1
|
Yang F, Guo X, Bao Y, Li R. The role of ribosomal DNA methylation in embryonic development, aging and diseases. Epigenetics Chromatin 2024; 17:23. [PMID: 39085958 PMCID: PMC11290161 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-024-00548-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) constitutes a remarkably conserved DNA sequence within species, located in the area of the nucleolus, and responsible for coding three major types of rRNAs (18S, 5.8S and 28S). While historical investigations into rDNA focused on its structure and coding capabilities, recent research has turned to explore its functional roles in various biological processes. In this review, we summarize the main findings of rDNA methylation with embryonic development, aging and diseases in multiple species, including epigenetic alterations, related biological processes and potential applications of rDNA methylation. We present an overview of current related research and identify gaps in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yang
- National Genomics Data Center, China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xutong Guo
- National Genomics Data Center, China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yiming Bao
- National Genomics Data Center, China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Rujiao Li
- National Genomics Data Center, China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Law PP, Mikheeva LA, Rodriguez-Algarra F, Asenius F, Gregori M, Seaborne RAE, Yildizoglu S, Miller JRC, Tummala H, Mesnage R, Antoniou MN, Li W, Tan Q, Hillman SL, Rakyan VK, Williams DJ, Holland ML. Ribosomal DNA copy number is associated with body mass in humans and other mammals. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5006. [PMID: 38866738 PMCID: PMC11169392 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49397-5] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Body mass results from a complex interplay between genetics and environment. Previous studies of the genetic contribution to body mass have excluded repetitive regions due to the technical limitations of platforms used for population scale studies. Here we apply genome-wide approaches, identifying an association between adult body mass and the copy number (CN) of 47S-ribosomal DNA (rDNA). rDNA codes for the 18 S, 5.8 S and 28 S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) components of the ribosome. In mammals, there are hundreds of copies of these genes. Inter-individual variation in the rDNA CN has not previously been associated with a mammalian phenotype. Here, we show that rDNA CN variation associates with post-pubertal growth rate in rats and body mass index in adult humans. rDNA CN is not associated with rRNA transcription rates in adult tissues, suggesting the mechanistic link occurs earlier in development. This aligns with the observation that the association emerges by early adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pui Pik Law
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
- The Blizard Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Liudmila A Mikheeva
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Fredrika Asenius
- UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Maria Gregori
- UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert A E Seaborne
- The Blizard Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Centre for Human and Applied Physiological Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Selin Yildizoglu
- The Blizard Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - James R C Miller
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Hemanth Tummala
- The Blizard Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Robin Mesnage
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Michael N Antoniou
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Weilong Li
- Population Research Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Qihua Tan
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sara L Hillman
- UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Vardhman K Rakyan
- The Blizard Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - David J Williams
- UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michelle L Holland
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, School of Basic and Medical Biosciences, King's College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fu B, Ma H, Liu D. Essential roles of the nucleolus during early embryonic development: a regulatory hub for chromatin organization. Open Biol 2024; 14:230358. [PMID: 38689555 PMCID: PMC11065130 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleolus is the most prominent liquid droplet-like membrane-less organelle in mammalian cells. Unlike the nucleolus in terminally differentiated somatic cells, those in totipotent cells, such as murine zygotes or two-cell embryos, have a unique nucleolar structure known as nucleolus precursor bodies (NPBs). Previously, it was widely accepted that NPBs in zygotes are simply passive repositories of materials that will be gradually used to construct a fully functional nucleolus after zygotic genome activation (ZGA). However, recent research studies have challenged this simplistic view and demonstrated that functions of the NPBs go beyond ribosome biogenesis. In this review, we provide a snapshot of the functions of NPBs in zygotes and early two-cell embryos in mice. We propose that these membrane-less organelles function as a regulatory hub for chromatin organization. On the one hand, NPBs provide the structural platform for centric and pericentric chromatin remodelling. On the other hand, the dynamic changes in nucleolar structure control the release of the pioneer factors (i.e. double homeobox (Dux)). It appears that during transition from totipotency to pluripotency, decline of totipotency and initiation of fully functional nucleolus formation are not independent events but are interconnected. Consequently, it is reasonable to hypothesize that dissecting more unknown functions of NPBs may shed more light on the enigmas of early embryonic development and may ultimately provide novel approaches to improve reprogramming efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, HeiLongJiang Academy of
