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Garcia-Gonzalez I, Rocha SF, Hamidi A, Garcia-Ortega L, Regano A, Sanchez-Muñoz MS, Lytvyn M, Garcia-Cabero A, Roig-Soucase S, Schoofs H, Castro M, Sabata H, Potente M, Graupera M, Makinen T, Benedito R. iSuRe-HadCre is an essential tool for effective conditional genetics. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae472. [PMID: 38850155 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Methods for modifying gene function at high spatiotemporal resolution in mice have revolutionized biomedical research, with Cre-loxP being the most widely used technology. However, the Cre-loxP technology has several drawbacks, including weak activity, leakiness, toxicity, and low reliability of existing Cre-reporters. This is mainly because different genes flanked by loxP sites (floxed) vary widely in their sensitivity to Cre-mediated recombination. Here, we report the generation, validation, and utility of iSuRe-HadCre, a new dual Cre-reporter and deleter mouse line that avoids these drawbacks. iSuRe-HadCre achieves this through a novel inducible dual-recombinase genetic cascade that ensures that cells expressing a fluorescent reporter had only transient Cre activity, that is nonetheless sufficient to effectively delete floxed genes. iSuRe-HadCre worked reliably in all cell types and for the 13 floxed genes tested. This new tool will enable the precise, efficient, and trustworthy analysis of gene function in entire mouse tissues or in single cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Garcia-Gonzalez
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana F Rocha
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anahita Hamidi
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lourdes Garcia-Ortega
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alvaro Regano
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria S Sanchez-Muñoz
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariya Lytvyn
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aroa Garcia-Cabero
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergi Roig-Soucase
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Hans Schoofs
- Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marco Castro
- Angiogenesis & Metabolism Laboratory, Center of Vascular Biomedicine, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helena Sabata
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenviroment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Michael Potente
- Angiogenesis & Metabolism Laboratory, Center of Vascular Biomedicine, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mariona Graupera
- Endothelial Pathobiology and Microenviroment Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. de Monforte de Lemos, 5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- ICREA, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Pg. Lluís Companys 23, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Taija Makinen
- Uppsala University, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
- Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Research Programs Unit, Biomedicum Helsinki, University of Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Wihuri Research Institute, Haartmaninkatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Rui Benedito
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
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Dyer B, Yu SO, Lane Brown R, Lang RA, D’Souza SP. A new Opn4cre recombinase mouse line to target intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.16.589750. [PMID: 38659888 PMCID: PMC11042346 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.16.589750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) play a crucial role in several physiological light responses. In this study we generate a new Opn4cre knock-in allele (Opn4cre(DSO)), in which cre is placed immediately downstream of the Opn4 start codon. This approach aims to faithfully reproduce endogenous Opn4 expression and improve compatibility with widely used reporters. We evaluated the efficacy and sensitivity of Opn4cre(DSO) for labeling in retina and brain, and provide an in-depth comparison with the extensively utilized Opn4cre(Saha) line. Through this characterization, Opn4cre(DSO) demonstrated higher specificity in labeling ipRGCs, with minimal recombination escape. Leveraging a combination of electrophysiological, molecular, and morphological analyses, we confirmed its sensitivity in detecting all ipRGC types (M1-M6). Using this new tool, we describe the topographical distributions of ipRGC types across the retinal landscape, uncovering distinct ventronasal biases for M5 and M6 types, setting them apart from their M1-M4 counterparts. In the brain, we find vastly different labeling patterns between lines, with Opn4cre(DSO) only labeling ipRGC axonal projections to their targets. The combination of off-target effects of Opn4cre(Saha) across the retina and brain, coupled with diminished efficiencies of both Cre lines when coupled to less sensitive reporters, underscores the need for careful consideration in experimental design and validation with any Opn4cre driver. Overall, the Opn4cre(DSO) mouse line represents an improved tool for studying ipRGC function and distribution, offering a means to selectively target these cells to study light-regulated behaviors and physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brannen Dyer
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
| | - Sue O. Yu
- Department of Integrative Physiology & Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - R. Lane Brown
- Department of Integrative Physiology & Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, WA
| | - Richard A. Lang
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, OH
| | - Shane P. D’Souza
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Science of Light Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
- Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, OH
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3
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Park MJ, Lee J, Bagon BB, Matienzo ME, Lim S, Kim K, Lee CM, Wu J, Kim DI. N G ,N G -Dimethylarginine Dimethylaminohydrolase 1 Expression Is Dispensable for Cold- or Diet-Induced Thermogenesis. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300192. [PMID: 38164809 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300192] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The strategy to activate thermogenic adipocytes has therapeutic potential to overcome obesity as they dissipate surplus energy as heat through various mechanisms. NG,NG-dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases (DDAHs) are enzymes involved in the nitric oxide-protein kinase G signaling axis which increases thermogenic gene expression. However, the role of DDAHs in thermogenic adipocytes has not been elucidated. The adipocyte-specific Ddah1 knockout mice are generated by crossing Ddah1fl/fl mice with adiponectin Cre recombinase mice. Adipocyte-specific DDAH1 overexpressing mice are generated using adeno-associated virus-double-floxed inverse open reading frame (AAV-DIO) system. These mice are analyzed under basal, cold exposure, or high-fat diet (HFD) conditions. Primary inguinal white adipose tissue cells from adipocyte-specific Ddah1 knockout mice expressed comparable amounts of Ucp1 mRNA. Adipocyte-specific DDAH1 overexpressing mice do not exhibit enhanced activation of thermogenic adipocytes. In addition, when these mice are exposed to cold environment or fed an HFD, their body temperature/weight and thermogenesis-related gene and protein expressions are unchanged. These findings indicate that DDAH1 does not play a role in either cold- or diet-induced thermogenesis. Therefore, adipocyte targeting DDAH1 gene therapy for the treatment of obesity is unlikely to be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Jung Park
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Junhyeong Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Bernadette B Bagon
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Merc Emil Matienzo
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Sangyi Lim
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Keon Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Chang-Min Lee
- College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
- Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Jun Wu
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Dong-Il Kim
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
- College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 FOUR Program, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
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Tiyaboonchai A, Wakefield L, Vonada A, May CL, Dorrell C, Enicks D, Sairavi A, Kaestner KH, Grompe M. In vivo tracing of the Cytokeratin 14 lineages using self-cleaving guide RNAs and CRISPR/Cas9. Dev Biol 2023; 504:120-127. [PMID: 37813160 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.09.011] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The current gold-standard for genetic lineage tracing in transgenic mice is based on cell-type specific expression of Cre recombinase. As an alternative, we developed a cell-type specific CRISPR/spCas9 system for lineage tracing. This method relies on RNA polymerase II promoter driven self-cleaving guide RNAs (scgRNA) to achieve tissue-specificity. To demonstrate proof-of-principle for this approach a transgenic mouse was generated harbouring a knock-in of a scgRNA into the Cytokeratin 14 (Krt14) locus. Krt14 expression marks the stem cells of squamous epithelium in the skin and oral mucosa. The scgRNA targets a Stop cassette preceding a fluorescent reporter in the Ai9-tdtomato mouse. Ai9-tdtomato reporter mice harbouring this allele along with a spCas9 transgene demonstrated precise marking of the Krt14 lineage. We conclude that RNA polymerase II promoter driven scgRNAs enable the use of CRISPR/spCas9 for genetic lineage tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Tiyaboonchai
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
| | - Leslie Wakefield
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Anne Vonada
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Catherine L May
- Institute of Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Craig Dorrell
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - David Enicks
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Anusha Sairavi
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Klaus H Kaestner
- Institute of Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Markus Grompe
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
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5
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Pellerin A, Tan Y, Lu S, Bonegio RG, Rifkin IR. Genetic Reduction of IRF5 Expression after Disease Initiation Reduces Disease in a Mouse Lupus Model by Impacting Systemic and End-Organ Pathogenic Pathways. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1308-1319. [PMID: 37721418 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Gain-of-function polymorphisms in the transcription factor IFN regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) are associated with an increased risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus. Global homozygous or heterozygous deficiency of IRF5 from birth confers protection in many lupus mouse models. However, less is known about the effects of IRF5 targeting after autoimmunity has already developed. This is an important point to clarify when considering IRF5 as a potential therapeutic target in lupus. In this study, we demonstrate that genetic reduction of IRF5 expression after disease initiation reduces disease severity in the FcγRIIB-/- Y-linked autoimmune accelerating mouse lupus model. Reduction of IRF5 expression resulted in a decrease in splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy and a reduction in splenic B cell activation and plasmablast numbers. Splenic T cell activation and differentiation were also impacted as demonstrated by an increase in the number of naive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and a reduction in the number of memory/effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Although serum antinuclear autoantibody levels were not altered, reduction in IRF5 expression led to decreased immune complex deposition and complement activation, diminished glomerular and interstitial disease, and a reduction in immune cell infiltrate in the kidney. Mechanistically, myeloid cells in the kidney produced less inflammatory cytokines after TLR7 and TLR9 activation. Overall, we demonstrate that genetic reduction of IRF5 expression during an active autoimmune process is sufficient to reduce disease severity. Our data support consideration of IRF5 as a therapeutic target and suggest that approaches targeting IRF5 in systemic lupus erythematosus may need to impact IRF5 activity both systemically and in target organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Pellerin
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Ying Tan
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Simon Lu
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Ramon G Bonegio
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston
| | - Ian R Rifkin
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston
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6
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Doolittle ML, Eckhardt BA, Vos SJ, Grain S, Rowsey JL, Ruan M, Saul D, Farr JN, Weivoda MM, Khosla S, Monroe DG. Modest Effects of Osteoclast-Specific ERα Deletion after Skeletal Maturity. JBMR Plus 2023; 7:e10797. [PMID: 37808391 PMCID: PMC10556268 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen regulates bone mass in women and men, but the underlying cellular mechanisms of estrogen action on bone remain unclear. Although both estrogen receptor (ER)α and ERβ are expressed in bone cells, ERα is the dominant receptor for skeletal estrogen action. Previous studies using either global or cell-specific ERα deletion provided important insights, but each of these approaches had limitations. Specifically, either high circulating sex steroid levels in global ERα knockout mice or the effects of deletion of ERα during growth and development in constitutive cell-specific knockout mice have made it difficult to clearly define the role of ERα in specific cell types in the adult skeleton. We recently generated and characterized mice with tamoxifen-inducible ERα deletion in osteocytes driven by the 8-kb Dmp1 promoter (ERαΔOcy mice), revealing detrimental effects of osteocyte-specific ERα deletion on trabecular bone volume (-20.1%) and bone formation rate (-18.9%) in female, but not male, mice. Here, we developed and characterized analogous mice with inducible ERα deletion in osteoclasts using the Cathepsin K promoter (ERαΔOcl mice). In a study design identical to that with the previously described ERαΔOcy mice, adult female, but not male, ERαΔOcl mice showed a borderline (-10.2%, p = 0.084) reduction in trabecular bone volume, no change in osteoclast numbers, but a significant increase in serum CTx levels, consistent with increased osteoclast activity. These findings in ERαΔOcl mice differ from previous studies of constitutive osteoclast-specific ERα deletion, which led to clear deficits in trabecular bone and increased osteoclast numbers. Collectively, these data indicate that in adult mice, estrogen action in the osteocyte is likely more important than via the osteoclast and that ERα deletion in osteoclasts from conception onward has more dramatic skeletal effects than inducible osteoclastic ERα deletion in adult mice. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison L. Doolittle
