1
|
Wang J, Xiao B, Kimura E, Mongan M, Hsu WW, Medvedovic M, Puga A, Xia Y. Crosstalk of MAP3K1 and EGFR signaling mediates gene-environment interactions that block developmental tissue closure. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107486. [PMID: 38897570 PMCID: PMC11294703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107486] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant regulation of signal transduction pathways can adversely derail biological processes for tissue development. One such process is the embryonic eyelid closure that is dependent on the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MAP3K1). Map3k1 KO in mice results in defective eyelid closure and an autosomal recessive eye-open at birth phenotype. We have shown that in utero exposure to dioxin, a persistent environmental toxicant, induces the same eye defect in Map3k1+/- heterozygous but not WT pups. Here, we explore the mechanisms of the Map3k1 (gene) and dioxin (environment) interactions (GxE) underlying defective eyelid closure. We show that, acting through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, dioxin activates epidermal growth factor receptor signaling, which in turn depresses MAP3K1-dependent Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity. The dioxin-mediated JNK repression is moderate but is exacerbated by Map3k1 heterozygosity. Therefore, dioxin exposed Map3k1+/- embryonic eyelids have a marked reduction of JNK activity, accelerated differentiation and impeded polarization in the epithelial cells. Knocking out Ahr or Egfr in eyelid epithelium attenuates the open-eye defects in dioxin-treated Map3k1+/- pups, whereas knockout of Jnk1 and S1pr that encodes the sphigosin-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors upstream of the MAP3K1-JNK pathway potentiates the dioxin toxicity. Our novel findings show that the crosstalk of aryl hydrocarbon receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor, and S1P-MAP3K1-JNK pathways determines the outcome of dioxin exposure. Thus, gene mutations targeting these pathways are potential risk factors for the toxicity of environmental chemicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Eiki Kimura
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Maureen Mongan
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Wei-Wen Hsu
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Alvaro Puga
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Saumweber E, Mzoughi S, Khadra A, Werberger A, Schumann S, Guccione E, Schmeisser MJ, Kühl SJ. Prdm15 acts upstream of Wnt4 signaling in anterior neural development of Xenopus laevis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1316048. [PMID: 38444828 PMCID: PMC10912572 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1316048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in PRDM15 lead to a syndromic form of holoprosencephaly (HPE) known as the Galloway-Mowat syndrome (GAMOS). While a connection between PRDM15, a zinc finger transcription factor, and WNT/PCP signaling has been established, there is a critical need to delve deeper into their contributions to early development and GAMOS pathogenesis. We used the South African clawed frog Xenopus laevis as the vertebrate model organism and observed that prdm15 was enriched in the tissues and organs affected in GAMOS. Furthermore, we generated a morpholino oligonucleotide-mediated prdm15 knockdown model showing that the depletion of Prdm15 leads to abnormal eye, head, and brain development, effectively recapitulating the anterior neural features in GAMOS. An analysis of the underlying molecular basis revealed a reduced expression of key genes associated with eye, head, and brain development. Notably, this reduction could be rescued by the introduction of wnt4 RNA, particularly during the induction of the respective tissues. Mechanistically, our data demonstrate that Prdm15 acts upstream of both canonical and non-canonical Wnt4 signaling during anterior neural development. Our findings describe severe ocular and anterior neural abnormalities upon Prdm15 depletion and elucidate the role of Prdm15 in canonical and non-canonical Wnt4 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernestine Saumweber
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Slim Mzoughi
- Center of OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New-York, NY, United States
| | - Arin Khadra
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anja Werberger
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sven Schumann
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ernesto Guccione
- Center of OncoGenomics and Innovative Therapeutics (COGIT), Department of Oncological Sciences, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New-York, NY, United States
| | - Michael J. Schmeisser
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Susanne J. Kühl
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Seese SE, Muheisen S, Gath N, Gross JM, Semina EV. Identification of HSPA8 as an interacting partner of MAB21L2 and an important factor in eye development. Dev Dyn 2023; 252:510-526. [PMID: 36576422 PMCID: PMC10947772 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.560] [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: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenic variants in human MAB21L2 result in microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma. The exact molecular function of MAB21L2 is currently unknown. We conducted a series of yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) experiments to determine protein interactomes of normal human and zebrafish MAB21L2/mab21l2 as well as human disease-associated variant MAB21L2-p.(Arg51Gly) using human adult retina and zebrafish embryo libraries. RESULTS These screens identified klhl31, tnpo1, TNPO2/tnpo2, KLC2/klc2, and SPTBN1/sptbn1 as co-factors of MAB21L2/mab21l2. Several factors, including hspa8 and hspa5, were found to interact with MAB21L2-p.Arg51Gly but not wild-type MAB21L2/mab21l2 in Y2H screens. Further analyses via 1-by-1 Y2H assays, co-immunoprecipitation, and mass spectrometry revealed that both normal and variant MAB21L2 interact with HSPA5 and HSPA8. In situ hybridization detected co-expression of hspa5 and hspa8 with mab21l2 during eye development in zebrafish. Examination of zebrafish mutant hspa8hi138Tg identified reduced hspa8 expression associated with severe ocular developmental defects, including small eye, coloboma, and anterior segment dysgenesis. To investigate the effects of hspa8 deficiency on the mab21l2Arg51_Phe52del allele, corresponding zebrafish double mutants were generated and found to be more severely affected than single mutant lines. CONCLUSION This study identifies heat shock proteins as interacting partners of MAB21L2/mab21l2 and suggests a role for this interaction in vertebrate eye development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Seese
- Department of Pediatrics The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Sanaa Muheisen
- Department of Pediatrics The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Natalie Gath
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jeffrey M. Gross
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Elena V. Semina
- Department of Pediatrics The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, The Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Children’s Research Institute, Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
An MJ, Lee HM, Kim CH, Shin GS, Jo AR, Kim JY, Kim MJ, Kim J, Park J, Hwangbo Y, Kim J, Kim JW. c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) phosphorylates OTX2 transcription factor that regulates early retinal development. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:429-435. [PMID: 36434388 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01342-w] [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: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcription factor orthodenticle homeobox 2 (OTX2) has critical functions in brain and eye development, and its mutations in humans are related to retinal diseases, such as ocular coloboma and microphthalmia. However, the regulatory mechanisms of OTX2 are poorly identified. OBJECTIVE The identification of JNK1 as an OTX2 regulatory protein through the protein interaction and phosphorylation. METHODS To identify the binding partner of OTX2, we performed co-immunoprecipitation and detected with a pooled antibody that targeted effective kinases. The protein interaction between JNK1 and OTX2 was identified with the co-immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry. In vivo and in vitro kinase assay of JNK1 was performed to detect the phosphorylation of OTX2 by JNK1. RESULTS JNK1 directly interacted with OTX2 through the transactivation domain at the c-terminal region. The protein-protein interaction and co-localization between JNK1 and OTX2 were further validated in the developing P0 mouse retina. In addition, we confirmed that the inactivation of JNK1 K55N mutant significantly reduced the JNK1-mediated phosphorylation of OTX2 by performing an immune complex protein kinase assay. CONCLUSION c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) phosphorylates OTX2 transcription factor through the protein-protein interaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Jin An
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Min Lee
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Chul-Hong Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Geun-Seup Shin
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Ah-Ra Jo
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Ji-Young Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Mi Jin Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Jinho Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Jinhong Park
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Yujeong Hwangbo
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Jeongkyu Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea
| | - Jung-Woong Kim
- Department of Life Science, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Diacou R, Nandigrami P, Fiser A, Liu W, Ashery-Padan R, Cvekl A. Cell fate decisions, transcription factors and signaling during early retinal development. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101093. [PMID: 35817658 PMCID: PMC9669153 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of the vertebrate eyes is a complex process starting from anterior-posterior and dorso-ventral patterning of the anterior neural tube, resulting in the formation of the eye field. Symmetrical separation of the eye field at the anterior neural plate is followed by two symmetrical evaginations to generate a pair of optic vesicles. Next, reciprocal invagination of the optic vesicles with surface ectoderm-derived lens placodes generates double-layered optic cups. The inner and outer layers of the optic cups develop into the neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), respectively. In vitro produced retinal tissues, called retinal organoids, are formed from human pluripotent stem cells, mimicking major steps of retinal differentiation in vivo. This review article summarizes recent progress in our understanding of early eye development, focusing on the formation the eye field, optic vesicles, and early optic cups. Recent single-cell transcriptomic studies are integrated with classical in vivo genetic and functional studies to uncover a range of cellular mechanisms underlying early eye development. The functions of signal transduction pathways and lineage-specific DNA-binding transcription factors are dissected to explain cell-specific regulatory mechanisms underlying cell fate determination during early eye development. The functions of homeodomain (HD) transcription factors Otx2, Pax6, Lhx2, Six3 and Six6, which are required for early eye development, are discussed in detail. Comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of early eye development provides insight into the molecular and cellular basis of developmental ocular anomalies, such as optic cup coloboma. Lastly, modeling human development and inherited retinal diseases using stem cell-derived retinal organoids generates opportunities to discover novel therapies for retinal diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raven Diacou