Agricultural Sciences, Harbin150086, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry,
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin150086, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, HeiLongJiang Academy of
Agricultural Sciences, Harbin150086, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry,
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin150086, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, HeiLongJiang Academy of
Agricultural Sciences, Harbin150086, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry,
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin150086, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Han Q, Ma R, Liu N. Epigenetic reprogramming in the transition from pluripotency to totipotency. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31222. [PMID: 38375873 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31222] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian development commences with the zygote, which can differentiate into both embryonic and extraembryonic tissues, a capability known as totipotency. Only the zygote and embryos around zygotic genome activation (ZGA) (two-cell embryo stage in mice and eight-cell embryo in humans) are totipotent cells. Epigenetic modifications undergo extremely extensive changes during the acquisition of totipotency and subsequent development of differentiation. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. Recently, the discovery of mouse two-cell embryo-like cells, human eight-cell embryo-like cells, extended pluripotent stem cells and totipotent-like stem cells with extra-embryonic developmental potential has greatly expanded our understanding of totipotency. Experiments with these in vitro models have led to insights into epigenetic changes in the reprogramming of pluri-to-totipotency, which have informed the exploration of preimplantation development. In this review, we highlight the recent findings in understanding the mechanisms of epigenetic remodeling during totipotency capture, including RNA splicing, DNA methylation, chromatin configuration, histone modifications, and nuclear organization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingsheng Han
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ru Ma
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Na Liu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tian Q, Yin Y, Tian Y, Wang Y, Wang Y, Fukunaga R, Fujii T, Liao A, Li L, Zhang W, He X, Xiang W, Zhou L. Chromatin Modifier EP400 Regulates Oocyte Quality and Zygotic Genome Activation in Mice. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308018. [PMID: 38493496 PMCID: PMC11132066 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifiers that accumulate in oocytes, play a crucial role in steering the developmental program of cleavage embryos and initiating life. However, the identification of key maternal epigenetic regulators remains elusive. In the findings, the essential role of maternal Ep400, a chaperone for H3.3, in oocyte quality and early embryo development in mice is highlighted. Depletion of Ep400 in oocytes resulted in a decline in oocyte quality and abnormalities in fertilization. Preimplantation embryos lacking maternal Ep400 exhibited reduced major zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and experienced developmental arrest at the 2-to-4-cell stage. The study shows that EP400 forms protein complex with NFYA, occupies promoters of major ZGA genes, modulates H3.3 distribution between euchromatin and heterochromatin, promotes transcription elongation, activates the expression of genes regulating mitochondrial functions, and facilitates the expression of rate-limiting enzymes of the TCA cycle. This intricate process driven by Ep400 ensures the proper execution of the developmental program, emphasizing its critical role in maternal-to-embryonic transition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Tian
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430071China
| | - Ying Yin
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Center for Genomics and Proteomics ResearchSchool of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic EvaluationHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Yu Tian
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Yufan Wang
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Yong‐feng Wang
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Rikiro Fukunaga
- Department of BiochemistryOsaka Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversityTakatsukiOsaka569‐1094Japan
| | - Toshihiro Fujii
- Department of BiochemistryOsaka Medical and Pharmaceutical UniversityTakatsukiOsaka569‐1094Japan
| | - Ai‐hua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive BiologyInstitute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and ObstetricsZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanHubei430071China
| | - Ximiao He
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Center for Genomics and Proteomics ResearchSchool of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Drug Target Research and Pharmacodynamic EvaluationHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Wenpei Xiang
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| | - Li‐quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive HealthTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430030China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vega-Sendino M, Lüttmann FF, Olbrich T, Chen Y, Kuenne C, Stein P, Tillo D, Carey GI, Zhong J, Savy V, Radonova L, Lu T, Saykali B, Kim KP, Domingo CN, Schüler L, Günther S, Bentsen M, Bosnakovski D, Schöler H, Kyba M, Maity TK, Jenkins LM, Looso M, Williams CJ, Kim J, Ruiz S. The homeobox transcription factor DUXBL controls exit from totipotency. Nat Genet 2024; 56:697-709. [PMID: 38509386 PMCID: PMC11149696 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01692-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
