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Klem JR, Schwantes-An TH, Abreu M, Suttie M, Gray R, Vo H, Conley G, Foroud TM, Wetherill L, Lovely CB. Mutation in the Bone Morphogenetic Protein signaling pathway sensitize zebrafish and humans to ethanol-induced jaw malformations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.28.546932. [PMID: 37425959 PMCID: PMC10327032 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.28.546932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) describe ethanol-induced developmental defects including craniofacial malformations. While ethanol-sensitive genetic mutations contribute to facial malformations, the impacted cellular mechanisms remain unknown. Bmp signaling is a key regulator of epithelial morphogenesis driving facial development, providing a possible ethanol-sensitive mechanism. We found that zebrafish mutants for Bmp signaling components are ethanol-sensitive and affect anterior pharyngeal endoderm shape and gene expression, indicating ethanol-induced malformations of the anterior pharyngeal endoderm cause facial malformations. Integrating FASD patient data, we provide the first evidence that variants in the human Bmp receptor gene BMPR1B associate with ethanol-related differences in jaw volume. Our results show that ethanol exposure disrupts proper morphogenesis of, and tissue interactions between, facial epithelia that mirror overall viscerocranial shape changes and are predictive for Bmp-ethanol associations in human jaw development. Our data provide a mechanistic paradigm linking ethanol to disrupted epithelial cell behaviors that underlie facial defects in FASD.
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2
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Everson JL, Tseng YC, Eberhart JK. High-throughput detection of craniofacial defects in fluorescent zebrafish. Birth Defects Res 2023; 115:371-389. [PMID: 36369674 PMCID: PMC9898129 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Losses and malformations of cranial neural crest cell (cNCC) derivatives are a hallmark of several common brain and face malformations. Nevertheless, the etiology of these cNCC defects remains unknown for many cases, suggesting a complex basis involving interactions between genetic and/or environmental factors. However, the sheer number of possible factors (thousands of genes and hundreds of thousands of toxicants) has hindered identification of specific interactions. Here, we develop a high-throughput analysis that will enable faster identification of multifactorial interactions in the genesis of craniofacial defects. Zebrafish embryos expressing a fluorescent marker of cNCCs (fli1:EGFP) were exposed to a pathway inhibitor standard or environmental toxicant, and resulting changes in fluorescence were measured in high-throughput using a fluorescent microplate reader to approximate cNCC losses. Embryos exposed to the environmental Hedgehog pathway inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor standard, or alcohol (ethanol) exhibited reduced fli1:EGFP fluorescence at one day post fertilization, which corresponded with craniofacial defects at five days post fertilization. Combining PBO and alcohol in a co-exposure paradigm synergistically reduced fluorescence, demonstrating a multifactorial interaction. Using pathway reporter transgenics, we show that the plate reader assay is sensitive at detecting alterations in Hedgehog signaling, a critical regulator of craniofacial development. We go on to demonstrate that this technique readily detects defects in other important cell types, namely neurons. Together, these findings demonstrate this novel in vivo platform can predict developmental abnormalities and multifactorial interactions in high-throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L. Everson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA,Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Yung-Chia Tseng
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Johann K. Eberhart
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA,Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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3
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Lipinski RJ, Krauss RS. Gene-environment interactions in birth defect etiology: Challenges and opportunities. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 152:1-30. [PMID: 36707208 PMCID: PMC9942595 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Birth defects are relatively common congenital outcomes that significantly impact affected individuals, their families, and communities. Effective development and deployment of prevention and therapeutic strategies for these conditions requires sufficient understanding of etiology, including underlying genetic and environmental causes. Tremendous progress has been made in defining the genetic basis of familial and syndromic forms of birth defects. However, the majority of birth defect cases are considered nonsyndromic and thought to result from multifactorial gene-environment interactions. While substantial advances have been made in elucidating the genetic landscape of these etiologically complex conditions, significant biological and technical constraints have stymied progress toward a refined knowledge of environmental risk factors. Defining specific gene-environment interactions in birth defect etiology is even more challenging. However, progress has been made, including demonstration of critical proofs of concept and development of new conceptual and technical approaches for resolving complex gene-environment interactions. In this review, we discuss current views of multifactorial birth defect etiology, comparing them with other diseases that also involve gene-environment interactions, including primary immunodeficiency and cancer. We describe how various model systems have illuminated mechanisms of multifactorial etiology and these models' individual strengths and weaknesses. Finally, suggestions for areas of future emphasis are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Lipinski