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Prithviraj Nandigrami
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Andras Fiser
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Ales Cvekl
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Aamani N, Bagheri A, Masoumi Qajari N, Malekzadeh Shafaroudi M, Khonakdar-Tarsi A. JNK and p38 gene and protein expression during liver ischemia-reperfusion in a rat model treated with silibinin. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 25:1373-1381. [PMID: 36474574 PMCID: PMC9699951 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2022.60550.13422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Signal transduction of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) is activated during ischemia. In this study, c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK (p38) gene and protein expression were evaluated as two members of the MAPK family during liver ischemia-reperfusion in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of eight: Vehicle, ischemia-reperfusion (IR), ischemia-reperfusion+silibinin (IR+SILI), and SILI. The IR and IR+SILI groups differed from the other two groups in that they underwent one hour of ischemia followed by three hr of reperfusion. The Vehicle and IR groups received normal saline while the SILI and IR+SILI groups were treated with silibinin (50 mg/kg). At the end of the reperfusion time, blood and ischemic liver tissue were collected for further experiments. RESULTS The expression of JNK and p38 gene, the amount of serum hepatic injury indices, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the IR group increased significantly compared with the vehicle group. The JNK and p38 gene expression decreased significantly in the IR + SILI group compared with the IR group. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels decreased in the IR group while increasing in the IR+SILI group. Histological examination showed that silibinin significantly reduced the severity of hepatocyte degradation. Western blot results were completely consistent with real-time PCR results. CONCLUSION The possible pathways of the protective effect of silibinin against hepatic ischemia damages is to reduce the expression of the p38 and JNK gene and protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Aamani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abouzar Bagheri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | | | - Majid Malekzadeh Shafaroudi
- Department of Anatomy and Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, Faculty of Medicine, Immunogenetic Research Center (IRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abbas Khonakdar-Tarsi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, Faculty of Medicine, Immunogenetic Research Center (IRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran,Corresponding author: Abbas Khonakdar-Tarsi. Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Faculty of Medicine, Immunogenetic Research Center (IRC), Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. Tel/Fax: +98-1142241795;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wang J, Kimura E, Mongan M, Xia Y. Genetic Control of MAP3K1 in Eye Development and Sex Differentiation. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010034. [PMID: 35011600 PMCID: PMC8750206 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010034] [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: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The MAP3K1 is responsible for transmitting signals to activate specific MAP2K-MAPK cascades. Following the initial biochemical characterization, genetic mouse models have taken center stage to elucidate how MAP3K1 regulates biological functions. To that end, mice were generated with the ablation of the entire Map3k1 gene, the kinase domain coding sequences, or ubiquitin ligase domain mutations. Analyses of the mutants identify diverse roles that MAP3K1 plays in embryonic survival, maturation of T/B cells, and development of sensory organs, including eye and ear. Specifically in eye development, Map3k1 loss-of-function was found to be autosomal recessive for congenital eye abnormalities, but became autosomal dominant in combination with Jnk and RhoA mutations. Additionally, Map3k1 mutation increased eye defects with an exposure to environmental agents such as dioxin. Data from eye developmental models reveal the nexus role of MAP3K1 in integrating genetic and environmental signals to control developmental activities. Here, we focus the discussions on recent advances in understanding the signaling mechanisms of MAP3K1 in eye development in mice and in sex differentiation from human genomics findings. The research works featured here lead to a deeper understanding of the in vivo signaling network, the mechanisms of gene-environment interactions, and the relevance of this multifaceted protein kinase in disease etiology and pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ying Xia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-513-558-0371
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chaturvedi V, Murray MJ. Netrins: Evolutionarily Conserved Regulators of Epithelial Fusion and Closure in Development and Wound Healing. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 211:193-211. [PMID: 33691313 DOI: 10.1159/000513880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial remodelling plays a crucial role during development. The ability of epithelial sheets to temporarily lose their integrity as they fuse with other epithelial sheets underpins events such as the closure of the neural tube and palate. During fusion, epithelial cells undergo some degree of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereby cells from opposing sheets dissolve existing cell-cell junctions, degrade the basement membrane, extend motile processes to contact each other, and then re-establish cell-cell junctions as they fuse. Similar events occur when an epithelium is wounded. Cells at the edge of the wound undergo a partial EMT and migrate towards each other to close the gap. In this review, we highlight the emerging role of Netrins in these processes, and provide insights into the possible signalling pathways involved. Netrins are secreted, laminin-like proteins that are evolutionarily conserved throughout the animal kingdom. Although best known as axonal chemotropic guidance molecules, Netrins also regulate epithelial cells. For example, Netrins regulate branching morphogenesis of the lung and mammary gland, and promote EMT during Drosophila wing eversion. Netrins also control epithelial fusion during optic fissure closure and inner ear formation, and are strongly implicated in neural tube closure and secondary palate closure. Netrins are also upregulated in response to organ damage and epithelial wounding, and can protect against ischemia-reperfusion injury and speed wound healing in cornea and skin. Since Netrins also have immunomodulatory properties, and can promote angiogenesis and re-innervation, they hold great promise as potential factors in future wound healing therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Chaturvedi
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael J Murray
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Involvement of JNK1 in Neuronal Polarization During Brain Development. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081897. [PMID: 32823764 PMCID: PMC7466125 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The c-Jun N-terminal Kinases (JNKs) are a group of regulatory elements responsible for the control of a wide array of functions within the cell. In the central nervous system (CNS), JNKs are involved in neuronal polarization, starting from the cell division of neural stem cells and ending with their final positioning when migrating and maturing. This review will focus mostly on isoform JNK1, the foremost contributor of total JNK activity in the CNS. Throughout the text, research from multiple groups will be summarized and discussed in order to describe the involvement of the JNKs in the different steps of neuronal polarization. The data presented support the idea that isoform JNK1 is highly relevant to the regulation of many of the processes that occur in neuronal development in the CNS.
Collapse
|
10
|
Lerbs T, Cui L, Muscat C, Saleem A, van Neste C, Domizi P, Chan C, Wernig G. Expansion of Bone Precursors through Jun as a Novel Treatment for Osteoporosis-Associated Fractures. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 14:603-613. [PMID: 32197115 PMCID: PMC7160304 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures lead to decreased life quality and high healthcare costs. Current treatments prevent losses in bone mass and fractures to some extent but have side effects. Therefore, better therapies are needed. This study investigated whether the transcription factor Jun has a specific pro-osteogenic potency and whether modulating Jun could serve as a novel treatment for osteoporosis-associated fractures. We demonstrate that ectopically transplanted whole bones and distinct osteoprogenitors increase bone formation. Perinatal Jun induction disturbs growth plate architecture, causing a striking phenotype with shortened and thickened bones. Molecularly, Jun induces hedgehog signaling in skeletal stem cells. Therapeutically, Jun accelerates bone growth and healing in a drilling-defect model. Altogether, these results demonstrate that Jun drives bone formation by expanding osteoprogenitor populations and forcing them into the bone fate, providing a rationale for future clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Lerbs
- Department of Pathology, Stanford School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lu Cui
- Department of Pathology, Stanford School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Claire Muscat
- Department of Pathology, Stanford School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Atif Saleem
- Department of Pathology, Stanford School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Camille van Neste
- Department of Pathology, Stanford School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Pablo Domizi
- Department of Pathology, Stanford School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Charles Chan
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gerlinde Wernig
- Department of Pathology, Stanford School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
JNK1 Induces Notch1 Expression to Regulate Genes Governing Photoreceptor Production. Cells 2019; 8:cells8090970. [PMID: 31450635 PMCID: PMC6769813 DOI: 10.3390/cells8090970] [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: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) regulate cell proliferation and differentiation via phosphorylating such transcription factors as c-Jun. The function of JNKs in retinogenesis remains to be elucidated. Here, we report that knocking out Jnk1, but not Jnk2, increased the number of photoreceptors, thus enhancing the electroretinogram (ERG) responses. Intriguingly, Notch1, a well-established negative regulator of photoreceptor genesis, was significantly attenuated in Jnk1 knockout (KO) mice compared to wild-type mice. Mechanistically, light specifically activated JNK1 to phosphorylate c-Jun, which in turn induced Notch1 transcription. The identified JNK1–c-Jun–Notch1 axis strongly inhibited photoreceptor-related transcriptional factor expression and ultimately impaired photoreceptor opsin expression. Our study uncovered an essential function of JNK1 in retinogenesis, revealing JNK1 as a potential candidate for targeting ophthalmic diseases.