In mice, exit from the totipotent two-cell (2C) stage embryo requires silencing of the 2C-associated transcriptional program. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in this process remain poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that the 2C-specific transcription factor double homeobox protein (DUX) mediates an essential negative feedback loop by inducing the expression of DUXBL to promote this silencing. We show that DUXBL gains accessibility to DUX-bound regions specifically upon DUX expression. Furthermore, we determine that DUXBL interacts with TRIM24 and TRIM33, members of the TRIM superfamily involved in gene silencing, and colocalizes with them in nuclear foci upon DUX expression. Importantly, DUXBL overexpression impairs 2C-associated transcription, whereas Duxbl inactivation in mouse embryonic stem cells increases DUX-dependent induction of the 2C-transcriptional program. Consequently, DUXBL deficiency in embryos results in sustained expression of 2C-associated transcripts leading to early developmental arrest. Our study identifies DUXBL as an essential regulator of totipotency exit enabling the first divergence of cell fates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Felipe F Lüttmann
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Teresa Olbrich
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yanpu Chen
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Frankfurt, Germany
- GMU-GIBH Joint School of Life Sciences, The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Laboratory for Cell Fate Regulation and Diseases, Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Vascular Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Carsten Kuenne
- Bioinformatics Core Unit (BCU), Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Paula Stein
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Grace I Carey
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jiasheng Zhong
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Virginia Savy
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lenka Radonova
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Tianlin Lu
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bechara Saykali
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kee-Pyo Kim
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
- Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Leah Schüler
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Stefan Günther
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhein/Main, Germany
| | - Mette Bentsen
- Bioinformatics Core Unit (BCU), Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Darko Bosnakovski
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Hans Schöler
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Münster, Germany
| | - Michael Kyba
- Lillehei Heart Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Tapan K Maity
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lisa M Jenkins
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mario Looso
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhein/Main, Germany
| | - Carmen J Williams
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, NIEHS, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Johnny Kim
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, Germany.
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Frankfurt, Germany.
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Rhein/Main, Germany.
- German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Partner Site Rhein/Main, Germany.
- Institute of Lung Health (ILH), Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.
- The Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration and Immunology at TRON-Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Sergio Ruiz
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ye Y, Homer HA. A surge in cytoplasmic viscosity triggers nuclear remodeling required for Dux silencing and pre-implantation embryo development. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113917. [PMID: 38446665 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Embryonic genome activation (EGA) marks the transition from dependence on maternal transcripts to an embryonic transcriptional program. The precise temporal regulation of gene expression, specifically the silencing of the Dux/murine endogenous retrovirus type L (MERVL) program during late 2-cell interphase, is crucial for developmental progression in mouse embryos. How this finely tuned regulation is achieved within this specific window is poorly understood. Here, using particle-tracking microrheology throughout the mouse oocyte-to-embryo transition, we identify a surge in cytoplasmic viscosity specific to late 2-cell interphase brought about by high microtubule and endomembrane density. Importantly, preventing the rise in 2-cell viscosity severely impairs nuclear reorganization, resulting in a persistently open chromatin configuration and failure to silence Dux/MERVL. This, in turn, derails embryo development beyond the 2- and 4-cell stages. Our findings reveal a mechanical role of the cytoplasm in regulating Dux/MERVL repression via nuclear remodeling during a temporally confined period in late 2-cell interphase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunan Ye
- The Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Hayden Anthony Homer
