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Zhang K, Aung T, Yao E, Chuang PT. Lung patterning: Is a distal-to-proximal gradient of cell allocation and fate decision a general paradigm?: A gradient of distal-to-proximal distribution and differentiation of tip progenitors produces distinct compartments in the lung. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300083. [PMID: 38010492 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300083] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies support a model in which the progeny of SOX9+ epithelial progenitors at the distal tip of lung branches undergo cell allocation and differentiation sequentially along the distal-to-proximal axis. Concomitant with the elongation and ramification of lung branches, the descendants of the distal SOX9+ progenitors are distributed proximally, express SOX2, and differentiate into cell types in the conducting airways. Amid subsequent sacculation, the distal SOX9+ progenitors generate alveolar epithelial cells to form alveoli. Sequential cell allocation and differentiation are integrated with the branching process to generate a functional branching organ. This review focuses on the roles of SOX9+ cells as precursors for new branches, as the source of various cell types in the conducting airways, and as progenitors of the alveolar epithelium. All of these processes are controlled by multiple signaling pathways. Many mouse mutants with defective lung branching contain underlying defects in one or more steps of cell allocation and differentiation of SOX9+ progenitors. This model provides a framework to understand the molecular basis of lung phenotypes and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of lung patterning. It builds a foundation on which comparing and contrasting the mechanisms employed by different branching organs in diverse species can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan Zhang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Thin Aung
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Erica Yao
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Pao-Tien Chuang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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2
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Koh I, Hagiwara M. Gradient to sectioning CUBE workflow for the generation and imaging of organoids with localized differentiation. Commun Biol 2023; 6:299. [PMID: 36944757 PMCID: PMC10030548 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04694-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancements in organoid culture have led to various in vitro mini-organs that mimic native tissues in many ways. Yet, the bottleneck remains to generate complex organoids with body axis patterning, as well as keeping the orientation of organoids during post-experiment analysis processes. Here, we present a workflow for culturing organoids with morphogen gradient using a CUBE culture device, followed by sectioning samples with the CUBE to retain information on gradient direction. We show that hiPSC spheroids cultured with two separated differentiation media on opposing ends of the CUBE resulted in localized expressions of the respective differentiation markers, in contrast to homogeneous distribution of markers in controls. We also describe the processes for cryo and paraffin sectioning of spheroids in CUBE to retain gradient orientation information. This workflow from gradient culture to sectioning with CUBE can provide researchers with a convenient tool to generate increasingly complex organoids and study their developmental processes in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Koh
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masaya Hagiwara
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.
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3
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Martinez Villegas K, Rasouli R, Tabrizian M. Enhancing metabolic activity and differentiation potential in adipose mesenchymal stem cells via high-resolution surface-acoustic-wave contactless patterning. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2022; 8:79. [PMID: 35846175 PMCID: PMC9276743 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-022-00415-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Acoustofluidics has shown great potential for label-free bioparticle patterning with excellent biocompatibility. Acoustofluidic patterning enables the induction of cell-cell interactions, which play fundamental roles in organogenesis and tissue development. One of the current challenges in tissue engineering is not only the control of the spatial arrangement of cells but also the preservation of cell patterns over time. In this work, we developed a standing surface acoustic wave-based platform and demonstrated its capability for the well-controlled and rapid cell patterning of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a high-density homogenous collagen hydrogel. This biocompatible hydrogel is easily UV crosslinked and can be retrieved within 3 min. Acoustic waves successfully guided the cells toward pressure nodal lines, creating a contactless alignment of cells in <5 s in culture media and <1 min in the hydrogel. The acoustically patterned cells in the hydrogel did not show a decrease in cell viability (>90%) 48 h after acoustic induction. Moreover, 45.53% and 30.85% increases in metabolic activity were observed in growth and differentiation media, respectively, on Day 7. On Day 14, a 32.03% change in metabolic activity was observed using growth media, and no significant difference was observed using differentiation media. The alkaline phosphatase activity showed an increase of 80.89% and 24.90% on Days 7 and 14, respectively, for the acoustically patterned cells in the hydrogel. These results confirm the preservation of cellular viability and improved cellular functionality using the proposed high-resolution acoustic patterning technique and introduce unique opportunities for the application of stem cell regenerative patches for the emerging field of tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Rasouli
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Maryam Tabrizian
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada
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4
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Hydrocoel morphogenesis forming the pentaradial body plan in a sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6025. [PMID: 35410352 PMCID: PMC9001670 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09691-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Echinoderms constitute an animal phylum characterized by the pentaradial body plan. During the development from bilateral larvae to pentaradial adults, the formation of the multiple of five hydrocoel lobes, i.e., the buddings from the mesodermal coelom, is the firstly emerging pentameral character. The developmental mechanism underlying the hydrocoel-lobe formation should be revealed to understand the evolutionary process of this unique and highly derived body plan of echinoderms, although the morphogenetic mechanisms of hydrocoel lobes are largely uninvestigated. In this study, using the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, in which hydrocoel is easily observable, the developmental process of hydrocoel lobes was described in detail, focusing on cell proliferation and rearrangement. Cell proliferation was not specifically distributed in the growing tips of the hydrocoel lobes, and inhibition of cell proliferation did not affect lobe formation. During lobe formation, the epithelium of the hydrocoel lobes was firstly thickened and then transformed into a simple epithelium, suggesting that tissue expansion via tissue remodeling contributes to the hydrocoel-lobe formation.
