1
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Singer A, Ramos A, Keating AE. Elaboration of the Homer1 recognition landscape reveals incomplete divergence of paralogous EVH1 domains. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e5094. [PMID: 38989636 PMCID: PMC11237882 DOI: 10.1002/pro.5094] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Short sequences that mediate interactions with modular binding domains are ubiquitous throughout eukaryotic proteomes. Networks of short linear motifs (SLiMs) and their corresponding binding domains orchestrate many cellular processes, and the low mutational barrier to evolving novel interactions provides a way for biological systems to rapidly sample selectable phenotypes. Mapping SLiM binding specificity and the rules that govern SLiM evolution is fundamental to uncovering the pathways regulated by these networks and developing the tools to manipulate them. We used high-throughput screening of the human proteome to identify sequences that bind to the Enabled/VASP homology 1 (EVH1) domain of the postsynaptic density scaffolding protein Homer1. This expanded our understanding of the determinants of Homer EVH1 binding preferences and defined a new motif that can facilitate the discovery of additional Homer-mediated interactions. Interestingly, the Homer1 EVH1 domain preferentially binds to sequences containing an N-terminally overlapping motif that is bound by the paralogous family of Ena/VASP actin polymerases, and many of these sequences can bind to EVH1 domains from both protein families. We provide evidence from orthologous EVH1 domains in pre-metazoan organisms that the overlap in human Ena/VASP and Homer binding preferences corresponds to an incomplete divergence from a common Ena/VASP ancestor. Given this overlap in binding profiles, promiscuous sequences that can be recognized by both families either achieve specificity through extrinsic regulatory strategies or may provide functional benefits via multi-specificity. This may explain why these paralogs incompletely diverged despite the accessibility of further diverged isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinoam Singer
- Department of BiologyMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Alejandra Ramos
- Department of BiologyMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Amy E. Keating
- Department of BiologyMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer ResearchMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
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2
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Flach H, Brendler C, Schöpf M, Xu L, Schneider J, Dewald K, Dietmann P, Kühl M, Kühl SJ. Comparing the effects of three neonicotinoids on embryogenesis of the South African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 6:100169. [PMID: 38706785 PMCID: PMC11068530 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100169] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Neonicotinoids (NEOs) are widely used insecticides that are ubiquitous in agricultural use. Since NEOs are found in natural waters as well as in tap water and human urine in regions where NEOs are widely used, NEOs pose a potential hazard to non-target organisms such as animals and humans. Some of the commonly detected NEOs are imidacloprid (IMD), thiamethoxam (TMX), and its metabolite clothianidin (CLO). Although previously published scientific information, including an assessment of the environmental risks, particularly for bees, had resulted in a ban on the outdoor use of these three NEOs in the EU - their use is now only permitted in closed greenhouses - these NEOs continue to be used in agriculture in many other parts of the world. Therefore, a detailed study and comparison of the effects of NEOs on the embryonic development of non-target organisms is needed to further define the risk profiles. Embryos of the South African clawed frog Xenopus laevis, a well-established aquatic model, were exposed to different concentrations of IMD, TMX, or CLO (0.1-100 mg/L) to study and compare the possible effects of a single contaminant in natural water bodies on early embryogenesis. The results included a reduced body length, a smaller orbital space, impaired cranial cartilage and nerves, and an altered heart structure and function. At the molecular level, NEO exposure partially resulted in an altered expression of tissue-specific factors, which are involved in eye, cranial placode, and heart development. Our results suggest that the NEOs studied negatively affect the embryonic development of the non-target organism X. laevis. Since pesticides, especially NEOs, pollute the environment worldwide, it is suggested that they are strictly controlled and monitored in the areas where they are used. In addition, the question arises as to whether pesticide metabolites also pose a risk to the environment and need to be investigated further so that they can be taken into account when registering ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martina Schöpf
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| | - Lilly Xu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| | - Julia Schneider
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| | - Kathrin Dewald
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| | - Petra Dietmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| | - Michael Kühl
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
| | - Susanne J. Kühl
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, German
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3