- The Christopher Chen Oocyte Biology Research Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vega-Sendino M, Ruiz S. Transition from totipotency to pluripotency in mice: insights into molecular mechanisms. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:231-239. [PMID: 38288760 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Totipotency is the ability of a single cell to develop into a full organism and, in mammals, is strictly associated with the early stages of development following fertilization. This unlimited developmental potential becomes quickly restricted as embryonic cells transition into a pluripotent state. The loss of totipotency seems a consequence of the zygotic genome activation (ZGA), a process that determines the switch from maternal to embryonic transcription, which in mice takes place following the first cleavage. ZGA confers to the totipotent cell a transient transcriptional profile characterized by the expression of stage-specific genes and a set of transposable elements that prepares the embryo for subsequent development. The timely silencing of this transcriptional program during the exit from totipotency is required to ensure proper development. Importantly, the molecular mechanisms regulating the transition from totipotency to pluripotency have remained elusive due to the scarcity of embryonic material. However, the development of new in vitro totipotent-like models together with advances in low-input genome-wide technologies, are providing a better mechanistic understanding of how this important transition is achieved. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the molecular determinants that regulate the exit from totipotency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vega-Sendino
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814, U.S.A
| | - Sergio Ruiz
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, CCR, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yakhou L, Azogui A, Therizols P, Defossez PA. [Using 2C-like cells to understand embryonic totipotency]. Med Sci (Paris) 2024; 40:147-153. [PMID: 38411422 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2023217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Totipotency is the ability of a cell to generate a whole organism, a property that characterizes the first embryonic cells, such as the zygote and the blastomeres. This review provides a retrospective on the progress made in the last decade in the study of totipotency, especially with the discovery of mouse ES cells expressing markers of the 2-cell stage (2C-like cells). This model has greatly contributed to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in totipotency (pioneer factors, epigenetic regulation, splicing, nuclear maturation). 2C-like cells have also paved the way for the development of new cellular models of human totipotency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lounis Yakhou
- Équipe dynamiquede la méthylation de l'ADN des génomes eucaryotes, Centre épigénétique et destin cellulaire, UMR7216 CNRS, université Paris-Cité, 35 rue Hélène Brion, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Anaelle Azogui
- Équipe dynamiquede la méthylation de l'ADN des génomes eucaryotes, Centre épigénétique et destin cellulaire, UMR7216 CNRS, université Paris-Cité, 35 rue Hélène Brion, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Pierre Therizols
- Équipe dynamiquede la méthylation de l'ADN des génomes eucaryotes, Centre épigénétique et destin cellulaire, UMR7216 CNRS, université Paris-Cité, 35 rue Hélène Brion, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| | - Pierre-Antoine Defossez
- Équipe dynamiquede la méthylation de l'ADN des génomes eucaryotes, Centre épigénétique et destin cellulaire, UMR7216 CNRS, université Paris-Cité, 35 rue Hélène Brion, 75205 Paris Cedex 13, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guo Y, Li TD, Modzelewski AJ, Siomi H. Retrotransposon renaissance in early embryos. Trends Genet 2024; 40:39-51. [PMID: 37949723 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite being the predominant genetic elements in mammalian genomes, retrotransposons were often dismissed as genomic parasites with ambiguous biological significance. However, recent studies reveal their functional involvement in early embryogenesis, encompassing crucial processes such as zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and cell fate decision. This review underscores the paradigm shift in our understanding of retrotransposon roles during early preimplantation development, as well as their rich functional reservoir that is exploited by the host to provide cis-regulatory elements, noncoding RNAs, and functional proteins. The rapid advancement in long-read sequencing, low input multiomics profiling, advanced in vitro systems, and precise gene editing techniques encourages further dissection of retrotransposon functions that were once obscured by the intricacies of their genomic footprints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youjia Guo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ten D Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA
| | - Andrew J Modzelewski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4539, USA.
| | - Haruhiko Siomi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; Human Biology Microbiome Quantum Research Center (WPI-Bio2Q), Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Pezic D, Weeks S, Varsally W, Dewari PS, Pollard S, Branco MR, Hadjur S. The N-terminus of Stag1 is required to repress the 2C program by maintaining rRNA expression and nucleolar integrity. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2154-2173. [PMID: 37802073 PMCID: PMC10679541 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of how STAG proteins contribute to cell identity and disease have largely been studied from the perspective of chromosome topology and protein-coding gene expression. Here, we show that STAG1 is the dominant paralog in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and is required for pluripotency. mESCs express a wide diversity of naturally occurring Stag1 isoforms, resulting in complex regulation of both the levels of STAG paralogs and the proportion of their unique terminal ends. Skewing the balance of these isoforms impacts cell identity. We define a novel role for STAG1, in particular its N-terminus, in regulating repeat expression, nucleolar integrity, and repression of the two-cell (2C) state to maintain mESC identity. Our results move beyond protein-coding gene regulation via chromatin loops to new roles for STAG1 in nucleolar structure and function, and offer fresh perspectives on how STAG proteins, known to be cancer targets, contribute to cell identity and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dubravka Pezic