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of EndocrinologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Brittany A. Eckhardt
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of EndocrinologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Stephanie J. Vos
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of EndocrinologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Sarah Grain
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of EndocrinologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Jennifer L. Rowsey
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of EndocrinologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Ming Ruan
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of EndocrinologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Dominik Saul
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of EndocrinologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMinnesotaUSA
- Department of Trauma and Reconstructive SurgeryEberhard Karls University Tübingen, BG Trauma Center TübingenTübingenGermany
| | - Joshua N. Farr
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of EndocrinologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Megan M. Weivoda
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of HematologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Sundeep Khosla
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of EndocrinologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - David G. Monroe
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of EndocrinologyMayo Clinic College of MedicineRochesterMinnesotaUSA
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7
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Golovkine GR, Roberts AW, Morrison HM, Rivera-Lugo R, McCall RM, Nilsson H, Garelis NE, Repasy T, Cronce M, Budzik J, Van Dis E, Popov LM, Mitchell G, Zalpuri R, Jorgens D, Cox JS. Autophagy restricts Mycobacterium tuberculosis during acute infection in mice. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:819-832. [PMID: 37037941 PMCID: PMC11027733 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-023-01354-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
Whether or not autophagy has a role in defence against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection remains unresolved. Previously, conditional knockdown of the core autophagy component ATG5 in myeloid cells was reported to confer extreme susceptibility to M. tuberculosis in mice, whereas depletion of other autophagy factors had no effect on infection. We show that doubling cre gene dosage to more robustly deplete ATG16L1 or ATG7 resulted in increased M. tuberculosis growth and host susceptibility in mice, although ATG5-depleted mice are more sensitive than ATG16L1- or ATG7-depleted mice. We imaged individual macrophages infected with M. tuberculosis and identified a shift from apoptosis to rapid necrosis in autophagy-depleted cells. This effect was dependent on phagosome permeabilization by M. tuberculosis. We monitored infected cells by electron microscopy, showing that autophagy protects the host macrophage by partially reducing mycobacterial access to the cytosol. We conclude that autophagy has an important role in defence against M. tuberculosis in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume R Golovkine
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Evotec, Toulouse, France
| | - Allison W Roberts
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Huntly M Morrison
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Rafael Rivera-Lugo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Rita M McCall
- Department of Plant & Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Hannah Nilsson
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas E Garelis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Teresa Repasy
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Bio-Rad Laboratories, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Cronce
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- UC Berkeley-UCSF Graduate program in Bioengineering, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Budzik
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Erik Van Dis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Lauren M Popov
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Novome Biotechnologies, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gabriel Mitchell
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Open Innovation @ NITD, Novartis Institute for Tropical Diseases, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Reena Zalpuri
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Danielle Jorgens
- Electron Microscope Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jeffery S Cox
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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8
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Woodburn SC, Asrat HS, Flurer JK, Schwierling HC, Bollinger JL, Vollmer LL, Wohleb ES. Depletion of microglial BDNF increases susceptibility to the behavioral and synaptic effects of chronic unpredictable stress. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 109:127-138. [PMID: 36681359 PMCID: PMC10023455 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), chronic stress reduces synaptic expression of glutamate receptors, leading to decreased excitatory signaling from layer V pyramidal neurons and working memory deficits. One key element driving these changes is a reduction in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. BDNF is a potent mediator of synaptic growth and deficient BDNF signaling has been linked to stress susceptibility. Prior studies indicated that neurons are the primary source of BDNF, but more recent work suggests that microglia are also an important source of BDNF. Adding to this, our work showed that 14 days of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) reduced Bdnf transcript in PFC microglia, evincing its relevance in the effects of stress. To explore this further, we utilized transgenic mice with microglia-specific depletion of BDNF (Cx3cr1Cre/+:Bdnffl/fl) and genotype controls (Cx3cr1Cre/+:Bdnf+/+). In the following experiments, mice were exposed to a shortened CUS paradigm (7 days) to determine if microglial Bdnf depletion promotes stress susceptibility. Analyses of PFC microglia revealed that Cx3cr1Cre/+:Bdnffl/fl mice had shifts in phenotypic markers and gene expression. In a separate cohort, synaptoneurosomes were collected from the PFC and western blotting was performed for synaptic markers. These experiments showed that Cx3cr1Cre/+:Bdnffl/fl mice had baseline deficits in GluN2B, and that 7 days of CUS additionally reduced GluN2A levels in Cx3cr1Cre/+:Bdnffl/fl mice, but not genotype controls. Behavioral and cognitive testing showed that this coincided with exacerbated stress effects on temporal object recognition in Cx3cr1Cre/+:Bdnffl/fl mice. These results indicate that microglial BDNF promotes glutamate receptor expression in the PFC. As such, mice with deficient microglial BDNF had increased susceptibility to the behavioral and cognitive consequences of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel C Woodburn
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Helina S Asrat
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - James K Flurer
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Hana C Schwierling
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Justin L Bollinger
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Lauren L Vollmer
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Eric S Wohleb
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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9
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Burnet G, Feng CWA, Cheung KMF, Bowles J, Spiller CM. Generation and characterization of a Ddx4-iCre transgenic line for deletion in the germline beginning at genital ridge colonization. Genesis 2023; 61:e23511. [PMID: 36693128 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Germline-specific Cre lines are useful for analyses of primordial germ cell, spermatogonial and oogonial development, but also for whole-body deletions when transmitted through subsequent generations. Several germ cell specific Cre mouse strains exist, with various degrees of specificity, efficiency, and temporal activation. Here, we describe the CRISPR/Cas9 targeted insertion of an improved Cre (iCre) sequence in-frame at the 3' end of the Ddx4 locus to generate the Ddx4-P2A-iCre allele. Our functional assessment of this new allele, designated Ddx4iCreJoBo , reveals that Cre activity begins in PGCs from at least E10.5, and that it achieves higher efficiency for early gonadal (E10.5-12.5) germline deletion when compared to the inducible Oct4CreERT2 line. We found the Ddx4iCreJoBo allele to be hypomorphic for Ddx4 expression and homozygous males, but not females, were infertile. Using two reporter lines (R26RLacZ and R26RtdTomato ) and a floxed gene of interest (Criptoflox ) we found ectopic activity in multiple organs; global recombination (a common feature of germline Cre alleles) varies from 10 to 100%, depending on the particular floxed allele. There is a strong maternal effect, and therefore it is preferable for Ddx4iCreJoBo to be inherited from the male parent if ubiquitous deletion is not desired. With these limitations considered, we describe the Ddx4iCreJoBo line as useful for germline studies in which early gonadal deletion is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Burnet
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Chun-Wei Allen Feng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ka Man Fiona Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cassy M Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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10
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Sendra M, de Dios Hourcade J, Temiño S, Sarabia AJ, Ocaña OH, Domínguez JN, Torres M. Cre recombinase microinjection for single-cell tracing and localised gene targeting. Development 2023; 150:286898. [PMID: 36734327 PMCID: PMC10110498 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Tracing and manipulating cells in embryos are essential to understand development. Lipophilic dye microinjections, viral transfection and iontophoresis have been key to map the origin of the progenitor cells that form the different organs in the post-implantation mouse embryo. These techniques require advanced manipulation skills and only iontophoresis, a demanding approach of limited efficiency, has been used for single-cell labelling. Here, we perform lineage tracing and local gene ablation using cell-permeant Cre recombinase (TAT-Cre) microinjection. First, we map the fate of undifferentiated progenitors to the different heart chambers. Then, we achieve single-cell recombination by titrating the dose of TAT-Cre, which allows clonal analysis of nascent mesoderm progenitors. Finally, injecting TAT-Cre to Mycnflox/flox embryos in the primitive heart tube revealed that Mycn plays a cell-autonomous role in maintaining cardiomyocyte proliferation. This tool will help researchers identify the cell progenitors and gene networks involved in organ development, helping to understand the origin of congenital defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miquel Sendra
- Cardiovascular Regeneration Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, CNIC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan de Dios Hourcade
- Transgenesis Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, CNIC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Temiño
- Cardiovascular Regeneration Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, CNIC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio J Sarabia
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Oscar H Ocaña
- Cardiovascular Regeneration Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, CNIC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Jorge N Domínguez
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain
- Fundación MEDINA, Centro de Excelencia en Investigación de Medicamentos Innovadores en Andalucía, Avenida del Conocimiento 34, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Torres
- Cardiovascular Regeneration Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, CNIC, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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11
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Akama-Garren EH, Miller P, Carroll TM, Tellier M, Sutendra G, Buti L, Zaborowska J, Goldin RD, Slee E, Szele FG, Murphy S, Lu X. Regulation of immunological tolerance by the p53-inhibitor iASPP. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:84. [PMID: 36746936 PMCID: PMC9902554 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05567-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Maintenance of immunological homeostasis between tolerance and autoimmunity is essential for the prevention of human diseases ranging from autoimmune disease to cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that p53 can mitigate phagocytosis-induced adjuvanticity thereby promoting immunological tolerance following programmed cell death. Here we identify Inhibitor of Apoptosis Stimulating p53 Protein (iASPP), a negative regulator of p53 transcriptional activity, as a regulator of immunological tolerance. iASPP-deficiency promoted lung adenocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis, while iASPP-deficient mice were less susceptible to autoimmune disease. Immune responses to iASPP-deficient tumors exhibited hallmarks of immunosuppression, including activated regulatory T cells and exhausted CD8+ T cells. Interestingly, iASPP-deficient tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells, CD4+, and γδ T cells expressed elevated levels of PD-1H, a recently identified transcriptional target of p53 that promotes tolerogenic phagocytosis. Identification of an iASPP/p53 axis of immune homeostasis provides a therapeutic opportunity for both autoimmune disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot H Akama-Garren
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK.
- Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Paul Miller
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Thomas M Carroll
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Michael Tellier
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Gopinath Sutendra
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2B7, Canada
| | - Ludovico Buti
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
- Charles River Laboratories, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Justyna Zaborowska
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Robert D Goldin
- Centre for Pathology, St. Mary's Hospital, Imperial College, London, W2 1NY, UK
| | - Elizabeth Slee
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Francis G Szele
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Shona Murphy
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Xin Lu
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK.