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Singer A, Ramos A, Keating AE. Elaboration of the Homer1 Recognition Landscape Reveals Incomplete Divergence of Paralogous EVH1 Domains. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.23.576863. [PMID: 38645240 PMCID: PMC11030225 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.23.576863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Short sequences that mediate interactions with modular binding domains are ubiquitous throughout eukaryotic proteomes. Networks of Short Linear Motifs (SLiMs) and their corresponding binding domains orchestrate many cellular processes, and the low mutational barrier to evolving novel interactions provides a way for biological systems to rapidly sample selectable phenotypes. Mapping SLiM binding specificity and the rules that govern SLiM evolution is fundamental to uncovering the pathways regulated by these networks and developing the tools to manipulate them. We used high-throughput screening of the human proteome to identify sequences that bind to the Enabled/VASP homology 1 (EVH1) domain of the postsynaptic density scaffolding protein Homer1. In doing so, we expanded current understanding of the determinants of Homer EVH1 binding preferences and defined a new motif that can facilitate the discovery of additional Homer-mediated interactions. Interestingly, the Homer1 EVH1 domain preferentially binds to sequences containing an N-terminally overlapping motif that is bound by the paralogous family of Ena/VASP actin polymerases, and many of these sequences can bind to EVH1 domains from both protein families. We provide evidence from orthologous EVH1 domains in pre-metazoan organisms that the overlap in human Ena/VASP and Homer binding preferences corresponds to an incomplete divergence from a common Ena/VASP ancestor. Given this overlap in binding profiles, promiscuous sequences that can be recognized by both families either achieve specificity through extrinsic regulatory strategies or may provide functional benefits via multi-specificity. This may explain why these paralogs incompletely diverged despite the accessibility of further diverged isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinoam Singer
- MIT Department of Biology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Amy E. Keating
- MIT Department of Biology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- MIT Department of Biological Engineering, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Iwama Y, Nomaru H, Masuda T, Kawamura Y, Matsumura M, Murata Y, Teranishi K, Nishida K, Ota S, Mandai M, Takahashi M. Label-free enrichment of human pluripotent stem cell-derived early retinal progenitor cells for cell-based regenerative therapies. Stem Cell Reports 2024; 19:254-269. [PMID: 38181785 PMCID: PMC10874851 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.12.001] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cell-based therapy for retinal degenerative diseases is a promising approach to restoring visual function. A clinical study using retinal organoid (RO) sheets was recently conducted in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. However, the graft preparation currently requires advanced skills to identify and excise suitable segments from the transplantable area of the limited number of suitable ROs. This remains a challenge for consistent clinical implementations. Herein, we enabled the enrichment of wild-type (non-reporter) retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) from dissociated ROs using a label-free ghost cytometry (LF-GC)-based sorting system, where a machine-based classifier was trained in advance with another RPC reporter line. The sorted cells reproducibly formed retinal spheroids large enough for transplantation and developed mature photoreceptors in the retinal degeneration rats. This method of enriching early RPCs with no specific surface antigens and without any reporters or chemical labeling is promising for robust preparation of graft tissues during cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuaki Iwama
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Cell and Gene Therapy in Ophthalmology Laboratory, BZP, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | | | - Tomohiro Masuda
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Cell and Gene Therapy in Ophthalmology Laboratory, BZP, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
| | | | - Michiru Matsumura
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | | | | | - Kohji Nishida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sadao Ota
- ThinkCyte K.K., Tokyo 113-8654, Japan; Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8904, Japan
| | - Michiko Mandai
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Masayo Takahashi
- Laboratory for Retinal Regeneration, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Kobe City Eye Hospital, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
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5
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Yoshimoto T, Chaya T, Varner LR, Ando M, Tsujii T, Motooka D, Kimura K, Furukawa T. The Rax homeoprotein in Müller glial cells is required for homeostasis maintenance of the postnatal mouse retina. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105461. [PMID: 37977220 PMCID: PMC10714373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105461] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Müller glial cells, which are the most predominant glial subtype in the retina, play multiple important roles, including the maintenance of structural integrity, homeostasis, and physiological functions of the retina. We have previously found that the Rax homeoprotein is expressed in postnatal and mature Müller glial cells in the mouse retina. However, the function of Rax in postnatal and mature Müller glial cells remains to be elucidated. In the current study, we first investigated Rax function in retinal development using retroviral lineage analysis and found that Rax controls the specification of late-born retinal cell types, including Müller glial cells in the postnatal retina. We next generated Rax tamoxifen-induced conditional KO (Rax iCKO) mice, where Rax can be depleted in mTFP-labeled Müller glial cells upon tamoxifen treatment, by crossing Raxflox/flox mice with Rlbp1-CreERT2 mice, which we have produced. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a characteristic of reactive gliosis and enhanced gliosis of Müller glial cells in Rax iCKO retinas under normal and stress conditions, respectively. We performed RNA-seq analysis on mTFP-positive cells purified from the Rax iCKO retina and found significantly reduced expression of suppressor of cytokinesignaling-3 (Socs3). Reporter gene assays showed that Rax directly transactivates the Socs3 promoter. We observed decreased expression of Socs3 in Müller glial cells of Rax iCKO retinas by immunostaining. Taken together, the present results suggest that Rax suppresses inflammation in Müller glial cells by transactivating Socs3. This study sheds light on the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms underlying retinal Müller glial cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Yoshimoto