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States,Corresponding authors: ;
| | - Robert S. Krauss
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States,Corresponding authors: ;
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4
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Fitriasari S, Trainor PA. Gene-environment interactions in the pathogenesis of common craniofacial anomalies. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 152:139-168. [PMID: 36707210 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Craniofacial anomalies often exhibit phenotype variability and non-mendelian inheritance due to their multifactorial origin, involving both genetic and environmental factors. A combination of epidemiologic studies, genome-wide association, and analysis of animal models have provided insight into the effects of gene-environment interactions on craniofacial and brain development and the pathogenesis of congenital disorders. In this chapter, we briefly summarize the etiology and pathogenesis of common craniofacial anomalies, focusing on orofacial clefts, hemifacial microsomia, and microcephaly. We then discuss how environmental risk factors interact with genes to modulate the incidence and phenotype severity of craniofacial anomalies. Identifying environmental risk factors and dissecting their interaction with different genes and modifiers is central to improved strategies for preventing craniofacial anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul A Trainor
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, MO, United States; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States.
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5
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Everson JL, Eberhart JK. Gene-alcohol interactions in birth defects. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 152:77-113. [PMID: 36707215 PMCID: PMC9897481 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.10.003] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Most human birth defects are thought to result from complex interactions between combinations of genetic and environmental factors. This is true even for conditions that, at face value, may appear simple and straightforward, like fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). FASD describe the full range of structural and neurological disruptions that result from prenatal alcohol exposure. While FASD require alcohol exposure, evidence from human and animal model studies demonstrate that additional genetic and/or environmental factors can influence the embryo's susceptibility to alcohol. Only a limited number of alcohol interactions in birth defects have been identified, with many sensitizing genetic and environmental factors likely yet to be identified. Because of this, while unsatisfying, there is no definitively "safe" dose of alcohol for all pregnancies. Determining these other factors, as well as mechanistically characterizing known interactions, is critical for better understanding and preventing FASD and requires combined scrutiny of human and model organism studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Everson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.
| | - Johann K Eberhart
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.
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6
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Nishimura Y, Kurosawa K. Analysis of Gene-Environment Interactions Related to Developmental Disorders. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:863664. [PMID: 35370658 PMCID: PMC8969575 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.863664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Various genetic and environmental factors are associated with developmental disorders (DDs). It has been suggested that interaction between genetic and environmental factors (G × E) is involved in the etiology of DDs. There are two major approaches to analyze the interaction: genome-wide and candidate gene-based approaches. In this mini-review, we demonstrate how these approaches can be applied to reveal the G × E related to DDs focusing on zebrafish and mouse models. We also discuss novel approaches to analyze the G × E associated with DDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhei Nishimura
- Department of Integrative Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Kenji Kurosawa
- Division of Medical Genetics, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan.,Department of Clinical Dysmorphology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
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7
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Fernandes Y, Lovely CB. Zebrafish models of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Genesis 2021; 59:e23460. [PMID: 34739740 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) describes a wide range of structural deficits and cognitive impairments. FASD impacts up to 5% of children born in the United States each year, making ethanol one of the most common teratogens. Due to limitations and ethical concerns, studies in humans are limited in their ability to study FASD. Animal models have proven critical in identifying and characterizing the mechanisms underlying FASD. In this review, we will focus on the attributes of zebrafish that make it a strong model in which to study ethanol-induced developmental defects. Zebrafish have several attributes that make it an ideal model in which to study FASD. Zebrafish produced large numbers of externally fertilized, translucent embryos. With a high degree of genetic amenability, zebrafish are at the forefront of identifying and characterizing the gene-ethanol interactions that underlie FASD. Work from multiple labs has shown that embryonic ethanol exposures result in defects in craniofacial, cardiac, ocular, and neural development. In addition to structural defects, ethanol-induced cognitive and behavioral impairments have been studied in zebrafish. Building upon these studies, work has identified ethanol-sensitive loci that underlie the developmental defects. However, analyses show there is still much to be learned of these gene-ethanol interactions. The zebrafish is ideally suited to expand our understanding of gene-ethanol interactions and their impact on FASD. Because of the conservation of gene function between zebrafish and humans, these studies will directly translate to studies of candidate genes in human populations and allow for better diagnosis and treatment of FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohaan Fernandes