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12
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Legrand JMD, Hobbs RM. Defining Gene Function in Spermatogonial Stem Cells Through Conditional Knockout Approaches. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2656:261-307. [PMID: 37249877 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3139-3_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian male fertility is maintained throughout life by a population of self-renewing mitotic germ cells known as spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Much of our current understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying SSC activity is derived from studies using conditional knockout mouse models. Here, we provide a guide for the selection and use of mouse strains to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSCs, as well as their precursors and differentiation-committed progeny. We describe Cre recombinase-expressing strains, breeding strategies to generate experimental groups, and treatment regimens for inducible knockout models and provide advice for verifying and improving conditional knockout efficiency. This resource can be beneficial to those aiming to develop conditional knockout models for the study of SSC development and postnatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien M D Legrand
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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13
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Kumar R, Mao Y, Patial S, Saini Y. Induction of whole-body gene deletion via R26-regulated tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase activity. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1018798. [PMID: 36569322 PMCID: PMC9772612 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1018798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Germline deletion of certain genes causes embryonic lethality, therefore, understanding the effect of deletion of such genes on mammalian pathophysiology remains challenging. Tamoxifen (TAM)-inducible Cre recombinase is widely used for tissue-specific and temporal induction of gene deletion in mice. However, the tamoxifen treatment regimen for the generation of whole-body deletion of a gene is not yet fully standardized for the majority of organs/tissues. Accordingly, we employed GtROSA26 (R26) promoter-regulated Cre and a reporter gene expression strategy. GtROSA26 (R26) is an ubiquitous promoter and mice carrying the R26Cre-ERT2 transgene express Cre-ERT2 in all the cells. Similarly, mice carrying the R26mTOM-mEGFP transgene express mTOM (membrane-targeted tdTomato), in the absence of Cre or mEGFP (membrane-targeted enhanced green fluorescent protein), in the presence of Cre, in all the cells. The progeny carrying one allele of both transgenes were subjected to different TAM regimens, i.e., IP injections (4 injections; 1.35 mg/injection), diet (400 mg TAM-citrate/kg food), or diet (400 mg TAM-citrate/kg food) combined with either TAM-oral gavage (4 gavages; 1.35 mg/gavage) or TAM IP injections (4 injections; 1.35 mg/injection) for 2-weeks beginning at postnatal day (PND) 21 and the extent of Cre recombination in different tissues was determined at PND35. Tamoxifen administration resulted in a transient loss of body weight in all the treatment regimens with a relatively slower rate of weight gain in the TAM-diet plus TAM-oral gavage group compared to other groups. While the efficiency of Cre recombination, as determined by the expression of mEGFP protein, was variable among tissues, major tissues such as the liver, heart, lungs, spleen, and thymus-showed almost complete recombination. No recombination was evident in any of the tissues examined from the control mice. In general, the efficiency of Cre recombination was better with a combined regimen of TAM-diet with either TAM-injections or TAM-oral gavage compared to TAM-diet alone or TAM-injections alone. Our results demonstrate that a combination of TAM-diet with either TAM-injections or TAM-oral gavage can be employed for the efficient deletion of a gene in the whole body. Our findings will provide technical expertise to the researchers employing TAM-inducible Cre for the deletion of floxed genes in varied tissues.
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14
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Iwayama T, Sakashita H, Takedachi M, Murakami S. Periodontal tissue stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells in the periodontal ligament. JAPANESE DENTAL SCIENCE REVIEW 2022; 58:172-178. [PMID: 35607404 PMCID: PMC9123259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdsr.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Periodontal tissue stem cells, which play a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of periodontal tissues, are found in the periodontal ligament (PDL). These cells have long been referred to as mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), and their clinical applications have been extensively studied. However, tissue stem cells in the PDL have not been thoroughly investigated, and they may be different from MSCs. Recent advances in stem cell biology, such as genetic lineage tracing, identification of label-retaining cells, and single-cell transcriptome analysis, have made it possible to analyze tissue stem cells in the PDL in vivo. In this review, we summarize recent findings on these stem cell populations in PDL and discuss future research directions toward developing periodontal regenerative therapy.
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15
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Doolittle ML, Saul D, Kaur J, Rowsey JL, Eckhardt B, Vos S, Grain S, Kroupova K, Ruan M, Weivoda M, Oursler MJ, Farr JN, Monroe DG, Khosla S. Skeletal Effects of Inducible ERα Deletion in Osteocytes in Adult Mice. J Bone Miner Res 2022; 37:1750-1760. [PMID: 35789113 PMCID: PMC9474695 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen is known to regulate bone metabolism in both women and men, but substantial gaps remain in our knowledge of estrogen and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) regulation of adult bone metabolism. Studies using global ERα-knockout mice were confounded by high circulating sex-steroid levels, and osteocyte/osteoblast-specific ERα deletion may be confounded by ERα effects on growth versus the adult skeleton. Thus, we developed mice expressing the tamoxifen-inducible CreERT2 in osteocytes using the 8-kilobase (kb) Dmp1 promoter (Dmp1CreERT2 ). These mice were crossed with ERαfl//fl mice to create ERαΔOcy mice, permitting inducible osteocyte-specific ERα deletion in adulthood. After intermittent tamoxifen treatment of adult 4-month-old mice for 1 month, female, but not male, ERαΔOcy mice exhibited reduced spine bone volume fraction (BV/TV (-20.1%, p = 0.004) accompanied by decreased trabecular bone formation rate (-18.9%, p = 0.0496) and serum P1NP levels (-38.9%, p = 0.014). Periosteal (+65.6%, p = 0.004) and endocortical (+64.1%, p = 0.003) expansion were higher in ERαΔOcy mice compared to control (Dmp1CreERT2 ) mice at the tibial diaphysis, reflecting the known effects of estrogen to inhibit periosteal apposition and promote endocortical formation. Increases in Sost (2.1-fold, p = 0.001) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were observed in trabecular bone at the spine in ERαΔOcy mice, consistent with previous reports that estrogen deficiency is associated with increased circulating sclerostin as well as bone SOST mRNA levels in humans. Further, the biological consequences of increased Sost expression were reflected in significant overall downregulation in panels of osteoblast and Wnt target genes in osteocyte-enriched bones from ERαΔOcy mice. These findings thus establish that osteocytic ERα is critical for estrogen action in female, but not male, adult bone metabolism. Moreover, the reduction in bone formation accompanied by increased Sost, decreased osteoblast, and decreased Wnt target gene expression in ERαΔOcy mice provides a direct link in vivo between ERα and Wnt signaling. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison L. Doolittle
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Dominik Saul
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Japneet Kaur
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Jennifer L. Rowsey
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Brittany Eckhardt
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Stephanie Vos
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Sarah Grain
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Kveta Kroupova
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove and the Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Ming Ruan
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Megan Weivoda
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Hematology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Merry Jo Oursler
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Joshua N. Farr
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - David G. Monroe
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Sundeep Khosla
- Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging and Division of Endocrinology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
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16
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Wang H, He L, Li Y, Pu W, Zhang S, Han X, Lui KO, Zhou B. Dual Cre and Dre recombinases mediate synchronized lineage tracing and cell subset ablation in vivo. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101965. [PMID: 35461809 PMCID: PMC9127367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic technology using site-specific recombinases (SSR), such as the Cre-loxP system, has been widely employed for labelling specific cell populations and for studying their functions in vivo. To enhance the precision of cell lineage tracing and functional study, a similar SSR system termed Dre-rox has been recently used in combination with Cre-loxP. To enable more specific cell lineage tracing and ablation through dual recombinase activity, we generated two mouse lines that render Dre- or Dre+Cre-mediated recombination to excise a stop codon sequence that prevents the expression of diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) knocked into the ubiquitously expressed and safe Rosa26 locus. Using different Dre- and Cre-expressing mouse lines, we showed that the surrogate gene reporter tdTomato and DTR were simultaneously expressed in target cells and in their descendants, and observed efficient ablation of tdTomato+ cells after diphtheria toxin administration. These mouse lines were used to simultaneously trace and deplete target cells of interest through the inducible expression of a reporter and DTR using dual Cre and Dre recombinases, allowing more precise and efficient study of the role of specific cell subsets within a heterogeneous population in pathophysiological conditions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingjuan He
- School of Life Science, Westlake University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ximeng Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kathy O Lui
- Department of Chemical Pathology; and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China; School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
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17
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Connolly KA, Fitzgerald B, Damo M, Joshi NS. Novel Mouse Models for Cancer Immunology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2022; 6:269-291. [PMID: 36875867 PMCID: PMC9979244 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-070620-105523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models for the study of cancer immunology provide excellent systems in which to test biological mechanisms of the immune response against cancer. Historically, these models have been designed to have different strengths based on the current major research questions at the time. As such, many mouse models of immunology used today were not originally developed to study questions currently plaguing the relatively new field of cancer immunology, but instead have been adapted for such purposes. In this review, we discuss various mouse model of cancer immunology in a historical context as a means to provide a fuller perspective of each model's strengths. From this outlook, we discuss the current state of the art and strategies for tackling future modeling challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli A Connolly
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Brittany Fitzgerald
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Martina Damo
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Nikhil S Joshi
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
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18
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Sun L, Gao D, Chen J, Hou S, Li Y, Huang Y, Mammano F, Chen J, Yang J. Failure Of Hearing Acquisition in Mice With Reduced Expression of Connexin 26 Correlates With the Abnormal Phasing of Apoptosis Relative to Autophagy and Defective ATP-Dependent Ca2+ Signaling in Kölliker’s Organ. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:816079. [PMID: 35308122 PMCID: PMC8928193 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.816079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the GJB2 gene that encodes connexin 26 (Cx26) are the predominant cause of prelingual hereditary deafness, and the most frequently encountered variants cause complete loss of protein function. To investigate how Cx26 deficiency induces deafness, we examined the levels of apoptosis and autophagy in Gjb2loxP/loxP; ROSA26CreER mice injected with tamoxifen on the day of birth. After weaning, these mice exhibited severe hearing impairment and reduced Cx26 expression in the cochlear duct. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells were observed in apical, middle, and basal turns of Kölliker’s organ at postnatal (P) day 1 (P1), associated with increased expression levels of cleaved caspase 3, but decreased levels of autophagy-related proteins LC3-II, P62, and Beclin1. In Kölliker’s organ cells with decreased Cx26 expression, we also found significantly reduced levels of intracellular ATP and hampered Ca2+ responses evoked by extracellular ATP application. These results offer novel insight into the mechanisms that prevent hearing acquisition in mouse models of non-syndromic hearing impairment due to Cx26 loss of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianhua Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Dekun Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Junmin Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shule Hou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuyu Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Fabio Mammano
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “G. Galilei”, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council, Monterotondo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Jun Yang Jianyong Chen Fabio Mammano
| | - Jianyong Chen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Yang Jianyong Chen Fabio Mammano
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Ear Institute, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Yang Jianyong Chen Fabio Mammano
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19
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Rodriguez Y Baena A, Rajendiran S, Manso BA, Krietsch J, Boyer SW, Kirschmann J, Forsberg EC. New transgenic mouse models enabling pan-hematopoietic or selective hematopoietic stem cell depletion in vivo. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3156. [PMID: 35210475 PMCID: PMC8873235 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07041-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) multipotency and self-renewal are typically defined through serial transplantation experiments. Host conditioning is necessary for robust HSC engraftment, likely by reducing immune-mediated rejection and by clearing limited HSC niche space. Because irradiation of the recipient mouse is non-specific and broadly damaging, there is a need to develop alternative models to study HSC performance at steady-state and in the absence of radiation-induced stress. We have generated and characterized two new mouse models where either all hematopoietic cells or only HSCs can be specifically induced to die in vivo or in vitro. Hematopoietic-specific Vav1-mediated expression of a loxP-flanked diphtheria-toxin receptor (DTR) renders all hematopoietic cells sensitive to diphtheria toxin (DT) in “Vav-DTR” mice. Crossing these mice to Flk2-Cre mice results in “HSC-DTR” mice which exhibit HSC-selective DT sensitivity. We demonstrate robust, rapid, and highly selective cell ablation in these models. These new mouse models provide a platform to test whether HSCs are required for long-term hematopoiesis in vivo, for understanding the mechanisms regulating HSC engraftment, and interrogating in vivo hematopoietic differentiation pathways and mechanisms regulating hematopoietic homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Rodriguez Y Baena
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.,Program in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Smrithi Rajendiran
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.,Biomolecular Engineering, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Bryce A Manso
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.,Biomolecular Engineering, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Jana Krietsch
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.,Biomolecular Engineering, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Scott W Boyer
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.,Program in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Jessica Kirschmann
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - E Camilla Forsberg
- Institute for the Biology of Stem Cells, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA. .,Biomolecular Engineering, University of California-Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA.
