin Walsh
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
| | - Keith Choe
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611
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36
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A Damage Sensor Associated with the Cuticle Coordinates Three Core Environmental Stress Responses in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2018; 208:1467-1482. [PMID: 29487136 PMCID: PMC5887142 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.300827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although extracellular matrices function as protective barriers to many types of environmental insult, their role in sensing stress and regulating adaptive gene induction responses has not been studied carefully... Extracellular matrix barriers and inducible cytoprotective genes form successive lines of defense against chemical and microbial environmental stressors. The barrier in nematodes is a collagenous extracellular matrix called the cuticle. In Caenorhabditis elegans, disruption of some cuticle collagen genes activates osmolyte and antimicrobial response genes. Physical damage to the epidermis also activates antimicrobial responses. Here, we assayed the effect of knocking down genes required for cuticle and epidermal integrity on diverse cellular stress responses. We found that disruption of specific bands of collagen, called annular furrows, coactivates detoxification, hyperosmotic, and antimicrobial response genes, but not other stress responses. Disruption of other cuticle structures and epidermal integrity does not have the same effect. Several transcription factors act downstream of furrow loss. SKN-1/Nrf and ELT-3/GATA are required for detoxification, SKN-1/Nrf is partially required for the osmolyte response, and STA-2/Stat and ELT-3/GATA for antimicrobial gene expression. Our results are consistent with a cuticle-associated damage sensor that coordinates detoxification, hyperosmotic, and antimicrobial responses through overlapping, but distinct, downstream signaling.
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37
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Lipocalins Are Required for Apical Extracellular Matrix Organization and Remodeling in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2017; 207:625-642. [PMID: 28842397 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A lipid and glycoprotein-rich apical extracellular matrix (aECM) or glycocalyx lines exposed membranes in the body, and is particularly important to protect narrow tube integrity. Lipocalins ("fat cups") are small, secreted, cup-shaped proteins that bind and transport lipophilic cargo and are often found in luminal or aECM compartments such as mammalian plasma, urine, or tear film. Although some lipocalins can bind known aECM lipids and/or matrix metalloproteinases, it is not known if and how lipocalins affect aECM structure due to challenges in visualizing the aECM in most systems. Here we show that two Caenorhabditiselegans lipocalins, LPR-1 and LPR-3, have distinct functions in the precuticular glycocalyx of developing external epithelia. LPR-1 moves freely through luminal compartments, while LPR-3 stably localizes to a central layer of the membrane-anchored glycocalyx, adjacent to the transient zona pellucida domain protein LET-653 Like LET-653 and other C. elegans glycocalyx components, these lipocalins are required to maintain the patency of the narrow excretory duct tube, and also affect multiple aspects of later cuticle organization. lpr-1 mutants cannot maintain a continuous excretory duct apical domain and have misshapen cuticle ridges (alae) and abnormal patterns of cuticular surface lipid staining. lpr-3 mutants cannot maintain a passable excretory duct lumen, properly degrade the eggshell, or shed old cuticle during molting, and they lack cuticle barrier function. Based on these phenotypes, we infer that both LPR-1 and LPR-3 are required to build a properly organized aECM, while LPR-3 additionally is needed for aECM clearance and remodeling. The C. elegans glycocalyx provides a powerful system, amenable to both genetic analysis and live imaging, for investigating how lipocalins and lipids affect aECM structure.
