1
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Walendzik K, Kopcewicz M, Wiśniewska J, Opyd P, Machcińska-Zielińska S, Gawrońska-Kozak B. Dermal white adipose tissue development and metabolism: The role of transcription factor Foxn1. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23171. [PMID: 37682531 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300873rr] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Intradermal adipocytes form dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT), a unique fat depot localized in the lower layer of the dermis. However, recognition of molecular factors regulating dWAT development, homeostasis, and bioactivity is limited. Using Foxn1-/- and Foxn1+/+ mice, we demonstrated that epidermally expressed Foxn1 regulates dWAT development and defines the adipogenic capacity of dermal fibroblasts. In intact and post-wounded skin, Foxn1 contributes to the initial stimulation of dWAT adipogenesis and participates in the modulation of lipid metabolism processes. Furthermore, Foxn1 activity strengthens adipogenic processes through Bmp2 and Igf2 signaling and regulates lipid metabolism in differentiated dermal fibroblasts. The results reveal the contribution of Foxn1 to dWAT metabolism, thus identifying possible targets for modulation and regulation of dWAT in physiological and pathological processes in the skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walendzik
- Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Wiśniewska
- Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Paulina Opyd
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Sylwia Machcińska-Zielińska
- Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Barbara Gawrońska-Kozak
- Biological Function of Food, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
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2
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Battaglia M, Garrett-Sinha LA. Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus aureus as commensals and pathogens on murine skin. Lab Anim Res 2023; 39:18. [PMID: 37533118 PMCID: PMC10394794 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-023-00169-0] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin ulcers, skin dermatitis and skin infections are common phenomena in colonies of laboratory mice and are often found at increased prevalence in certain immunocompromised strains. While in many cases these skin conditions are mild, in other cases they can be severe and lead to animal morbidity. Furthermore, the presence of skin infections and ulcerations can complicate the interpretation of experimental protocols, including those examining immune cell activation. Bacterial species in the genus Staphylococcus are the most common pathogens recovered from skin lesions in mice. In particular, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus xylosus have both been implicated as pathogens on murine skin. Staphylococcus aureus is a well-known pathogen of human skin, but S. xylosus skin infections in humans have not been described, indicating that there is a species-specific difference in the ability of S. xylosus to serve as a skin pathogen. The aim of this review is to summarize studies that link S. aureus and S. xylosus to skin infections of mice and to describe factors involved in their adherence to tissue and their virulence. We discuss potential differences in mouse and human skin that might underlie the ability of S. xylosus to act as a pathogen on murine skin, but not human skin. Finally, we also describe mouse mutants that have shown increased susceptibility to skin infections with staphylococcal bacteria. These mutants point to pathways that are important in the control of commensal staphylococcal bacteria. The information here may be useful to researchers who are working with mouse strains that are prone to skin infections with staphylococcal bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Battaglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Lee Ann Garrett-Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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3
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Li J, Wachsmuth LP, Xiao S, Condie BG, Manley NR. Foxn1 overexpression promotes thymic epithelial progenitor cell proliferation and mTEC maintenance, but does not prevent thymic involution. Development 2023; 150:dev200995. [PMID: 36975725 PMCID: PMC10263147 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200995] [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: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXN1 is essential for fetal thymic epithelial cell (TEC) differentiation and proliferation. Postnatally, Foxn1 levels vary widely between TEC subsets, from low/undetectable in putative TEC progenitors to highest in differentiated TEC subsets. Correct Foxn1 expression is required to maintain the postnatal microenvironment; premature downregulation of Foxn1 causes a rapid involution-like phenotype, and transgenic overexpression can cause thymic hyperplasia and/or delayed involution. We investigated a K5.Foxn1 transgene that drives overexpression in mouse TECs, but causes neither hyperplasia nor delay or prevention of aging-related involution. Similarly, this transgene cannot rescue thymus size in Foxn1lacZ/lacZ mice, which undergo premature involution as a result of reduced Foxn1 levels. However, TEC differentiation and cortico-medullary organization are maintained with aging in both K5.Foxn1 and Foxn1lacZ/lacZ mice. Analysis of candidate TEC markers showed co-expression of progenitor and differentiation markers as well as increased proliferation in Plet1+ TECs associated with Foxn1 expression. These results demonstrate that the functions of FOXN1 in promoting TEC proliferation and differentiation are separable and context dependent, and suggest that modulating Foxn1 levels can regulate the balance of proliferation and differentiation in TEC progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | - Shiyun Xiao
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Brian G. Condie
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Nancy R. Manley
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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4
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Mustillo PJ, Sullivan KE, Chinn IK, Notarangelo LD, Haddad E, Davies EG, de la Morena MT, Hartog N, Yu JE, Hernandez-Trujillo VP, Ip W, Franco J, Gambineri E, Hickey SE, Varga E, Markert ML. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Immunological Management of Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and Other Defects in Thymic Development. J Clin Immunol 2023; 43:247-270. [PMID: 36648576 PMCID: PMC9892161 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-022-01418-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Current practices vary widely regarding the immunological work-up and management of patients affected with defects in thymic development (DTD), which include chromosome 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2del) and other causes of DiGeorge syndrome (DGS) and coloboma, heart defect, atresia choanae, retardation of growth and development, genital hypoplasia, ear anomalies/deafness (CHARGE) syndrome. Practice variations affect the initial and subsequent assessment of immune function, the terminology used to describe the condition and immune status, the accepted criteria for recommending live vaccines, and how often follow-up is needed based on the degree of immune compromise. The lack of consensus and widely varying practices highlight the need to establish updated immunological clinical practice guidelines. These guideline recommendations provide a comprehensive review for immunologists and other clinicians who manage immune aspects of this group of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Mustillo
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA.
| | - Kathleen E Sullivan
- Division of Allergy Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ivan K Chinn
- Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Retrovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Elie Haddad
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, CHU Sainte-Justine, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - E Graham Davies
- Department of Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital and UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 3HJ, UK
| | - Maria Teresa de la Morena
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Nicholas Hartog
- Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Department of Allergy and Immunology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, USA
| | - Joyce E Yu
- Division of Allergy, Immunology & Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Winnie Ip
- Department of Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital and UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Jose Franco
- Grupo de Inmunodeficiencias Primarias, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia UdeA, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Eleonora Gambineri
- Department of "NEUROFARBA", Section of Child's Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Centre of Excellence, Division of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Scott E Hickey
- Division of Genetic & Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Elizabeth Varga
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - M Louise Markert
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
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5
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Dias FCR, Matta SLP, Soares MB, Oliveira EL, Melo FCSA, Parizotto NA, Gomes AO, Gomes MLM. Alterations in the testicular parenchyma of Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- adult mice. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2022; 94:e20211123. [PMID: 35703697 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220211123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nude mice carry an autosomal recessive mutation in the Foxn1 gene and therefore are homozygous recessive animals (Foxn1 -/-). The fertility rate of homozygous male (Foxn1-/- ) is low, which seems to be related to the delay in the production of gametes at the beginning of sexual maturity. The present study evaluated the structural and organizational aspects of the testicles of homozygous and heterozygous offspring related to the Foxn1 gene in mice, describing its implications on spermatogenesis. Adult males Balb/c, Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- mice were used. Testes and epididymis were harvested for histological, biochemical, and sperm transit analyses. Gonadal weight was significantly lower in Foxn1+/- and Foxn1-/- animals, the same behavior was noticed for the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, tubular parameters such as epithelial proportion, length, and area, as well as germ and Leydig cell's populations were significantly reduced in the aforementioned groups, leading to lower sperm production. In conclusion, our results indicate the importance of the Foxn1 in Leydig cell's function, reflecting in the preservation of spermatogenesis, thus in germ cell's population and sperm cell production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda C R Dias
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural/ICBN, Praça Manoel Terra, 330, 38022-180 Uberaba, MG, Brazil.,Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Departamento de Veterinária, Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros, s/n, Dois Irmãos, 52171-900 Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Sérgio L P Matta
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Michelle B Soares
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Campus São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luiz, Km 235, Caixa Postal 676, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth L Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Biologia Geral, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Fabiana C S A Melo
- Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Departamento de Biologia Animal, Av. PH Rolfs, s/n, 36570-000 Viçosa, MG, Brazil
| | - Nivaldo A Parizotto
- Universidade Federal de São Carlos, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Campus São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luiz, Km 235, Caixa Postal 676, 13565-905 São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Angelica O Gomes
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural/ICBN, Praça Manoel Terra, 330, 38022-180 Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcos L M Gomes
- Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Departamento de Biologia Estrutural/ICBN, Praça Manoel Terra, 330, 38022-180 Uberaba, MG, Brazil
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6
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Martinez-Ruíz GU, Morales-Sánchez A, Bhandoola A. Transcriptional and epigenetic regulation in thymic epithelial cells. Immunol Rev 2022; 305:43-58. [PMID: 34750841 PMCID: PMC8766885 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is required for the development of both adaptive and innate-like T cell subsets. There is keen interest in manipulating thymic function for therapeutic purposes in circumstances of autoimmunity, immunodeficiency, and for purposes of immunotherapy. Within the thymus, thymic epithelial cells play essential roles in directing T cell development. Several transcription factors are known to be essential for thymic epithelial cell development and function, and a few transcription factors have been studied in considerable detail. However, the role of many other transcription factors is less well understood. Further, it is likely that roles exist for other transcription factors not yet known to be important in thymic epithelial cells. Recent progress in understanding of thymic epithelial cell heterogeneity has provided some new insight into transcriptional requirements in subtypes of thymic epithelial cells. However, it is unknown whether progenitors of thymic epithelial cells exist in the adult thymus, and consequently, developmental relationships linking putative precursors with differentiated cell types are poorly understood. While we do not presently possess a clear understanding of stage-specific requirements for transcription factors in thymic epithelial cells, new single-cell transcriptomic and epigenomic technologies should enable rapid progress in this field. Here, we review our current knowledge of transcription factors involved in the development, maintenance, and function of thymic epithelial cells, and the mechanisms by which they act.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Ulises Martinez-Ruíz
- T Cell Biology and Development Unit, Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Research Division, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
- Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Abigail Morales-Sánchez
- T Cell Biology and Development Unit, Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Children’s Hospital of Mexico Federico Gomez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Avinash Bhandoola
- T Cell Biology and Development Unit, Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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7
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Gawronska-Kozak B, Walendzik K, Machcinska S, Padzik A, Kopcewicz M, Wiśniewska J. Dermal White Adipose Tissue (dWAT) Is Regulated by Foxn1 and Hif-1α during the Early Phase of Skin Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:257. [PMID: 35008683 PMCID: PMC8745105 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT) is involved in the maintenance of skin homeostasis. However, the studies concerning its molecular regulation are limited. In the present paper, we ask whether the introduction of two transcription factors, Foxn1 and Hif-1α, into the post-wounded skin of Foxn1-/- mice regulates dWAT during wound healing (days 3 and 6). We have chosen lentivirus vectors (LVs) as a tool to deliver Foxn1 and Hif-1α into the post-wounded skin. We documented that combinations of both transgenes reduces the number, size and diameter of dermal adipocytes at the wound bed area. The qRT-PCR analysis of pro-adipogenic genes, revealed that LV-Hif-1α alone, or combined with LV-Foxn1, increases the mRNA expression of Pparγ, Glut 4 and Fasn at post-wounding day 6. However, the most spectacular stimulatory effect of Foxn1 and/or Hif-1α was observed for Igf2, the growth factor participating in adipogenic signal transduction. Our data also shows that Foxn1/Hif-1α, at post-wounding day 3, reduces levels of CD68 and MIP-1γ mRNA expression and the percentage of CD68 positive cells in the wound site. In conclusion, the present data are the first to document that Foxn1 and Hif-1α cooperatively (1) regulate dWAT during the proliferative phase of skin wound healing through the Igf2 signaling pathway, and (2) reduce the macrophages content in the wound site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Gawronska-Kozak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.W.); (S.M.); (M.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Katarzyna Walendzik
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.W.); (S.M.); (M.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Sylwia Machcinska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.W.); (S.M.); (M.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Artur Padzik
- Virus Vector Core, Turku Centre for Biotechnology BioCity, 20520 Turku, Finland;
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.W.); (S.M.); (M.K.); (J.W.)