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5
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La Charité-Harbec S, Lachance JFB, Ryan AK, Gupta IR. Claudin-3 regulates luminal fluid accumulation in the developing chick lung. Differentiation 2022; 124:52-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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6
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Bryant AS, Lavrentovich MO. Survival in branching cellular populations. Theor Popul Biol 2022; 144:13-23. [PMID: 35093390 DOI: 10.1016/j.tpb.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We analyze evolutionary dynamics in a confluent, branching cellular population, such as in a growing duct, vasculature, or in a branching microbial colony. We focus on the coarse-grained features of the evolution and build a statistical model that captures the essential features of the dynamics. Using simulations and analytic approaches, we show that the survival probability of strains within the growing population is sensitive to the branching geometry: Branch bifurcations enhance survival probability due to an overall population growth (i.e., "inflation"), while branch termination and the small effective population size at the growing branch tips increase the probability of strain extinction. We show that the evolutionary dynamics may be captured on a wide range of branch geometries parameterized just by the branch diameter N0 and branching rate b. We find that the survival probability of neutral cell strains is largest at an "optimal" branching rate, which balances the effects of inflation and branch termination. We find that increasing the selective advantage s of the cell strain mitigates the inflationary effect by decreasing the average time at which the mutant cell fate is determined. For sufficiently large selective advantages, the survival probability of the advantageous mutant decreases monotonically with the branching rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S Bryant
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37966, USA
| | - Maxim O Lavrentovich
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37966, USA.
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Braunstein JA, Robbins AE, Stewart S, Stankunas K. Basal epidermis collective migration and local Sonic hedgehog signaling promote skeletal branching morphogenesis in zebrafish fins. Dev Biol 2021; 477:177-190. [PMID: 34038742 PMCID: PMC10802891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Teleost fish fins, like all vertebrate limbs, comprise a series of bones laid out in characteristic pattern. Each fin's distal bony rays typically branch to elaborate skeletal networks providing form and function. Zebrafish caudal fin regeneration studies suggest basal epidermal-expressed Sonic hedgehog (Shh) promotes ray branching by partitioning pools of adjacent pre-osteoblasts. This Shh role is distinct from its well-studied Zone of Polarizing Activity role establishing paired limb positional information. Therefore, we investigated if and how Shh signaling similarly functions during developmental ray branching of both paired and unpaired fins while resolving cellular dynamics of branching by live imaging. We found shha is expressed uniquely by basal epidermal cells overlying pre-osteoblast pools at the distal aspect of outgrowing juvenile fins. Lateral splitting of each shha-expressing epidermal domain followed by the pre-osteoblast pools precedes overt ray branching. We use ptch2:Kaede fish and Kaede photoconversion to identify short stretches of shha+basal epidermis and juxtaposed pre-osteoblasts as the Shh/Smoothened (Smo) active zone. Basal epidermal distal collective movements continuously replenish each shha+domain with individual cells transiently expressing and responding to Shh. In contrast, pre-osteoblasts maintain Shh/Smo activity until differentiating. The Smo inhibitor BMS-833923 prevents branching in all fins, paired and unpaired, with surprisingly minimal effects on caudal fin initial skeletal patterning, ray outgrowth or bone differentiation. Staggered BMS-833923 addition indicates Shh/Smo signaling acts throughout the branching process. We use live cell tracking to find Shh/Smo restrains the distal movement of basal epidermal cells by apparent 'tethering' to pre-osteoblasts. We propose short-range Shh/Smo signaling promotes these heterotypic associations to couple instructive basal epidermal collective movements to pre-osteoblast repositioning as a unique mode of branching morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Braunstein
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, 273 Onyx Bridge, 1318 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR, 97403-1229, USA; Department of Biology, University of Oregon, 77 Klamath Hall, 1370 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR, 97403-1210, USA
| | - Amy E Robbins
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, 273 Onyx Bridge, 1318 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR, 97403-1229, USA; Department of Biology, University of Oregon, 77 Klamath Hall, 1370 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR, 97403-1210, USA
| | - Scott Stewart
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, 273 Onyx Bridge, 1318 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR, 97403-1229, USA
| | - Kryn Stankunas
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Oregon, 273 Onyx Bridge, 1318 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR, 97403-1229, USA; Department of Biology, University of Oregon, 77 Klamath Hall, 1370 Franklin Blvd, Eugene, OR, 97403-1210, USA.