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38
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Lažetić V, Fay DS. Molting in C. elegans. WORM 2017; 6:e1330246. [PMID: 28702275 DOI: 10.1080/21624054.2017.1330246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Molting is an essential developmental process for the majority of animal species on Earth. During the molting process, which is a specialized form of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, the old apical ECM, or cuticle, is replaced with a new one. Many of the genes and pathways identified as important for molting in nematodes are highly conserved in vertebrates and include regulators and components of vesicular trafficking, steroid-hormone signaling, developmental timers, and hedgehog-like signaling. In this review, we discuss what is known about molting, with a focus on studies in Caenorhabditis elegans. We also describe the key structural elements of the cuticle that must be released, newly synthesized, or remodeled for proper molting to occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Lažetić
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
| | - David S Fay
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, USA
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39
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Essmann CL, Elmi M, Shaw M, Anand GM, Pawar VM, Srinivasan MA. In-vivo high resolution AFM topographic imaging of Caenorhabditis elegans reveals previously unreported surface structures of cuticle mutants. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2016; 13:183-189. [PMID: 27702605 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2016.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful method for topographic imaging of surfaces with nanometer resolution. AFM offers significant advantages over scanning electron microscopy (SEM) including the acquisition of quantitative 3D-images and biomechanical information. More importantly, for in-vivo biological imaging, AFM does not require sample dehydration/labeling. We show for the first time high-resolution topographical images of the cuticle of the model organism C. elegans under physiological conditions using AFM. C. elegans is used extensively for drug screening and to study pathogen adherence in innate immunity; both applications highly depend on the integrity of the nematode's cuticle. Mutations affecting both drug adsorption and pathogen clearance have been proposed to relate to changes in the cuticle structure, but never visually examined in high resolution. In this study we use AFM to visualize the topography of wild-type adult C. elegans as well as several cuticle collagen mutants and describe previously unseen anatomical differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara L Essmann
- UCL TouchLab, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Muna Elmi
- UCL TouchLab, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mike Shaw
- UCL TouchLab, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK; Analytical Science Division, National Physical Laboratory, UK
| | - Giridhar M Anand
- UCL TouchLab, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Vijay M Pawar
- UCL TouchLab, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mandayam A Srinivasan
- UCL TouchLab, Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, UK; MIT Touchlab, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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40
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Chapin HC, Okada M, Merz AJ, Miller DL. Tissue-specific autophagy responses to aging and stress in C. elegans. Aging (Albany NY) 2016; 7:419-34. [PMID: 26142908 PMCID: PMC4505168 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cellular function relies on a balance between protein synthesis and breakdown. Macromolecular breakdown through autophagy is broadly required for cellular and tissue development, function, and recovery from stress. While Caenorhabditis elegans is frequently used to explore cellular responses to development and stress, the most common assays for autophagy in this system lack tissue-level resolution. Different tissues within an organism have unique functional characteristics and likely vary in their reliance on autophagy under different conditions. To generate a tissue-specific map of autophagy in C. elegans we used a dual fluorescent protein (dFP) tag that releases monomeric fluorescent protein (mFP) upon arrival at the lysosome. Tissue-specific expression of dFP::LGG-1 revealed autophagic flux in all tissues, but mFP accumulation was most dramatic in the intestine. We also observed variable responses to stress: starvation increased autophagic mFP release in all tissues, whereas anoxia primarily increased intestinal autophagic flux. We observed autophagic flux with tagged LGG-1, LGG-2, and two autophagic cargo reporters: a soluble cytoplasmic protein, and mitochondrial TOMM-7. Finally, an increase in mFP in older worms was consistent with an age-dependent shift in proteostasis. These novel measures of autophagic flux in C. elegans reveal heterogeneity in autophagic response across tissues during stress and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Chapin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Megan Okada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Alexey J Merz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Dana L Miller
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Wang M, Wang D, Zhang X, Wang X, Liu W, Hou X, Huang X, Xie B, Cheng X. Double-stranded RNA-mediated interference of dumpy genes in Bursaphelenchus xylophilus by feeding on filamentous fungal transformants. Int J Parasitol 2016; 46:351-60. [PMID: 26953254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a valuable tool for studying gene function in vivo and provides a functional genomics platform in a wide variety of organisms. The pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is a prominent invasive plant-parasitic nematode and has become a serious worldwide threat to forest ecosystems. Presently, the complete genome sequence of B. xylophilus has been published, and research involving genome-wide functional analyses is likely to increase. In this study, we describe the construction of an effective silencing vector, pDH-RH, which contains a transcriptional unit for a hairpin loop structure. Utilising this vector, double-stranded (ds)RNAs with sequences homologous to the target genes can be expressed in a transformed filamentous fungus via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation technology, and can subsequently induce the knockdown of target gene mRNA expression in B. xylophilus by allowing the nematode to feed on the fungal transformants. Four dumpy genes (Bx-dpy-2, 4, 10 and 11) were used as targets to detect RNAi efficiency. By allowing the nematode to feed on target gene-transformed Fusarium oxysporum strains, target transcripts were knocked down 34-87% compared with those feeding on the wild-type strain as determined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Morphological RNAi phenotypes were observed, displaying obviously reduced body length; weak dumpy or small (short and thin) body size; or general abnormalities. Moreover, compensatory regulation and non-specific silencing of dpy genes were found in B. xylophilus. Our results indicate that RNAi delivery by feeding in B. xylophilus is a successful technique. This platform may provide a new opportunity for undertaking RNAi-based, genome-wide gene functional studies in vitro in B. xylophilus. Moreover, as B. xylophilus feeds on endophytic fungi when a host has died, RNAi feeding technology will offer the prospect for developing a novel control strategy for the nematode. Furthermore, this platform may also be applicable to other parasitic nematodes that have a facultative, fungivorous habit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Diandong Wang
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China; Yangtze Normal University, Chongqing 408100, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xu Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wencui Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaomeng Hou
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Xiaoyin Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Bingyan Xie
- Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Xinyue Cheng
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Beijing 100875, China.