| | - Joanna Wiśniewska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.W.); (S.M.); (M.K.); (J.W.)
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8
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Molekularne mechanizmy działania czynnika transkrypcyjnego FOXN1 w skórze. POSTEP HIG MED DOSW 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/ahem-2021-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstrakt
Artykuł jest przeglądem wyników badań dotyczących funkcji i mechanizmu działania czynnika transkrypcyjnego FOXN1. Lokalizacja FOXN1 u przedstawicieli wszystkich ssaków ogranicza się do nabłonka tylko dwóch organów: skóry i grasicy. W skórze FOXN1 stymuluje różnicowanie się keratynocytów, reguluje proces pigmentacji i bierze udział w rozwoju włosów. W skórze objętej urazem FOXN1 jest zaangażowany w bliznowy proces gojenia poprzez udział w reepitelializacji oraz w procesie przejścia epitelialno-mezenchymalnego (epithelial-mesenchymal transition; EMT). Pozbawione aktywnego czynnika transkrypcyjnego FOXN1 dorosłe myszy (Foxn1-/-) goją urazy skórne w unikalnym, charakterystycznym jedynie dla płodów ssaków, procesie bezbliznowej (scar-free) regeneracji. Analiza porównawcza transkryptomów skóry: dorosłych myszy Foxn1-/- oraz skóry płodów myszy (14. dzień rozwoju płodowego) wykazała istotne podobieństwa w ekspresji genów związanych przede wszystkim z przebudową tkanek, budową cytoszkieletu, gojeniem urazów, odpowiedzią immunologiczną oraz różnicowaniem. Wyniki te wskazują, iż FOXN1 może być głównym elementem szlaku sygnałowego na drodze tzw. punktu tranzycyjnego czyli przejścia z etapu gojenia bezbliznowego (płodowego) do bliznowego (dorosłego) w trakcie rozwoju płodowego.
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9
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Collins C, Sharpe E, Silber A, Kulke S, Hsieh EWY. Congenital Athymia: Genetic Etiologies, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment. J Clin Immunol 2021; 41:881-895. [PMID: 33987750 PMCID: PMC8249278 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-021-01059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Congenital athymia is an ultra-rare disease characterized by the absence of a functioning thymus. It is associated with several genetic and syndromic disorders including FOXN1 deficiency, 22q11.2 deletion, CHARGE Syndrome (Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia of the nasal choanae, Retardation of growth and development, Genitourinary anomalies, and Ear anomalies), and Complete DiGeorge Syndrome. Congenital athymia can result from defects in genes that impact thymic organ development such as FOXN1 and PAX1 or from genes that are involved in development of the entire midline region, such as TBX1 within the 22q11.2 region, CHD7, and FOXI3. Patients with congenital athymia have profound immunodeficiency, increased susceptibility to infections, and frequently, autologous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Athymic patients often present with absent T cells but normal numbers of B cells and Natural Killer cells (T-B+NK+), similar to a phenotype of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID); these patients may require additional steps to confirm the diagnosis if no known genetic cause of athymia is identified. However, distinguishing athymia from SCID is crucial, as treatments differ for these conditions. Cultured thymus tissue is being investigated as a treatment for congenital athymia. Here, we review what is known about the epidemiology, underlying etiologies, clinical manifestations, and treatments for congenital athymia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathleen Collins
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy Immunology, Rady Children's Hospital, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Sarah Kulke
- Enzyvant Therapeutics, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Elena W Y Hsieh
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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10
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Machcinska S, Kopcewicz M, Bukowska J, Walendzik K, Gawronska-Kozak B. Impairment of the Hif-1α regulatory pathway in Foxn1-deficient (Foxn1 -/- ) mice affects the skin wound healing process. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21289. [PMID: 33475195 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001907r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia and hypoxia-regulated factors (eg, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α [Hif-1α], factor inhibiting Hif-1α [Fih-1], thioredoxin-1 [Trx-1], aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator 2 [Arnt-2]) have essential roles in skin wound healing. Using Foxn1-/- mice that can heal skin injuries in a unique scarless manner, we investigated the interaction between Foxn1 and hypoxia-regulated factors. The Foxn1-/- mice displayed impairments in the regulation of Hif-1α, Trx-1, and Fih-1 but not Arnt-2 during the healing process. An analysis of wounded skin showed that the skin of the Foxn1-/- mice healed in a scarless manner, displaying rapid re-epithelialization and an increase in transforming growth factor β (Tgfβ-3) and collagen III expression. An in vitro analysis revealed that Foxn1 overexpression in keratinocytes isolated from the skin of the Foxn1-/- mice led to reduced Hif-1α expression in normoxic but not hypoxic cultures and inhibited Fih-1 expression exclusively under hypoxic conditions. These data indicate that in the skin, Foxn1 affects hypoxia-regulated factors that control the wound healing process and suggest that under normoxic conditions, Foxn1 is a limiting factor for Hif-1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Machcinska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Bukowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Walendzik
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Barbara Gawronska-Kozak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
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11
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Song J, Hoenerhoff M, Yang D, Yang Y, Deng C, Wen L, Ma L, Pallas B, Zhao C, Koike Y, Koike T, Lester P, Yang B, Zhang J, Chen YE, Xu J. Development of the Nude Rabbit Model. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:656-665. [PMID: 33606990 PMCID: PMC7940256 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the forkhead box N1 (FOXN1) gene lead to nude severe combined immunodeficiency, a rare inherited syndrome characterized by athymia, severe T cell immunodeficiency, congenital alopecia, and nail dystrophy. We recently produced FOXN1 mutant nude rabbits (NuRabbits) by using CRISPR-Cas9. Here we report the establishment and maintenance of the NuRabbit colony. NuRabbits, like nude mice, are hairless, lack thymic development, and are immunodeficient. To demonstrate the functional applications of NuRabbits in biomedical research, we show that they can successfully serve as the recipient animals in xenotransplantation experiments using human induced pluripotent stem cells or tissue-engineered blood vessels. Our work presents the NuRabbit as a new member of the immunodeficient animal model family. The relatively large size and long lifespan of NuRabbits offer unique applications in regenerative medicine, cancer research, and the study of a variety of other human conditions, including immunodeficiency. NuRabbit colony is established and available for the research community NuRabbits are nude and immunodeficient due to a mutation(s) in the FOXN1 gene NuRabbits support iPSC teratoma assay NuRabbits support xenotransplant of tissue-engineered blood vessels
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Song
- Center for Advanced Models and Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mark Hoenerhoff
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dongshan Yang
- Center for Advanced Models and Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Cheng Deng
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Luan Wen
- Center for Advanced Models and Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Linyuan Ma
- Center for Advanced Models and Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brooke Pallas
- Center for Advanced Models and Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Changzhi Zhao
- Center for Advanced Models and Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yui Koike
- Center for Advanced Models and Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Tomonari Koike
- Center for Advanced Models and Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Patrick Lester
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jifeng Zhang
- Center for Advanced Models and Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Y Eugene Chen
- Center for Advanced Models and Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- Center for Advanced Models and Translational Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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12
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Comparison of Genetically Engineered Immunodeficient Animal Models for Nonclinical Testing of Stem Cell Therapies. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020130. [PMID: 33498509 PMCID: PMC7909568 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
For the recovery or replacement of dysfunctional cells and tissue—the goal of stem cell research—successful engraftment of transplanted cells and tissues are essential events. The event is largely dependent on the immune rejection of the recipient; therefore, the immunogenic evaluation of candidate cells or tissues in immunodeficient animals is important. Understanding the immunodeficient system can provide insights into the generation and use of immunodeficient animal models, presenting a unique system to explore the capabilities of the innate immune system. In this review, we summarize various immunodeficient animal model systems with different target genes as valuable tools for biomedical research. There have been numerous immunodeficient models developed by different gene defects, resulting in many different features in phenotype. More important, mice, rats, and other large animals exhibit very different immunological and physiological features in tissue and organs, including genetic background and a representation of human disease conditions. Therefore, the findings from this review may guide researchers to select the most appropriate immunodeficient strain, target gene, and animal species based on the research type, mutant gene effects, and similarity to human immunological features for stem cell research.