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8
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Kuang X, McAndrew MJ, Mustachio LM, Chen YJC, Atanassov BS, Lin K, Lu Y, Shen J, Salinger A, Macatee T, Dent SYR, Koutelou E. Usp22 Overexpression Leads to Aberrant Signal Transduction of Cancer-Related Pathways but Is Not Sufficient to Drive Tumor Formation in Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4276. [PMID: 34503086 PMCID: PMC8428332 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Usp22 overexpression is observed in several human cancers and is correlated with poor patient outcomes. The molecular basis underlying this correlation is not clear. Usp22 is the catalytic subunit of the deubiquitylation module in the SAGA histone-modifying complex, which regulates gene transcription. Our previous work demonstrated that the loss of Usp22 in mice leads to decreased expression of several components of receptor tyrosine kinase and TGFβ signaling pathways. To determine whether these pathways are upregulated when Usp22 is overexpressed, we created a mouse model that expresses high levels of Usp22 in all tissues. Phenotypic characterization of these mice revealed over-branching of the mammary glands in females. Transcriptomic analyses indicate the upregulation of key pathways involved in mammary gland branching in mammary epithelial cells derived from the Usp22-overexpressing mice, including estrogen receptor, ERK/MAPK, and TGFβ signaling. However, Usp22 overexpression did not lead to increased tumorigenesis in any tissue. Our findings indicate that elevated levels of Usp22 are not sufficient to induce tumors, but it may enhance signaling abnormalities associated with oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghong Kuang
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; (X.K.); (M.J.M.); (L.M.M.); (Y.-J.C.C.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael J. McAndrew
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; (X.K.); (M.J.M.); (L.M.M.); (Y.-J.C.C.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Luminex Corporation, 12212 Technology Blvd. Suite 130, Austin, TX 78721, USA
| | - Lisa Maria Mustachio
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; (X.K.); (M.J.M.); (L.M.M.); (Y.-J.C.C.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ying-Jiun C. Chen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; (X.K.); (M.J.M.); (L.M.M.); (Y.-J.C.C.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Boyko S. Atanassov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Kevin Lin
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; (X.K.); (M.J.M.); (L.M.M.); (Y.-J.C.C.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yue Lu
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; (X.K.); (M.J.M.); (L.M.M.); (Y.-J.C.C.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianjun Shen
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; (X.K.); (M.J.M.); (L.M.M.); (Y.-J.C.C.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Andrew Salinger
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; (X.K.); (M.J.M.); (L.M.M.); (Y.-J.C.C.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Timothy Macatee
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; (X.K.); (M.J.M.); (L.M.M.); (Y.-J.C.C.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sharon Y. R. Dent
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; (X.K.); (M.J.M.); (L.M.M.); (Y.-J.C.C.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Evangelia Koutelou
- Department of Epigenetics and Molecular Carcinogenesis, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Smithville, TX 78957, USA; (X.K.); (M.J.M.); (L.M.M.); (Y.-J.C.C.); (K.L.); (Y.L.); (J.S.); (A.S.); (T.M.)
- Center for Cancer Epigenetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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9
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Lang C, Conrad L, Iber D. Organ-Specific Branching Morphogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:671402. [PMID: 34150767 PMCID: PMC8212048 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.671402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A common developmental process, called branching morphogenesis, generates the epithelial trees in a variety of organs, including the lungs, kidneys, and glands. How branching morphogenesis can create epithelial architectures of very different shapes and functions remains elusive. In this review, we compare branching morphogenesis and its regulation in lungs and kidneys and discuss the role of signaling pathways, the mesenchyme, the extracellular matrix, and the cytoskeleton as potential organ-specific determinants of branch position, orientation, and shape. Identifying the determinants of branch and organ shape and their adaptation in different organs may reveal how a highly conserved developmental process can be adapted to different structural and functional frameworks and should provide important insights into epithelial morphogenesis and developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lang
- Department of Biosystems, Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Conrad
- Department of Biosystems, Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dagmar Iber
- Department of Biosystems, Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
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10
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Berg IC, Mohagheghian E, Habing K, Wang N, Underhill GH. Microtissue Geometry and Cell-Generated Forces Drive Patterning of Liver Progenitor Cell Differentiation in 3D. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100223. [PMID: 33890430 PMCID: PMC8222189 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