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang X, Fan L, Wu J, Xu H, Leung WY, Fu K, Wu J, Liu K, Man K, Yang X, Han J, Ren J, Yu J. Macrophage p38α promotes nutritional steatohepatitis through M1 polarization. J Hepatol 2019; 71:163-174. [PMID: 30914267 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases are important inflammatory factors. p38α alteration has been implicated in both human and mouse inflammatory disease models. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the cell type-specific role of p38α in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS Human liver tissues were obtained from 27 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and 20 control individuals. NASH was established and compared between hepatocyte-specific p38α knockout (p38αΔHep), macrophage-specific p38α knockout (p38αΔMΦ) and wild-type (p38αfl/fl) mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD), high-fat/high-cholesterol diet (HFHC), or methionine-and choline-deficient diet (MCD). p38 inhibitors were administered to HFHC-fed wild-type mice for disease treatment. RESULTS p38α was significantly upregulated in the liver tissues of patients with NAFLD. Compared to p38αfl/fl littermates, p38αΔHep mice developed significant nutritional steatohepatitis induced by HFD, HFHC or MCD. Meanwhile, p38αΔMΦ mice exhibited less severe steatohepatitis and insulin resistance than p38αfl/fl mice in response to a HFHC or MCD. The effect of macrophage p38α in promoting steatohepatitis was mediated by the induction of pro-inflammatory factors (CXCL2, IL-1β, CXCL10 and IL-6) secreted by M1 macrophages and associated signaling pathways. p38αΔMΦ mice exhibited M2 anti-inflammatory polarization as demonstrated by increased CD45+F4/80+CD11b+CD206+ M2 macrophages and enhanced arginase activity in liver tissues. Primary hepatocytes from p38αΔMΦ mice showed decreased steatosis and inflammatory damage. In a co-culture system, p38α deleted macrophages attenuated steatohepatitic changes in hepatocytes through decreased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, CXCL10 and IL-6), which mediate M1 macrophage polarization in p38αΔMΦ mice. Restoration of TNF-α, CXCL10 or IL-6 induced lipid accumulation and inflammatory responses in p38αfl/fl hepatocytes co-cultured with p38αΔMΦ macrophages. Moreover, pharmacological p38 inhibitors suppressed HFHC-induced steatohepatitis. CONCLUSIONS Macrophage p38α promotes the progression of steatohepatitis by inducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and M1 polarization. p38 inhibition protects against steatohepatitis. LAY SUMMARY: p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases are important inflammatory factors. In the present study, we demonstrated that p38α is upregulated in liver tissues of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. Genetic deletion of p38α in macrophages led to ameliorated nutritional steatohepatitis in mice through decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and increased M2 macrophage polarization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Disease and The Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lina Fan
- Institute for Microbial Ecology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongzhi Xu
- Institute for Microbial Ecology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wing Yan Leung
- Institute of Digestive Disease and The Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kaili Fu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and The Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jingtong Wu
- Institute for Microbial Ecology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ken Liu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and The Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaoyong Yang
- Section of Comparative Medicine and Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| | - Jiahuai Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jianlin Ren
- Institute for Microbial Ecology, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and The Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mkk4 and Mkk7 are important for retinal development and axonal injury-induced retinal ganglion cell death. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1095. [PMID: 30367030 PMCID: PMC6203745 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1079-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway has been shown to be involved in both neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), a MAPK important in retinal development and after optic nerve crush injury, is regulated by two upstream kinases: MKK4 and MKK7. The specific requirements of MKK4 and MKK7 in retinal development and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death after axonal injury, however, are currently undefined. Optic nerve injury is an important insult in many neurologic conditions including traumatic, ischemic, inflammatory, and glaucomatous optic neuropathies. Mice deficient in Mkk4, Mkk7, and both Mkk4 and Mkk7 were generated. Immunohistochemistry was used to study the distribution and structure of retinal cell types and to assess RGC survival after optic nerve injury (mechanical controlled optic nerve crush (CONC)). Adult Mkk4- and Mkk7-deficient retinas had all retinal cell types, and with the exception of small areas of disrupted photoreceptor lamination in Mkk4-deficient mice, the retinas of both mutants were grossly normal. Deficiency of Mkk4 or Mkk7 reduced JNK signaling in RGCs after axonal injury and resulted in a significantly greater percentage of surviving RGCs 35 days after CONC as compared to wild-type controls (Mkk4: 51.5%, Mkk7: 29.1%, WT: 15.2%; p < 0.001). Combined deficiency of Mkk4 and Mkk7 caused failure of optic nerve formation, irregular retinal axonal trajectories, disruption of retinal lamination, clumping of RGC bodies, and dendritic fasciculation of dopaminergic amacrine cells. These results suggest that MKK4 and MKK7 may serve redundant and unique roles in molecular signaling important for retinal development and injury response following axonal insult.
Collapse
|
14
|
Hocking JC, Famulski JK, Yoon KH, Widen SA, Bernstein CS, Koch S, Weiss O, Agarwala S, Inbal A, Lehmann OJ, Waskiewicz AJ. Morphogenetic defects underlie Superior Coloboma, a newly identified closure disorder of the dorsal eye. PLoS Genet 2018. [PMID: 29522511 PMCID: PMC5862500 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The eye primordium arises as a lateral outgrowth of the forebrain, with a transient fissure on the inferior side of the optic cup providing an entry point for developing blood vessels. Incomplete closure of the inferior ocular fissure results in coloboma, a disease characterized by gaps in the inferior eye and recognized as a significant cause of pediatric blindness. Here, we identify eight patients with defects in tissues of the superior eye, a congenital disorder that we term superior coloboma. The embryonic origin of superior coloboma could not be explained by conventional models of eye development, leading us to reanalyze morphogenesis of the dorsal eye. Our studies revealed the presence of the superior ocular sulcus (SOS), a transient division of the dorsal eye conserved across fish, chick, and mouse. Exome sequencing of superior coloboma patients identified rare variants in a Bone Morphogenetic Protein (Bmp) receptor (BMPR1A) and T-box transcription factor (TBX2). Consistent with this, we find sulcus closure defects in zebrafish lacking Bmp signaling or Tbx2b. In addition, loss of dorsal ocular Bmp is rescued by concomitant suppression of the ventral-specific Hedgehog pathway, arguing that sulcus closure is dependent on dorsal-ventral eye patterning cues. The superior ocular sulcus acts as a conduit for blood vessels, with altered sulcus closure resulting in inappropriate connections between the hyaloid and superficial vascular systems. Together, our findings explain the existence of superior coloboma, a congenital ocular anomaly resulting from aberrant morphogenesis of a developmental structure. Ocular coloboma is a disease characterized by gaps in the lower portion of the eye and can affect the iris, lens, or retina, and cause loss of vision. Coloboma arises from incomplete closure of a transient fissure on the underside of the developing eye. Therefore, our identification of patients with similar tissue defects, but restricted to the superior half of eye, was surprising. Here, we describe an ocular developmental structure, the superior ocular sulcus, as a potential origin for the congenital disorder superior coloboma. Formation and closure of the sulcus are directed by dorsal-ventral eye patterning, and altered patterning interferes with the role of the sulcus as a pathway for blood vessel growth onto the eye.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Hocking
- Division of Anatomy, Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jakub K Famulski
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Unites States of America
| | - Kevin H Yoon
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sonya A Widen
- Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Cassidy S Bernstein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin,Unites States of America
| | - Sophie Koch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Omri Weiss
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Seema Agarwala
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin,Unites States of America.,Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Unites States of America.,Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Unites States of America
| | - Adi Inbal
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ordan J Lehmann
- Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Andrew J Waskiewicz
- Women & Children's Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Cvekl A, Zhang X. Signaling and Gene Regulatory Networks in Mammalian Lens Development. Trends Genet 2017; 33:677-702. [PMID: 28867048 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ocular lens development represents an advantageous system in which to study regulatory mechanisms governing cell fate decisions, extracellular signaling, cell and tissue organization, and the underlying gene regulatory networks. Spatiotemporally regulated domains of BMP, FGF, and other signaling molecules in late gastrula-early neurula stage embryos generate the border region between the neural plate and non-neural ectoderm from which multiple cell types, including lens progenitor cells, emerge and undergo initial tissue formation. Extracellular signaling and DNA-binding transcription factors govern lens and optic cup morphogenesis. Pax6, c-Maf, Hsf4, Prox1, Sox1, and a few additional factors regulate the expression of the lens structural proteins, the crystallins. Extensive crosstalk between a diverse array of signaling pathways controls the complexity and order of lens morphogenetic processes and lens transparency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ales Cvekl
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Departments of Ophthalmology, Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Seigfried FA, Cizelsky W, Pfister AS, Dietmann P, Walther P, Kühl M, Kühl SJ. Frizzled 3 acts upstream of Alcam during embryonic eye development. Dev Biol 2017; 426:69-83. [PMID: 28427856 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Formation of a functional eye during vertebrate embryogenesis requires different processes such as cell differentiation, cell migration, cell-cell interactions as well as intracellular signalling processes. It was previously shown that the non-canonical Wnt receptor Frizzled 3 (Fzd3) is required for proper eye formation, however, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that loss of Fzd3 induces severe malformations of the developing eye and that this defect is phenocopied by loss of the activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (Alcam). Promoter analysis revealed the presence of a Fzd3 responsive element within the alcam promoter, which is responsible for alcam expression during anterior neural development. In-depth analysis identified the jun N-terminal protein kinase 1 (JNK1) and the transcription factor paired box 2 (Pax2) to be important for the activation of alcam expression. Altogether our study reveals that alcam is activated through non-canonical Wnt signalling during embryonic eye development in Xenopus laevis and shows that this pathway plays a similar role in different tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska A Seigfried
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; Tissue Homeostasis Joint-PhD-Programme in Cooperation with the University of Oulu, Finland
| | - Wiebke Cizelsky
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany; International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Astrid S Pfister
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Petra Dietmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Paul Walther
- Central Facility for Electron Microscopy, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Kühl
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Susanne J Kühl