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, UK
| | - Samuel Weeks
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, UK
| | - Wazeer Varsally
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, UK
| | - Pooran S Dewari
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Steven Pollard
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Cancer Research UK Scotland Centre, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Miguel R Branco
- Blizard Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, QMUL, London, UK
| | - Suzana Hadjur
- Department of Cancer Biology, Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Israel S, Seyfarth J, Nolte T, Drexler HCA, Fuellen G, Boiani M. Intracellular fraction of zona pellucida protein 3 is required for the oocyte-to-embryo transition in mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2023; 29:gaad038. [PMID: 37930049 PMCID: PMC10640839 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaad038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In oocyte biology, the zona pellucida has long been known to operate three extracellular functions downstream of the secretory pathway, namely, encasing the oocytes in ovarian follicles, mediating sperm-oocyte interaction, and preventing premature embryo contact with oviductal epithelium. The present study uncovers a fourth function that is fundamentally distinct from the other three, being critical for embryonic cell survival in mice. Intriguingly, the three proteins of the mouse zona pellucida (ZP1, ZP2, ZP3) were found abundantly present also inside the embryo 4 days after fertilization, as shown by mass spectrometry, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. Contrary to current understanding of the roles of ZP proteins, ZP3 was associated more with the cytoskeleton than with secretory vesicles in the subcortical region of metaphase II oocytes and zygotes, and was excluded from regions of cell-cell contact in cleavage-stage embryos. Trim-away-mediated knockdown of ZP3 in fertilized oocytes hampered the first zygotic cleavage, while ZP3 overexpression supported blastocyst formation. Transcriptome analysis of ZP3-knockdown embryos pointed at defects of cytoplasmic translation in the context of embryonic genome activation. This conclusion was supported by reduced protein synthesis in the ZP3-knockdown and by the lack of cleavage arrest when Trim-away was postponed from the one-cell to the late two-cell stage. These data place constraints on the notion that zona proteins only operate in the extracellular space, revealing also a role during the oocyte-to-embryo transition. Ultimately, these data recruit ZP3 into the family of maternal factors that contribute to developmental competence of mouse oocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Israel
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| | - Julia Seyfarth
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| | - Thomas Nolte
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| | - Hannes C A Drexler
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| | - Georg Fuellen
- Rostock University Medical Center, Institute for Biostatistics and Informatics in Medicine and Aging Research (IBIMA), Rostock, Germany
| | - Michele Boiani
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Department of Cell & Tissue Dynamics, Muenster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen Y, Wang L, Guo F, Dai X, Zhang X. Epigenetic reprogramming during the maternal-to-zygotic transition. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e331. [PMID: 37547174 PMCID: PMC10397483 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
After fertilization, sperm and oocyte fused and gave rise to a zygote which is the beginning of a new life. Then the embryonic development is monitored and regulated precisely from the transition of oocyte to the embryo at the early stage of embryogenesis, and this process is termed maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT). MZT involves two major events that are maternal components degradation and zygotic genome activation. The epigenetic reprogramming plays crucial roles in regulating the process of MZT and supervising the normal development of early development of embryos. In recent years, benefited from the rapid development of low-input epigenome profiling technologies, new epigenetic modifications are found to be reprogrammed dramatically and may play different roles during MZT whose dysregulation will cause an abnormal development of embryos even abortion at various stages. In this review, we summarized and discussed the important novel findings on epigenetic reprogramming and the underlying molecular mechanisms regulating MZT in mammalian embryos. Our work provided comprehensive and detailed references for the in deep understanding of epigenetic regulatory network in this key biological process and also shed light on the critical roles for epigenetic reprogramming on embryonic failure during artificial reproductive technology and nature fertilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Fucheng Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Xiangpeng Dai
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