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20
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Steffensen L, Stubbe J, Overgaard M, Larsen J. Tamoxifen-independent Cre-activity in SMMHC-CreER T2 mice. ATHEROSCLEROSIS PLUS 2022; 48:8-11. [PMID: 36644559 PMCID: PMC9833216 DOI: 10.1016/j.athplu.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Background and aims Recent technological advances have established vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) as central players in atherosclerosis. Increasingly complex genetic mouse models have unveiled that 30-70% of cells in experimentally induced atherosclerotic lesions derive from a handful of medial SMCs, and that these can adopt a broad range of plaque cell phenotypes. Most of these models are based on the SMMHC-CreER T2 mouse line as Cre-driver. Importantly, Cre-activation can be controlled in time (by administration of tamoxifen, TAM), which is critical to avoid unwanted effects of premature recombination events. The aim of this study was to scrutinize an unexpected observation of TAM-independent Cre-activity in this mouse line. Methods Cre-activity was assessed by PCR in tissues from SMMHC-CreER T2 mice crossed with mice homozygous for loxP-flanked (floxed) exon 4 of Ccn2 (our gene-of-interest), and Ccn2 protein was measured in aortas by targeted mass spectrometry. Results We observed spontaneous near-complete excision of floxed Ccn2 in aortas from adult mice that were not treated with TAM. As a result, Ccn2 protein was significantly reduced in aortas from these mice, but not to the same extent as TAM-treated littermates. Remarkably, most of the excision was completed in 4-week-old mice. Excision was Cre-dependent, as knockout bands were negligible in heart and liver (dominated by non-SMCs) of these mice, and undetectable in the aorta in the absence of Cre. Conclusion Our observations warrant caution, and we advocate inclusion of appropriate controls (i.e., TAM-untreated mice) in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.B. Steffensen
- Unit of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark,Corresponding author. J. B. Winsløws Vej 21, 3-22A, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.
| | - J. Stubbe
- Unit of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - M. Overgaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - J.H. Larsen
- Unit of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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21
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Fazekas CL, Szabó A, Török B, Bánrévi K, Correia P, Chaves T, Daumas S, Zelena D. A New Player in the Hippocampus: A Review on VGLUT3+ Neurons and Their Role in the Regulation of Hippocampal Activity and Behaviour. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:790. [PMID: 35054976 PMCID: PMC8775679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory amino acid in the central nervous system. Neurons using glutamate as a neurotransmitter can be characterised by vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs). Among the three subtypes, VGLUT3 is unique, co-localising with other "classical" neurotransmitters, such as the inhibitory GABA. Glutamate, manipulated by VGLUT3, can modulate the packaging as well as the release of other neurotransmitters and serve as a retrograde signal through its release from the somata and dendrites. Its contribution to sensory processes (including seeing, hearing, and mechanosensation) is well characterised. However, its involvement in learning and memory can only be assumed based on its prominent hippocampal presence. Although VGLUT3-expressing neurons are detectable in the hippocampus, most of the hippocampal VGLUT3 positivity can be found on nerve terminals, presumably coming from the median raphe. This hippocampal glutamatergic network plays a pivotal role in several important processes (e.g., learning and memory, emotions, epilepsy, cardiovascular regulation). Indirect information from anatomical studies and KO mice strains suggests the contribution of local VGLUT3-positive hippocampal neurons as well as afferentations in these events. However, further studies making use of more specific tools (e.g., Cre-mice, opto- and chemogenetics) are needed to confirm these assumptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
- Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS-IBPS) INSERM, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Adrienn Szabó
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiána Török
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Bánrévi
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
| | - Pedro Correia
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tiago Chaves
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Stéphanie Daumas
- Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS-IBPS) INSERM, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (C.L.F.); (A.S.); (B.T.); (K.B.); (P.C.); (T.C.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
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22
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Johnson NM, Na J, Monaghan KE, Tang AT, Tian Y, Leu NA, Li N, Kahn ML, Lengner CJ. Limitations to Understanding Intestinal Stem Cell Activity via Cre-Lox-Based Lineage Tracing. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:1334-1337.e1. [PMID: 36031151 PMCID: PMC9703131 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Key Words
- cbc, crypt base columnar stem cells
- creer, cre-estrogen receptor fusion
- egfp, enhanced green fluorescent protein
- eyfp, enhanced yellow fluorescent protein
- ires, internal ribosome entry site
- isc, intestinal stem cell
- loxp, locus of x-over p1
- lsl, lox-stop-lox
- tam, tamoxifen
- tdtomato, tandem dimer tomato
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette M Johnson
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeeyoon Na
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Keara E Monaghan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alan T Tang
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yuhua Tian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicolae A Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Mark L Kahn
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christopher J Lengner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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23
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Surbhi, Wittmann G, Low MJ, Lechan RM. Adult-born proopiomelanocortin neurons derived from Rax-expressing precursors mitigate the metabolic effects of congenital hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin deficiency. Mol Metab 2021; 53:101312. [PMID: 34329773 PMCID: PMC8383116 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2021.101312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus are essential regulators of energy balance. Selective loss of POMC production in these cells results in extreme obesity and metabolic comorbidities. Neurogenesis occurs in the adult hypothalamus, but it remains uncertain whether functional POMC neurons emerge in physiologically significant numbers during adulthood. Here, we tested whether Rax-expressing precursors generate POMC neurons in adult mice and rescue the metabolic phenotype caused by congenital hypothalamic POMC deficiency. METHODS Initially, we identified hypothalamic Rax-expressing cell types using wild-type and Rax-CreERT2:Ai34D mice. Then we generated compound Rax-CreERT2:ArcPomcloxTB/loxTB mice in which endogenous hypothalamic Pomc expression is silenced, but can be restored by tamoxifen administration selectively in neurons derived from Rax+ progenitors. The number of POMC neurons generated by Rax+ progenitors in adult mice and their axonal projections was determined. The metabolic effects of these neurons were assessed by measuring food intake, bodyweight, and body composition, along with glucose and insulin levels. RESULTS We found that Rax is expressed by tanycytes and a previously unrecognized cell type in the hypothalamic parenchyma of adult mice. Rax+ progenitors generated ~10% of the normal adult hypothalamic POMC neuron population within two weeks of tamoxifen treatment. The same rate and steady state of POMC neurogenesis persisted from young adult to aged mice. These new POMC neurons established terminal projections to brain regions that were involved in energy homeostasis. Mice with Rax+ progenitor-derived POMC neurons had reduced body fat mass, improved glucose tolerance, increased insulin sensitivity, and decreased bodyweight in proportion to the number of new POMC neurons. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that Rax+ progenitors generate POMC neurons in sufficient numbers during adulthood to mitigate the metabolic abnormalities of hypothalamic POMC-deficient mice. The findings suggest that adult hypothalamic neurogenesis is a robust phenomenon in mice that can significantly impact energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Gábor Wittmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| | - Malcolm J Low
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Ronald M Lechan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
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24
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Eckardt L, Prange-Barczynska M, Hodson EJ, Fielding JW, Cheng X, Lima JDCC, Kurlekar S, Douglas G, Ratcliffe PJ, Bishop T. Developmental role of PHD2 in the pathogenesis of pseudohypoxic pheochromocytoma. Endocr Relat Cancer 2021; 28:757-772. [PMID: 34658364 PMCID: PMC8558849 DOI: 10.1530/erc-21-0211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite a general role for the HIF hydroxylase system in cellular oxygen sensing and tumour hypoxia, cancer-associated mutations of genes in this pathway, including PHD2, PHD1, EPAS1 (encoding HIF-2α) are highly tissue-restricted, being observed in pseudohypoxic pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) but rarely, if ever, in other tumours. In an effort to understand that paradox and gain insights into the pathogenesis of pseudohypoxic PPGL, we constructed mice in which the principal HIF prolyl hydroxylase, Phd2, is inactivated in the adrenal medulla using TH-restricted Cre recombinase. Investigation of these animals revealed a gene expression pattern closely mimicking that of pseudohypoxic PPGL. Spatially resolved analyses demonstrated a binary distribution of two contrasting patterns of gene expression among adrenal medullary cells. Phd2 inactivation resulted in a marked shift in this distribution towards a Pnmt-/Hif-2α+/Rgs5+ population. This was associated with morphological abnormalities of adrenal development, including ectopic TH+ cells within the adrenal cortex and external to the adrenal gland. These changes were ablated by combined inactivation of Phd2 with Hif-2α, but not Hif-1α. However, they could not be reproduced by inactivation of Phd2 in adult life, suggesting that they arise from dysregulation of this pathway during adrenal development. Together with the clinical observation that pseudohypoxic PPGL manifests remarkably high heritability, our findings suggest that this type of tumour likely arises from dysregulation of a tissue-restricted action of the PHD2/HIF-2α pathway affecting adrenal development in early life and provides a model for the study of the relevant processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Eckardt
- Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Prange-Barczynska
- Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Emma J Hodson
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- The Department of Experimental Medicine and Immunotherapeutics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - James W Fielding
- Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Xiaotong Cheng
- Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Samvid Kurlekar
- Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Gillian Douglas
- BHF Centre of Research Excellence, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter J Ratcliffe
- Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to P J Ratcliffe or T Bishop: or
| | - Tammie Bishop
- Target Discovery Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to P J Ratcliffe or T Bishop: or
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25
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Tip60 activates Hoxa9 and Meis1 expression through acetylation of H2A.Z, promoting MLL-AF10 and MLL-ENL acute myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2021; 35:2840-2853. [PMID: 33967269 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01244-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chromosome translocations involving the MLL gene are common rearrangements in leukemia. Such translocations fuse the MLL 5'-region to partner genes in frame, producing MLL-fusions that cause MLL-related leukemia. MLL-fusions activate transcription of target genes such as HoxA cluster and Meis1, but the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we discovered that Tip60, a MYST-type histone acetyltransferase, was required for the expression of HoxA cluster and Meis1 genes and the development of MLL-fusion leukemia. Tip60 was recruited by MLL-AF10 and MLL-ENL fusions to the Hoxa9 locus, where it acetylated H2A.Z, thereby promoting Hoxa9 gene expression. Conditional deletion of Tip60 prevented the development of MLL-AF10 and MLL-ENL leukemia, indicating that Tip60 is indispensable for the leukemogenic activity of the MLL-AF10 and MLL-ENL-fusions. Our findings provide novel insight about epigenetic regulation in the development of MLL-AF10 and MLL-ENL-fusion leukemia.