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42
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Ruan L, Crickmore N, Peng D, Sun M. Are nematodes a missing link in the confounded ecology of the entomopathogen Bacillus thuringiensis? Trends Microbiol 2015; 23:341-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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43
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Structural damage in the C. elegans epidermis causes release of STA-2 and induction of an innate immune response. Immunity 2015; 42:309-320. [PMID: 25692704 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2015.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The epidermis constantly encounters invasions that disrupt its architecture, yet whether the epidermal immune system utilizes damaged structures as danger signals to activate self-defense is unclear. Here, we used a C. elegans epidermis model in which skin-penetrating infection or injury activates immune defense and antimicrobial peptide (AMP) production. By systemically disrupting each architectural component, we found that only disturbance of the apical hemidesmosomes triggered an immune response and robust AMP expression. The epidermis recognized structural damage through hemidesmosomes associated with a STAT-like protein, whose disruption led to detachment of STA-2 molecules from hemidesmosomes and transcription of AMPs. This machinery enabled the epidermis to bypass certain signaling amplification and directly trigger AMP production when subjected to extensive architectural damage. Together, our findings uncover an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for the epithelial barriers to detect danger and activate immune defense.
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Abstract
Neuronal wiring during development requires that the growth cones of axons and dendrites are correctly guided to their appropriate targets. As in other animals, axon growth cones in Caenorhabditis elegans integrate information in their extracellular environment via interactions among transiently expressed cell surface receptors, their ligands, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Components of the ECM undergo a wide variety of post-translational modifications that may affect efficacy of binding to neuronal guidance molecules. The most common modification of the ECM is prolyl 4-hydroxylation. However, little is known of its importance in the control of axon guidance. In a screen of prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H) mutants, we found that genetic removal of a specific P4H subunit, DPY-18, causes dramatic defects in C. elegans neuroanatomy. In dpy-18 mutant animals, the axons of specific ventral nerve cord neurons do not respect the ventral midline boundary and cross over to the contralateral axon fascicle. We found that these defects are independent of the known role of dpy-18 in regulating body size and that dpy-18 acts from multiple tissues to regulate axon guidance. Finally, we found that the neuronal defects in dpy-18 mutant animals are dependent on the expression of muscle-derived basement membrane collagens and motor neuron-derived ephrin ligands. Loss of dpy-18 causes dysregulated ephrin expression and this is at least partially responsible for the neurodevelopmental defects observed. Together, our data suggest that DPY-18 regulates ephrin expression to direct axon guidance, a role for P4Hs that may be conserved in higher organisms.
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45
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Hendriks GJ, Gaidatzis D, Aeschimann F, Großhans H. Extensive oscillatory gene expression during C. elegans larval development. Mol Cell 2014; 53:380-92. [PMID: 24440504 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2013.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Revised: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Oscillations are a key to achieving dynamic behavior and thus occur in biological systems as diverse as the beating heart, defecating worms, and nascent somites. Here we report pervasive, large-amplitude, and phase-locked oscillations of gene expression in developing C. elegans larvae, caused by periodic transcription. Nearly one fifth of detectably expressed transcripts oscillate with an 8 hr period, and hundreds change >10-fold. Oscillations are important for molting but occur in all phases, implying additional functions. Ribosome profiling reveals that periodic mRNA accumulation causes rhythmic translation, potentially facilitating transient protein accumulation as well as coordinated production of stable, complex structures such as the cuticle. Finally, large-amplitude oscillations in RNA sampled from whole worms indicate robust synchronization of gene expression programs across cells and tissues, suggesting that these oscillations will be a powerful new model to study coordinated gene expression in an animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gert-Jan Hendriks
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dimos Gaidatzis
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Florian Aeschimann
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Helge Großhans
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland.