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Taro Chaya
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Leah R Varner
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makoto Ando
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshinori Tsujii
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Genome Information Research Center, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kimura
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Takahisa Furukawa
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
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6
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Yang Q, Li J, Zeng S, Li Z, Liu X, Li J, Zhou W, Chai Y, Zhou D. Retinal Organoid Models Show Heterozygous Rhodopsin Mutation Favors Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Induced Apoptosis in Rods. Stem Cells Dev 2023; 32:681-692. [PMID: 37470211 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2023.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a prevalent inherited retinal degenerative disease resulting from photoreceptor and pigment epithelial apoptosis. The Rhodopsin (RHO) is the most commonly associated pathogenic gene in RP. However, RHO mutations (c.512C>T P171L) have been infrequently reported, and the RP pathogenesis caused by these mutations remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of RHO (c.512C>T P171L) mutation on retinal cell differentiation and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of RP. An effective retinal organoid induction scheme for inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway was selected for further experiments, and the established cell line chHES-406 was demonstrated to be heterozygous for RHO c.512C>T, with a normal karyotype and pluripotency potential. Furthermore, the development of chHES-406 organoids may be delayed, and apoptosis detection and co-localization revealed that chHES-406 organoids had more apoptotic cells than chHES-90 in the outer nuclear layer (ONL), mutant RHO protein was mislocalized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and stress-related and apoptotic gene expression increased. Overall, our study elucidated a possible mechanism by which ER stress caused by RHO P171L protein mislocalization may lead to ONL cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaohui Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Jialin Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Sicong Zeng
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Changsha, China
- Hunan Guangxiu Hospital, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Clinical Research Center of Ophthalmic Disease, Changsha, China
| | - Jin Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
| | - Wang Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Yujiao Chai
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of Citic-Xiangya, Changsha, China
| | - Di Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem and Reproductive Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Development and Carcinogenesis, Changsha, China
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7
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Móvio MI, de Lima-Vasconcellos TH, Dos Santos GB, Echeverry MB, Colombo E, Mattos LS, Resende RR, Kihara AH. Retinal organoids from human-induced pluripotent stem cells: From studying retinal dystrophies to early diagnosis of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2023; 144:77-86. [PMID: 36210260 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2022.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) have provided new methods to study neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to their wide application in neuronal disorders, hiPSCs technology can also encompass specific conditions, such as inherited retinal dystrophies. The possibility of evaluating alterations related to retinal disorders in 3D organoids increases the truthfulness of in vitro models. Moreover, both Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) have been described as causing early retinal alterations, generating beta-amyloid protein accumulation, or affecting dopaminergic amacrine cells. This review addresses recent advances and future perspectives obtained from in vitro modeling of retinal diseases, focusing on retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Additionally, we depicted the possibility of evaluating changes related to AD and PD in retinal organoids obtained from potential patients long before the onset of the disease, constituting a valuable tool in early diagnosis. With this, we pointed out prospects in the study of retinal dystrophies and early diagnosis of AD and PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Inês Móvio
- Laboratório de Neurogenética, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marcela Bermudez Echeverry
- Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil
| | - Elisabetta Colombo
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Leonardo S Mattos
- Biomedical Robotics Laboratory, Department of Advanced Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rodrigo Ribeiro Resende
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Hiroaki Kihara
- Laboratório de Neurogenética, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil; Centro de Matemática, Computação e Cognição, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo, SP, Brazil.