- National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Disease First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li Z, Xu H, Li J, Xu X, Wang J, Wu D, Zhang J, Liu J, Xue Z, Zhan G, Tan BCP, Chen D, Chan YS, Ng HH, Liu W, Hsu CH, Zhang D, Shen Y, Liang H. Selective binding of retrotransposons by ZFP352 facilitates the timely dissolution of totipotency network. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3646. [PMID: 37339952 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39344-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of new stem cell fates relies on the dissolution of the prior regulatory network sustaining the existing cell fates. Currently, extensive insights have been revealed for the totipotency regulatory network around the zygotic genome activation (ZGA) period. However, how the dissolution of the totipotency network is triggered to ensure the timely embryonic development following ZGA is largely unknown. In this study, we identify the unexpected role of a highly expressed 2-cell (2C) embryo specific transcription factor, ZFP352, in facilitating the dissolution of the totipotency network. We find that ZFP352 has selective binding towards two different retrotransposon sub-families. ZFP352 coordinates with DUX to bind the 2C specific MT2_Mm sub-family. On the other hand, without DUX, ZFP352 switches affinity to bind extensively onto SINE_B1/Alu sub-family. This leads to the activation of later developmental programs like ubiquitination pathways, to facilitate the dissolution of the 2C state. Correspondingly, depleting ZFP352 in mouse embryos delays the 2C to morula transition process. Thus, through a shift of binding from MT2_Mm to SINE_B1/Alu, ZFP352 can trigger spontaneous dissolution of the totipotency network. Our study highlights the importance of different retrotransposons sub-families in facilitating the timely and programmed cell fates transition during early embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyi Li
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jiaqun Li
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Junjiao Wang
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Danya Wu
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Jiateng Zhang
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Ziwei Xue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Rd., Haining, 314400, China
| | - Guankai Zhan
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, and Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Bobby Cheng Peow Tan
- Laboratory of Precision Disease Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, 138672, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Di Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Rd., Haining, 314400, China
| | - Yun-Shen Chan
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Huck Hui Ng
- Laboratory of Precision Disease Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, 138672, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117597, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 639798, Singapore
| | - Wanlu Liu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
- Zhejiang University-University of Edinburgh Institute (ZJU-UoE Institute), Zhejiang University School of Medicine, International Campus, Zhejiang University, 718 East Haizhou Rd., Haining, 314400, China
| | - Chih-Hung Hsu
- Women's Hospital, Institute of Genetics, and Department of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| | - Yang Shen
- Laboratory of Precision Disease Therapeutics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, 138672, Singapore, Singapore.
- Vision Medicals Co., Ltd, G10 BLDG, Huaxin Park, 31 Kefeng Ave, Gaungzhou, 510000, China.
| | - Hongqing Liang
- Division of Human Reproduction and Developmental Genetics, Women's Hospital, and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics (Ministry of Education) and Department of Reproductive Endocrinology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Smith CM, Grow EJ, Shadle SC, Cairns BR. Multiple repeat regions within mouse DUX recruit chromatin regulators to facilitate an embryonic gene expression program. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.29.534786. [PMID: 37034731 PMCID: PMC10081216 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.29.534786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The embryonic transcription factor DUX regulates chromatin opening and gene expression in totipotent cleavage-stage mouse embryos, and its expression in embryonic stem cells promotes their conversion to 2-cell embryo-like cells (2CLCs) with extraembryonic potential. However, little is known regarding which domains within mouse DUX interact with particular chromatin and transcription regulators. Here, we reveal that the C-terminus of mouse DUX contains five uncharacterized ~100 amino acid (aa) repeats followed by an acidic 14 amino acid tail. Unexpectedly, structure-function approaches classify two repeats as 'active' and three as 'inactive' in cleavage/2CLC transcription program enhancement, with differences narrowed to a key 6 amino acid section. Our proximity dependent biotin ligation (BioID) approach identified factors selectively associated with active DUX repeat derivatives (including the 14aa 'tail'), including transcription and chromatin factors such as SWI/SNF (BAF) complex, as well as nucleolar factors that have been previously implicated in regulating the Dux locus. Finally, our mechanistic studies reveal cooperativity between DUX active repeats and the acidic tail in cofactor recruitment, DUX target opening, and transcription. Taken together, we provide several new insights into DUX structure-function, and mechanisms of chromatin and gene regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Smith
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Edward J. Grow
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Green Center for Reproductive Biological Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sean C. Shadle
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Bradley R. Cairns