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26
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Thomas PA, Schafler ED, Ruff SE, Voisin M, Ha S, Logan SK. UXT in Sertoli cells is required for blood-testis barrier integrity†. Biol Reprod 2021; 103:880-891. [PMID: 32678429 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a complex process that establishes male fertility and involves proper communication between the germline (spermatozoa) and the somatic tissue (Sertoli cells). Many factors that are important for spermatozoa production are also required for Sertoli cell function. Recently, we showed that the transcriptional cofactor ubiquitously expressed transcript (UXT) encodes a protein that is essential in germ cells for spermatogenesis and fertility. However, the role of UXT within Sertoli cells and how it affects Sertoli cell function was still unclear. Here we describe a novel role for UXT in the Sertoli cell's ability to support spermatogenesis. We find that the conditional deletion of Uxt in Sertoli cells results in smaller testis size and weight, which coincided with a loss of germ cells in a subset of seminiferous tubules. In addition, the deletion of Uxt has no impact on Sertoli cell abundance or maturity, as they express markers of mature Sertoli cells. Gene expression analysis reveals that the deletion of Uxt in Sertoli cells reduces the transcription of genes involved in the tight junctions of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). Furthermore, tracer experiments and electron microscopy reveal that the BTB is permeable in UXT KO animals. These findings broaden our understanding of UXT's role in Sertoli cells and its contribution to the structural integrity of the BTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip A Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric D Schafler
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sophie E Ruff
- Department of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maud Voisin
- Department of Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan Ha
- Department of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Susan K Logan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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27
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McLeod IX, Saxena R, Carico Z, He YW. Class I PI3K Provide Lipid Substrate in T Cell Autophagy Through Linked Activity of Inositol Phosphatases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:709398. [PMID: 34458267 PMCID: PMC8397451 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.709398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, a highly conserved intracellular process, has been identified as a novel mechanism regulating T lymphocyte homeostasis. Herein, we demonstrate that both starvation- and T cell receptor-mediated autophagy induction requires class I phosphatidylinositol-3 kinases to produce PI(3)P. In contrast, common gamma chain cytokines are suppressors of autophagy despite their ability to activate the PI3K pathway. T cells lacking the PI3KI regulatory subunits, p85 and p55, were almost completely unable to activate TCR-mediated autophagy and had concurrent defects in PI(3)P production. Additionally, T lymphocytes upregulate polyinositol phosphatases in response to autophagic stimuli, and the activity of the inositol phosphatases Inpp4 and SHIP are required for TCR-mediated autophagy induction. Addition of exogenous PI(3,4)P2 can supplement cellular PI(3)P and accelerate the outcome of activation-induced autophagy. TCR-mediated autophagy also requires internalization of the TCR complex, suggesting that this kinase/phosphatase activity is localized in internalized vesicles. Finally, HIV-induced bystander CD4+ T cell autophagy is dependent upon PI3KI. Overall, our data elucidate an important pathway linking TCR activation to autophagy, via induction of PI3KI activity and inositol phosphatase upregulation to produce PI(3)P.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian X McLeod
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Ruchi Saxena
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Zachary Carico
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - You-Wen He
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
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28
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Leystra AA, Gilsdorf BJ, Wisinger AM, Warda ER, Wiegand S, Zahm CD, Matkowskyj KA, Deming DA, Khan N, Rosemarie Q, Sievers CK, Schwartz AR, Albrecht DM, Clipson L, Mukhtar H, Newton MA, Halberg RB. Multi-ancestral origin of intestinal tumors: Impact on growth, progression, and drug efficacy. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2021; 5:e1459. [PMID: 34245130 PMCID: PMC8842699 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1459] [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: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Data are steadily accruing that demonstrate that intestinal tumors are frequently derived from multiple founding cells, resulting in tumors comprised of distinct ancestral clones that might cooperate or alternatively compete, thereby potentially impacting different phases of the disease process. Aim We sought to determine whether tumors with a multi‐ancestral architecture involving at least two distinct clones show increased tumor number, growth, progression, or resistance to drug intervention. Methods Mice carrying the Min allele of Apc were generated that were mosaic with only a subset of cells in the intestinal epithelium expressing an activated form of PI3K, a key regulatory kinase affecting several important cellular processes. These cells were identifiable as they fluoresced green, whereas all other cells fluoresced red. Results Cell lineage tracing revealed that many intestinal tumors from our mouse model were derived from at least two founding cells, those expressing the activated PI3K (green) and those which did not (red). Heterotypic tumors with a multi‐ancestral architecture as evidenced by a mixture of green and red cells exhibited increased tumor growth and invasiveness. Clonal architecture also had an impact on tumor response to low‐dose aspirin. Aspirin treatment resulted in a greater reduction of heterotypic tumors derived from multiple founding cells as compared to tumors derived from a single founding cell. Conclusion These data indicate that genetically distinct tumor‐founding cells can contribute to early intratumoral heterogeneity. The coevolution of the founding cells and their progeny enhances colon tumor progression and impacts the response to aspirin. These findings are important to a more complete understanding of tumorigenesis with consequences for several distinct models of tumor evolution. They also have practical implications to the clinic. Mouse models with heterogenous tumors are likely better for predicting drug efficacy as compared to models in which the tumors are highly homogeneous. Moreover, understanding how interactions among different populations in a single heterotypic tumor with a multi‐ancestral architecture impact response to a single agent and combination therapies are necessary to fully develop personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa A Leystra
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Brock J Gilsdorf
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Amanda M Wisinger
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Elise R Warda
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Shanna Wiegand
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christopher D Zahm
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kristina A Matkowskyj
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dustin A Deming
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Naghma Khan
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Quincy Rosemarie
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Chelsie K Sievers
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alexander R Schwartz
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dawn M Albrecht
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Linda Clipson
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Hasan Mukhtar
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Michael A Newton
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Richard B Halberg
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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29
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Liu R, Long Q, Zou X, Wang Y, Pei Y. DNA methylation occurring in Cre-expressing cells inhibits loxP recombination and silences loxP-sandwiched genes. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 231:210-224. [PMID: 33742463 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The low DNA recombination efficiency of site-specific recombinase systems in plants limits their application; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. We evaluate the gene deletion performance of four recombinase systems (Cre/loxP, Flp/FRT, KD/KDRT and B3/B3RT) in tobacco where the recombinases are under the control of germline-specific promoters. We find that the expression of these recombinases results mostly in gene silencing rather than gene deletion. Using the Cre/loxP system as a model, we reveal that the region flanked by loxP sites (floxed) is hypermethylated, which prevents floxed genes from deletion while silencing the expression of the genes. We further show CG methylation alone in the recombinase binding element of the loxP site is unable to impede gene deletion; instead, CHH methylation in the crossover region is required to inhibit loxP recombination. Our study illustrates the important role of recombinase-induced DNA methylation in the inhibition of site-specific DNA recombination and uncovers the mechanism underlying recombinase-associated gene silence in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Application and Safety Control of Genetically Modified Crops; Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qin Long
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Application and Safety Control of Genetically Modified Crops; Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiuping Zou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Application and Safety Control of Genetically Modified Crops; Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - You Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Application and Safety Control of Genetically Modified Crops; Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yan Pei
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Application and Safety Control of Genetically Modified Crops; Biotechnology Research Center, Southwest University, No. 2 Tiansheng Road, Beibei, Chongqing, 400715, China
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30
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Englund JI, Ritchie A, Blaas L, Cojoc H, Pentinmikko N, Döhla J, Iqbal S, Patarroyo M, Katajisto P. Laminin alpha 5 regulates mammary gland remodeling through luminal cell differentiation and Wnt4-mediated epithelial crosstalk. Development 2021; 148:269157. [PMID: 34128985 PMCID: PMC8254867 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial attachment to the basement membrane (BM) is essential for mammary gland development, yet the exact roles of specific BM components remain unclear. Here, we show that Laminin α5 (Lama5) expression specifically in the luminal epithelial cells is necessary for normal mammary gland growth during puberty, and for alveologenesis during pregnancy. Lama5 loss in the keratin 8-expressing cells results in reduced frequency and differentiation of hormone receptor expressing (HR+) luminal cells. Consequently, Wnt4-mediated crosstalk between HR+ luminal cells and basal epithelial cells is compromised during gland remodeling, and results in defective epithelial growth. The effects of Lama5 deletion on gland growth and branching can be rescued by Wnt4 supplementation in the in vitro model of branching morphogenesis. Our results reveal a surprising role for BM-protein expression in the luminal mammary epithelial cells, and highlight the function of Lama5 in mammary gland remodeling and luminal differentiation. Summary: Luminal mammary epithelial cells produce basement membrane laminin α5 necessary for mammary epithelial growth and differentiation. Laminin α5 loss compromises hormone receptor-positive luminal cell function and Wnt4-mediated crosstalk between epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna I Englund
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences (HiLIFE), 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alexandra Ritchie
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences (HiLIFE), 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leander Blaas
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Hanne Cojoc
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences (HiLIFE), 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nalle Pentinmikko
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences (HiLIFE), 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Julia Döhla
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences (HiLIFE), 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sharif Iqbal
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences (HiLIFE), 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Manuel Patarroyo
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 11 Solna, Sweden
| | - Pekka Katajisto
- Institute of Biotechnology, Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences (HiLIFE), 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83 Huddinge, Sweden.,Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Solna, Sweden
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31
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Suzuki T, Katada E, Mizuoka Y, Takagi S, Kazuki Y, Oshimura M, Shindo M, Hara T. A novel all-in-one conditional knockout system uncovered an essential role of DDX1 in ribosomal RNA processing. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:e40. [PMID: 33503245 PMCID: PMC8053084 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Generation of conditional knockout (cKO) and various gene-modified cells is laborious and time-consuming. Here, we established an all-in-one cKO system, which enables highly efficient generation of cKO cells and simultaneous gene modifications, including epitope tagging and reporter gene knock-in. We applied this system to mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and generated RNA helicase Ddx1 cKO ESCs. The targeted cells displayed endogenous promoter-driven EGFP and FLAG-tagged DDX1 expression, and they were converted to Ddx1 KO via FLP recombinase. We further established TetFE ESCs, which carried a reverse tetracycline transactivator (rtTA) expression cassette and a tetracycline response element (TRE)-regulated FLPERT2 cassette in the Gt(ROSA26)Sor locus for instant and tightly regulated induction of gene KO. By utilizing TetFE Ddx1F/F ESCs, we isolated highly pure Ddx1F/F and Ddx1−/− ESCs and found that loss of Ddx1 caused rRNA processing defects, thereby activating the ribosome stress–p53 pathway. We also demonstrated cKO of various genes in ESCs and homologous recombination-non-proficient human HT1080 cells. The frequency of cKO clones was remarkably high for both cell types and reached up to 96% when EGFP-positive clones were analyzed. This all-in-one cKO system will be a powerful tool for rapid and precise analyses of gene functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruhiko Suzuki
- Stem Cell Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Eiji Katada
- Stem Cell Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yuki Mizuoka
- Stem Cell Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Satoko Takagi
- Stem Cell Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kazuki
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center (CERC), Tottori University, 86 Nishicho, Yonago 683-8503, Japan.,Division of Genome and Cellular Functions, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, School of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Oshimura
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center (CERC), Tottori University, 86 Nishicho, Yonago 683-8503, Japan
| | - Mayumi Shindo
- Center for Basic Technology Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Takahiko Hara