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46
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Wei Q, Shen Y, Chen X, Shifman Y, Ellis RE. Rapid creation of forward-genetics tools for C. briggsae using TALENs: lessons for nonmodel organisms. Mol Biol Evol 2013; 31:468-73. [PMID: 24194560 PMCID: PMC3907053 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/mst213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although evolutionary studies of gene function often rely on RNA interference, the ideal approach would use reverse genetics to create null mutations for cross-species comparisons and forward genetics to identify novel genes in each species. We have used transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) to facilitate both approaches in Caenorhabditis nematodes. First, by combining golden gate cloning and TALEN technology, we can induce frameshifting mutations in any gene. Second, by combining this approach with bioinformatics we can predict and create the resources needed for forward genetic analysis in species like Caenorhabditis briggsae. Although developing genetic model organisms used to require years to isolate marker mutations, balancers, and tools, with TALENs, these reagents can now be produced in months. Furthermore, the analysis of nonsense mutants in related model organisms allows a directed approach for making these markers and tools. When used together, these methods could simplify the adaptation of other organisms for forward and reverse genetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wei
- Graduate School of the Biomedical Sciences, Rowan University
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47
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Choe KP. Physiological and molecular mechanisms of salt and water homeostasis in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2013; 305:R175-86. [PMID: 23739341 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00109.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular salt and water homeostasis is essential for all cellular life. Extracellular salt and water homeostasis is also important for multicellular organisms. Many fundamental mechanisms of compensation for osmotic perturbations are well defined and conserved. Alternatively, molecular mechanisms of detecting salt and water imbalances and regulating compensatory responses are generally poorly defined for animals. Throughout the last century, researchers studying vertebrates and vertebrate cells made critical contributions to our understanding of osmoregulation, especially mechanisms of salt and water transport and organic osmolyte accumulation. Researchers have more recently started using invertebrate model organisms with defined genomes and well-established methods of genetic manipulation to begin defining the genes and integrated regulatory networks that respond to osmotic stress. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is well suited to these studies. Here, I introduce osmoregulatory mechanisms in this model, discuss experimental advantages and limitations, and review important findings. Key discoveries include defining genetic mechanisms of osmolarity sensing in neurons, identifying protein damage as a sensor and principle determinant of hypertonic stress resistance, and identification of a putative sensor for hypertonic stress associated with the extracellular matrix. Many of these processes and pathways are conserved and, therefore, provide new insights into salt and water homeostasis in other animals, including mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith P Choe
- Department of Biology and Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
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Moribe H, Konakawa R, Koga D, Ushiki T, Nakamura K, Mekada E. Tetraspanin is required for generation of reactive oxygen species by the dual oxidase system in Caenorhabditis elegans. PLoS Genet 2012; 8:e1002957. [PMID: 23028364 PMCID: PMC3447965 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are toxic but essential molecules responsible for host defense and cellular signaling. Conserved NADPH oxidase (NOX) family enzymes direct the regulated production of ROS. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generated by dual oxidases (DUOXs), a member of the NOX family, is crucial for innate mucosal immunity. In addition, H2O2 is required for cellular signaling mediated by protein modifications, such as the thyroid hormone biosynthetic pathway in mammals. In contrast to other NOX isozymes, the regulatory mechanisms of DUOX activity are less understood. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, we demonstrate that the tetraspanin protein is required for induction of the DUOX signaling pathway in conjunction with the dual oxidase maturation factor (DUOXA). In the current study, we show that genetic mutation of DUOX (bli-3), DUOXA (doxa-1), and peroxidase (mlt-7) in C. elegans causes the same defects as a tetraspanin tsp-15 mutant, represented by exoskeletal deficiencies due to the failure of tyrosine cross-linking of collagen. The deficiency in the tsp-15 mutant was restored by co-expression of bli-3 and doxa-1, indicating the involvement of tsp-15 in the generation of ROS. H2O2 generation by BLI-3 was completely dependent on TSP-15 when reconstituted in mammalian cells. We also demonstrated that TSP-15, BLI-3, and DOXA-1 form complexes in vitro and in vivo. Cell-fusion-based analysis