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
James A, Lee C, Williams AM, Angileri K, Lathrop KL, Gross JM. The hyaloid vasculature facilitates basement membrane breakdown during choroid fissure closure in the zebrafish eye. Dev Biol 2016; 419:262-272. [PMID: 27634568 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A critical aspect of vertebrate eye development is closure of the choroid fissure (CF). Defects in CF closure result in colobomas, which are a significant cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Despite the growing number of mutated loci associated with colobomas, we have a limited understanding of the cell biological underpinnings of CF closure. Here, we utilize the zebrafish embryo to identify key phases of CF closure and regulators of the process. Utilizing Laminin-111 as a marker for the basement membrane (BM) lining the CF, we determine the spatial and temporal patterns of BM breakdown in the CF, a prerequisite for CF closure. Similarly, utilizing a combination of in vivo time-lapse imaging, β-catenin immunohistochemistry and F-actin staining, we determine that tissue fusion, which serves to close the fissure, follows BM breakdown closely. Periocular mesenchyme (POM)-derived endothelial cells, which migrate through the CF to give rise to the hyaloid vasculature, possess distinct actin foci that correlate with regions of BM breakdown. Disruption of talin1, which encodes a regulator of the actin cytoskeleton, results in colobomas and these correlate with structural defects in the hyaloid vasculature and defects in BM breakdown. cloche mutants, which entirely lack a hyaloid vasculature, also possess defects in BM breakdown in the CF. Taken together, these data support a model in which the hyaloid vasculature and/or the POM-derived endothelial cells that give rise to the hyaloid vasculature contribute to BM breakdown during CF closure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea James
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, 78712
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Chanjae Lee
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, 78712
| | - Andre M Williams
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, 78712
| | - Krista Angileri
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, 78712
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Kira L Lathrop
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Jeffrey M Gross
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin TX, 78712
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Developmental Biology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
JNK Signaling: Regulation and Functions Based on Complex Protein-Protein Partnerships. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2016; 80:793-835. [PMID: 27466283 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00043-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), as members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, mediate eukaryotic cell responses to a wide range of abiotic and biotic stress insults. JNKs also regulate important physiological processes, including neuronal functions, immunological actions, and embryonic development, via their impact on gene expression, cytoskeletal protein dynamics, and cell death/survival pathways. Although the JNK pathway has been under study for >20 years, its complexity is still perplexing, with multiple protein partners of JNKs underlying the diversity of actions. Here we review the current knowledge of JNK structure and isoforms as well as the partnerships of JNKs with a range of intracellular proteins. Many of these proteins are direct substrates of the JNKs. We analyzed almost 100 of these target proteins in detail within a framework of their classification based on their regulation by JNKs. Examples of these JNK substrates include a diverse assortment of nuclear transcription factors (Jun, ATF2, Myc, Elk1), cytoplasmic proteins involved in cytoskeleton regulation (DCX, Tau, WDR62) or vesicular transport (JIP1, JIP3), cell membrane receptors (BMPR2), and mitochondrial proteins (Mcl1, Bim). In addition, because upstream signaling components impact JNK activity, we critically assessed the involvement of signaling scaffolds and the roles of feedback mechanisms in the JNK pathway. Despite a clarification of many regulatory events in JNK-dependent signaling during the past decade, many other structural and mechanistic insights are just beginning to be revealed. These advances open new opportunities to understand the role of JNK signaling in diverse physiological and pathophysiological states.
Collapse
|
19
|
Noh H, Lee H, Park E, Park S. Proper closure of the optic fissure requires ephrin A5-EphB2-JNK signaling. Development 2016; 143:461-72. [PMID: 26839344 DOI: 10.1242/dev.129478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The development of complex organs such as the eye requires a delicate and coordinated balance of cell division and cell death. Although apoptosis is prevalent in the proximoventral optic cup, the precise role it plays in eye development needs to be investigated further. In this study, we show that reduced apoptosis in the proximoventral optic cup prevents closure of the optic fissure. We also show that expression of ephrin A5 (Efna5) partially overlaps with Eph receptor B2 (Ephb2) expression in the proximoventral optic cup and that binding of EphB2 to ephrin A5 induces a sustained activation of JNK. This prolonged JNK signal promotes apoptosis and prevents cell proliferation. Thus, we propose that the unique cross-subclass interaction of EphB2 with ephrin A5 has evolved to function upstream of JNK signaling for the purpose of maintaining an adequate pool of progenitor cells to ensure proper closure of the optic fissure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyuna Noh
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Chungpa-ro 47gil 100, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 140-742, Korea
| | - Haeryung Lee
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Chungpa-ro 47gil 100, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 140-742, Korea
| | - Eunjeong Park
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Chungpa-ro 47gil 100, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 140-742, Korea
| | - Soochul Park
- Department of Biological Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Chungpa-ro 47gil 100, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 140-742, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cai C, Lin J, Sun S, He Y. JNK Inhibition Inhibits Lateral Line Neuromast Hair Cell Development. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:19. [PMID: 26903805 PMCID: PMC4742541 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
JNK signaling is known to play a role in regulating cell behaviors such as cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, and recent studies have suggested important roles for JNK signaling in embryonic development. However, the precise function of JNK signaling in hair cell development remains poorly studied. In this study, we used the small molecule JNK inhibitor SP600125 to examine the effect of JNK signaling abrogation on the development of hair cells in the zebrafish lateral line neuromast. Our results showed that SP600125 reduced the numbers of both hair cells and supporting cells in neuromasts during larval development in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, JNK inhibition strongly inhibited the proliferation of neuromast cells, which likely explains the decrease in the number of differentiated hair cells in inhibitor-treated larvae. Furthermore, western blot and in situ analysis showed that JNK inhibition induced cell cycle arrest through induction of p21 expression. We also showed that SP600125 induced cell death in developing neuromasts as measured by cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry, and this was accompanied with an induction of p53 gene expression. Together these results indicate that JNK might be an important regulator in the development of hair cells in the lateral line in zebrafish by controlling both cell cycle progression and apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengfu Cai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan UniversityShanghai, China; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen UniversityXiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jinchao Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Shaoyang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai, China
| | - Yingzi He
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan UniversityShanghai, China; Research Center, Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan UniversityShanghai, China; Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Ministry of Health, Affiliated Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhu XJ, Liu Y, Yuan X, Wang M, Zhao W, Yang X, Zhang X, Hsu W, Qiu M, Zhang Z, Zhang Z. Ectodermal Wnt controls nasal pit morphogenesis through modulation of the BMP/FGF/JNK signaling axis. Dev Dyn 2016; 245:414-26. [PMID: 26661618 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 11/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations of WNT3, WNT5A, WNT9B, and WNT11 genes are associated with orofacial birth defects, including nonsyndromic cleft lip with cleft palate in humans. However, the source of Wnt ligands and their signaling effects on the orofacial morphogenetic process remain elusive. RESULTS Using Foxg1-Cre to impair Wnt secretion through the inactivation of Gpr177/mWls, we investigate the relevant regulation of Wnt production and signaling in nasal-facial development. Ectodermal ablation of Gpr177 leads to severe facial deformities resulting from dramatically reduced cell proliferation and increased cell death due to a combined loss of WNT, FGF and BMP signaling in the developing facial prominence. In the invaginating nasal pit, the Gpr177 disruption also causes a detrimental effect on migration of the olfactory epithelial cells into the mesenchymal region. The blockage of Wnt secretion apparently impairs the olfactory epithelial cells through modulation of JNK signaling. CONCLUSIONS Our study thus suggests the head ectoderm, including the facial ectoderm and the neuroectoderm, as the source of canonical as well as noncanonical Wnt ligands during early development of the nasal-facial prominence. Both β-catenin-dependent and -independent signaling pathways are required for proper development of these morphogenetic processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jing Zhu
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yudong Liu
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueyan Yuan
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Min Wang
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanxin Zhao
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xueqin Yang
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Hsu
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, Center for Oral Biology, James P Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Mengsheng Qiu
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Ze Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tulane University Medical center, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Zunyi Zhang
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Xie Q, McGreal R, Harris R, Gao CY, Liu W, Reneker LW, Musil LS, Cvekl A. Regulation of c-Maf and αA-Crystallin in Ocular Lens by Fibroblast Growth Factor Signaling. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:3947-58. [PMID: 26719333 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.705103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling regulates a multitude of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation. In the vertebrate lens, FGF signaling regulates fiber cell differentiation characterized by high expression of crystallin proteins. However, a direct link between FGF signaling and crystallin gene transcriptional machinery remains to be established. Previously, we have shown that the bZIP proto-oncogene c-Maf regulates expression of αA-crystallin (Cryaa) through binding to its promoter and distal enhancer, DCR1, both activated by FGF2 in cell culture. Herein, we identified and characterized a novel FGF2-responsive region in the c-Maf promoter (-272/-70, FRE). Both c-Maf and Cryaa regulatory regions contain arrays of AP-1 and Ets-binding sites. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays established binding of c-Jun (an AP-1 factor) and Etv5/ERM (an Ets factor) to these regions in lens chromatin. Analysis of temporal and spatial expression of c-Jun, phospho-c-Jun, and Etv5/ERM in wild type and ERK1/2 deficient lenses supports their roles as nuclear effectors of FGF signaling in mouse embryonic lens. Collectively, these studies show that FGF signaling up-regulates expression of αA-crystallin both directly and indirectly via up-regulation of c-Maf. These molecular mechanisms are applicable for other crystallins and genes highly expressed in terminally differentiated lens fibers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xie
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Rebecca McGreal