3D microenvironments provide a unique opportunity to investigate the impact of intrinsic mechanical signaling on progenitor cell differentiation. Using a hydrogel-based microwell platform, arrays of 3D, multicellular microtissues in constrained geometries, including toroids and cylinders are produced. These generated distinct mechanical profiles to investigate the impact of geometry and stress on early liver progenitor cell fate using a model liver development system. Image segmentation allows the tracking of individual cell fate and the characterization of distinct patterning of hepatocytic makers to the outer shell of the microtissues, and the exclusion from the inner diameter surface of the toroids. Biliary markers are distributed throughout the interior regions of micropatterned tissues and are increased in toroidal tissues when compared with those in cylindrical tissues. Finite element models of predicted stress distributions, combined with mechanical measurements, demonstrates that intercellular tension correlates with increased hepatocytic fate, while compression correlates with decreased hepatocytic and increased biliary fate. This system, which integrates microfabrication, imaging, mechanical modeling, and quantitative analysis, demonstrates how microtissue geometry can drive patterning of mechanical stresses that regulate cell differentiation trajectories. This approach may serve as a platform for further investigation of signaling mechanisms in the liver and other developmental systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C. Berg
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Bioengineering, 1102 Everitt Lab, MC-278, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Erfan Mohagheghian
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Building, 1206 W. Green St. MC 244, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Krista Habing
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Bioengineering, 1102 Everitt Lab, MC-278, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Building, 1206 W. Green St. MC 244, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Gregory H. Underhill
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Department of Bioengineering, 1102 Everitt Lab, MC-278, 1406 W. Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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11
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Jiang MQ, Yu SP, Wei ZZ, Zhong W, Cao W, Gu X, Wu A, McCrary MR, Berglund K, Wei L. Conversion of Reactive Astrocytes to Induced Neurons Enhances Neuronal Repair and Functional Recovery After Ischemic Stroke. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:612856. [PMID: 33841125 PMCID: PMC8032905 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.612856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The master neuronal transcription factor NeuroD1 can directly reprogram astrocytes into induced neurons (iNeurons) after stroke. Using viral vectors to drive ectopic ND1 expression in gliotic astrocytes after brain injury presents an autologous form of cell therapy for neurodegenerative disease. Cultured astrocytes transfected with ND1 exhibited reduced proliferation and adopted neuronal morphology within 2-3 weeks later, expressed neuronal/synaptic markers, and extended processes. Whole-cell recordings detected the firing of evoked action potentials in converted iNeurons. Focal ischemic stroke was induced in adult GFAP-Cre-Rosa-YFP mice that then received ND1 lentivirus injections into the peri-infarct region 7 days after stroke. Reprogrammed cells did not express stemness genes, while 2-6 weeks later converted cells were co-labeled with YFP (constitutively activated in astrocytes), mCherry (ND1 infection marker), and NeuN (mature neuronal marker). Approximately 66% of infected cells became NeuN-positive neurons. The majority (~80%) of converted cells expressed the vascular glutamate transporter (vGLUT) of glutamatergic neurons. ND1 treatment reduced astrogliosis, and some iNeurons located/survived inside of the savaged ischemic core. Western blotting detected higher levels of BDNF, FGF, and PSD-95 in ND1-treated mice. MultiElectrode Array (MEA) recordings in brain slices revealed that the ND1-induced reprogramming restored interrupted cortical circuits and synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, ND1 treatment significantly improved locomotor, sensorimotor, and psychological functions. Thus, conversion of endogenous astrocytes to neurons represents a plausible, on-site regenerative therapy for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Qize Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Shan Ping Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Zheng Zachory Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Weiwei Zhong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Wenyuan Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Xiaohuan Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - Anika Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Myles Randolph McCrary
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ken Berglund
- Center for Visual and Neurocognitive Rehabilitation, Atlanta Veterans Affair Medical Center, Decatur, GA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ling Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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12
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Jones MR, Chong L, Bellusci S. Fgf10/Fgfr2b Signaling Orchestrates the Symphony of Molecular, Cellular, and Physical Processes Required for Harmonious Airway Branching Morphogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:620667. [PMID: 33511132 PMCID: PMC7835514 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.620667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway branching morphogenesis depends on the intricate orchestration of numerous biological and physical factors connected across different spatial scales. One of the key regulatory pathways controlling airway branching is fibroblast growth factor 10 (Fgf10) signaling via its epithelial fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (Fgfr2b). Fine reviews have been published on the molecular mechanisms, in general, involved in branching morphogenesis, including those mechanisms, in particular, connected to Fgf10/Fgfr2b signaling. However, a comprehensive review looking at all the major biological and physical factors involved in branching, at the different scales at which branching operates, and the known role of Fgf10/Fgfr2b therein, is missing. In the current review, we attempt to summarize the existing literature on airway branching morphogenesis by taking a broad approach. We focus on the biophysical and mechanical forces directly shaping epithelial bud initiation, branch elongation, and branch tip bifurcation. We then shift focus to more passive means by which branching proceeds, via extracellular matrix remodeling and the influence of the other pulmonary arborized networks: the vasculature and nerves. We end the review by briefly discussing work in computational modeling of airway branching. Throughout, we emphasize the known or speculative effects of Fgfr2b signaling at each point of discussion. It is our aim to promote an understanding of branching morphogenesis that captures the multi-scalar biological and physical nature of the phenomenon, and the interdisciplinary approach to its study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Jones