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8
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Paşcalău R, Badea TC. Signaling - transcription interactions in mouse retinal ganglion cells early axon pathfinding -a literature review. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1180142. [PMID: 38983012 PMCID: PMC11182120 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1180142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Sending an axon out of the eye and into the target brain nuclei is the defining feature of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The literature on RGC axon pathfinding is vast, but it focuses mostly on decision making events such as midline crossing at the optic chiasm or retinotopic mapping at the target nuclei. In comparison, the exit of RGC axons out of the eye is much less explored. The first checkpoint on the RGC axons' path is the optic cup - optic stalk junction (OC-OS). OC-OS development and the exit of the RGC pioneer axons out of the eye are coordinated spatially and temporally. By the time the optic nerve head domain is specified, the optic fissure margins are in contact and the fusion process is ongoing, the first RGCs are born in its proximity and send pioneer axons in the optic stalk. RGC differentiation continues in centrifugal waves. Later born RGC axons fasciculate with the more mature axons. Growth cones at the end of the axons respond to guidance cues to adopt a centripetal direction, maintain nerve fiber layer restriction and to leave the optic cup. Although there is extensive information on OC-OS development, we still have important unanswered questions regarding its contribution to the exit of the RGC axons out of the eye. We are still to distinguish the morphogens of the OC-OS from the axon guidance molecules which are expressed in the same place at the same time. The early RGC transcription programs responsible for axon emergence and pathfinding are also unknown. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms for early RGC axon guidance by contextualizing mouse knock-out studies on OC-OS development with the recent transcriptomic studies on developing RGCs in an attempt to contribute to the understanding of human optic nerve developmental anomalies. The published data summarized here suggests that the developing optic nerve head provides a physical channel (the closing optic fissure) as well as molecular guidance cues for the pioneer RGC axons to exit the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Paşcalău
- Research and Development Institute, Transilvania University of Braşov, Braşov, Romania
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Cluj County Emergency Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tudor Constantin Badea
- Research and Development Institute, Transilvania University of Braşov, Braşov, Romania
- National Center for Brain Research, Institutul de Cercetări pentru Inteligență Artificială, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
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9
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Gupta S, Lytvynchuk L, Ardan T, Studenovska H, Faura G, Eide L, Znaor L, Erceg S, Stieger K, Motlik J, Bharti K, Petrovski G. Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Development: Extrapolating Basic Biology to Stem Cell Research. Biomedicines 2023; 11:310. [PMID: 36830851 PMCID: PMC9952929 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) forms an important cellular monolayer, which contributes to the normal physiology of the eye. Damage to the RPE leads to the development of degenerative diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Apart from acting as a physical barrier between the retina and choroidal blood vessels, the RPE is crucial in maintaining photoreceptor (PR) and visual functions. Current clinical intervention to treat early stages of AMD includes stem cell-derived RPE transplantation, which is still in its early stages of evolution. Therefore, it becomes essential to derive RPEs which are functional and exhibit features as observed in native human RPE cells. The conventional strategy is to use the knowledge obtained from developmental studies using various animal models and stem cell-based exploratory studies to understand RPE biogenies and developmental trajectory. This article emphasises such studies and aims to present a comprehensive understanding of the basic biology, including the genetics and molecular pathways of RPE development. It encompasses basic developmental biology and stem cell-based developmental studies to uncover RPE differentiation. Knowledge of the in utero developmental cues provides an inclusive methodology required for deriving RPEs using stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Gupta
- Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0450 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lyubomyr Lytvynchuk
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Karl Landsteiner Institute for Retinal Research and Imaging, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Taras Ardan
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Studenovska
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 16206 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Georgina Faura
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Eide
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ljubo Znaor
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Split School of Medicine and University Hospital Centre, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Slaven Erceg
- Research Center “Principe Felipe”, Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, 46012 Valencia, Spain
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 11720 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Knut Stieger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg GmbH, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Jan Motlik
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, 27721 Libechov, Czech Republic
| | - Kapil Bharti
- Ocular and Stem Cell Translational Research Section, NEI, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Goran Petrovski
- Center for Eye Research and Innovative Diagnostics, Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, 0450 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Split School of Medicine and University Hospital Centre, 21000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Oslo University Hospital, 0450 Oslo, Norway
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10