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and
| | - Raven Harris
- Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Chun Y Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Eye Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Wei Liu
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Lixing W Reneker
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mason Eye Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212, and
| | - Linda S Musil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239
| | - Ales Cvekl
- From the Departments of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Agarwal M, Kumar P, Mathew SJ. The Groucho/Transducin-like enhancer of split protein family in animal development. IUBMB Life 2015; 67:472-81. [PMID: 26172616 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Corepressors are proteins that cannot bind DNA directly but repress transcription by interacting with partner proteins. The Groucho/Transducin-Like Enhancer of Split (TLE) are a conserved family of corepressor proteins present in animals ranging from invertebrates such as Drosophila to vertebrates such as mice and humans. Groucho/TLE proteins perform important functions throughout the life span of animals, interacting with several pathways and regulating fundamental processes such as metabolism. However, these proteins have especially crucial functions in animal development, where they are required in multiple tissues in a temporally regulated manner. In this review, we summarize the functions of the Groucho/TLE proteins during animal development, emphasizing on specific tissues where they play essential roles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megha Agarwal
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Bio-Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Bio-Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Sam J Mathew
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR Bio-Science Cluster, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kim W, Kim E, Yang HJ, Kwon T, Han S, Lee S, Youn H, Jung Y, Kang C, Youn B. Inhibition of hedgehog signalling attenuates UVB-induced skin photoageing. Exp Dermatol 2015; 24:611-7. [DOI: 10.1111/exd.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wanyeon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
- Nuclear Science Research Institute; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - EunGi Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Science; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - Hee Jung Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - TaeWoo Kwon
- Department of Integrated Biological Science; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - SeoYoung Han
- Department of Integrated Biological Science; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - Sungmin Lee
- Department of Integrated Biological Science; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - HyeSook Youn
- Department of Biological Sciences; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
- Nuclear Science Research Institute; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - Youngmi Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| | - ChulHee Kang
- Department of Chemistry; Washington State University; Pullman Washington USA
| | - BuHyun Youn
- Department of Biological Sciences; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
- Nuclear Science Research Institute; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
- Department of Integrated Biological Science; Pusan National University; Busan South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Beleggia F, Li Y, Fan J, Elcioğlu NH, Toker E, Wieland T, Maumenee IH, Akarsu NA, Meitinger T, Strom TM, Lang R, Wollnik B. CRIM1 haploinsufficiency causes defects in eye development in human and mouse. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:2267-73. [PMID: 25561690 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Colobomatous macrophthalmia with microcornea syndrome (MACOM, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) 602499) is an autosomal dominantly inherited malformation of the eye, which is characterized by microcornea with increased axial length, coloboma of the iris and of the optic disc, and severe myopia. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in two affected individuals from the 2p23-p16-linked MACOM family, which includes 13 affected individuals in 3 generations. As no shared novel variation was found on the linked haplotype, we performed copy number variation (CNV) analysis by comparing the coverage of all exons in the WES data sets of the 2 patients with the coverage of 26 control exomes. We identified a heterozygous deletion predicted to span 22 kb including exons 14-17 of CRIM1 (cysteine-rich transmembrane bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) regulator 1). Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis confirmed the deletion, which was present in 11 affected individuals. Split-read analysis of WES data followed by breakpoint PCR and Sanger sequencing determined both breakpoints flanked by a 4-bp microhomology (CTTG). In the mouse, Crim1 is a growth-factor-binding protein with pleiotropic roles in the development of multiple organs, including the eye. To investigate the role of Crim1 during eye development in mice, we crossed a Crim1(flox) mouse line with the Ap2α-cre mouse line, which expresses Cre in the head surface ectoderm. Strikingly, we observed alterations of eye development in homozygous mice leading to severe anatomical and morphological changes overlapping with the anomalies observed in MACOM patients. Taken together, these findings identify CRIM1 as the causative gene for MACOM syndrome and emphasize the importance of CRIM1 in eye development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Beleggia
- Institute of Human Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yun Li
- Institute of Human Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jieqing Fan
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | | | - Ebru Toker
- Department of Ophtalmology, Marmara University Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Thomas Wieland
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Irene H Maumenee
- Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Illinois University, College of Medicine at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nurten A Akarsu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Gene Mapping Laboratory, Hacettepe University Medical Faculty, Ankara, Turkey and
| | - Thomas Meitinger
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Tim M Strom
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Richard Lang
- Division of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Bernd Wollnik
- Institute of Human Genetics, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany,
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Cvekl A, Ashery-Padan R. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of vertebrate lens development. Development 2014; 141:4432-47. [PMID: 25406393 PMCID: PMC4302924 DOI: 10.1242/dev.107953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ocular lens is a model system for understanding important aspects of embryonic development, such as cell specification and the spatiotemporally controlled formation of a three-dimensional structure. The lens, which is characterized by transparency, refraction and elasticity, is composed of a bulk mass of fiber cells attached to a sheet of lens epithelium. Although lens induction has been studied for over 100 years, recent findings have revealed a myriad of extracellular signaling pathways and gene regulatory networks, integrated and executed by the transcription factor Pax6, that are required for lens formation in vertebrates. This Review summarizes recent progress in the field, emphasizing the interplay between the diverse regulatory mechanisms employed to form lens progenitor and precursor cells and highlighting novel opportunities to fill gaps in our understanding of lens tissue morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleš Cvekl
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Sackler School of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, 69978 Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Meng Q, Mongan M, Carreira V, Kurita H, Liu CY, Kao WWY, Xia Y. Eyelid closure in embryogenesis is required for ocular adnexa development. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:7652-61. [PMID: 25377219 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.14-15155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Mammalian eye development requires temporary fusion of the upper and lower eyelids in embryogenesis. Failure of lid closure in mice leads to an eye open at birth (EOB) phenotype. Many genetic mutant strains develop this phenotype and studies of the mutants lead to a better understanding of the signaling mechanisms of morphogenesis. The present study investigates the roles of lid closure in eye development. METHODS Seven mutant mouse strains were generated by different gene ablation strategies that inactivated distinct signaling pathways. These mice, including systemic ablation of Map3k1 and Dkk2, ocular surface epithelium (OSE) knockout of c-Jun and Egfr, conditional knockout of Shp2 in stratified epithelium (SE), as well as the Map3k1/Jnk1 and Map3k1/Rhoa compound mutants, all exhibited defective eyelid closure. The embryonic and postnatal eyes in these mice were characterized by histology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Some eye abnormalities, such as smaller lens in the Map3k1-null mice and Harderian gland hypoplasia in the Dkk2-null mice, appeared to be mutant strain-specific, whereas other abnormalities were seen in all mutants examined. The common defects included corneal erosion/ulceration, meibomian gland hypoplasia, truncation of the eyelid tarsal muscles, failure of levator palpebrae superioris (LPS) extension into the upper eyelid and misplacement of the inferior oblique (IO) muscle and inferior rectus (IR) muscle. The muscle defects were traced to the prenatal fetuses. CONCLUSIONS In addition to providing a protective barrier for the ocular surface, eyelid closure in embryogenesis is required for the development of ocular adnexa, including eyelid and extraocular muscles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghang Meng
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Maureen Mongan
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Vinicius Carreira
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Hisaka Kurita
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Chia-Yang Liu
- Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Winston W-Y Kao
- Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Meng Q, Mongan M, Wang J, Tang X, Zhang J, Kao W, Xia Y. Epithelial sheet movement requires the cooperation of c-Jun and MAP3K1. Dev Biol 2014; 395:29-37. [PMID: 25224220 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial sheet movement is an essential morphogenetic process during mouse embryonic eyelid closure in which Mitogen-Activated Protein 3 Kinase 1 (MAP3K1) and c-Jun play a critical role. Here we show that MAP3K1 associates with the cytoskeleton, activates Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and actin polymerization, and promotes the eyelid inferior epithelial cell elongation and epithelium protrusion. Following epithelium protrusion, c-Jun begins to express and acts to promote ERK phosphorylation and migration of the protruding epithelial cells. Homozygous deletion of either gene causes defective eyelid closure, but non-allelic non-complementation does not occur between Map3k1 and c-Jun and the double heterozygotes have normal eyelid closure. Results from this study suggest that MAP3K1 and c-Jun signal through distinct temporal-spatial pathways and that productive epithelium movement for eyelid closure requires the consecutive action of MAP3K1-dependent cytoskeleton reorganization followed by c-Jun-mediated migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghang Meng
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine
| | - Maureen Mongan
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine
| | - Xiaofang Tang
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
| | - Jinling Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine
| | - Winston Kao