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13
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Expanding the Nude SCID/CID Phenotype Associated with FOXN1 Homozygous, Compound Heterozygous, or Heterozygous Mutations. J Clin Immunol 2021; 41:756-768. [PMID: 33464451 PMCID: PMC8068652 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-021-00967-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Human nude SCID is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of immunity (IEI) characterized by congenital athymia, alopecia, and nail dystrophy. Few cases have been reported to date. However, the recent introduction of newborn screening for IEIs and high-throughput sequencing has led to the identification of novel and atypical cases. Moreover, immunological alterations have been recently described in patients carrying heterozygous mutations. The aim of this paper is to describe the extended phenotype associated with FOXN1 homozygous, compound heterozygous, or heterozygous mutations. We collected clinical and laboratory information of a cohort of 11 homozygous, 2 compound heterozygous, and 5 heterozygous patients with recurrent severe infections. All, except one heterozygous patient, had signs of CID or SCID. Nail dystrophy and alopecia, that represent the hallmarks of the syndrome, were not always present, while almost 50% of the patients developed Omenn syndrome. One patient with hypomorphic compound heterozygous mutations had a late-onset atypical phenotype. A SCID-like phenotype was observed in 4 heterozygous patients coming from the same family. A spectrum of clinical manifestations may be associated with different mutations. The severity of the clinical phenotype likely depends on the amount of residual activity of the gene product, as previously observed for other SCID-related genes. The severity of the manifestations in this heterozygous family may suggest a mechanism of negative dominance of the specific mutation or the presence of additional mutations in noncoding regions.
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14
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McClure MJ, Olson LC, Cohen DJ, Huang YC, Zhang S, Nguyen T, Boyan BD, Schwartz Z. RNU ( Foxn1
RNU-Nude) Rats Demonstrate an Improved Ability to Regenerate Muscle in a Volumetric Muscle Injury Compared to Sprague Dawley Rats. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:bioengineering8010012. [PMID: 33467489 PMCID: PMC7830033 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8010012] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Products developed for skeletal muscle regeneration frequently incorporate allogeneic and xenogeneic materials to elicit a regenerative response to heal skeletal muscle wounds. To avoid graft rejection in preclinical studies, immunodeficient rodents are used. Whether the immunodeficiency alters the host response to the material in skeletal muscle has not been studied. In this study, we hypothesized that an allogeneic acellular skeletal muscle grafts implanted in an immunodeficient rat (RNU, Foxn1-deficient) would exhibit better new muscle fiber formation compared to grafts implanted in immunocompetent Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Decellularized SD skeletal muscle matrix (DMM) was implanted in the gastrocnemius (N = 8 rats/group). 56 days after surgery, animal gait was examined and animals were euthanized. Muscle force was assessed and fiber number as well as immune cell infiltrate was measured by histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry. Animal gait and percent recovery of muscle force were unchanged in both groups, but newly regenerated muscle fibers increased in RNU rats. Macrophage staining for CD68 was higher in RNU rats than in SD rats. These data show differences in muscle regeneration between animal models using the same biomaterial treatment, but these differences could not be ascribed to the immune response. Overall, our data provide awareness that more studies are needed to understand how host responses to biomaterials differ based on the animal model used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. McClure
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-804-828-8337
| | - Lucas C. Olson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
| | - David J. Cohen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
| | | | - Shirley Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
| | - Tri Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
| | - Barbara D. Boyan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Zvi Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA; (L.C.O.); (D.J.C.); (S.Z.); (T.N.); (B.D.B.); (Z.S.)
- Department of Periodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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15
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Li J, Lee YK, Fu W, Whalen AM, Estable MC, Raftery LA, White K, Weiner L, Brissette JL. Modeling by disruption and a selected-for partner for the nude locus. EMBO Rep 2020; 22:e49804. [PMID: 33369874 PMCID: PMC7926259 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201949804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
A long‐standing problem in biology is how to dissect traits for which no tractable model exists. Here, we screen for genes like the nude locus (Foxn1)—genes central to mammalian hair and thymus development—using animals that never evolved hair, thymi, or Foxn1. Fruit flies are morphologically disrupted by the FOXN1 transcription factor and rescued by weak reductions in fly gene function, revealing molecules that potently synergize with FOXN1 to effect dramatic, chaotic change. Strong synergy/effectivity in flies is expected to reflect strong selection/functionality (purpose) in mammals; the more disruptive a molecular interaction is in alien contexts (flies), the more beneficial it will be in its natural, formative contexts (mammals). The approach identifies Aff4 as the first nude‐like locus, as murine AFF4 and FOXN1 cooperatively induce similar cutaneous/thymic phenotypes, similar gene expression programs, and the same step of transcription, pre‐initiation complex formation. These AFF4 functions are unexpected, as AFF4 also serves as a scaffold in common transcriptional‐elongation complexes. Most likely, the approach works because an interaction's power to disrupt is the inevitable consequence of its selected‐for power to benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.,Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Yun-Kyoung Lee
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Wenyu Fu
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.,Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Anne M Whalen
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Mario C Estable
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laurel A Raftery
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Kristin White
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Lorin Weiner
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.,Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Janice L Brissette
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA.,Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
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16
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Walendzik K, Bukowska J, Kopcewicz M, Machcinska S, Gimble JM, Gawronska-Kozak B. Age, Diet and Epidermal Signaling Modulate Dermal Fibroblasts' Adipogenic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238955. [PMID: 33255750 PMCID: PMC7728337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The recognition of a distinct fat depot, the dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT), points out the complexity of the interaction among skin resident cells: keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts (DFs) and adipocytes in response to physiological (diet, age) and pathological (injury) stimulations. dWAT has been recognized as a significant contributor to thermoregulation, hair cycle, immune response, wound healing and scarring. In this study, we examined age- and diet-related changes in dWAT modulation and DFs' adipogenic potential. The data showed that diet modulates dWAT expansion predominantly by hypertrophy, whereas age affects the pool of adipocyte progenitor cells in the skin indicating its role in dWAT hyperplasia. Analysis of DFs' migratory abilities in the model of skin explants isolated from the skin of young, old, low (LFD)- or high (HFD)-fat diet C56BL/6 mice revealed that HFD, regardless of animal age has the most profound stimulatory impact of DF migration. We determined that the adipogenic potential of DFs is comparable to stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of inguinal fat depot and ear mesenchymal stem cells (EMSC). We also showed the stimulatory role of epidermally expressed transcription factor Foxn1 on adipogenic signaling: bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2) and insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) in keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walendzik
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.W.); (J.B.); (M.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Joanna Bukowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.W.); (J.B.); (M.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.W.); (J.B.); (M.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Sylwia Machcinska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.W.); (J.B.); (M.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Jeffrey M. Gimble
- LaCell LLC, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
- Obatala Sciences Inc., 2000 Lakeshore Drive, #4020, New Orleans, LA 70148, USA
- Departments of Medicine, Structural and Cellular Biology, and Surgery and Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Barbara Gawronska-Kozak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.W.); (J.B.); (M.K.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-89-5234634; Fax: +48-89-5240124
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17
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Giardino G, Borzacchiello C, De Luca M, Romano R, Prencipe R, Cirillo E, Pignata C. T-Cell Immunodeficiencies With Congenital Alterations of Thymic Development: Genes Implicated and Differential Immunological and Clinical Features. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1837. [PMID: 32922396 PMCID: PMC7457079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined Immunodeficiencies (CID) are rare congenital disorders characterized by defective T-cell development that may be associated with B- and NK-cell deficiency. They are usually due to alterations in genes expressed in hematopoietic precursors but in few cases, they are caused by impaired thymic development. Athymia was classically associated with DiGeorge Syndrome due to TBX1 gene haploinsufficiency. Other genes, implicated in thymic organogenesis include FOXN1, associated with Nude SCID syndrome, PAX1, associated with Otofaciocervical Syndrome type 2, and CHD7, one of the genes implicated in CHARGE syndrome. More recently, chromosome 2p11.2 microdeletion, causing FOXI3 haploinsufficiency, has been identified in 5 families with impaired thymus development. In this review, we will summarize the main genetic, clinical, and immunological features related to the abovementioned gene mutations. We will also focus on different therapeutic approaches to treat SCID in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Giardino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Borzacchiello
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina De Luca
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Romano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Prencipe
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Cirillo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Pignata
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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18
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Pleiotropic Functions of FoxN1: Regulating Different Target Genes during Embryogenesis and Nymph Molting in the Brown Planthopper. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124222. [PMID: 32545786 PMCID: PMC7353072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
FoxN1 gene belongs to the forkhead box gene family that comprises a diverse group of “winged helix” transcription factors that have been implicated in a variety of biochemical and cellular processes. In the brown planthopper (BPH), FoxN1 is highly expressed in the ovaries and newly laid eggs, where it acted as an indispensable gene through its molecular targets to regulate early embryonic development. Moreover, the results of the RNAi experiments indicated that Nilaparvata lugensFoxN1 (NlFoxN1) exhibited pleiotropism: they not only affected the embryogenesis, but also played an important role in molting. RNA-seq and RNAi were further used to reveal potential target genes of NlFoxN1 in different stages. In the eggs, ten downregulated genes were defined as potential target genes of NlFoxN1 because of the similar expression patterns and functions with NlFoxN1. Knockdown of NlFoxN1 or any of these genes prevented the development of the eggs, resulting in a zero hatchability. In the nymphs, NlFoxN1 regulated the expression of a keratin gene, type I cytoskeletal keratin 9 (NlKrt9), to participate in the formation of an intermediate filament framework. Depletion of NlFoxN1 or NlKrt9 in nymphs, BPHs failed to shed their old cuticle during nymph-to-nymph or nymph-to-adult molting and the mortality was almost 100%. Altogether, the pleiotropic roles of NlFoxN1 during embryogenesis and nymph molting were supported by the ability to coordinate the temporal and spatial gene expression of their target genes.