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li D, Cao R, Li Q, Yang Y, Tang A, Zhang J, Liu Q. Nucleolus assembly impairment leads to two-cell transcriptional repression via NPM1-mediated PRC2 recruitment. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023:10.1038/s41594-023-01003-w. [PMID: 37202475 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-023-01003-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The nucleolus is a compartmentalized organelle in eukaryotic cells known to form during embryogenesis, yet how its layered architecture is transformed from homogenous precursor bodies is unclear, and any impacts of this formation on embryonic cell fate determination remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that lncRNA LoNA tethers granular-component-enriched NPM1 to dense-fibrillar-component-enriched FBL and drives the formation of compartmentalized nucleolus via facilitating liquid-liquid phase separation of those two nucleolar proteins. Phenotypically, LoNA-deficient embryos show developmental arrest at the two-cell (2C) stage. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that LoNA deficiency leads to nucleolar formation failure, resulting in mislocalization and acetylation of NPM1 in the nucleoplasm. Acetylated NPM1 recruits and guides PRC2 complex to 2C genes, where PRC2 complex trimethylates H3K27, leading to transcriptional repression of these genes. Collectively, our findings reveal that lncRNA is required for the establishment of nucleolar structure, and this process has an impact on two-cell embryonic development via 2C transcriptional activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dingfeng Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ran Cao
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qiaodan Li
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Aihui Tang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Institute on Aging and Brain Disorders, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Aging Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
- Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Fu B, Ma H, Liu D. 2-Cell-like Cells: An Avenue for Improving SCNT Efficiency. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1611. [PMID: 36358959 PMCID: PMC9687756 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
After fertilization, the zygote genome undergoes dramatic structural reorganization to ensure the establishment of totipotency, and then the totipotent potential of the zygote or 2-cell-stage embryo progressively declines. However, cellular potency is not always a one-way street. Specifically, a small number of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) occasionally overcome epigenetic barriers and transiently convert to a totipotent status. Despite the significant potential of the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique, the establishment of totipotency is often deficient in cloned embryos. Because of this phenomenon, the question arises as to whether strategies attempting to induce 2-cell-like cells (2CLCs) can provide practical applications, such as reprogramming of somatic cell nuclei. Inspired by strategies that convert ESCs into 2CLCs, we hypothesized that there will be a similar pathway by which cloned embryos can establish totipotent status after SCNT. In this review, we provide a snapshot of the practical strategies utilized to induce 2CLCs during investigations of the development of cloned embryos. The 2CLCs have similar transcriptome and chromatin features to that of 2-cell-stage embryos, and we propose that 2CLCs, already a valuable in vitro model for dissecting totipotency, will provide new opportunities to improve SCNT efficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Fu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Hong Ma
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150086, China
| | - Di Liu
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150086, China
- Key Laboratory of Combining Farming and Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150086, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xu H, Liang H. The regulation of totipotency transcription: Perspective from in vitro and in vivo totipotency. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1024093. [DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1024093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Totipotency represents the highest developmental potency. By definition, totipotent stem cells are capable of giving rise to all embryonic and extraembryonic cell types. In mammalian embryos, totipotency occurs around the zygotic genome activation period, which is around the 2-cell stage in mouse embryo or the 4-to 8-cell stage in human embryo. Currently, with the development of in vitro totipotent-like models and the advances in small-scale genomic methods, an in-depth mechanistic understanding of the totipotency state and regulation was enabled. In this review, we explored and summarized the current views about totipotency from various angles, including genetic and epigenetic aspects. This will hopefully formulate a panoramic view of totipotency from the available research works until now. It can also help delineate the scaffold and formulate new hypotheses on totipotency for future research works.
Collapse
|
19
|
Olbrich T, Ruiz S. Genome architecture and totipotency: An intertwined relation during early embryonic development. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200029. [PMID: 35560026 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomes are not randomly packed and positioned into the nucleus but folded in higher-order chromatin structures with defined functions. However, the genome of a fertilized embryo undergoes a dramatic epigenetic reprogramming characterized by extensive chromatin relaxation and the lack of a defined three-dimensional structure. This reprogramming is followed by a slow genome refolding that gradually strengthens the chromatin architecture during preimplantation development. Interestingly, genome refolding during early development coincides with a progressive loss of developmental potential suggesting a link between chromatin organization and cell plasticity. In agreement, loss of chromatin architecture upon depletion of the insulator transcription factor CTCF in embryonic stem cells led to the upregulation of the transcriptional program found in totipotent cells of the embryo, those with the highest developmental potential. This essay will discuss the impact of genome folding in controlling the expression of transcriptional programs involved in early development and their plastic-associated features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Olbrich
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sergio Ruiz
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|