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, USA
| | - C Ben Lovely
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Alcohol Research Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
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Raterman ST, Metz JR, Wagener FADTG, Von den Hoff JW. Zebrafish Models of Craniofacial Malformations: Interactions of Environmental Factors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:600926. [PMID: 33304906 PMCID: PMC7701217 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.600926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish is an appealing model organism for investigating the genetic (G) and environmental (E) factors, as well as their interactions (GxE), which contribute to craniofacial malformations. Here, we review zebrafish studies on environmental factors involved in the etiology of craniofacial malformations in humans including maternal smoking, alcohol consumption, nutrition and drug use. As an example, we focus on the (cleft) palate, for which the zebrafish ethmoid plate is a good model. This review highlights the importance of investigating ExE interactions and discusses the variable effects of exposure to environmental factors on craniofacial development depending on dosage, exposure time and developmental stage. Zebrafish also promise to be a good tool to study novel craniofacial teratogens and toxin mixtures. Lastly, we discuss the handful of studies on gene–alcohol interactions using mutant sensitivity screens and reverse genetic techniques. We expect that studies addressing complex interactions (ExE and GxE) in craniofacial malformations will increase in the coming years. These are likely to uncover currently unknown mechanisms with implications for the prevention of craniofacial malformations. The zebrafish appears to be an excellent complementary model with high translational value to study these complex interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S T Raterman
- Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Dentistry-Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - J R Metz
- Department of Animal Ecology and Physiology, Institute for Water and Wetland Research, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Frank A D T G Wagener
- Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Dentistry-Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Johannes W Von den Hoff
- Radboud Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Dentistry-Orthodontics and Craniofacial Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Everson JL, Batchu R, Eberhart JK. Multifactorial Genetic and Environmental Hedgehog Pathway Disruption Sensitizes Embryos to Alcohol-Induced Craniofacial Defects. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2020; 44:1988-1996. [PMID: 32767777 PMCID: PMC7692922 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is perhaps the most common environmental cause of human birth defects. These exposures cause a range of structural and neurological defects, including facial dysmorphologies, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). While PAE causes FASD, phenotypic outcomes vary widely. It is thought that multifactorial genetic and environmental interactions modify the effects of PAE. However, little is known of the nature of these modifiers. Disruption of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been suggested as a modifier of ethanol teratogenicity. In addition to regulating the morphogenesis of craniofacial tissues commonly disrupted in FASD, a core member of the Hh pathway, Smoothened, is susceptible to modulation by structurally diverse chemicals. These include environmentally prevalent teratogens like piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a synergist found in thousands of pesticide formulations. METHODS Here, we characterize multifactorial genetic and environmental interactions using a zebrafish model of craniofacial development. RESULTS We show that loss of a single allele of shha sensitized embryos to both alcohol- and PBO-induced facial defects. Co-exposure of PBO and alcohol synergized to cause more frequent and severe defects. The effects of this co-exposure were even more profound in the genetically susceptible shha heterozygotes. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings shed light on the multifactorial basis of alcohol-induced craniofacial defects. In addition to further implicating genetic disruption of the Hh pathway in alcohol teratogenicity, our findings suggest that co-exposure to environmental chemicals that perturb Hh signaling may be important variables in FASD and related craniofacial disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L. Everson
- From the Department of Molecular BiosciencesSchool of Natural SciencesUniversity of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction ResearchSchool of PharmacyUniversity of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
| | - Rithik Batchu
- From the Department of Molecular BiosciencesSchool of Natural SciencesUniversity of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
| | - Johann K. Eberhart
- From the Department of Molecular BiosciencesSchool of Natural SciencesUniversity of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction ResearchSchool of PharmacyUniversity of Texas at AustinAustinTexasUSA
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