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19
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Thomas R, Wang W, Su DM. Contributions of Age-Related Thymic Involution to Immunosenescence and Inflammaging. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2020; 17:2. [PMID: 31988649 PMCID: PMC6971920 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-020-0173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Immune system aging is characterized by the paradox of immunosenescence (insufficiency) and inflammaging (over-reaction), which incorporate two sides of the same coin, resulting in immune disorder. Immunosenescence refers to disruption in the structural architecture of immune organs and dysfunction in immune responses, resulting from both aged innate and adaptive immunity. Inflammaging, described as a chronic, sterile, systemic inflammatory condition associated with advanced age, is mainly attributed to somatic cellular senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and age-related autoimmune predisposition. However, the inability to reduce senescent somatic cells (SSCs), because of immunosenescence, exacerbates inflammaging. Age-related adaptive immune system deviations, particularly altered T cell function, are derived from age-related thymic atrophy or involution, a hallmark of thymic aging. Recently, there have been major developments in understanding how age-related thymic involution contributes to inflammaging and immunosenescence at the cellular and molecular levels, including genetic and epigenetic regulation, as well as developments of many potential rejuvenation strategies. Herein, we discuss the research progress uncovering how age-related thymic involution contributes to immunosenescence and inflammaging, as well as their intersection. We also describe how T cell adaptive immunity mediates inflammaging and plays a crucial role in the progression of age-related neurological and cardiovascular diseases, as well as cancer. We then briefly outline the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of age-related thymic involution, and finally summarize potential rejuvenation strategies to restore aged thymic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Thomas
- Cell Biology, Immunology, and Microbiology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Weikan Wang
- Cell Biology, Immunology, and Microbiology Graduate Program, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
| | - Dong-Ming Su
- 2Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107 USA
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20
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Oliveira CFA, Lara NLM, Lacerda SMSN, Resende RR, França LR, Avelar GF. Foxn1 and Prkdc genes are important for testis function: evidence from nude and scid adult mice. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 380:615-625. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03165-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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21
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Walendzik K, Kopcewicz M, Bukowska J, Panasiewicz G, Szafranska B, Gawronska-Kozak B. The Transcription Factor FOXN1 Regulates Skin Adipogenesis and Affects Susceptibility to Diet-Induced Obesity. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 140:1166-1175.e9. [PMID: 31811821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
FOXN1, a transcription factor expressed in the epidermis, regulates keratinocyte differentiation and participates in skin wound healing. In this study, we explored the impact of FOXN1 insufficiency on diet-stimulated weight gain and dermal white adipose tissue regulation in the intact and wounded skin of FOXN1eGFP/+ (heterozygotes, FOXN1-insufficient) mice in the context of age and diet. The results showed that on a high-fat diet, FOXN1eGFP/+ mice gained significantly less body weight than their FOXN1+/+ counterparts (FOXN1-sufficient mice). The intact and wounded skin of FOXN1eGFP/+ mice displayed abrogated expression of the master regulators of adipogenesis, PPARγ, FABP4, and leptin, which decreased with age in FOXN1+/+ mice. FOXN1 insufficiency also resulted in a decreased percentage of adipocyte-committed precursor cells (CD24+) in the skin. The proadipogenic pathway genes Bmp2, Igf2, and Mest showed a gradual decrease in expression that accompanied the gradual inactivation of FOXN1 in the skin of FOXN1+/+, FOXN1eGFP/+, and FOXN1eGFP/eGFP (lack of FOXN1) mice. Bone morphogenetic protein 2 and insulin-like growth factor 2 signals colocalized with FOXN1-eGFP in the epidermis and in hair follicles. These data demonstrated that FOXN1 initiates the cascade of adipogenic signaling that regulates skin homeostasis and wound healing and affects susceptibility to diet-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walendzik
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Joanna Bukowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Panasiewicz
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Bozena Szafranska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Barbara Gawronska-Kozak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland.
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22
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Panteleyev AA. Functional anatomy of the hair follicle: The Secondary Hair Germ. Exp Dermatol 2019; 27:701-720. [PMID: 29672929 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The secondary hair germ (SHG)-a transitory structure in the lower portion of the mouse telogen hair follicle (HF)-is directly involved in anagen induction and eventual HF regrowth. Some crucial aspects of SHG functioning and ontogenetic relations with other HF parts, however, remain undefined. According to recent evidence (in contrast to previous bulge-centric views), the SHG is the primary target of anagen-inducing signalling and a source of both the outer root sheath (ORS) and ascending HF layers during the initial (morphogenetic) anagen subphase. The SHG is comprised of two functionally distinct cell populations. Its lower portion (originating from lower HF cells that survived catagen) forms all ascending HF layers, while the upper SHG (formed by bulge-derived cells) builds up the ORS. The predetermination of SHG cells to a specific morphogenetic fate contradicts their attribution to the "stem cell" category and supports SHG designation as a "germinative" or a "founder" cell population. The mechanisms of this predetermination driving transition of the SHG from "refractory" to the "competent" state during the telogen remain unknown. Functionally, the SHG serves as a barrier, protecting the quiescent bulge stem cell niche from the extensive follicular papilla/SHG signalling milieu. The formation of the SHG is a prerequisite for efficient "precommitment" of these cells and provides for easier sensing and a faster response to anagen-inducing signals. In general, the formation of the SHG is an evolutionary adaptation, which allowed the ancestors of modern Muridae to acquire a specific, highly synchronized pattern of hair cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey A Panteleyev
- Kurchatov complex of NBICS Technologies, National Research Center "Kurchatov Institute", Moscow, Russia
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23
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Rymer K, Shiang R, Hsiung A, Pandya A, Bigdeli T, Webb BT, Rhodes J. Expanding the phenotype for the recurrent p.Ala391Glu variant in FGFR3: Beyond crouzon syndrome and acanthosis nigricans. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e656. [PMID: 31016899 PMCID: PMC6565579 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Craniosynostosis, or premature fusion of the skull sutures, is a group of disorders that can present in isolation (nonsyndromic) or be associated with other anomalies (syndromic). Delineation of syndromic craniosynostosis is confounded due to phenotypic overlap, variable expression as well as molecular heterogeneity. We report on an infant who presented at birth with multisuture synostosis, turribrachycephaly, midface hypoplasia, beaked nose, low set ears, a high palate and short squat appearing thumbs, and great toes without deviation. The additional MRI findings of choanal stenosis and a Chiari I malformation suggested a diagnosis of Pfeiffer syndrome. First tier molecular testing did not reveal a pathogenic variant. Methods Whole exome sequencing on DNA samples from the proband and her unaffected parents was utilized to delineate the variant causative for the Pfeiffer syndrome diagnosis. Results On whole exome sequencing, a de novo NM_000142.4:c.1428C>A missense variant causing a p.Ala391Glu amino acid change in FGFR3 has been identified. The p.Ala391Glu change has been predominantly identified in patients with Crouzon syndrome with acanthosis nigricans. Conclusions This finding illustrates the first reported case of a child with an overlap with Pfeiffer syndrome to have the p.Ala391Glu variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Rymer
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Rita Shiang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Anting Hsiung
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Arti Pandya
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Tim Bigdeli
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Bradley T Webb
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia.,Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jennifer Rhodes
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
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Yao B, Xie J, Liu N, Hu T, Song W, Huang S, Fu X. Direct reprogramming of epidermal cells toward sweat gland-like cells by defined factors. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:272. [PMID: 30894517 PMCID: PMC6426881 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1503-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have reported inducing adult cells into sweat gland-like cells; however, slow transition and low efficiency limit the potential for cell-based treatment. Here, we show that overexpression of the transcription factor FoxC1 was sufficient to reprogram epidermal cells to induced functional sweat gland-like cells (iSGCs). The iSGCs expressing secreting-related genes, had a global gene expression profile between fetal SGCs (P5) and adult SGCs (P28). Moreover, iSGCs transplanted into the burn mice model facilitated wound repair and sweat gland regeneration. We further demonstrated that the Foxc1 upregulated BMP5 transcription and BMP5 is responsible for the cell-type transition. Collectively, this study shows that lineage reprogramming of epidermal cells into iSGCs provides an excellent cell source and a promising regenerative strategy for anhidrosis and hypohidrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yao
- Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, 100853, P.R. China.,Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration of PLA, and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, P.R. China
| | - Jiangfan Xie
- Burn Department of the First People's Hospital of Zhengzhou City, Zhengzhou, 450004, P.R. China
| | - Nanbo Liu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Affiliated South China Hospital, Southern Medical University (Guangdong Province People's Hospital), Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China
| | - Tian Hu
- Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, 100853, P.R. China.,School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300052, P.R. China
| | - Wei Song
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration of PLA, and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, P.R. China
| | - Sha Huang
- Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, 100853, P.R. China.
| | - Xiaobing Fu
- Wound Healing and Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, 100853, P.R. China. .,Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration of PLA, and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration, Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100048, P.R. China.