- Stem Cell Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan.,Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan.,Graduate School of Science, Department of Biological Science, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-Osawa, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Conditional or inducible recombinase-based genetics is still the gold standard to analyse gene function, given its high specificity, temporal control, limited toxicity and the many available genetic tools. However, it is based on methods that have inherent limitations and shortcomings. The purpose of this review is to summarize and contrast the different available methods used to perform conditional gene function analysis to better inform the community about their particularities and the need to use better methods. RECENT FINDINGS As any other biomedical field, the vascular biology field has moved from using and analysing standard gene knockout (KO) mice, to use conditional genetics to delete a given gene only at a given time point, cell-type or organ of interest. This is the only way to accurately understand a gene function and avoid other confounding factors. Therefore, nowadays the majority of laboratories working with mice use CreERT2-tamoxifen-inducible genetics. However, this necessary transition from the relatively simple KO genetics to the more sophisticated conditional genetics brought a series of additional methodological issues that are often overlooked or unappreciated. Recent findings from several laboratories have shown how important is to know what to expect from and control for in conditional genetics. Without this a priori knowledge, the quality, robustness, time and costs of conditional genetic experiments can be significantly compromised. SUMMARY We start this review by discussing the intricacies of the most simple and widely used methods to perform conditional genetics and then extend on the need of novel and more advanced methods to increase the ease, efficiency and reliability of conditional mutagenesis and gene function analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Garcia-Gonzalez
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, Madrid, Spain
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Clark JF, Dinsmore CJ, Soriano P. A most formidable arsenal: genetic technologies for building a better mouse. Genes Dev 2021; 34:1256-1286. [PMID: 33004485 PMCID: PMC7528699 DOI: 10.1101/gad.342089.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In this review, Clark et al. summarize the history of mice in genetic studies and the development of classic approaches to genome modification, and how they have been used and improved in recent years. They also discuss the recent surge of nuclease-mediated techniques and how they are changing the field of mouse genetics. The mouse is one of the most widely used model organisms for genetic study. The tools available to alter the mouse genome have developed over the preceding decades from forward screens to gene targeting in stem cells to the recent influx of CRISPR approaches. In this review, we first consider the history of mice in genetic study, the development of classic approaches to genome modification, and how such approaches have been used and improved in recent years. We then turn to the recent surge of nuclease-mediated techniques and how they are changing the field of mouse genetics. Finally, we survey common classes of alleles used in mice and discuss how they might be engineered using different methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Clark
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Colin J Dinsmore
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Philippe Soriano
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
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34
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Fuchs MAA, Broeker KAE, Schrankl J, Burzlaff N, Willam C, Wagner C, Kurtz A. Inhibition of transforming growth factor β1 signaling in resident interstitial cells attenuates profibrotic gene expression and preserves erythropoietin production during experimental kidney fibrosis in mice. Kidney Int 2021; 100:122-137. [PMID: 33705825 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is characterized by the development of myofibroblasts originating from resident kidney and immigrating cells. Myofibroblast formation and extracellular matrix production during kidney damage are triggered by various cytokines. Among these, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) is considered a central trigger for kidney fibrosis. We found a highly upregulated expression of TGFβ1 and TGFβ receptor 2 (TGFβ-R2) mRNAs in kidney interstitial cells in experimental fibrosis. Here, we investigated the contribution of TGFβ1 signaling in resident kidney interstitial cells to organ fibrosis using the models of adenine induced nephropathy and unilateral ureteral occlusion in mice. For this purpose TGFβ1 signaling was interrupted by inducible deletion of the TGFβ-R2 gene in interstitial cells expressing the fibroblast marker platelet derived growth factor receptor-β. Expression of profibrotic genes was attenuated up to 50% in kidneys lacking TGFβ-R2 in cells positive for platelet derived growth factor receptor-β. Additionally, deletion of TGFβ-R2 prevented the decline of erythropoietin production in ureter ligated kidneys. Notably, fibrosis associated expression of α-smooth muscle actin as a myofibroblast marker and deposits of extracellular collagens were not altered in mice with targeted deletion of TGFβ-R2. Thus, our findings suggest an enhancing effect of TGFβ1 signaling in resident interstitial cells that contributes to profibrotic gene expression and the downregulation of erythropoietin production, but not to the development of myofibroblasts during kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julia Schrankl
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nicolai Burzlaff
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carsten Willam
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Charlotte Wagner
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Armin Kurtz
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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35
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Sheahan BJ, Freeman AN, Keeley TM, Samuelson LC, Roper J, Hasapis S, Lee CL, Dekaney CM. Epithelial Regeneration After Doxorubicin Arises Primarily From Early Progeny of Active Intestinal Stem Cells. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 12:119-140. [PMID: 33571711 PMCID: PMC8082264 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS aISCs (aISCs) are sensitive to acute insults including chemotherapy and irradiation. Regeneration after aISC depletion has primarily been explored in irradiation (IR). However, the cellular origin of epithelial regeneration after doxorubicin (DXR), a common chemotherapeutic, is poorly understood. METHODS We monitored DXR's effect on aISCs by enumerating Lgr5-eGFP+ and Olfm4+ crypts, cleaved caspase-3 (CASP3+) immunofluorescence, and time-lapse organoid imaging. Lineage tracing from previously identified regenerative cell populations (Bmi1+, Hopx+, Dll1+, and Defa6+) was performed with DXR damage. Lineage tracing from aISCs was compared with lineage tracing from early progeny cells (transit-amplifying cells arising from aISCs 1 day predamage) in the context of DXR and IR. We compared stem cell and DNA damage response (DDR) transcripts in isolated aISCs and early progeny cells 6 and 24 hours after DXR. RESULTS Epithelial regeneration after DXR primarily arose from early progeny cells generated by aISCs. Early progeny cells upregulated stem cell gene expression and lacked apoptosis induction (6 hours DXR: 2.5% of CASP3+ cells, p<0.0001). aISCs downregulated stem cell gene expression and underwent rapid apoptosis (6 hours DXR: 63.4% of CASP3+ cells). There was minimal regenerative contribution from Bmi1+, Hopx+, Dll1+, and Defa6+-expressing populations. In homeostasis, 48.4% of early progeny cells were BrdU+, and expressed low levels of DDR transcripts. CONCLUSIONS We show that DXR effectively depleted aISCs in the small intestine and subsequent epithelial regeneration depended on nonquiescent early progeny cells of aISCs. The chemoresistant phenotype of the early progeny cells may rely on a dampened DDR in contrast to aISCs' robust DDR, which facilitates expeditious apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanna J. Sheahan
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Ally N. Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Theresa M. Keeley
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Linda C. Samuelson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jatin Roper
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Stephanie Hasapis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Chang-Lung Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina,Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christopher M. Dekaney
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina,Correspondence Address requests for correspondence to: Christopher M. Dekaney, PhD, 1060 William Moore Drive, Campus Box 8401, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607.
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36
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Neele AE, Chen HJ, Gijbels MJJ, van der Velden S, Hoeksema MA, Boshuizen MCS, Van den Bossche J, Tool AT, Matlung HL, van den Berg TK, Lutgens E, de Winther MPJ. Myeloid Ezh2 Deficiency Limits Atherosclerosis Development. Front Immunol 2021; 11:594603. [PMID: 33574814 PMCID: PMC7871783 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.594603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages define a key component of immune cells present in atherosclerotic lesions and are central regulators of the disease. Since epigenetic processes are important in controlling macrophage function, interfering with epigenetic pathways in macrophages might be a novel approach to combat atherosclerosis. Histone H3K27 trimethylation is a repressive histone mark catalyzed by polycomb repressive complex with EZH2 as the catalytic subunit. EZH2 is described to increase macrophage inflammatory responses by supressing the suppressor of cytokine signaling, Socs3. We previously showed that myeloid deletion of Kdm6b, an enzymes that in contrast to EZH2 removes repressive histone H3K27me3 marks, results in advanced atherosclerosis. Because of its opposing function and importance of EZH2 in macrophage inflammatory responses, we here studied the role of myeloid EZH2 in atherosclerosis. A myeloid-specific Ezh2 deficient mouse strain (Ezh2del) was generated (LysM-cre+ x Ezh2fl/fl) and bone marrow from Ezh2del or Ezh2wt mice was transplanted to Ldlr-/- mice which were fed a high fat diet for 9 weeks to study atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic lesion size was significantly decreased in Ezh2del transplanted mice compared to control. The percentage of macrophages in the atherosclerotic lesion was similar, however neutrophil numbers were lower in Ezh2del transplanted mice. Correspondingly, the migratory capacity of neutrophils was decreased in Ezh2del mice. Moreover, peritoneal Ezh2del foam cells showed a reduction in the inflammatory response with reduced production of nitric oxide, IL-6 and IL-12. In Conclusion, myeloid Ezh2 deficiency impairs neutrophil migration and reduces macrophage foam cell inflammatory responses, both contributing to reduced atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette E Neele
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hung-Jen Chen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marion J J Gijbels
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pathology and Department of Molecular Genetics, CARIM, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Saskia van der Velden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marten A Hoeksema
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Marieke C S Boshuizen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jan Van den Bossche
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anton T Tool
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hanke L Matlung
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Timo K van den Berg
- Department of Blood Cell Research, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esther Lutgens
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Institue for Cardivascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig Maximilias University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Menno P J de Winther
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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37
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Stirparo GG, Kurowski A, Yanagida A, Bates LE, Strawbridge SE, Hladkou S, Stuart HT, Boroviak TE, Silva JCR, Nichols J. OCT4 induces embryonic pluripotency via STAT3 signaling and metabolic mechanisms. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2008890118. [PMID: 33452132 PMCID: PMC7826362 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2008890118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OCT4 is a fundamental component of the molecular circuitry governing pluripotency in vivo and in vitro. To determine how OCT4 establishes and protects the pluripotent lineage in the embryo, we used comparative single-cell transcriptomics and quantitative immunofluorescence on control and OCT4 null blastocyst inner cell masses at two developmental stages. Surprisingly, activation of most pluripotency-associated transcription factors in the early mouse embryo occurs independently of OCT4, with the exception of the JAK/STAT signaling machinery. Concurrently, OCT4 null inner cell masses ectopically activate a subset of trophectoderm-associated genes. Inspection of metabolic pathways implicates the regulation of rate-limiting glycolytic enzymes by OCT4, consistent with a role in sustaining glycolysis. Furthermore, up-regulation of the lysosomal pathway was specifically detected in OCT4 null embryos. This finding implicates a requirement for OCT4 in the production of normal trophectoderm. Collectively, our findings uncover regulation of cellular metabolism and biophysical properties as mechanisms by which OCT4 instructs pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano G Stirparo
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom;
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Agata Kurowski
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Ayaka Yanagida
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, EX4 4QD Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence E Bates
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1GA Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Stanley E Strawbridge
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Siarhei Hladkou
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1GA Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Hannah T Stuart
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Thorsten E Boroviak
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EG Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EG Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jose C R Silva
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1GA Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, CB2 0AW Cambridge, United Kingdom;
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EG Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, CB2 3EG Cambridge, United Kingdom
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38
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Markiewicz-Potoczny M, Lobanova A, Loeb AM, Kirak O, Olbrich T, Ruiz S, Lazzerini Denchi E. TRF2-mediated telomere protection is dispensable in pluripotent stem cells. Nature 2021; 589:110-115. [PMID: 33239785 PMCID: PMC9161009 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2959-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, telomere protection is mediated by the essential protein TRF2, which binds chromosome ends and ensures genome integrity1,2. TRF2 depletion results in end-to-end chromosome fusions in all cell types that have been tested so far. Here we find that TRF2 is dispensable for the proliferation and survival of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Trf2-/- (also known as Terf2) ES cells do not exhibit telomere fusions and can be expanded indefinitely. In response to the deletion of TRF2, ES cells exhibit a muted DNA damage response that is characterized by the recruitment of γH2AX-but not 53BP1-to telomeres. To define the mechanisms that control this unique DNA damage response in ES cells, we performed a CRISPR-Cas9-knockout screen. We found a strong dependency of TRF2-null ES cells on the telomere-associated protein POT1B and on the chromatin remodelling factor BRD2. Co-depletion of POT1B or BRD2 with TRF2 restores a canonical DNA damage response at telomeres, resulting in frequent telomere fusions. We found that TRF2 depletion in ES cells activates a totipotent-like two-cell-stage transcriptional program that includes high levels of ZSCAN4. We show that the upregulation of ZSCAN4 contributes to telomere protection in the absence of TRF2. Together, our results uncover a unique response to telomere deprotection during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anisha M Loeb
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Oktay Kirak
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Teresa Olbrich
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sergio Ruiz
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
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39