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute and Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Lei Chong
- National Key Clinical Specialty of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Discipline of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Saverio Bellusci
- Key Laboratory of Interventional Pulmonology of Zhejiang Province, Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute and Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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13
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Raslan AA, Yoon JK. WNT Signaling in Lung Repair and Regeneration. Mol Cells 2020; 43:774-783. [PMID: 32807748 PMCID: PMC7528681 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2020.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The lung has a vital function in gas exchange between the blood and the external atmosphere. It also has a critical role in the immune defense against external pathogens and environmental factors. While the lung is classified as a relatively quiescent organ with little homeostatic turnover, it shows robust regenerative capacity in response to injury, mediated by the resident stem/progenitor cells. During regeneration, regionally distinct epithelial cell populations with specific functions are generated from several different types of stem/progenitor cells localized within four histologically distinguished regions: trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. WNT signaling is one of the key signaling pathways involved in regulating many types of stem/progenitor cells in various organs. In addition to its developmental role in the embryonic and fetal lung, WNT signaling is critical for lung homeostasis and regeneration. In this minireview, we summarize and discuss recent advances in the understanding of the role of WNT signaling in lung regeneration with an emphasis on stem/progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A. Raslan
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 35, Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
| | - Jeong Kyo Yoon
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 35, Korea
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Korea
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14
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Ruiz-Sobrino A, Martín-Blanco CA, Navarro T, Almudí I, Masiero G, Jiménez-Caballero M, Buchwalter DB, Funk DH, Gattolliat JL, Lemos MC, Jiménez F, Casares F. Space colonization by branching trachea explains the morphospace of a simple respiratory organ. Dev Biol 2020; 462:50-59. [PMID: 32109442 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Branching morphogenesis helps increase the efficiency of gas and liquid transport in many animal organs. Studies in several model organisms have highlighted the molecular and cellular complexity behind branching morphogenesis. To understand this complexity, computational models have been developed with the goal of identifying the "major rules" that globally explain the branching patterns. These models also guide further experimental exploration of the biological processes that execute and maintain these rules. In this paper we introduce the tracheal gills of mayfly (Ephemeroptera) larvae as a model system to study the generation of branched respiratory patterns. First, we describe the gills of the mayfly Cloeon dipterum, and quantitatively characterize the geometry of its branching trachea. We next extend this characterization to those of related species to generate the morphospace of branching patterns. Then, we show how an algorithm based on the "space colonization" concept (SCA) can generate this branching morphospace via growth towards a hypothetical attractor molecule (M). SCA differs from other branch-generating algorithms in that the geometry generated depends to a great extent on its perception of the "external" space available for branching, uses few rules and, importantly, can be easily translated into a realistic "biological patterning algorithm". We identified a gene in the C. dipterum genome (Cd-bnl) that is orthologous to the fibroblast growth factor branchless (bnl), which stimulates growth and branching of embryonic trachea in Drosophila. In C. dipterum, this gene is expressed in the gill margins and areas of finer tracheolar branching from thicker trachea. Thus, Cd-bnl may perform the function of M in our model. Finally, we discuss this general mechanism in the context of other branching pattern-generating algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ruiz-Sobrino
- CABD, GEM-DMC2 Unit (CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University-Junta de Andalucía), 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - C A Martín-Blanco
- CABD, GEM-DMC2 Unit (CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University-Junta de Andalucía), 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - T Navarro
- CABD, GEM-DMC2 Unit (CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University-Junta de Andalucía), 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - I Almudí
- CABD, GEM-DMC2 Unit (CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University-Junta de Andalucía), 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - G Masiero
- CABD, GEM-DMC2 Unit (CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University-Junta de Andalucía), 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - M Jiménez-Caballero
- CABD, GEM-DMC2 Unit (CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University-Junta de Andalucía), 41013, Seville, Spain
| | - D B Buchwalter
- North Carolina State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - D H Funk
- Stroud Water Research Center, Avondale, PA, 19311, USA
| | - J L Gattolliat
- Musée Cantonal de Zoologie, CH-1014, Lausanne, Switzerland; University of Lausanne (UNIL), Department of Ecology and Evolution, CH-1015, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - M C Lemos
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Sevilla, 41012, Sevilla, Spain
| | - F Jiménez
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Sevilla, 41012, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - F Casares
- CABD, GEM-DMC2 Unit (CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University-Junta de Andalucía), 41013, Seville, Spain.