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25
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Foxn1 in Skin Development, Homeostasis and Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071956. [PMID: 29973508 PMCID: PMC6073674 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intensive research effort has focused on cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate skin biology, including the phenomenon of scar-free skin healing during foetal life. Transcription factors are the key molecules that tune gene expression and either promote or suppress gene transcription. The epidermis is the source of transcription factors that regulate many functions of epidermal cells such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and migration. Furthermore, the activation of epidermal transcription factors also causes changes in the dermal compartment of the skin. This review focuses on the transcription factor Foxn1 and its role in skin biology. The regulatory function of Foxn1 in the skin relates to physiological (development and homeostasis) and pathological (skin wound healing) conditions. In particular, the pivotal role of Foxn1 in skin development and the acquisition of the adult skin phenotype, which coincides with losing the ability of scar-free healing, is discussed. Thus, genetic manipulations with Foxn1 expression, specifically those introducing conditional Foxn1 silencing in a Foxn1+/+ organism or its knock-in in a Foxn1−/− model, may provide future perspectives for regenerative medicine.
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26
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Foxn1 expression in keratinocytes is stimulated by hypoxia: further evidence of its role in skin wound healing. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5425. [PMID: 29615703 PMCID: PMC5882803 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23794-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that the transcription factor Foxn1, which is expressed in keratinocytes, is involved in the skin wound healing process, yet how Foxn1 functions remains largely unknown. Our latest data indicate that Foxn1 drives skin healing via engagement in re-epithelization and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. In the present study, 2D-DIGE proteomic profiling analysis of in vitro cultured keratinocytes transfected with adenoviral vector carrying Foxn1-GFP or GFP alone (control) revealed forty proteins with differential abundance between the compared groups. Among the proteins with Foxn1-dependent expression, several enable adaptation to hypoxia. Subsequent experiments revealed that hypoxic conditions (1% O2) stimulate endogenous and exogenous (transfected Ad-Foxn1) Foxn1 expression in cultured keratinocytes. A proteomics analysis also identified proteins that can act as a factors controlling the balance between cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in response to Foxn1. We also showed that in C57BL/6 keratinocytes, the stimulation of Foxn1 by hypoxia is accompanied by increases in Mmp-9 expression. These data corroborate the detected co-localization of Foxn1 and Mmp-9 expression in vivo in post-wounding skin samples of Foxn1::Egfp transgenic mice. Together, our data indicate that Foxn1 orchestrates cellular changes in keratinocytes in both physiological (self-renewal) and pathological (skin wound healing) contexts.
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27
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Michel C, Miller CN, Küchler R, Brors B, Anderson MS, Kyewski B, Pinto S. Revisiting the Road Map of Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cell Differentiation. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2017; 199:3488-3503. [PMID: 28993517 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The basic two-step terminal differentiation model of the medullary thymic epithelial cell (mTEC) lineage from immature MHC class II (MHCII)lo to mature MHCIIhi mTECs has recently been extended to include a third stage, namely the post-Aire MHCIIlo subset as identified by lineage-tracing models. However, a suitable surface marker distinguishing the phenotypically overlapping pre- from the post-Aire MHCIIlo stage has been lacking. In this study, we introduce the lectin Tetragonolobus purpureas agglutinin (TPA) as a novel cell surface marker that allows for such delineation. Based on our data, we derived the following sequence of mTEC differentiation: TPAloMHCIIlo → TPAloMHCIIhi → TPAhiMHCIIhi → TPAhiMHCIIlo Surprisingly, in the steady-state postnatal thymus TPAloMHCIIlo pre-Aire rather than terminally differentiated post-Aire TPAhiMHCIIlo mTECs were marked for apoptosis at an exceptionally high rate of ∼70%. Hence, only the minor cycling fraction of the MHCIIlo subset (<20%) potentially qualified as mTEC precursors. FoxN1 expression inversely correlated with the fraction of slow cycling and apoptotic cells within the four TPA subsets. TPA also further subdivided human mTECs, although with different subset distribution. Our revised road map emphazises close parallels of terminal mTEC development with that of skin, undergoing an alternative route of cell death, namely cornification rather than apoptosis. The high rate of apoptosis in pre-Aire MHCIIlo mTECs points to a "quality control" step during early mTEC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Michel
- Division of Developmental Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Corey N Miller
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Rita Küchler
- Division of Developmental Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Benedikt Brors
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg 69120, Germany; and
- German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Mark S Anderson
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Bruno Kyewski
- Division of Developmental Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg 69120, Germany;
| | - Sheena Pinto
- Division of Developmental Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg 69120, Germany;
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28
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Gallo V, Cirillo E, Giardino G, Pignata C. FOXN1 Deficiency: from the Discovery to Novel Therapeutic Approaches. J Clin Immunol 2017; 37:751-758. [DOI: 10.1007/s10875-017-0445-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Abstract
FOXN1 is a prodifferentiation transcription factor in the skin epithelium. Recently, it has also emerged as an important player in controlling the skin wound healing process, as it actively participates in reepithelialization and is thought to be responsible for scar formation. FOXN1 positivity is also a feature of pigmented keratinocytes, including nevi, and FOXN1 is an attribute of benign epithelial tumors. The lack of FOXN1 favors the skin regeneration process displayed by nude mice, pointing to FOXN1 as a switch between regeneration and reparative processes. The stem cell niche provides a functional source of cells after the loss of tissue following wounding. The involvement of prodifferentiation factors in the regulation of this pool of stem cells is suggested. However, the exact mechanism is still under question, and we speculate that the FOXN1 transcription factor is involved in this process. This review analyzes the pleiotropic effects of FOXN1 in the skin, its function in the tumorigenesis process, and its potential role in depletion of the stem cell niche after injury, as well as its suggested mechanistic role, acting in a cell-autonomous and a non-cell-autonomous manner during skin self-renewal.
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30
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Cutaneous HPV8 and MmuPV1 E6 Proteins Target the NOTCH and TGF-β Tumor Suppressors to Inhibit Differentiation and Sustain Keratinocyte Proliferation. PLoS Pathog 2017; 13:e1006171. [PMID: 28107544 PMCID: PMC5287491 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1006171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous beta-papillomaviruses are associated with non-melanoma skin cancers that arise in patients who suffer from a rare genetic disorder, Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) or after immunosuppression following organ transplantation. Recent studies have shown that the E6 proteins of the cancer associated beta human papillomavirus (HPV) 5 and HPV8 inhibit NOTCH and TGF-β signaling. However, it is unclear whether disruption of these pathways may contribute to cutaneous HPV pathogenesis and carcinogenesis. A recently identified papillomavirus, MmuPV1, infects laboratory mouse strains and causes cutaneous skin warts that can progress to squamous cell carcinoma. To determine whether MmuPV1 may be an appropriate model to mechanistically dissect the molecular contributions of cutaneous HPV infections to skin carcinogenesis, we investigated whether MmuPV1 E6 shares biological and biochemical activities with HPV8 E6. We report that the HPV8 and MmuPV1 E6 proteins share the ability to bind to the MAML1 and SMAD2/SMAD3 transcriptional cofactors of NOTCH and TGF-beta signaling, respectively. Moreover, we demonstrate that these cutaneous papillomavirus E6 proteins inhibit these two tumor suppressor pathways and that this ability is linked to delayed differentiation and sustained proliferation of differentiating keratinocytes. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the ability of MmuPV1 E6 to bind MAML1 is necessary for papilloma formation in experimentally infected mice. Our results, therefore, suggest that experimental MmuPV1 infection in mice will be a robust and useful experimental system to model key aspects of cutaneous HPV infection, pathogenesis and carcinogenesis.