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Thorsen AS, Khamis D, Kemp R, Colombé M, Lourenço FC, Morrissey E, Winton D. Heterogeneity in clone dynamics within and adjacent to intestinal tumours identified by Dre-mediated lineage tracing. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm046706. [PMID: 33093165 PMCID: PMC7823168 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.046706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic models of tissue pathology commonly use induction of gene-specific mutations in mice mediated by spatiotemporal regulation of Cre recombinase. Subsequent investigation of the onset and development of disease can be limited by the inability to track changing cellular behaviours over time. Here, a lineage-tracing approach based on ligand-dependent activation of Dre recombinase that can be employed independently of Cre is described. The clonal biology of the intestinal epithelium following Cre-mediated stabilisation of β-catenin reveals that, within tumours, many new clones rapidly become extinct. Surviving clones show accelerated population of tumour glands compared to normal intestinal crypts but in a non-uniform manner, indicating that intra-tumour glands follow heterogeneous dynamics. In tumour-adjacent epithelia, clone sizes are smaller than in the background epithelia, as a whole. This suggests a zone of ∼seven crypt diameters within which clone expansion is inhibited by tumours and that may facilitate their growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofie Thorsen
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Doran Khamis
- University of Oxford, Center for Computational Biology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Richard Kemp
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Mathilde Colombé
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Filipe C. Lourenço
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Edward Morrissey
- University of Oxford, Center for Computational Biology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DS, UK
| | - Douglas Winton
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
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40
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Nitschke S, Chown EE, Zhao X, Gabrielian S, Petković S, Guisso DR, Perri AM, Wang P, Ahonen S, Nitschke F, Minassian BA. An inducible glycogen synthase-1 knockout halts but does not reverse Lafora disease progression in mice. J Biol Chem 2020; 296:100150. [PMID: 33277363 PMCID: PMC7857511 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.015773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Malstructured glycogen accumulates over time in Lafora disease (LD) and precipitates into Lafora bodies (LBs), leading to neurodegeneration and intractable fatal epilepsy. Constitutive reduction of glycogen synthase-1 (GYS1) activity prevents murine LD, but the effect of GYS1 reduction later in disease course is unknown. Our goal was to knock out Gys1 in laforin (Epm2a)-deficient LD mice after disease onset to determine whether LD can be halted in midcourse, or even reversed. We generated Epm2a-deficient LD mice with tamoxifen-inducible Cre-mediated Gys1 knockout. Tamoxifen was administered at 4 months and disease progression assessed at 12 months. We verified successful knockout at mRNA and protein levels using droplet digital PCR and Western blots. Glycogen determination and periodic acid-Schiff-diastase staining were used to analyze glycogen and LB accumulation. Immunohistochemistry using astrocytic (glial fibrillary acidic protein) and microglial (ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1) markers was performed to investigate neuroinflammation. In the disease-relevant organ, the brain, Gys1 mRNA levels were reduced by 85% and GYS1 protein depleted. Glycogen accumulation was halted at the 4-month level, while LB formation and neuroinflammation were significantly, though incompletely, prevented. Skeletal muscle analysis confirmed that Gys1 knockout inhibits glycogen and LB accumulation. However, tamoxifen-independent Cre recombination precluded determination of disease halting or reversal in this tissue. Our study shows that Gys1 knockdown is a powerful means to prevent LD progression, but this approach did not reduce brain glycogen or LBs to levels below those at the time of intervention. These data suggest that endogenous mechanisms to clear brain LBs are absent or, possibly, compromised in laforin-deficient murine LD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Nitschke
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin E Chown
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaochu Zhao
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shoghig Gabrielian
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sara Petković
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dikran R Guisso
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ami M Perri
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peixiang Wang
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Saija Ahonen
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Felix Nitschke
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
| | - Berge A Minassian
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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41
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Brinkmann K, Waring P, Glaser SP, Wimmer V, Cottle DL, Tham MS, Nhu D, Whitehead L, Delbridge AR, Lessene G, Smyth IM, Herold MJ, Kelly GL, Grabow S, Strasser A. BCL-XL exerts a protective role against anemia caused by radiation-induced kidney damage. EMBO J 2020; 39:e105561. [PMID: 33236795 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2020105561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies of gene-targeted mice identified the roles of the different pro-survival BCL-2 proteins during embryogenesis. However, little is known about the role(s) of these proteins in adults in response to cytotoxic stresses, such as treatment with anti-cancer agents. We investigated the role of BCL-XL in adult mice using a strategy where prior bone marrow transplantation allowed for loss of BCL-XL exclusively in non-hematopoietic tissues to prevent anemia caused by BCL-XL deficiency in erythroid cells. Unexpectedly, the combination of total body γ-irradiation (TBI) and genetic loss of Bcl-x caused secondary anemia resulting from chronic renal failure due to apoptosis of renal tubular epithelium with secondary obstructive nephropathy. These findings identify a critical protective role of BCL-XL in the adult kidney and inform on the use of BCL-XL inhibitors in combination with DNA damage-inducing drugs for cancer therapy. Encouragingly, the combination of DNA damage-inducing anti-cancer therapy plus a BCL-XL inhibitor could be tolerated in mice, at least when applied sequentially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Brinkmann
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Paul Waring
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Stefan P Glaser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Verena Wimmer
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Denny L Cottle
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cell Program Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Ming Shen Tham
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cell Program Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Duong Nhu
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Lachlan Whitehead
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Alex Rd Delbridge
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Ian M Smyth
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Development and Stem Cell Program Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Marco J Herold
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Stephanie Grabow
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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42
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Chen Z, Li S, Mo J, Hawley E, Wang Y, He Y, Brosseau JP, Shipman T, Clapp DW, Carroll TJ, Le LQ. Schwannoma development is mediated by Hippo pathway dysregulation and modified by RAS/MAPK signaling. JCI Insight 2020; 5:141514. [PMID: 32960816 PMCID: PMC7605536 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.141514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Schwannomas are tumors of the Schwann cells that cause chronic pain, numbness, and potentially life-threatening impairment of vital organs. Despite the identification of causative genes, including NF2 (Merlin), INI1/SMARCB1, and LZTR1, the exact molecular mechanism of schwannoma development is still poorly understood. Several studies have identified Merlin as a key regulator of the Hippo, MAPK, and PI3K signaling pathways; however, definitive evidence demonstrating the importance of these pathways in schwannoma pathogenesis is absent. Here, we provide direct genetic evidence that dysregulation of the Hippo pathway in the Schwann cell lineage causes development of multiple schwannomas in mice. We found that canonical Hippo signaling through the effectors YAP/TAZ is required for schwannomagenesis and that MAPK signaling modifies schwannoma formation. Furthermore, cotargeting YAP/TAZ transcriptional activity and MAPK signaling demonstrated a synergistic therapeutic effect on schwannomas. Our new model provides a tractable platform to dissect the molecular mechanisms underpinning schwannoma formation and the role of combinatorial targeted therapy in schwannoma treatment. Canonical Hippo signaling through the effectors YAP/TAZ is required for the development of peripheral nervous system tumors of Schwann cells, and MAPK signaling modifies schwannoma formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Li
- Department of Dermatology and.,Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Juan Mo
- Department of Dermatology and
| | - Eric Hawley
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Yongzheng He
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | - D Wade Clapp
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Thomas J Carroll
- Department of Molecular Biology.,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology and.,Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and.,Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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43
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Garcia-Gonzalez I, Mühleder S, Fernández-Chacón M, Benedito R. Genetic Tools to Study Cardiovascular Biology. Front Physiol 2020; 11:1084. [PMID: 33071802 PMCID: PMC7541935 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.01084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in biomedical science is tightly associated with the improvement of methods and genetic tools to manipulate and analyze gene function in mice, the most widely used model organism in biomedical research. The joint effort of numerous individual laboratories and consortiums has contributed to the creation of a large genetic resource that enables scientists to image cells, probe signaling pathways activities, or modify a gene function in any desired cell type or time point, à la carte. However, as these tools significantly increase in number and become more sophisticated, it is more difficult to keep track of each tool's possibilities and understand their advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the best currently available genetic technology to answer a particular biological question is key to reach a higher standard in biomedical research. In this review, we list and discuss the main advantages and disadvantages of available mammalian genetic technology to analyze cardiovascular cell biology at higher cellular and molecular resolution. We start with the most simple and classical genetic approaches and end with the most advanced technology available to fluorescently label cells, conditionally target their genes, image their clonal expansion, and decode their lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rui Benedito
- Molecular Genetics of Angiogenesis Group, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
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44
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Heikelä H, Ruohonen ST, Adam M, Viitanen R, Liljenbäck H, Eskola O, Gabriel M, Mairinoja L, Pessia A, Velagapudi V, Roivainen A, Zhang FP, Strauss L, Poutanen M. Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase 12 is essential for metabolic homeostasis in adult mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2020; 319:E494-E508. [PMID: 32691632 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00042.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxysteroid 17β dehydrogenase 12 (HSD17B12) is suggested to be involved in the elongation of very long chain fatty acids. Previously, we have shown a pivotal role for the enzyme during mouse development. In the present study we generated a conditional Hsd17b12 knockout (HSD17B12cKO) mouse model by breeding mice homozygous for a floxed Hsd17b12 allele with mice expressing the tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase at the ROSA26 locus. Gene inactivation was induced by administering tamoxifen to adult mice. The gene inactivation led to a 20% loss of body weight within 6 days, associated with drastic reduction in both white (83% males, 75% females) and brown (65% males, 60% females) fat, likely due to markedly reduced food and water intake. Furthermore, the knockout mice showed sickness behavior and signs of liver toxicity, specifically microvesicular hepatic steatosis and increased serum alanine aminotransferase (4.6-fold in males, 7.7-fold in females). The hepatic changes were more pronounced in females than males. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17, and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, were increased in the HSD17B12cKO mice indicating an inflammatory response. Serum lipidomics study showed an increase in the amount of dihydroceramides, despite the dramatic overall loss of lipids. In line with the proposed role for HSD17B12 in fatty acid elongation, we observed accumulation of ceramides, dihydroceramides, hexosylceramides, and lactosylceramides with shorter than 18-carbon fatty acid side chains in the serum. The results indicate that HSD17B12 is essential for proper lipid homeostasis and HSD17B12 deficiency rapidly results in fatal systemic inflammation and lipolysis in adult mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Heikelä
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Suvi T Ruohonen
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Marion Adam
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Heidi Liljenbäck
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Olli Eskola
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Michael Gabriel
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Mairinoja
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Alberto Pessia
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vidya Velagapudi
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anne Roivainen
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Fu-Ping Zhang
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Leena Strauss
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Turku Center for Disease Modeling, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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45
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Manouchehri N, Hussain RZ, Cravens PD, Doelger R, Greenberg BM, Okuda DT, Forsthuber TG, Eagar TN, Stüve O. Limitations of cell-lineage-specific non-dynamic gene recombination in CD11c.Cre +ITGA4 fl/fl mice. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 344:577245. [PMID: 32335319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Cre-lox system is a non-dynamic method of gene modification and characterization. Promoters thought to be relatively cell-specific are utilized for generation of cell-lineage-specific gene modifications. METHODS CD11c.Cre+ITGA4fl/fl mice were generated to abolish the expression of ITGA (α4-integrin) in CD11c+ cells. Ex vivo flow cytometry studies were used to assess the expression of cellular surface markers in different lymphoid compartments and leukocytes subsets after Cre-mediated recombination. RESULTS A significant reduction of α4-integrin expression among CD11c+- cells was achieved in CD11c.Cre+ITGA4fl/fl mice in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues. A similar reduction in the expression of α4-integrin was also observed in CD11c- cells. CONCLUSION Cre-lox-mediated cell lineage-specific gene deletion is limited by the transient expression of recombination regulating sequences in hematopoietic cell lines. These methodological issues indicate the need to consider when to employ non-dynamic DNA recombination models in animal models of CNS autoimmunity. An experimental algorithm to address the biological complexities of non-dynamic gene recombination is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navid Manouchehri
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rehana Z Hussain
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Petra D Cravens
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Richard Doelger
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Benjamin M Greenberg
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Darin T Okuda
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Thomas G Forsthuber
- Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Todd N Eagar
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Houston Methodist Hospital, USA
| | - Olaf Stüve
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, TX, USA; Neurology Section, VA North Texas Health Care System, Medical Service, Dallas, TX, USA.