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Balakrishnan S, Sadasivam M, Kannan A, Panneerselvam A, Prahalathan C. Glucose modulates Pax6 expression through the JNK/p38 MAP kinase pathway in pancreatic beta-cells. Life Sci 2014; 109:1-7. [PMID: 24953606 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM The paired and homeodomain-containing transcription factor, paired box 6 (Pax6), has shown to play pivotal roles in beta-cell function, including cell survival, insulin biosynthesis and secretion. The present study investigates the signaling events that regulate the modulation of Pax6 expression by glucose and the role of this modulation in cell survival in rat insulinoma-1E (INS-1E) cells. MAIN METHODS INS-1E cells were incubated on 1mM (low) or 25 mM (high) glucose overnight. To elucidate the signaling pathways that regulate Pax6 expression, we utilized specific inhibitors. The siRNA transfection of Pax6 into INS-1E cells was performed by electroporation. The mRNA and protein levels were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. KEY FINDINGS We found that the mRNA and protein levels of Pax6 were reduced by approximately 4-fold in high, compared to low, glucose-treated cells. Staurosporine, the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125 and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitor SB203580 significantly increased Pax6 levels in high glucose-treated INS-1E cells compared to their respective controls. However, neither calcium ionophore nor the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor U0126 resulted in any alteration in Pax6 protein expression. Further, a siRNA-mediated knockdown of Pax6 significantly decreased the expression of tumor-suppressor phosphatase with tensin homology (PTEN) while increasing cell viability in low glucose-treated INS-1E cells. SIGNIFICANCE This study addresses the signaling events that regulate the glucose-dependent expression of Pax6 and the role of these events in cell survival in pancreatic beta cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohanraj Sadasivam
- Department of Biochemistry, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, India
| | - Arun Kannan
- Department of Biochemistry, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620 024, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Meng Q, Jin C, Chen Y, Chen J, Medvedovic M, Xia Y. Expression of signaling components in embryonic eyelid epithelium. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87038. [PMID: 24498290 PMCID: PMC3911929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Closure of an epithelium opening is a critical morphogenetic event for development. An excellent example for this process is the transient closure of embryonic eyelid. Eyelid closure requires shape change and migration of epithelial cells at the tip of the developing eyelids, and is dictated by numerous signaling pathways. Here we evaluated gene expression in epithelial cells isolated from the tip (leading edge, LE) and inner surface epithelium (IE) of the eyelid from E15.5 mouse fetuses by laser capture microdissection (LCM). We showed that the LE and IE cells are different at E15.5, such that IE had higher expression of muscle specific genes, while LE acquired epithelium identities. Despite their distinct destinies, these cells were overall similar in expression of signaling components for the “eyelid closure pathways”. However, while the LE cells had more abundant expression of Fgfr2, Erbb2, Shh, Ptch1 and 2, Smo and Gli2, and Jag1 and Notch1, the IE cells had more abundant expression of Bmp5 and Bmpr1a. In addition, the LE cells had more abundant expression of adenomatosis polyposis coli down-regulated 1 (Apcdd1), but the IE cells had high expression of Dkk2. Our results suggest that the functionally distinct LE and IE cells have also differential expression of signaling molecules that may contribute to the cell-specific responses to morphogenetic signals. The expression pattern suggests that the EGF, Shh and NOTCH pathways are preferentially active in LE cells, the BMP pathways are effective in IE cells, and the Wnt pathway may be repressed in LE and IE cells via different mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qinghang Meng
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Chang Jin
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Yinglei Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
|
32
|
Kelberman D, Islam L, Lakowski J, Bacchelli C, Chanudet E, Lescai F, Patel A, Stupka E, Buck A, Wolf S, Beales PL, Jacques TS, Bitner-Glindzicz M, Liasis A, Lehmann OJ, Kohlhase J, Nischal KK, Sowden JC. Mutation of SALL2 causes recessive ocular coloboma in humans and mice. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:2511-26. [PMID: 24412933 PMCID: PMC3990155 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Ocular coloboma is a congenital defect resulting from failure of normal closure of the optic fissure during embryonic eye development. This birth defect causes childhood blindness worldwide, yet the genetic etiology is poorly understood. Here, we identified a novel homozygous mutation in the SALL2 gene in members of a consanguineous family affected with non-syndromic ocular coloboma variably affecting the iris and retina. This mutation, c.85G>T, introduces a premature termination codon (p.Glu29*) predicted to truncate the SALL2 protein so that it lacks three clusters of zinc-finger motifs that are essential for DNA-binding activity. This discovery identifies SALL2 as the third member of the Drosophila homeotic Spalt-like family of developmental transcription factor genes implicated in human disease. SALL2 is expressed in the developing human retina at the time of, and subsequent to, optic fissure closure. Analysis of Sall2-deficient mouse embryos revealed delayed apposition of the optic fissure margins and the persistence of an anterior retinal coloboma phenotype after birth. Sall2-deficient embryos displayed correct posterior closure toward the optic nerve head, and upon contact of the fissure margins, dissolution of the basal lamina occurred and PAX2, known to be critical for this process, was expressed normally. Anterior closure was disrupted with the fissure margins failing to meet, or in some cases misaligning leading to a retinal lesion. These observations demonstrate, for the first time, a role for SALL2 in eye morphogenesis and that loss of function of the gene causes ocular coloboma in humans and mice.
Collapse
|
33
|
Drago E, Bordonaro M, Lee S, Atamna W, Lazarova DL. Propolis augments apoptosis induced by butyrate via targeting cell survival pathways. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73151. [PMID: 24023824 PMCID: PMC3762847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diet is one of the major lifestyle factors affecting incidence of colorectal cancer (CC), and despite accumulating evidence that numerous diet-derived compounds modulate CC incidence, definitive dietary recommendations are not available. We propose a strategy that could facilitate the design of dietary supplements with CC-preventive properties. Thus, nutrient combinations that are a source of apoptosis-inducers and inhibitors of compensatory cell proliferation pathways (e.g., AKT signaling) may produce high levels of programmed death in CC cells. Here we report the combined effect of butyrate, an apoptosis inducer that is produced through fermentation of fiber in the colon, and propolis, a honeybee product, on CC cells. We established that propolis increases the apoptosis of CC cells exposed to butyrate through suppression of cell survival pathways such as the AKT signaling. The programmed death of CC cells by combined exposure to butyrate and propolis is further augmented by inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway. Analyses on the contribution of the downstream targets of JNK signaling, c-JUN and JAK/STAT, to the apoptosis of butyrate/propolis-treated CC cells ascertained that JAK/STAT signaling has an anti-apoptotic role; whereas, the role of cJUN might be dependent upon regulatory cell factors. Thus, our studies ascertained that propolis augments apoptosis of butyrate-sensitive CC cells and re-sensitizes butyrate-resistant CC cells to apoptosis by suppressing AKT signaling and downregulating the JAK/STAT pathway. Future in vivo studies should evaluate the CC-preventive potential of a dietary supplement that produces high levels of colonic butyrate, propolis, and diet-derived JAK/STAT inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Drago
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Michael Bordonaro
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Seon Lee
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Wafa Atamna
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Darina L. Lazarova
- Department of Basic Sciences, The Commonwealth Medical College, Scranton, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wu YE, Huo L, Maeder CI, Feng W, Shen K. The balance between capture and dissociation of presynaptic proteins controls the spatial distribution of synapses. Neuron 2013; 78:994-1011. [PMID: 23727120 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2013.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The location, size, and number of synapses critically influence the specificity and strength of neural connections. In axons, synaptic vesicle (SV) and active zone (AZ) proteins are transported by molecular motors and accumulate at discrete presynaptic loci. Little is known about the mechanisms coordinating presynaptic protein transport and deposition to achieve proper distribution of synaptic material. Here we show that SV and AZ proteins exhibit extensive cotransport and undergo frequent pauses. At the axonal and synaptic pause sites, the balance between the capture and dissociation of mobile transport packets determines the extent of presynaptic assembly. The small G protein ARL-8 inhibits assembly by promoting dissociation, while a JNK kinase pathway and AZ assembly proteins inhibit dissociation. Furthermore, ARL-8 directly binds to the UNC-104/KIF1A motor to limit the capture efficiency. Together, molecular regulation of the dichotomy between axonal trafficking and local assembly controls vital aspects of synapse formation and maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye E Wu
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Jin C, Chen J, Meng Q, Carreira V, Tam NNC, Geh E, Karyala S, Ho SM, Zhou X, Medvedovic M, Xia Y. Deciphering gene expression program of MAP3K1 in mouse eyelid morphogenesis. Dev Biol 2012. [PMID: 23201579 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic eyelid closure involves forward movement and ultimate fusion of the upper and lower eyelids, an essential step of mammalian ocular surface development. Although its underlying mechanism of action is not fully understood, a functional mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MAP3K1) is required for eyelid closure. Here we investigate the molecular signatures of MAP3K1 in eyelid morphogenesis. At mouse gestational day E15.5, the developmental stage immediately prior to eyelid closure, MAP3K1 expression is predominant in the eyelid leading edge (LE) and the inner eyelid (IE) epithelium. We used laser capture microdissection (LCM) to obtain highly enriched LE and IE cells from wild type and MAP3K1-deficient fetuses and analyzed genome-wide expression profiles. The gene expression data led to the identification of three distinct developmental features of MAP3K1. First, MAP3K1 modulated Wnt and Sonic hedgehog signals, actin reorganization, and proliferation only in LE but not in IE epithelium, illustrating the temporal-spatial specificity of MAP3K1 in embryogenesis. Second, MAP3K1 potentiated AP-2α expression and SRF and AP-1 activity, but its target genes were enriched for binding motifs of AP-2α and SRF, and not AP-1, suggesting the existence of novel MAP3K1-AP-2α/SRF modules in gene regulation. Third, MAP3K1 displayed variable effects on expression of lineage specific genes in the LE and IE epithelium, revealing potential roles of MAP3K1 in differentiation and lineage specification. Using LCM and expression array, our studies have uncovered novel molecular signatures of MAP3K1 in embryonic eyelid closure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Jin
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3223 Eden Avenue, Kettering Laboratory, Suite 410, P.O. Box 670056, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Defective FGF signaling causes coloboma formation and disrupts retinal neurogenesis. Cell Res 2012; 23:254-73. [PMID: 23147794 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2012.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The optic fissure (OF) is a transient opening on the ventral side of the developing vertebrate eye that closes before nearly all retinal progenitor cell differentiation has occurred. Failure to close the OF results in coloboma, a congenital disease that is a major cause of childhood blindness. Although human genetic studies and animal models have linked a number of genes to coloboma, the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving the closure of the OF are still largely unclear. In this study, we used Cre-LoxP-mediated conditional removal of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors, Fgfr1 and Fgfr2, from the developing optic cup (OC) to show that FGF signaling regulates the closing of the OF. Our molecular, cellular and transcriptome analyses of Fgfr1 and Fgfr2 double conditional knockout OCs suggest that FGF signaling controls the OF closure through modulation of retinal progenitor cell proliferation, fate specification and morphological changes. Furthermore, Fgfr1 and Fgfr2 double conditional mutant retinal progenitor cells fail to initiate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) genesis. Taken together, our mouse genetic studies reveal that FGF signaling is essential for OF morphogenesis and RGC development.