suggested that association with TSP-15 at the cell surface is crucial for BLI-3 activation to release H2O2. This study provides the first evidence for an essential role of tetraspanin in ROS generation. ROS are highly reactive molecules, which can be inappropriately produced during aerobic metabolism or by exogenous stresses such as exposure to UV light and radiation. ROS interact with cellular components including nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins and irreversibly inhibit their functions. However, ROS are essential for innate host defense and multiple physiological processes and are generated by conserved NADPH oxidase (NOX) family enzymes. The release of ROS by ROS generator enzymes must be properly controlled, as chronic oxidative stress can cause an imbalance of the redox state and is often associated with disease and aging. Using C. elegans as a model, we identified a tetraspanin (TSP-15) protein as a new key component of the ROS generation system controlled by dual oxidase (BLI-3), a unique NOX isozyme in C. elegans. Mutants of both bli-3 and tsp-15 developed the same defects in extracellular matrix cross-linking. Using a combination of genetics and reconstitution experiments in mammalian cells, we have demonstrated a novel requirement of tetraspanin for dual oxidase-dependent ROS generation via complex formation at the cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Moribe
- Department of Biology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan.
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49
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Chisholm AD, Xu S. The Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis as a model skin. II: differentiation and physiological roles. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 1:879-902. [PMID: 23539358 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis forms one of the principal barrier epithelia of the animal. Differentiation of the epidermis begins in mid embryogenesis and involves apical-basal polarization of the cytoskeletal and secretory systems as well as cellular junction formation. Secretion of the external cuticle layers is one of the major developmental and physiological specializations of the epidermal epithelium. The four post-embryonic larval stages are separated by periodic moults, in which the epidermis generates a new cuticle with stage-specific characteristics. The differentiated epidermis also plays key roles in endocrine signaling, fat storage, and ionic homeostasis. The epidermis is intimately associated with the development and function of the nervous system, and may have glial-like roles in modulating neuronal function. The epidermis provides passive and active defenses against skin-penetrating pathogens and can repair small wounds. Finally, age-dependent deterioration of the epidermis is a prominent feature of aging and may affect organismal aging and lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Chisholm
- Division of Biological Sciences, Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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50
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Ernstrom GG, Weimer R, Pawar DRL, Watanabe S, Hobson RJ, Greenstein D, Jorgensen EM. V-ATPase V1 sector is required for corpse clearance and neurotransmission in Caenorhabditis elegans. Genetics 2012; 191:461-75. [PMID: 22426883 PMCID: PMC3374311 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.112.139667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The vacuolar-type ATPase (V-ATPase) is a proton pump composed of two sectors, the cytoplasmic V(1) sector that catalyzes ATP hydrolysis and the transmembrane V(o) sector responsible for proton translocation. The transmembrane V(o) complex directs the complex to different membranes, but also has been proposed to have roles independent of the V(1) sector. However, the roles of the V(1) sector have not been well characterized. In the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans there are two V(1) B-subunit genes; one of them, vha-12, is on the X chromosome, whereas spe-5 is on an autosome. vha-12 is broadly expressed in adults, and homozygotes for a weak allele in vha-12 are viable but are uncoordinated due to decreased neurotransmission. Analysis of a null mutation demonstrates that vha-12 is not required for oogenesis or spermatogenesis in the adult germ line, but it is required maternally for early embryonic development. Zygotic expression begins during embryonic morphogenesis, and homozygous null mutants arrest at the twofold stage. These mutant embryos exhibit a defect in the clearance of apoptotic cell corpses in vha-12 null mutants. These observations indicate that the V(1) sector, in addition to the V(o) sector, is required in exocytic and endocytic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen G. Ernstrom
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0840
| | - Robby Weimer
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0840
| | - Divya R. L. Pawar
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0840
| | - Shigeki Watanabe
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0840
| | - Robert J. Hobson
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0840
| | - David Greenstein
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455-0465
| | - Erik M. Jorgensen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0840
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