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46
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Marceca GP, Londhe P, Calore F. Management of Cancer Cachexia: Attempting to Develop New Pharmacological Agents for New Effective Therapeutic Options. Front Oncol 2020; 10:298. [PMID: 32195193 PMCID: PMC7064558 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia (CC) is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by systemic inflammation, uncontrolled weight loss and dramatic metabolic alterations. This includes myofibrillar protein breakdown, increased lipolysis, insulin resistance, elevated energy expediture, and reduced food intake, hence impairing the patient's response to anti-cancer therapies and quality of life. While a decade ago the syndrome was considered incurable, over the most recent years much efforts have been put into the study of such disease, leading to the development of potential therapeutic strategies. Several important improvements have been reached in the management of CC from both the diagnostic-prognostic and the pharmacological viewpoint. However, given the heterogeneity of the disease, it is impossible to rely only on single variables to properly treat patients presenting this metabolic syndrome. Moreover, the cachexia symptoms are strictly dependent on the type of tumor, stage and the specific patient's response to cancer therapy. Thus, the attempt to translate experimentally effective therapies into the clinical practice results in a great challenge. For this reason, it is of crucial importance to further improve our understanding on the interplay of molecular mechanisms implicated in the onset and progression of CC, giving the opportunity to develop new effective, safe pharmacological treatments. In this review we outline the recent knowledge regarding cachexia mediators and pathways involved in skeletal muscle (SM) and adipose tissue (AT) loss, mainly from the experimental cachexia standpoint, then retracing the unimodal treatment options that have been developed to the present day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gioacchino P Marceca
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Priya Londhe
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Federica Calore
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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47
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Yu YRA, Malakhau Y, Yu CHA, Phelan SLJ, Cumming RI, Kan MJ, Mao L, Rajagopal S, Piantadosi CA, Gunn MD. Nonclassical Monocytes Sense Hypoxia, Regulate Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling, and Promote Pulmonary Hypertension. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 204:1474-1485. [PMID: 31996456 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
An increasing body of evidence suggests that bone marrow-derived myeloid cells play a critical role in the pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, the true requirement for myeloid cells in PH development has not been demonstrated, and a specific disease-promoting myeloid cell population has not been identified. Using bone marrow chimeras, lineage labeling, and proliferation studies, we determined that, in murine hypoxia-induced PH, Ly6Clo nonclassical monocytes are recruited to small pulmonary arteries and differentiate into pulmonary interstitial macrophages. Accumulation of these nonclassical monocyte-derived pulmonary interstitial macrophages around pulmonary vasculature is associated with increased muscularization of small pulmonary arteries and disease severity. To determine if the sensing of hypoxia by nonclassical monocytes contributes to the development of PH, mice lacking expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α in the Ly6Clo monocyte lineage were exposed to hypoxia. In these mice, vascular remodeling and PH severity were significantly reduced. Transcriptome analyses suggest that the Ly6Clo monocyte lineage regulates PH through complement, phagocytosis, Ag presentation, and chemokine/cytokine pathways. Consistent with these murine findings, relative to controls, lungs from pulmonary arterial hypertension patients displayed a significant increase in the frequency of nonclassical monocytes. Taken together, these findings show that, in response to hypoxia, nonclassical monocytes in the lung sense hypoxia, infiltrate small pulmonary arteries, and promote vascular remodeling and development of PH. Our results demonstrate that myeloid cells, specifically cells of the nonclassical monocyte lineage, play a direct role in the pathogenesis of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Rei A Yu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710;
| | - Yuryi Malakhau
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Chen-Hsin A Yu
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Stefan-Laural J Phelan
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
| | - R Ian Cumming
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Matthew J Kan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115; and
| | - Lan Mao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Sudarshan Rajagopal
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Claude A Piantadosi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Michael D Gunn
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
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48
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Navabpour S, Kwapis JL, Jarome TJ. A neuroscientist's guide to transgenic mice and other genetic tools. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 108:732-748. [PMID: 31843544 PMCID: PMC8049509 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The past decade has produced an explosion in the number and variety of genetic tools available to neuroscientists, resulting in an unprecedented ability to precisely manipulate the genome and epigenome in behaving animals. However, no single resource exists that describes all of the tools available to neuroscientists. Here, we review the genetic, transgenic, and viral techniques that are currently available to probe the complex relationship between genes and cognition. Topics covered include types of traditional transgenic mouse models (knockout, knock-in, reporter lines), inducible systems (Cre-loxP, Tet-On, Tet-Off) and cell- and circuit-specific systems (TetTag, TRAP, DIO-DREADD). Additionally, we provide details on virus-mediated and siRNA/shRNA approaches, as well as a comprehensive discussion of the myriad manipulations that can be made using the CRISPR-Cas9 system, including single base pair editing and spatially- and temporally-regulated gene-specific transcriptional control. Collectively, this review will serve as a guide to assist neuroscientists in identifying and choosing the appropriate genetic tools available to study the complex relationship between the brain and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Navabpour
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Janine L Kwapis
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, College Park, PA, USA; Center for the Molecular Investigation of Neurological Disorders (CMIND), Pennsylvania State University, College Park, PA, USA.
| | - Timothy J Jarome
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Roanoke, VA, USA; Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA; School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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49
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Gulyaeva O, Nguyen H, Sambeat A, Heydari K, Sul HS. Sox9-Meis1 Inactivation Is Required for Adipogenesis, Advancing Pref-1 + to PDGFRα + Cells. Cell Rep 2019; 25:1002-1017.e4. [PMID: 30355480 PMCID: PMC6903418 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.09.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Adipocytes arise from the commitment and differentiation of adipose precursors in white adipose tissue (WAT). In studying adipogenesis, precursor markers, including Pref-1 and PDGFRα, are used to isolate precursors from stromal vascular fractions of WAT, but the relation among the markers is not known. Here, we used the Pref-1 promoter-rtTA system in mice for labeling Pref-1+ cells and for inducible inactivation of the Pref-1 target Sox9. We show the requirement of Sox9 for the maintenance of Pref-1+ proliferative, early precursors. Upon Sox9 inactivation, these Pref-1+ cells become PDGFRα+ cells that express early adipogenic markers. Thus, we show that Pref-1+ cells precede PDGFRα+ cells in the adipogenic pathway and that Sox9 inactivation is required for WAT growth and expansion. Furthermore, we show that in maintaining early adipose precursors, Sox9 activates Meis1, which prevents adipogenic differentiation. Our study also demonstrates the Pref-1 promoter-rtTA system for inducible gene inactivation in early adipose precursor populations. The relationship among Sox9+, Pref-1+, and PDGFRα+ WAT precursors has not been studied. Gulyaeva et al. show that Pref-1+ cells are early adipose precursors and, upon Sox9 inactivation, they become PDGFRα+ cells at a later stage of the adipogenic pathway. In maintaining Pref-1+ adipose precursors, Sox9 activates Meis1, which prevents adipogenic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Gulyaeva
- Endocrinology Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Hai Nguyen
- Endocrinology Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Audrey Sambeat
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kartoosh Heydari
- Cancer Research Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Hei Sook Sul
- Endocrinology Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Department of Nutritional Sciences & Toxicology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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50
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Álvarez-Aznar A, Martínez-Corral I, Daubel N, Betsholtz C, Mäkinen T, Gaengel K. Tamoxifen-independent recombination of reporter genes limits lineage tracing and mosaic analysis using CreER T2 lines. Transgenic Res 2019; 29:53-68. [PMID: 31641921 PMCID: PMC7000517 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-019-00177-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The CreERT2/loxP system is widely used to induce conditional gene deletion in mice. One of the main advantages of the system is that Cre-mediated recombination can be controlled in time through Tamoxifen administration. This has allowed researchers to study the function of embryonic lethal genes at later developmental timepoints. In addition, CreERT2 mouse lines are commonly used in combination with reporter genes for lineage tracing and mosaic analysis. In order for these experiments to be reliable, it is crucial that the cell labeling approach only marks the desired cell population and their progeny, as unfaithful expression of reporter genes in other cell types or even unintended labeling of the correct cell population at an undesired time point could lead to wrong conclusions. Here we report that all CreERT2 mouse lines that we have studied exhibit a certain degree of Tamoxifen-independent, basal, Cre activity. Using Ai14 and Ai3, two commonly used fluorescent reporter genes, we show that those basal Cre activity levels are sufficient to label a significant amount of cells in a variety of tissues during embryogenesis, postnatal development and adulthood. This unintended labelling of cells imposes a serious problem for lineage tracing and mosaic analysis experiments. Importantly, however, we find that reporter constructs differ greatly in their susceptibility to basal CreERT2 activity. While Ai14 and Ai3 easily recombine under basal CreERT2 activity levels, mTmG and R26R-EYFP rarely become activated under these conditions and are therefore better suited for cell tracking experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Álvarez-Aznar
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - I Martínez-Corral
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - N Daubel
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - C Betsholtz
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden.,Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre (ICMC), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Novum, Blickagången 6, 141 57, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - T Mäkinen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - K Gaengel
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjöldsväg 20, 75185, Uppsala, Sweden.
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