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Yu Z, Hu E, Cai Y, Zhu W, Chen Q, Li T, Li Z, Wang Y, Tang T. mRNA and lncRNA co-expression network in mice of acute intracerebral hemorrhage. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1166875. [PMID: 37187956 PMCID: PMC10175784 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1166875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe subtype of stroke lacking effective pharmacological targets. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) has been confirmed to participate in the pathophysiological progress of various neurological disorders. However, how lncRNA affects ICH outcomes in the acute phase is not completely clear. In this study, we aimed to reveal the relationship of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA following ICH. Method We conducted the autologous blood injection ICH model and extracted total RNAs on day 7. Microarray scanning was used to obtain mRNA and lncRNA profiles, which were validated by RT-qPCR. GO/KEGG analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs was performed using the Metascape platform. We calculated the Pearson correlation coefficients (PCCs) of lncRNA-mRNA for co-expression network construction. A competitive endogenous (Ce-RNA) network was established based on DIANALncBase and miRDB database. Finally, the Ce-RNA network was visualized and analyzed by Cytoscape. Results In total, 570 differentially expressed mRNAs and 313 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified (FC ≥ 2 and value of p <0.05). The function of differentially expressed mRNAs was mainly enriched in immune response, inflammation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and other typical pathways. The lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network contained 57 nodes (21 lncRNAs and 36 mRNAs) and 38 lncRNA-mRNA pairs. The ce-RNA network was generated with 303 nodes (29 lncRNAs, 163 mRNAs, and 111 miRNAs) and 906 edges. Three hub clusters were selected to indicate the most significant lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA interactions. Conclusion Our study suggests that the top differentially expressed RNA molecules may be the biomarker of acute ICH. Furthermore, the hub lncRNA-mRNA pairs and lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA correlations may provide new clues for ICH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Yu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - En Hu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiqing Cai
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenxin Zhu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Quan Chen
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Teng Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhilin Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tao Tang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Tao Tang,
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11
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Savoj S, Esfahani MHN, Karimi A, Karamali F. Integrated stem cells from apical papilla in a 3D culture system improve human embryonic stem cell derived retinal organoid formation. Life Sci 2022; 291:120273. [PMID: 35016877 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Eye organoids are 3D models of the retina that provide new possibilities for studying retinal development, drug toxicity and the molecular mechanisms of diseases. Although there are several protocols that can be used to generate functional tissues, none have been used to assemble human retinal organoids containing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MAIN METHODS In this study we intend to assess the effective interactions of MSCs and human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) during retinal organoid formation. We evaluated the inducing activities of bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs), trabecular meshwork (TM), and stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP)-derived MSCs in differentiation of hESCs in a three-dimensional (3D) direct co-culture system. KEY FINDINGS In comparison with the two other MSC sources, the induction potential of SCAP was confirmed in the co-culture system. Although the different SCAP cell ratios did not show any significant morphology changes during the first seven days, increasing the number of SCAPs improved formation of the optic vesicle (OV) structure, which was confirmed by assessment of specific markers. The OVs subsequently developed to an optic cup (OC), which was similar to the in vivo environment. These arrangements expressed MITF in the outer layer and CHX10 in the inner layer. SIGNIFICANCE We assessed the inducing activity of SCAP during differentiation of hESCs towards a retinal fate in a 3D organoid system. However, future studies be conducted to gather additional details about the development of the eye field, retinal differentiation, and the molecular mechanisms of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Savoj
- Department of Biology, University of Payam Noor, Isfahan, Iran; Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Akbar Karimi
- Department of Biology, University of Payam Noor, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Fereshteh Karamali
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran.
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12
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Co-activation of Sonic hedgehog and Wnt signaling in murine retinal precursor cells drives ocular lesions with features of intraocular medulloepithelioma. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:78. [PMID: 34785636 PMCID: PMC8595639 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00369-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraocular medulloepithelioma (IO-MEPL) is a rare embryonal ocular neoplasm, prevalently occurring in children. IO-MEPLs share histomorphological features with CNS embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMRs), referred to as intracranial medulloepitheliomas. While Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and WNT signaling pathways are crucial for ETMR pathogenesis, the impact of these pathways on human IO-MEPL development is unclear. Gene expression analyses of human embryonal tumor samples revealed similar gene expression patterns and significant overrepresentation of SHH and WNT target genes in both IO-MEPL and ETMR. In order to unravel the function of Shh and Wnt signaling for IO-MEPL pathogenesis in vivo, both pathways were activated in retinal precursor cells in a time point specific manner. Shh and Wnt co-activation in early Sox2- or Rax-expressing precursor cells resulted in infiltrative ocular lesions that displayed extraretinal expansion. Histomorphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features showed a strong concordance with human IO-MEPL. We demonstrate a relevant role of WNT and SHH signaling in IO-MEPL and report the first mouse model to generate tumor-like lesions with features of IO-MEPL. The presented data may be fundamental for comprehending IO-MEPL initiation and developing targeted therapeutic approaches.