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31
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Kur-Piotrowska A, Kopcewicz M, Kozak LP, Sachadyn P, Grabowska A, Gawronska-Kozak B. Neotenic phenomenon in gene expression in the skin of Foxn1- deficient (nude) mice - a projection for regenerative skin wound healing. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:56. [PMID: 28068897 PMCID: PMC5223329 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-3401-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mouse fetuses up to 16 day of embryonic development and nude (Foxn1- deficient) mice are examples of animals that undergo regenerative (scar-free) skin healing. The expression of transcription factor Foxn1 in the epidermis of mouse fetuses begins at embryonic day 16.5 which coincides with the transition point from scar-free to scar-forming skin wound healing. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that Foxn1 expression in the skin is an essential condition to establish the adult skin phenotype and that Foxn1 inactivity in nude mice keeps skin in the immature stage resembling the phenomena of neoteny. Results Uninjured skin of adult C57BL/6J (B6) mice, mouse fetuses at days 14 (E14) and 18 (E18) of embryonic development and B6.Cg-Foxn1 nu (nude) mice were characterized for their gene expression profiles by RNA sequencing that was validated through qRT-PCR, Western Blot and immunohistochemistry. Differentially regulated genes indicated that nude mice were more similar to E14 (model of regenerative healing) and B6 were more similar to E18 (model of reparative healing). The up-regulated genes in nude and E14 mice were associated with tissue remodeling, cytoskeletal rearrangement, wound healing and immune response, whereas the down-regulated genes were associated with differentiation. E14 and nude mice exhibit prominent up-regulation of keratin (Krt23, -73, -82, -16, -17), involucrin (Ivl) and filaggrin (Flg2) genes. The transcription factors associated with the Hox genes known to specify cell fate during embryonic development and promote embryonic stem cells differentiation were down-regulated in both nude and E14. Among the genes enriched in the nude skin but not shared with E14 fetuses were members of the Wnt and matrix metalloproteinases (Mmps) families whereas Bmp and Notch related genes were down-regulated. Conclusions In summary, Foxn1 appears to be a pivotal control element of the developmental program and skin maturation. Nude mice may be considered as a model of neoteny among mammals. The resemblance of gene expression profiles in the skin of both nude and E14 mice are direct or indirect consequences of the Foxn1 deficiency. Foxn1 appears to regulate the balance between cell proliferation and differentiation and its inactivity creates a pro-regenerative environment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-3401-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kur-Piotrowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Marta Kopcewicz
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Leslie P Kozak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Pawel Sachadyn
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Gdansk University of Technology, ul. G. Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Grabowska
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Barbara Gawronska-Kozak
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland.
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32
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Goto T, Hara H, Nakauchi H, Hochi S, Hirabayashi M. Hypomorphic phenotype of Foxn1 gene-modified rats by CRISPR/Cas9 system. Transgenic Res 2016; 25:533-44. [PMID: 26931321 DOI: 10.1007/s11248-016-9941-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Foxn1 gene is known as a critical factor for the differentiation of thymic and skin epithelial cells. This study was designed to examine the phenotype of Foxn1-modified rats generated by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Guide-RNA designed for first exon of the Foxn1 and mRNA of Cas9 were co-injected into the pronucleus of Crlj:WI zygotes. Transfer of 158 injected zygotes resulted in the birth of 50 offspring (32 %), and PCR identified five (10 %) as Foxn1-edited. Genomic sequencing revealed the deletion of 44 or 60 bp from and/or insertion of 4 bp into the Foxn1 gene in a single allele. The number of T-cells in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of mutant rats decreased markedly. While homozygous deleted mutant rats had no thymus, the mutant rats were not completely hairless and showed normal performance in delivery and nursing. Splicing variants of the indel-mutation in the Foxn1 gene may cause hypomorphic allele, resulting in the phenotype of thymus deficiency and incomplete hairless. In conclusion, the mutant rats in Foxn1 gene edited by the CRISPR/Cas9 system showed the phenotype of thymus deficiency and incomplete hairless which was characterized by splicing variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teppei Goto
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Hara
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Nakauchi
- Japan Science Technology Agency, ERATO, Nakauchi Stem Cell and Organ Regeneration Project, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hochi
- Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan.
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Lanzini J, Dargère D, Regazzetti A, Tebani A, Laprévote O, Auzeil N. Changing in lipid profile induced by the mutation of Foxn1 gene: A lipidomic analysis of Nude mice skin. Biochimie 2015; 118:234-43. [PMID: 26427556 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Nude mice carry a spontaneous mutation affecting the gene Foxn1 mainly expressed in the epidermis. This gene is involved in several skin functions, especially in the proliferation and the differentiation of keratinocytes which are key cells of epithelial barrier. The skin, a protective barrier for the body, is essentially composed of lipids. Taking into account these factors, we conducted a lipidomic study to search for any changes in lipid composition of skin possibly related to Foxn1 mutation. Lipids were extracted from skin biopsies of Nude and BALB/c mice to be analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to a high resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS). Multivariate and univariate data analyses were carried out to compare lipid extracts. Identification was performed using HRMS data, retention time and mass spectrometry fragmentation study. These results indicate that mutation of Foxn1 leads to significant modifications in the lipidome in Nude mice skin. An increase in cholesterol sulfate, phospholipids, sphingolipids and fatty acids associated with a decrease in glycerolipids suggest that the lipidome in mice skin is regulated by the Foxn1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Lanzini
- UMR CNRS 8638, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, 4 Avenue de L'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Delphine Dargère
- UMR CNRS 8638, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, 4 Avenue de L'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Anne Regazzetti
- UMR CNRS 8638, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, 4 Avenue de L'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Abdellah Tebani
- UMR CNRS 8638, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, 4 Avenue de L'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Laprévote
- UMR CNRS 8638, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, 4 Avenue de L'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France; AP-HP, Service de Toxicologie Biologique, Hôpital Lariboisière, 4 Rue Ambroise Paré, 75475 Paris Cedex 10, France
| | - Nicolas Auzeil
- UMR CNRS 8638, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université Paris Descartes, 4 Avenue de L'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France.
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Abitbol M, Bossé P, Thomas A, Tiret L. A deletion in FOXN1 is associated with a syndrome characterized by congenital hypotrichosis and short life expectancy in Birman cats. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120668. [PMID: 25781316 PMCID: PMC4363148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An autosomal recessive syndrome characterized by congenital hypotrichosis and short life expectancy has been described in the Birman cat breed (Felis silvestris catus). We hypothesized that a FOXN1 (forkhead box N1) loss-of-function allele, associated with the nude phenotype in humans, mice and rats, may account for the syndrome observed in Birman cats. To the best of our knowledge, spontaneous mutations in FOXN1 have never been described in non-human, non-rodent mammalian species. We identified a recessive c.1030_1033delCTGT deletion in FOXN1 in Birman cats. This 4-bp deletion was associated with the syndrome when present in two copies. Percentage of healthy carriers in our French panel of genotyped Birman cats was estimated to be 3.2%. The deletion led to a frameshift and a premature stop codon at position 547 in the protein. In silico, the truncated FOXN1 protein was predicted to lack the activation domain and critical parts of the forkhead DNA binding domain, both involved in the interaction between FOXN1 and its targets, a mandatory step to promote normal hair and thymic epithelial development. Our results enlarge the panel of recessive FOXN1 loss-of-function alleles described in mammals. A DNA test is available; it will help owners avoid matings at risk and should prevent the dissemination of this morbid mutation in domestic felines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Abitbol
- U955 IMRB, INSERM, Équipe 10, Créteil, France
- BNMS—Génétique Médicale Comparée des Affections Neuromusculaires, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Philippe Bossé
- U955 IMRB, INSERM, Équipe 10, Créteil, France
- BNMS—Génétique Médicale Comparée des Affections Neuromusculaires, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Laurent Tiret
- U955 IMRB, INSERM, Équipe 10, Créteil, France
- BNMS—Génétique Médicale Comparée des Affections Neuromusculaires, École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France
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Antonini D, Sirico A, Aberdam E, Ambrosio R, Campanile C, Fagoonee S, Altruda F, Aberdam D, Brissette JL, Missero C. A composite enhancer regulates p63 gene expression in epidermal morphogenesis and in keratinocyte differentiation by multiple mechanisms. Nucleic Acids Res 2015; 43:862-74. [PMID: 25567987 PMCID: PMC4333422 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku1396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
p63 is a crucial regulator of epidermal development, but its transcriptional control has remained elusive. Here, we report the identification of a long-range enhancer (p63LRE) that is composed of two evolutionary conserved modules (C38 and C40), acting in concert to control tissue- and layer-specific expression of the p63 gene. Both modules are in an open and active chromatin state in human and mouse keratinocytes and in embryonic epidermis, and are strongly bound by p63. p63LRE activity is dependent on p63 expression in embryonic skin, and also in the commitment of human induced pluripotent stem cells toward an epithelial cell fate. A search for other transcription factors involved in p63LRE regulation revealed that the CAAT enhancer binding proteins Cebpa and Cebpb and the POU domain-containing protein Pou3f1 repress p63 expression during keratinocyte differentiation by binding the p63LRE enhancer. Collectively, our data indicate that p63LRE is composed of additive and partly redundant enhancer modules that act to direct robust p63 expression selectively in the basal layer of the epidermis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Sirico
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Napoli, Italy
| | - Edith Aberdam
- INSERM UMR-S 976, Paris, France Université Paris-Diderot, Hopital St-Louis, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Sharmila Fagoonee
- Institute for Biostructures and Bioimages (CNR), c/o Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Fiorella Altruda
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Torino, Italy
| | - Daniel Aberdam
- INSERM UMR-S 976, Paris, France Université Paris-Diderot, Hopital St-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Janice L Brissette
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Caterina Missero
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Napoli, Italy Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Napoli, Italy
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Orecchia V, Regis G, Tassone B, Valenti C, Avalle L, Saoncella S, Calautti E, Poli V. Constitutive STAT3 activation in epidermal keratinocytes enhances cell clonogenicity and favours spontaneous immortalization by opposing differentiation and senescence checkpoints. Exp Dermatol 2014; 24:29-34. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.12585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Orecchia
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences; Molecular Biotechnology Center; University of Turin; Turin Italy
| | - Gabriella Regis
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences; Molecular Biotechnology Center; University of Turin; Turin Italy
| | - Beatrice Tassone
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences; Molecular Biotechnology Center; University of Turin; Turin Italy
| | - Chiara Valenti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences; Molecular Biotechnology Center; University of Turin; Turin Italy
| | - Lidia Avalle
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences; Molecular Biotechnology Center; University of Turin; Turin Italy
| | - Stefania Saoncella
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences; Molecular Biotechnology Center; University of Turin; Turin Italy
| | - Enzo Calautti
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences; Molecular Biotechnology Center; University of Turin; Turin Italy
| | - Valeria Poli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences; Molecular Biotechnology Center; University of Turin; Turin Italy
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Comparative hair restorer efficacy of medicinal herb on nude (Foxn1nu) mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:319795. [PMID: 25478567 PMCID: PMC4247959 DOI: 10.1155/2014/319795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk, Asiasarum sieboldii (Miq.) F. Maek (Asiasari radix), and Panax ginseng C. A. Mey (red ginseng) are traditionally acclaimed for therapeutic properties of various human ailments. Synergistic effect of each standardized plant extract was investigated for hair growth potential on nude mice, as these mutant mice genetically lack hair due to abnormal keratinization. Dried plant samples were ground and extracted by methanol. Topical application was performed on the back of nude mice daily up to completion of two hair growth generations. The hair density and length of Eclipta alba treated mice were increased significantly (P > 0.001) than control mice. Hair growth area was also distinctly visible in Eclipta alba treated mice. On the other hand, Asiasari radix and Panax ginseng treated mice developing hair loss were recognized from the abortive boundaries of hair coverage. Histomorphometric observation of nude mice skin samples revealed an increase in number of hair follicles (HFs). The presence of follicular keratinocytes was confirmed by BrdU labeling, S-phase cells in HFs. Therefore, Eclipta alba extract and/or phytochemicals strongly displayed incomparability of hair growth promotion activity than others. Thus, the standardized Eclipta alba extract can be used as an effective, alternative, and complementary treatment against hair loss.