Collapse
|
37
|
Dressler GR. The specification and maintenance of renal cell types by epigenetic factors. Organogenesis 2012; 5:73-82. [PMID: 19794903 DOI: 10.4161/org.5.2.8930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2009] [Accepted: 05/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The specification of cell lineages and patterning in the embryo occurs sequentially as specific regions are increasingly restricted in their developmental fates. When and how this occurs is still not entirely clear. Nevertheless, the roles of epigenetic regulatory genes in partitioning the genome into active and inactive domains is evident in a variety of organisms and is highly conserved through evolution. The function of Pax2 in the kidney has been inferred by the phenotypic analysis of loss-of-function mutants in mice, fish and humans. Although Pax2 and the related gene, Pax8, are essential for early intermediate mesoderm specification and are found in the epithelial lineage arising from that mesoderm, how these proteins regulate cell lineage restriction and gene expression patterns has remained obscure. Our recent data, suggests that Pax proteins help establish chromatin domains within cell lineages by providing the locus and tissue specificity for epigenetic imprinting complexes that modify histones. The novel protein PTIP is a key adaptor that links Pax proteins and possibly many other types of DNA binding proteins to a histone H3K4 methyltransferase complex. Given the prevalence of Pax2 expression in kidney development and in kidney disease, we now need to address the effects of epigenetics on renal disease states, on the stability of the terminal epithelial phenotype, and in the aging cell.
Collapse
|
38
|
Pai YJ, Abdullah N, Mohd.-Zin S, Mohammed RS, Rolo A, Greene ND, Abdul-Aziz NM, Copp AJ. Epithelial fusion during neural tube morphogenesis. BIRTH DEFECTS RESEARCH. PART A, CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR TERATOLOGY 2012; 94:817-23. [PMID: 22945349 PMCID: PMC3629791 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Revised: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Adhesion and fusion of epithelial sheets marks the completion of many morphogenetic events during embryogenesis. Neural tube closure involves an epithelial fusion sequence in which the apposing neural folds adhere initially via cellular protrusions, proceed to a more stable union, and subsequently undergo remodeling of the epithelial structures to yield a separate neural tube roof plate and overlying nonneural ectoderm. Cellular protrusions comprise lamellipodia and filopodia, and studies in several different systems emphasize the critical role of RhoGTPases in their regulation. How epithelia establish initial adhesion is poorly understood but, in neurulation, may involve interactions between EphA receptors and their ephrinA ligands. Epithelial remodeling is spatially and temporally correlated with apoptosis in the dorsal neural tube midline, but experimental inhibition of this cell death does not prevent fusion and remodeling. A variety of molecular signaling systems have been implicated in the late events of morphogenesis, but genetic redundancy, for example among the integrins and laminins, makes identification of the critical players challenging. An improved understanding of epithelial fusion can provide insights into normal developmental processes and may also indicate the mode of origin of clinically important birth defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Jin Pai
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - N.L. Abdullah
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - S.W. Mohd.-Zin
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - R. S. Mohammed
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ana Rolo
- Neural Development Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Nicholas D.E. Greene
- Neural Development Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Noraishah M. Abdul-Aziz
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Andrew J. Copp
- Neural Development Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Transcriptional activity of neural retina leucine zipper (Nrl) is regulated by c-Jun N-terminal kinase and Tip60 during retina development. Mol Cell Biol 2012; 32:1720-32. [PMID: 22354990 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.06440-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural retina leucine zipper (Nrl), a key basic motif leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor, modulates rod photoreceptor differentiation by activating rod-specific target genes. In searching for factors that might couple with Nrl to modulate its transcriptional activity through posttranslational modification, we observed the novel interactions of Nrl with c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) and HIV Tat-interacting protein 60 (Tip60). JNK1 directly interacted with and phosphorylated Nrl at serine 50, which enhanced Nrl transcriptional activity on the rhodopsin and Ppp2r5c promoters. Use of an inactive JNK1 mutant or treatment with a JNK inhibitor (SP600125) significantly reduced JNK1-mediated phosphorylation and transcriptional activity of Nrl in cultured retinal explants. We also found that Nrl activated rhodopsin and Ppp2r5c transcription by recruiting Tip60 to promote histone H3/H4 acetylation. The binding affinity of phospho-Nrl for Tip60 was significantly greater than that of the unphosphorylated Nrl. Thus, the histone acetyltransferase-containing Tip60 behaved as a coactivator in the Nrl-dependent transcriptional regulation of the rhodopsin and Ppp2r5c genes in the developing mouse retina. A transcriptional network of interactive proteins, including Nrl, JNK1, and Tip60, may be required to precisely control spatiotemporal photoreceptor-specific gene expression during retinal development.
Collapse
|
40
|
Cellurale C, Girnius N, Jiang F, Cavanagh-Kyros J, Lu S, Garlick DS, Mercurio AM, Davis RJ. Role of JNK in mammary gland development and breast cancer. Cancer Res 2011; 72:472-81. [PMID: 22127926 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-1628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
cJun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling has been implicated in the developmental morphogenesis of epithelial organs. In this study, we employed a compound deletion of the murine Jnk1 and Jnk2 genes in the mammary gland to evaluate the requirement for these ubiquitously expressed genes in breast development and tumorigenesis. JNK1/2 was not required for breast epithelial cell proliferation or motility. However, JNK1/2 deficiency caused increased branching morphogenesis and defects in the clearance of lumenal epithelial cells. In the setting of breast cancer development, JNK1/2 deficiency significantly increased tumor formation. Together, these findings established that JNK signaling is required for normal mammary gland development and that it has a suppressive role in mammary tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Cellurale
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MAP3K1) integrates developmental signals for eyelid closure. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2011; 108:17349-54. [PMID: 21969564 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1102297108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental eyelid closure is an evolutionarily conserved morphogenetic event requiring proliferation, differentiation, cytoskeleton reorganization, and migration of epithelial cells at the tip of the developing eyelid. Many signaling events take place during eyelid closure, but how the signals converge to regulate the morphogenetic process remains an open and intriguing question. Here we show that mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MAP3K1) highly expressed in the developing eyelid epithelium, forms with c-Jun, a regulatory axis that orchestrates morphogenesis by integrating two different networks of eyelid closure signals. A TGF-α/EGFR-RhoA module initiates one of these networks by inducing c-Jun expression which, in a phosphorylation-independent manner, binds to the Map3k1 promoter and causes an increase in MAP3K1 expression. RhoA knockout in the ocular surface epithelium disturbs this network by decreasing MAP3K1 expression, and causes delayed eyelid closure in Map3k1 hemizygotes. The second network is initiated by the enzymatic activity of MAP3K1, which phosphorylates and activates a JNK-c-Jun module, leading to AP-1 transactivation and induction of its downstream genes, such as Pai-1. MAP3K1 inactivation reduces AP-1 activity and PAI-1 expression both in cells and developing eyelids. MAP3K1 is therefore the nexus of an intracrine regulatory loop connecting the TGF-α/EGFR/RhoA-c-Jun and JNK-c-Jun-AP-1 pathways in developmental eyelid closure.
Collapse
|
42
|
Patterning and early cell lineage decisions in the developing kidney: the role of Pax genes. Pediatr Nephrol 2011; 26:1387-94. [PMID: 21221999 PMCID: PMC4129512 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-010-1749-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Revised: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Specification of the intermediate mesoderm and the epithelial derivatives that will make the mammalian kidney depends on the concerted action of many transcription factors and signaling proteins. Among the earliest genes expressed in the nephric duct and surrounding mesenchyme is Pax2, whose function is essential for making and maintaining the epithelium. The Pax2 protein is subject to phosphorylation in response to signals that activate the c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway, including Wnts and BMPs. In cell culture systems, Pax2 is know to recruit components of a histone H3 lysine 4 methyltransferase complex to specific DNA sites to alter the pattern of histone modifications and determine gene expression. This epigenetic function may underlie the ability of Pax2 and similar proteins to maintain cell lineages during development.