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15
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Abstract
ABSTRACT
Over the past 5 years, several studies have begun to uncover the links between the classical signal transduction pathways and the physical mechanisms that are used to sculpt branched tissues. These advances have been made, in part, thanks to innovations in live imaging and reporter animals. With modern research tools, our conceptual models of branching morphogenesis are rapidly evolving, and the differences in branching mechanisms between each organ are becoming increasingly apparent. Here, we highlight four branched epithelia that develop at different spatial scales, within different surrounding tissues and via divergent physical mechanisms. Each of these organs has evolved to employ unique branching strategies to achieve a specialized final architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Goodwin
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Celeste M. Nelson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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16
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Korolj A, Wu HT, Radisic M. A healthy dose of chaos: Using fractal frameworks for engineering higher-fidelity biomedical systems. Biomaterials 2019; 219:119363. [PMID: 31376747 PMCID: PMC6759375 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.119363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Optimal levels of chaos and fractality are distinctly associated with physiological health and function in natural systems. Chaos is a type of nonlinear dynamics that tends to exhibit seemingly random structures, whereas fractality is a measure of the extent of organization underlying such structures. Growing bodies of work are demonstrating both the importance of chaotic dynamics for proper function of natural systems, as well as the suitability of fractal mathematics for characterizing these systems. Here, we review how measures of fractality that quantify the dose of chaos may reflect the state of health across various biological systems, including: brain, skeletal muscle, eyes and vision, lungs, kidneys, tumours, cell regulation, skin and wound repair, bone, vasculature, and the heart. We compare how reports of either too little or too much chaos and fractal complexity can be damaging to normal biological function, and suggest that aiming for the healthy dose of chaos may be an effective strategy for various biomedical applications. We also discuss rising examples of the implementation of fractal theory in designing novel materials, biomedical devices, diagnostics, and clinical therapies. Finally, we explain important mathematical concepts of fractals and chaos, such as fractal dimension, criticality, bifurcation, and iteration, and how they are related to biology. Overall, we promote the effectiveness of fractals in characterizing natural systems, and suggest moving towards using fractal frameworks as a basis for the research and development of better tools for the future of biomedical engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Korolj
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Hau-Tieng Wu
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Mathematics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Mathematics Division, National Center for Theoretical Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Milica Radisic
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Canada; Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada; Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; The Heart and Stroke/Richard Lewar Center of Excellence, Toronto, Canada.
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17
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Leggett SE, Neronha ZJ, Bhaskar D, Sim JY, Perdikari TM, Wong IY. Motility-limited aggregation of mammary epithelial cells into fractal-like clusters. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:17298-17306. [PMID: 31413194 PMCID: PMC6717304 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1905958116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Migratory cells transition between dispersed individuals and multicellular collectives during development, wound healing, and cancer. These transitions are associated with coordinated behaviors as well as arrested motility at high cell densities, but remain poorly understood at lower cell densities. Here, we show that dispersed mammary epithelial cells organize into arrested, fractal-like clusters at low density in reduced epidermal growth factor (EGF). These clusters exhibit a branched architecture with a fractal dimension of [Formula: see text], reminiscent of diffusion-limited aggregation of nonliving colloidal particles. First, cells display diminished motility in reduced EGF, which permits irreversible adhesion upon cell-cell contact. Subsequently, leader cells emerge that guide collectively migrating strands and connect clusters into space-filling networks. Thus, this living system exhibits gelation-like arrest at low cell densities, analogous to the glass-like arrest of epithelial monolayers at high cell densities. We quantitatively capture these behaviors with a jamming-like phase diagram based on local cell density and EGF. These individual to collective transitions represent an intriguing link between living and nonliving systems, with potential relevance for epithelial morphogenesis into branched architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Leggett
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Zachary J Neronha
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Dhananjay Bhaskar
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Jea Yun Sim
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Theodora Myrto Perdikari
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
| | - Ian Y Wong
- School of Engineering, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912;
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912
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18
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Xu W, Gulvady AC, Goreczny GJ, Olson EC, Turner CE. Paxillin-dependent regulation of apical-basal polarity in mammary gland morphogenesis. Development 2019; 146:dev.174367. [PMID: 30967426 DOI: 10.1242/dev.174367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Establishing apical-basal epithelial cell polarity is fundamental for mammary gland duct morphogenesis during mammalian development. While the focal adhesion adapter protein paxillin is a well-characterized regulator of mesenchymal cell adhesion signaling, F-actin cytoskeleton remodeling and single cell migration, its role in epithelial tissue organization and mammary gland morphogenesis in vivo has not been investigated. Here, using a newly developed paxillin conditional knockout mouse model with targeted ablation in the mammary epithelium, in combination with ex vivo three-dimensional organoid and acini cultures, we identify new roles for paxillin in the establishment of apical-basal epithelial cell polarity and lumen formation, as well as mammary gland duct diameter and branching. Paxillin is shown to be required for the integrity and apical positioning of the Golgi network, Par complex and the Rab11/MyoVb trafficking machinery. Paxillin depletion also resulted in reduced levels of apical acetylated microtubules, and rescue experiments with the HDAC6 inhibitor tubacin highlight the central role for paxillin-dependent regulation of HDAC6 activity and associated microtubule acetylation in controlling epithelial cell apical-basal polarity and tissue branching morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Xu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Anushree C Gulvady