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Roberts N, Horsley V. Developing stratified epithelia: lessons from the epidermis and thymus. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2014; 3:389-402. [PMID: 25176390 PMCID: PMC4283209 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Stratified squamous epithelial cells are found in a number of organs, including the skin epidermis and the thymus. The progenitor cells of the developing epidermis form a multi-layered epithelium and appendages, like the hair follicle, to generate an essential barrier to protect against water loss and invasion of foreign pathogens. In contrast, the thymic epithelium forms a three-dimensional mesh of keratinocytes that are essential for positive and negative selection of self-restricted T cells. While these distinct stratified epithelial tissues derive from distinct embryonic germ layers, both tissues instruct immunity, and the epithelial differentiation programs and molecular mechanisms that control their development are remarkably similar. In this review, we aim to highlight some of the similarities between the thymus and the skin epidermis and its appendages during developmental specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Roberts
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Valerie Horsley
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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Kushwaha R, Thodima V, Tomishima MJ, Bosl GJ, Chaganti RSK. miR-18b and miR-518b Target FOXN1 during epithelial lineage differentiation in pluripotent cells. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 23:1149-56. [PMID: 24383669 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2013.0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate myriad biological processes; however, their role in cell fate choice is relatively unexplored. Pluripotent NT2/D1 embryonal carcinoma cells differentiate into an epithelial/smooth muscle phenotype when treated with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). To identify miRNAs involved in epithelial cell development, we performed miRNA profiling of NT2/D1 cells treated with BMP-2 at 6, 12, and 24 h, and on days 6 and 10. Integration of the miRNA profiling data with previously obtained gene expression profiling (GEP) data of NT2/D1 cells treated with BMP-2 at the same time points identified miR-18b and miR-518b as the top two miRNAs with the highest number of up-regulated predicted targets with known functions in epithelial lineage development. Silencing of miR-18b and miR-518b in NT2/D1 cells revealed several up-regulated TFs with functions in epithelial lineage development; among these, target prediction programs identified FOXN1 as the only direct target of both miRNAs. FOXN1 has previously been shown to play an important role in keratinocyte differentiation and epithelial cell proliferation. NT2/D1 and H9 human embryonic stem cells with silenced miR-18b and miR-518b showed up-regulation of FOXN1 and the epithelial markers CDH1, EPCAM, KRT19, and KRT7. A 3'UTR luciferase assay confirmed FOXN1 to be a target of the two miRNAs, and up-regulation of FOXN1 in NT2/D1 cells led to the expression of epithelial markers. Overexpression of the two miRNAs in BMP-2-treated NT2/D1 cells led to down-regulation of FOXN1 and epithelial lineage markers. These results show that miR-18b and miR-518b are upstream controllers of FOXN1-directed epithelial lineage development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Kushwaha
- 1 Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center , New York, New York
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Nissimov JN, Das Chaudhuri AB. Hair curvature: a natural dialectic and review. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2014; 89:723-66. [PMID: 24617997 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although hair forms (straight, curly, wavy, etc.) are present in apparently infinite variations, each fibre can be reduced to a finite sequence of tandem segments of just three types: straight, bent/curly, or twisted. Hair forms can thus be regarded as resulting from genetic pathways that induce, reverse or modulate these basic curvature modes. However, physical interconversions between twists and curls demonstrate that strict one-to-one correspondences between them and their genetic causes do not exist. Current hair-curvature theories do not distinguish between bending and twisting mechanisms. We here introduce a multiple papillary centres (MPC) model which is particularly suitable to explain twisting. The model combines previously known features of hair cross-sectional morphology with partially/completely separated dermal papillae within single follicles, and requires such papillae to induce differential growth rates of hair cortical material in their immediate neighbourhoods. The MPC model can further help to explain other, poorly understood, aspects of hair growth and morphology. Separate bending and twisting mechanisms would be preferentially affected at the major or minor ellipsoidal sides of fibres, respectively, and together they exhaust the possibilities for influencing hair-form phenotypes. As such they suggest dialectic for hair-curvature development. We define a natural-dialectic (ND) which could take advantage of speculative aspects of dialectic, but would verify its input data and results by experimental methods. We use this as a top-down approach to first define routes by which hair bending or twisting may be brought about and then review evidence in support of such routes. In particular we consider the wingless (Wnt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways as paradigm pathways for molecular hair bending and twisting mechanisms, respectively. In addition to the Wnt canonical pathway, the Wnt/Ca(2+) and planar cell polarity (PCP) pathways, and others, can explain many alternatives and specific variations of hair bending phenotypes. Mechanisms for hair papilla budding or its division by bisection or fission can explain MPC formation. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial (MET) transitions, acting in collaboration with epithelial-mesenchymal communications are also considered as mechanisms affecting hair growth and its bending and twisting. These may be treated as sub-mechanisms of an overall development from neural-crest stem cell (NCSC) lineages to differentiated hair follicle (HF) cell types, thus providing a unified framework for hair growth and development.
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Palamaro L, Romano R, Fusco A, Giardino G, Gallo V, Pignata C. FOXN1 in Organ Development and Human Diseases. Int Rev Immunol 2014; 33:83-93. [DOI: 10.3109/08830185.2013.870171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Thymic epithelial cell expansion through matricellular protein CYR61 boosts progenitor homing and T-cell output. Nat Commun 2013; 4:2842. [DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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The retinoid-related orphan receptor RORα promotes keratinocyte differentiation via FOXN1. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70392. [PMID: 23922987 PMCID: PMC3726659 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/21/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
RORα is a retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor that regulates inflammation, lipid metabolism, and cellular differentiation of several non-epithelial tissues. In spite of its high expression in skin epithelium, its functions in this tissue remain unclear. Using gain- and loss-of-function approaches to alter RORα gene expression in human keratinocytes (HKCs), we have found that this transcription factor functions as a regulator of epidermal differentiation. Among the 4 RORα isoforms, RORα4 is prominently expressed by keratinocytes in a manner that increases with differentiation. In contrast, RORα levels are significantly lower in skin squamous cell carcinoma tumors (SCCs) and cell lines. Increasing the levels of RORα4 in HKCs enhanced the expression of structural proteins associated with early and late differentiation, as well as genes involved in lipid barrier formation. Gene silencing of RORα impaired the ability of keratinocytes to differentiate in an in vivo epidermal cyst model. The pro-differentiation function of RORα is mediated at least in part by FOXN1, a well-known pro-differentiation transcription factor that we establish as a novel direct target of RORα in keratinocytes. Our results point to RORα as a novel node in the keratinocyte differentiation network and further suggest that the identification of RORα ligands may prove useful for treating skin disorders that are associated with abnormal keratinocyte differentiation, including cancer.