Collapse
|
43
|
Lieven O, Rüther U. The Dkk1 dose is critical for eye development. Dev Biol 2011; 355:124-37. [PMID: 21539829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2010] [Revised: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
During mammalian ocular development, several signaling pathways control the spatiotemporal highly defined realization of the three-dimensional eye architecture. Given the complexity of these inductive signals, the developing eye is a sensitive organ for several diseases. In this study, we investigated a Dkk1+/- haploinsufficiency during eye development, resulting in coloboma and anterior eye defects, two common developmental eye disorders. Dkk1 impacts eye development from a defined developmental time point on, and is critical for lens separation from the surface ectoderm via β-catenin mediated Pdgfrα and E-cadherin expression. Dkk1 does not impact the dorso ventral retina patterning in general but is critical for Shh dependent Pax2 extension into the midline region. The described results also indicate that the retinal Dkk1 dose is critical for important steps during eye development, such as optic fissure closure and cornea formation. Further analysis of the relationship between Dkk1 and Shh signaling revealed that Dkk1 and Shh coordinatively control anterior head formation and eye induction. During eye development itself, retinal Dkk1 activation is depending on cilia mediated Gli3 regulation. Therefore, our data essentially improve the knowledge of coloboma and anterior eye defects, which are common human eye developmental defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Lieven
- Institute for Animal Developmental, Molecular Biology, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Sugimura R, Li L. Noncanonical Wnt signaling in vertebrate development, stem cells, and diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 90:243-56. [PMID: 21181886 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling regulates many aspects of vertebrate development and adult stem cells. Deregulation of Wnt signaling causes development defect and cancer. The signaling is categorized in two pathways: canonical and noncanonical. Both pathways are initiated by Wnt ligands and Frizzled receptors. Canonical pathway leads to β-catenin:T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor-mediated gene expression, which regulates proliferation and differentiation of cells. Noncanonical Wnt signaling is mediated by intracellular calcium ion and JNK. This signaling leads to NFAT, a key transcriptional factor regulating gene expression. In addition, β-catenin:T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor-mediated gene expression is downregulated by CaMKII-TAK1-NLK. Cellular polarity and motility are the main outcomes of the signaling. During development, noncanonical Wnt signaling is required for tissue formation. Recent studies have shown that atypical cadherin Flamingo contributes to noncanonical Wnt signaling by directing the migration of cells. Also, noncanonical Wnt signaling is required for maintenance of adult stem cells. In the field of cancer research, noncanonical Wnt signaling has been considered a tumor suppressor; however, recent evidence has shown that the signaling also enhances cancer progression in the later stages of disease. In this review, we describe and discuss components of noncanonical Wnt signaling, diseases caused by deregulation of the signaling, regulation of adult stem cells by the signaling, and implications in cancer biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryohichi Sugimura
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Xu J, Zhu D, He S, Spee C, Ryan SJ, Hinton DR. Transcriptional regulation of bone morphogenetic protein 4 by tumor necrosis factor and its relationship with age-related macular degeneration. FASEB J 2011; 25:2221-33. [PMID: 21411747 DOI: 10.1096/fj.10-178350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) may be involved in the molecular switch that determines which late form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) an individual develops. BMP4 expression is high in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in late, dry AMD patients, while BMP4 expression is low in the wet form of the disease, characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Here, we sought to determine the mechanism by which BMP4 is down-regulated in CNV. BMP4 expression was decreased within laser-induced CNV lesions in mice at a time when tumor necrosis factor (TNF) expression was high (7 d postlaser) and was reexpressed in RPE when TNF levels declined (14 d postlaser). We found that TNF, an important angiogenic stimulus, significantly down-regulates BMP4 expression in cultured human fetal RPE cells, ARPE-19 cells, and RPE cells in murine posterior eye cup explants. We identified two specificity protein 1 (Sp1) binding sites in the BMP4 promoter that are required for basal expression of BMP4 and its down-regulation by TNF. Through c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, TNF modulates Sp1 phosphorylation, thus decreasing its affinity to the BMP4 promoter. The down-regulation of BMP4 expression by TNF in CNV and mechanisms established might be useful for defining novel targets for AMD therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xu
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mitra S, Lee JS, Cantrell M, Van den Berg CL. c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2) enhances cell migration through epidermal growth factor substrate 8 (EPS8). J Biol Chem 2011; 286:15287-97. [PMID: 21357683 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.094441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Membrane-bound receptors induce biochemical signals to remodel the actin cytoskeleton and mediate cell motility. In association with receptor tyrosine kinases, several downstream mitogen-induced kinases facilitate cell migration. Here, we show a role for c-Jun N-terminal kinase 2 (JNK2) in promoting mammary cancer cell migration through inhibition of epidermal growth factor substrate 8 (EPS8) expression, a key regulator of EGF receptor (R) signaling and trafficking. Using jnk2(-/-) mice, we found that EPS8 expression is higher in polyoma middle T antigen (PyVMT)jnk2(-/-) mammary tumors and jnk2(-/-) mammary glands compared with the respective jnk2(+/+) controls. The inverse relationship between the jnk2 and eps8 expression was also associated with cancer progression in that patients with basal-type breast tumors expressing high jnk2 and low eps8 experienced poor disease-free survival. In mammary tumor cell lines, the absence of jnk2 greatly reduces cell migration that is rescued by EPS8 knockdown. Subsequent studies show that JNK2 enhances formation of the EPS8-Abi-1-Sos-1 complex to augment EGFR activation of Akt and ERK, whereas the absence of JNK2 promotes ESP8/RN-Tre association to inhibit endocytotic trafficking of the EGFR. Together, these studies unveil a critical role for JNK2 and EPS8 in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling and trafficking to convey distinctly different effects on cell migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreya Mitra
- From the College of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmacology/Toxicology, and Center for Molecular and Cellular Toxicology, and
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Liu Y, Kawai K, Khashabi S, Deng C, Liu YH, Yiu S. Inactivation of Smad4 leads to impaired ocular development and cataract formation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 400:476-82. [PMID: 20735985 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Signaling by members of the TGFβ superfamily of molecules is essential for embryonic development and homeostasis. Smad4, a key intracellular mediator in TGFβ signaling, forms transcriptional activator complexes with Activin-, BMP-, and TGFβ-restricted Smad proteins. However, the functional role of Smad4 in controlling different visual system compartments has not been fully investigated. METHODS Using the Pax6 promoter-driven Cre transgenic, smad4 was conditionally inactivated in the lens, cornea and ectoderm of the eyelids. Standard histological and molecular analytical approaches were employed to reveal morphological and cellular changes. RESULTS Inactivation of Smad4 in the lens led to microphthalmia and cataract formation in addition to the persistent adhesion of the retina to the lens and the iris to the cornea. Inactivation of Smad4 from the ectoderm of the eyelid and cornea caused disruption to eyelid fusion and proper development of the corneal epithelium and corneal stroma. CONCLUSIONS Smad4 is required for the development and maintenance of the lens in addition to the proper development of the cornea, eyelids, and retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Doheny Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Nonmuscle myosin II localization is regulated by JNK during Drosophila larval wound healing. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 393:656-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
49
|
Blank U, Brown A, Adams DC, Karolak MJ, Oxburgh L. BMP7 promotes proliferation of nephron progenitor cells via a JNK-dependent mechanism. Development 2009; 136:3557-66. [PMID: 19793891 DOI: 10.1242/dev.036335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The iterative formation of nephrons during embryonic development relies on continual replenishment of progenitor cells throughout nephrogenesis. Defining molecular mechanisms that maintain and regulate this progenitor pool is essential to understanding nephrogenesis in developmental and regenerative contexts. Maintenance of nephron progenitors is absolutely dependent on BMP7 signaling, and Bmp7-null mice exhibit rapid loss of progenitors. However, the signal transduction machinery operating downstream of BMP7 as well as the precise target cell remain undefined. Using a novel primary progenitor isolation system, we have investigated signal transduction and biological outcomes elicited by BMP7. We find that BMP7 directly and rapidly activates JNK signaling in nephron progenitors resulting in phosphorylation of Jun and ATF2 transcription factors. This signaling results in the accumulation of cyclin D3 and subsequent proliferation of PAX2(+) progenitors, inversely correlating with the loss of nephron progenitors seen in the Bmp7-null kidney. Activation of Jun and ATF2 is severely diminished in Bmp7-null kidneys, providing an important in vivo correlate. BMP7 thus promotes proliferation directly in nephron progenitors by activating the JNK signaling circuitry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrika Blank
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, 81 Research Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Ruiz JM, Rodríguez J, Bovolenta P. Growth and differentiation of the retina and the optic tectum in the medaka fish requires olSfrp5. Dev Neurobiol 2009; 69:617-32. [PMID: 19507177 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Secreted Frizzled-Related Proteins (SFRPs) are extracellular modulators of Wnt and Bmp signaling. Previous studies in birds and fishes have shown that Sfrp1, a member of this family, is strongly expressed throughout the development of the eye contributing to the specification of the eye field, retina neurogenesis and providing guidance information to retina ganglion cell axons. Here, we report that in medaka fish (Oryzias latipes) the expression of olSfrp5, which is closely related to olSfrp1, largely overlaps with that of olSfrp1 in the eye, but is additionally expressed in the developing midbrain and gut primordium. Morpholino-based interference with olSfrp5 expression causes microphthalmia and reduction of the tectum size associated with an increase in apoptotic cell death in these structures. Furthermore, interference with the levels of olSfrp5 expression impairs the patterning of the ventral portion of the optic cup, leading in some cases to a fissure coloboma. These early defects are followed by an abnormal retinal and tectal neurogenesis. In particular, only reduced numbers of photoreceptor and RGC were generated in olSfrp5 morphants retinas. The results point to an important role of olSfrp5 in visual system formation and indicate that olSfrp1 and olSfrp5, despite their overlapping expression, have only partially redundant function during eye development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose Maria Ruiz
- Departamento de Neurobiología Molecular Celular y del Desarrollo, Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid 28002, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|