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Gregory J Goreczny
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Eric C Olson
- Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 505 Irving Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Christopher E Turner
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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19
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Du L, Sohr A, Yan G, Roy S. Feedback regulation of cytoneme-mediated transport shapes a tissue-specific FGF morphogen gradient. eLife 2018; 7:38137. [PMID: 30328809 PMCID: PMC6224196 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gradients of signaling proteins are essential for inducing tissue morphogenesis. However, mechanisms of gradient formation remain controversial. Here we characterized the distribution of fluorescently-tagged signaling proteins, FGF and FGFR, expressed at physiological levels from the genomic knock-in alleles in Drosophila. FGF produced in the larval wing imaginal-disc moves to the air-sac-primordium (ASP) through FGFR-containing cytonemes that extend from the ASP to contact the wing-disc source. The number of FGF-receiving cytonemes extended by ASP cells decreases gradually with increasing distance from the source, generating a recipient-specific FGF gradient. Acting as a morphogen in the ASP, FGF activates concentration-dependent gene expression, inducing pointed-P1 at higher and cut at lower levels. The transcription-factors Pointed-P1 and Cut antagonize each other and differentially regulate formation of FGFR-containing cytonemes, creating regions with higher-to-lower numbers of FGF-receiving cytonemes. These results reveal a robust mechanism where morphogens self-generate precise tissue-specific gradient contours through feedback regulation of cytoneme-mediated dispersion. When an embryo develops, its cells must work together and ‘talk’ with each other so they can build the tissues and organs of the body. A cell can communicate with its neighbors by producing a signal, also known as a morphogen, which will tell the receiving cells what to do. Once outside the cell, a morphogen spreads through the surrounding tissue and forms a gradient: there is more of the molecule closer to the signaling cells and less further away. The cells that receive the message respond differently depending on how much morphogen they get, and therefore on where they are placed in the embryo. How morphogens move in tissues to create gradients is still poorly understood. One hypothesis is that, once released, they spread passively through the space between cells. Instead, recent research has shown that some morphogens travel through long, thin cellular extensions known as cytonemes. These structures directly connect the cells that produce a morphogen with the ones that receive the molecule. Yet, it is still unclear how cytonemes can help to form gradients. Du et al. aimed to resolve this question by following a morphogen called Branchless as it traveled through fruit fly embryos. Branchless is important for sculpting the embryonic airway tissue into a delicate network of branched tubes which supply oxygen to the cells of an adult fly. However, no one knew how cells communicate Branchless, whether or not Branchless formed a gradient, and if it did, how this gradient was created to set up the plan to form airway tubes. It was assumed that the molecule would diffuse passively to reach airway cells – but this is not what the experiments by Du et al. showed. To directly observe how Branchless moves among cells, insects were genetically engineered to produce Branchless molecules attached to a fluorescent ‘tag’. Microscopy experiments using these flies revealed that Branchless did not diffuse passively; instead, airway cells used cytonemes to ‘reach’ towards the cells that produced the molecule, collecting the signal directly from its source. The gradient was created because the airway cells near the cells that make Branchless had more cytonemes, and therefore received more of the molecule compared to the cells that were placed further away. Genetic analysis of the airway tissue showed that Branchless acts as a morphogen to switch on different genes in the receiving cells placed in different locations. The target genes activated by the gradient instruct the receiving cells on how many cytonemes need to be extended, which helps the gradient to maintain itself over time. Du et al. demonstrate for the first time how cytonemes can relay a signal to establish a gradient in a developing tissue. Dissecting how cells exchange information to create an organism could help to understand how this communication fails and leads to disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Du
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, Maryland, United States
| | - Alex Sohr
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, Maryland, United States
| | - Ge Yan
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, Maryland, United States
| | - Sougata Roy
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics, University of Maryland, Maryland, United States
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20
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Anlaş AA, Nelson CM. Tissue mechanics regulates form, function, and dysfunction. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2018; 54:98-105. [PMID: 29890398 PMCID: PMC6214752 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Morphogenesis encompasses the developmental processes that reorganize groups of cells into functional tissues and organs. The spatiotemporal patterning of individual cell behaviors is influenced by how cells perceive and respond to mechanical forces, and determines final tissue architecture. Here, we review recent work examining the physical mechanisms of tissue morphogenesis in vertebrate and invertebrate models, discuss how epithelial cells employ contractility to induce global changes that lead to tissue folding, and describe how tissue form itself regulates cell behavior. We then highlight novel tools to recapitulate these processes in engineered tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alişya A Anlaş
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States
| | - Celeste M Nelson
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States; Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, United States.