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Romano R, Palamaro L, Fusco A, Giardino G, Gallo V, Del Vecchio L, Pignata C. FOXN1: A Master Regulator Gene of Thymic Epithelial Development Program. Front Immunol 2013; 4:187. [PMID: 23874334 PMCID: PMC3709140 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell ontogeny is a sophisticated process, which takes place within the thymus through a series of well-defined discrete stages. The process requires a proper lympho-stromal interaction. In particular, cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells (cTECs, mTECs) drive T cell differentiation, education, and selection processes, while the thymocyte-dependent signals allow thymic epithelial cells (TECs) to maturate and provide an appropriate thymic microenvironment. Alterations in genes implicated in thymus organogenesis, including Tbx1, Pax1, Pax3, Pax9, Hoxa3, Eya1, and Six1, affect this well-orchestrated process, leading to disruption of thymic architecture. Of note, in both human and mice, the primordial TECs are yet unable to fully support T cell development and only after the transcriptional activation of the Forkhead-box n1 (FOXN1) gene in the thymic epithelium this essential function is acquired. FOXN1 is a master regulator in the TEC lineage specification in that it down-stream promotes transcription of genes, which, in turn, regulate TECs differentiation. In particular, FOXN1 mainly regulates TEC patterning in the fetal stage and TEC homeostasis in the post-natal thymus. An inborn null mutation in FOXN1 leads to Nude/severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) phenotype in mouse, rat, and humans. In Foxn1−/− nude animals, initial formation of the primordial organ is arrested and the primordium is not colonized by hematopoietic precursors, causing a severe primary T cell immunodeficiency. In humans, the Nude/SCID phenotype is characterized by congenital alopecia of the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes, nail dystrophy, and a severe T cell immunodeficiency, inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder. Aim of this review is to summarize all the scientific information so far available to better characterize the pivotal role of the master regulator FOXN1 transcription factor in the TEC lineage specifications and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Romano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, "Federico II" University , Naples , Italy
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The discovery of Foxl2 paralogs in chondrichthyan, coelacanth and tetrapod genomes reveals an ancient duplication in vertebrates. Heredity (Edinb) 2013; 111:57-65. [PMID: 23549337 DOI: 10.1038/hdy.2013.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Foxl2 (forkhead box L2) gene is an important member of the forkhead domain family, primarily responsible for the development of ovaries during female sex differentiation. The evolutionary studies conducted previously considered the presence of paralog Foxl2 copies only in teleosts. However, to search for possible paralog copies in other groups of vertebrates and ensure that all predicted copies were homolog to the Foxl2 gene, a broad evolutionary analysis was performed, based on the forkhead domain family. A total of 2464 sequences for the forkhead domain were recovered, and subsequently, 64 representative sequences for Foxl2 were used in the evolutionary analysis of this gene. The most important contribution of this study was the discovery of a new subgroup of Foxl2 copies (ortholog to Foxl2B) present in the chondrichthyan Callorhinchus milii, in the coelacanth Latimeria chalumnae, in the avian Taeniopygia guttata and in the marsupial Monodelphis domestica. This new scenario indicates a gene duplication event in an ancestor of gnathostomes. Furthermore, based on the analysis of the syntenic regions of both Foxl2 copies, the duplication event was not exclusive to Foxl2. Moreover, the duplicated copy distribution was shown to be complex across vertebrates, especially in tetrapods, and the results strongly support a loss of this copy in eutherian species. Finally, the scenario observed in this study suggests an update for Foxl2 gene nomenclature, extending the actual suggested teleost naming of Foxl2A and Foxl2B to all vertebrate sequences and contributing to the establishment of a new evolutionary context for the Foxl2 gene.
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Kuo FT, Fan K, Bentsi-Barnes I, Barlow GM, Pisarska MD. Mouse forkhead L2 maintains repression of FSH-dependent genes in the granulosa cell. Reproduction 2012; 144:485-94. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The forkhead transcription factor forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) is expressed in granulosa cells of small and medium follicles in the mouse ovary.Foxl2female knockout mice exhibit primordial follicle depletion and primary ovarian failure, but evidence from adult female conditionalFoxl2knockout mice suggests that FOXL2 may also play a significant role in maintenance of ovarian differentiation at stages beyond the primordial follicle and initial wave of folliculogenesis. We previously showed that human FOXL2 functions as a transcriptional repressor of several key genes involved in granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), P450aromatase (CYP19A1(CYP19)), P450scc (CYP11A1(CYP11A)), and cyclin D2 (CCND2). To elucidate the role of mouse FOXL2, we determined its role in transcriptional regulation in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and then confirmed our findings in mouse granulosa cells. We found that mouse FOXL2 represses the activities of the mouseStar,Cyp19a1,Cyp11a1promoters in CHO cells, but may not repress theCcnd2promoter, and identified the minimal mouseStar,Cyp19a1, andCyp11a1promoter regions responsive to FOXL2 regulation. We then knocked downFoxl2in mouse granulosa cells using siRNA, which resulted in significantly increased expression levels of mouseStar,Cyp19a1, andCyp11a1but notCcnd2. To increaseFoxl2expression levels, we generated a mouseFoxl2lentiviral construct and used it to infect mouse granulosa cells. Following lentiviral infection, the expression levels of mouseStar,Cyp19a1, andCyp11a1, but notCcnd2, decreased significantly. These data confirm that mouse FOXL2 functions as a transcriptional repressor of key granulosa cell genes that influence ovarian development.
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Zhang Z, Burnley P, Coder B, Su DM. Insights on FoxN1 biological significance and usages of the "nude" mouse in studies of T-lymphopoiesis. Int J Biol Sci 2012; 8:1156-67. [PMID: 23091413 PMCID: PMC3477685 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.5033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation in the “nude” gene, i.e. the FoxN1 gene, induces a hairless phenotype and a rudimentary thymus gland in mice (nude mouse) and humans (T-cell related primary immunodeficiency). Conventional FoxN1 gene knockout and transgenic mouse models have been generated for studies of FoxN1 gene function related to skin and immune diseases, and for cancer models. It appeared that FoxN1's role was fully understood and the nude mouse model was fully utilized. However, in recent years, with the development of inducible gene knockout/knockin mouse models with the loxP-Cre(ERT) and diphtheria toxin receptor-induced cell abolished systems, it appears that the complete repertoire of FoxN1's roles and deep-going usage of nude mouse model in immune function studies have just begun. Here we summarize the research progress made by several recent works studying the role of FoxN1 in the thymus and utilizing nude and “second (conditional) nude” mouse models for studies of T-cell development and function. We also raise questions and propose further consideration of FoxN1 functions and utilizing this mouse model for immune function studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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48
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From murine to human nude/SCID: the thymus, T-cell development and the missing link. Clin Dev Immunol 2012; 2012:467101. [PMID: 22474479 PMCID: PMC3303720 DOI: 10.1155/2012/467101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 12/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are disorders of the immune system, which lead to increased susceptibility to infections. T-cell defects, which may affect T-cell development/function, are approximately 11% of reported PIDs. The pathogenic mechanisms are related to molecular alterations not only of genes selectively expressed in hematopoietic cells but also of the stromal component of the thymus that represents the primary lymphoid organ for T-cell differentiation. With this regard, the prototype of athymic disorders due to abnormal stroma is the Nude/SCID syndrome, first described in mice in 1966. In man, the DiGeorge Syndrome (DGS) has long been considered the human prototype of a severe T-cell differentiation defect. More recently, the human equivalent of the murine Nude/SCID has been described, contributing to unravel important issues of the T-cell ontogeny in humans. Both mice and human diseases are due to alterations of the FOXN1, a developmentally regulated transcription factor selectively expressed in skin and thymic epithelia.
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Nowell CS, Bredenkamp N, Tetélin S, Jin X, Tischner C, Vaidya H, Sheridan JM, Stenhouse FH, Heussen R, Smith AJH, Blackburn CC. Foxn1 regulates lineage progression in cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells but is dispensable for medullary sublineage divergence. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002348. [PMID: 22072979 PMCID: PMC3207875 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The forkhead transcription factor Foxn1 is indispensable for thymus development, but the mechanisms by which it mediates thymic epithelial cell (TEC) development are poorly understood. To examine the cellular and molecular basis of Foxn1 function, we generated a novel and revertible hypomorphic allele of Foxn1. By varying levels of its expression, we identified a number of features of the Foxn1 system. Here we show that Foxn1 is a powerful regulator of TEC differentiation that is required at multiple intermediate stages of TE lineage development in the fetal and adult thymus. We find no evidence for a role for Foxn1 in TEC fate-choice. Rather, we show it is required for stable entry into both the cortical and medullary TEC differentiation programmes and subsequently is needed at increasing dosage for progression through successive differentiation states in both cortical and medullary TEC. We further demonstrate regulation by Foxn1 of a suite of genes with diverse roles in thymus development and/or function, suggesting it acts as a master regulator of the core thymic epithelial programme rather than regulating a particular aspect of TEC biology. Overall, our data establish a genetics-based model of cellular hierarchies in the TE lineage and provide mechanistic insight relating titration of a single transcription factor to control of lineage progression. Our novel revertible hypomorph system may be similarly applied to analyzing other regulators of development. The thymus is the specialized organ responsible for generating T cells, which are required to regulate and effect immune responses. The unique functions of the thymus are mediated by a diverse array of specialized epithelial cells found only within this organ. These specialized, functionally mature thymic epithelial cells are generated from immature epithelial progenitor cells present in the fetal and adult thymus through a highly regulated process, termed differentiation, that is tightly controlled by specific genes. Foxn1, a protein that is expressed in thymic epithelial cells, is a transcription factor—a protein that regulates how other genes are expressed. Here, we have investigated the role of Foxn1 in generating mature thymic epithelial cells from immature progenitors. We find that Foxn1 is required throughout this process, from the onset of differentiation in progenitor thymic epithelial cells in the developing fetus to the final differentiation steps through which thymic epithelial cells mature to acquire their full functionality. We further find that Foxn1 controls the expression of a variety of genes with different functions in thymic epithelial cells. Overall, our study defines the role of Foxn1 in thymus development at the cellular level and provides insight into how it mediates these functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig S. Nowell
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Bredenkamp
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stéphanie Tetélin
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Xin Jin
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Christin Tischner
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Harsh Vaidya
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Julie M. Sheridan
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Frances Hogg Stenhouse
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Raphaela Heussen
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J. H. Smith
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - C. Clare Blackburn
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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FOXL2 C402G mutation detection using MALDI-TOF-MS in DNA extracted from Israeli granulosa cell tumors. Gynecol Oncol 2011; 122:580-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2011] [Revised: 05/02/2011] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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