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21
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Kourouklis AP, Nelson CM. Modeling branching morphogenesis using materials with programmable mechanical instabilities. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2018; 6:66-73. [PMID: 30345410 PMCID: PMC6193561 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The architectural features of branching morphogenesis demonstrate exquisite reproducibility among various organs and species despite the unique functionality and biochemical differences of their microenvironment. The regulatory networks that drive branching morphogenesis employ cell-generated and passive mechanical forces, which integrate extracellular signals from the microenvironment into morphogenetic movements. Cell-generated forces function locally to remodel the extracellular matrix (ECM) and control interactions among neighboring cells. Passive mechanical forces are the product of in situ mechanical instabilities that trigger out-of-plane buckling and clefting deformations of adjacent tissues. Many of the molecular and physical signals that underlie buckling and clefting morphogenesis remain unclear and require new experimental strategies to be uncovered. Here, we highlight soft material systems that have been engineered to display programmable buckles and creases. Using synthetic materials to model physicochemical and spatiotemporal features of buckling and clefting morphogenesis might facilitate our understanding of the physical mechanisms that drive branching morphogenesis across different organs and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas P. Kourouklis
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
| | - Celeste M. Nelson
- Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544
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22
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Zhu Y, Chen X, Yang X, El-Hashash A. Stem cells in lung repair and regeneration: Current applications and future promise. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:6414-6424. [PMID: 29271480 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Lung diseases are major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The progress in regenerative medicine and stem cell research in the lung are currently a fast-growing research topic that can provide solutions to these major health problems. Under normal conditions, the rate of cellular proliferation is relatively low in the lung in vivo, compared to other major organ systems. Lung injury leads to the activation of stem/progenitor cell populations that re-enter the cell cycle. Yet, little is known about stem cells in the lung, despite common thoughts that these cells could play a critical role in the repair of lung injuries. Nor do we fully understand the cellular and architectural complexity of the respiratory tract, and the diverse stem/progenitor cells that are involved in the lung repair and regeneration. In this review, we discuss the conceptual framework of lung stem/progenitor cell biology, and describe lung diseases, in which stem cell manipulations may be physiologically significant. In addition, we highlight the challenges of lung stem cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Zhu
- Centre of Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine, Schools of Medicine and Basic Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Centre of Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine, Schools of Medicine and Basic Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Section of Environmental Biomedicine, School of Life Science, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ahmed El-Hashash
- Centre of Stem cell and Regenerative Medicine, Schools of Medicine and Basic Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,University of Edinburgh-Zhejiang University Institute (UoE-ZJU Institute), Haining, Zhejiang, China.,Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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23
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Theveneau E, Linker C. Leaders in collective migration: are front cells really endowed with a particular set of skills? F1000Res 2017; 6:1899. [PMID: 29152225 PMCID: PMC5664975 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.11889.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Collective cell migration is the coordinated movement emerging from the interaction of at least two cells. In multicellular organisms, collective cell migration is ubiquitous. During development, embryonic cells often travel in numbers, whereas in adults, epithelial cells close wounds collectively. There is often a division of labour and two categories of cells have been proposed: leaders and followers. These two terms imply that followers are subordinated to leaders whose proposed broad range of actions significantly biases the direction of the group of cells towards a specific target. These two terms are also tied to topology. Leaders are at the front while followers are located behind them. Here, we review recent work on some of the main experimental models for collective cell migration, concluding that leader-follower terminology may not be the most appropriate. It appears that not all collectively migrating groups are driven by cells located at the front. Moreover, the qualities that define leaders (pathfinding, traction forces and matrix remodelling) are not specific to front cells. These observations indicate that the terms leaders and followers are not suited to every case. We think that it would be more accurate to dissociate the function of a cell from its position in the group. The position of cells can be precisely defined with respect to the direction of movement by purely topological terms such as "front" or "rear" cells. In addition, we propose the more ample and strictly functional definition of "steering cells" which are able to determine the directionality of movement for the entire group. In this context, a leader cell represents only a specific case in which a steering cell is positioned at the front of the group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Theveneau
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France
| | - Claudia Linker
- Randall Division of Cell & Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
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24
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Mao Y, Green JBA. Systems morphodynamics: understanding the development of tissue hardware. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 372:20160505. [PMID: 28348260 PMCID: PMC5379032 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Systems morphodynamics describes a multi-level analysis of mechanical morphogenesis that draws on new microscopy and computational technologies and embraces a systems biology-informed scope. We present a selection of articles that illustrate and explain this rapidly progressing field.This article is part of the themed issue 'Systems morphodynamics: understanding the development of tissue hardware'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlan Mao
- MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jeremy B A Green
- Department of Craniofacial Development & Stem Cell Biology, King's College London, Guy's Tower, London SE1 9RT, UK
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