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13
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Eldred KC, Reh TA. Human retinal model systems: Strengths, weaknesses, and future directions. Dev Biol 2021; 480:114-122. [PMID: 34529997 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.09.001] [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: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The retina is a complex neuronal structure that converts light energy into visual perception. Many specialized aspects of the primate retina, including a cone rich macula for high acuity vision, ocular size, and cell type diversity are not found in other animal models. In addition, the unique morphologies and distinct laminar positions of cell types found in the retina make this model system ideal for the study of neuronal cell fate specification. Many key early events of human retinal development are inaccessible to investigation as they occur during gestation. For these reasons, it has been necessary to develop retinal model systems to gain insight into human-specific retinal development and disease. Recent advances in culturing retinal tissue have generated new systems for retinal research and have moved us closer to generating effective regenerative therapies for vision loss. Here, we describe the strengths, weaknesses, and future directions for different human retinal model systems including dissociated primary tissue, explanted primary tissue, retinospheres, and stem cell-derived retinal organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiara C Eldred
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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14
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West ER, Cepko CL. Development and diversification of bipolar interneurons in the mammalian retina. Dev Biol 2021; 481:30-42. [PMID: 34534525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The bipolar interneurons of the mammalian retina have evolved as a diverse set of cells with distinct subtype characteristics, which reflect specialized contributions to visual circuitry. Fifteen subtypes of bipolar interneurons have been identified in the mouse retina, each with characteristic gene expression, morphology, and light responses. This review provides an overview of the developmental events that underlie the generation of the diverse bipolar cell class, summarizing the current knowledge of genetic programs that establish and maintain bipolar subtype fates, as well as the events that shape the final distribution of bipolar subtypes. With much left to be discovered, bipolar interneurons present an ideal model system for studying the interplay between cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms that influence neuronal subtype development within the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma R West
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Constance L Cepko
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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15
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Atefi A, Kojouri PS, Karamali F, Irani S, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Construction and characterization of EGFP reporter plasmid harboring putative human RAX promoter for in vitro monitoring of retinal progenitor cells identity. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:40. [PMID: 34348662 PMCID: PMC8335887 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-021-00378-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In retinal degenerative disease, progressive and debilitating conditions result in deterioration of retinal cells and visual loss. In human, retina lacks the inherent capacity for regeneration. Therefore, regeneration of retinal layer from human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) is a challenging task and restricted in vitro maintenance of hRPCs remains as the main hurdle. Retina and anterior neural fold homeobox gene (RAX) play critical roles in developing retina and maintenance of hRPCs. In this study, for the first time regulatory regions of human RAX gene with potential promoter activity were experimentally investigated. RESULTS For this purpose, after in silico analysis of regulatory regions of human RAX gene, the expression of EGFP reporter derived by putative promoter sequences was first evaluated in 293 T cells and then in hRPCS derived from human embryonic stem cells. The candidate region (RAX-3258 bp) showed the highest EGFP expression in hRPCs. This reporter construct can be used for in vitro monitoring of hRPC identity and verification of an efficient culture medium for maintenance of these cells. CONCLUSIONS Furthermore, our findings provide a platform for better insight into regulatory regions of human RAX gene and molecular mechanisms underlying its vital functions in retina development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Atefi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Pendar Shojaei Kojouri
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Karamali
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Shiva Irani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
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16
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Zhou X, Rui Y, Peng J, Wang Y, He Y, Wang C, Peng M, Zhang X, Xia X, Song W. Transplantation of reprogrammed peripheral blood cells differentiates into retinal ganglion cells in the mouse eye with NMDA-induced injury. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:8099-8109. [PMID: 34101182 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30464] [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: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The generation of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) holds significant implications for replacement therapy in treating optic neuropathies such as glaucoma. Stem-cell-based therapy targeted at replacing and replenishing retinal ganglion cells is progressing at a fast pace. However, clinical application necessitates an efficient and robust approach for cell manufacturing. Here, we examine whether the embryo body derived from human peripheral blood-derived iPSC can localize into the host retina and differentiate into retinal ganglion cells after transplantation into a glaucoma injury model. Human peripheral blood T cells were isolated and reprogrammed into an induced pluripotent stem cell (TiPSC) line using Sendai virus transduction carrying transcription factors Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, and Oct4. TiPSCs were differentiated into RGC using neural basal culture. For in vivo studies, embryo bodies derived from TiPSCs (TiPSC-EB) were injected into the vitreous cavity of N-Methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA)-treated mice 2 weeks before sacrifice and retinal dissection. Induced pluripotent stem cells generated from human peripheral blood T cells display stem cell morphology and pluripotency markers. Furthermore, RGC-like cells differentiated from TiPSC exhibit extending axons and RGC marker TUJ1. When transplanted intravitreally into NMDA-treated mice, embryo bodies derived from TiPSC survived, migrated, and incorporated into the retina's GCL layer. In addition, TiPSC-EB transplants were able to differentiate into TUJ1 positive RGC-like cells. Retinal ganglion cells can be differentiated using human peripheral blood cells derived iPSC. Transplantation of embryo body derived from TiPSCs into a glaucoma mouse model could incorporate into host GCL and differentiate into RGC-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhi Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuhua Rui
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingjie Peng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ye He
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Manjuan Peng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Weitao Song
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Eye Center of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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17
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Limnios IJ, Chau YQ, Skabo SJ, Surrao DC, O'Neill HC. Efficient differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to retinal pigment epithelium under defined conditions. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:248. [PMID: 33883023 PMCID: PMC8058973 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02316-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a highly prevalent form of blindness caused by loss death of cells of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Transplantation of pluripotent stem cell (PSC)-derived RPE cells is considered a promising therapy to regenerate cell function and vision. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to develop a rapid directed differentiation method for production of RPE cells from PSC which is rapid, efficient, and fully defined and produces cells suitable for clinical use. DESIGN A protocol for cell growth and differentiation from hESCs was developed to induce differentiation through screening small molecules which regulated a primary stage of differentiation to the eyefield progenitor, and then, a subsequent set of molecules to drive differentiation to RPE cells. Methods for cell plating and maintenance have been optimized to give a homogeneous population of cells in a short 14-day period, followed by a procedure to support maturation of cell function. RESULTS We show here the efficient production of RPE cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) using small molecules in a feeder-free system using xeno-free/defined medium. Flow cytometry at day 14 showed ~ 90% of cells expressed the RPE markers MITF and PMEL17. Temporal gene analysis confirmed differentiation through defined cell intermediates. Mature hESC-RPE cell monolayers exhibited key morphological, molecular, and functional characteristics of the endogenous RPE. CONCLUSION This study identifies a novel cell differentiation process for rapid and efficient production of retinal RPE cells directly from hESCs. The described protocol has utility for clinical-grade cell production for human therapy to treat AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis J Limnios
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4229, Australia.
| | - Yu-Qian Chau
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4229, Australia
| | - Stuart J Skabo
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4229, Australia
| | - Denver C Surrao
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4229, Australia
| | - Helen C O'Neill
- Clem Jones Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, 4229, Australia.
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18
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Choi WY, Hwang JH, Cho AN, Lee AJ, Lee J, Jung I, Cho SW, Kim LK, Kim YJ. DNA Methylation of Intragenic CpG Islands are Required for Differentiation from iPSC to NPC. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 16:1316-1327. [PMID: 32975781 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-020-10041-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The effects of gene body DNA methylation on gene regulation still remains highly controversial. In this study, we generated whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data with high sequencing depth in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and neuronal progentior cell (NPC), and investigated the relationship between DNA methylation changes in CpG islands (CGIs) and corresponding gene expression during NPC differentiation. Interestingly, differentially methylated CGIs were more abundant in intragenic regions compared to promoters and these methylated intragenic CGIs (iCGIs) were associated with neuronal development-related genes. When we compared gene expression level of methylated and unmethylated CGIs in intragenic regions, DNA methylation of iCGI was positively correlated with gene expression in contrast with promoter CGIs (pCGIs). To gain insight into regulatory mechanism mediated by iCGI DNA methylation, we executed motif searching in hypermethylated iCGIs and found NEUROD1 as a hypermethylated iCGI binding transcription factor. This study highlights give rise to possibility of activating role of hypermethylation in iCGIs and involvement of neuronal development related TFs. Graphical Abstract The relationship between iCGI DNA methylation and expression of associated genes in neuronal developmental process. During iPSC to NPCdifferentiation, iCGI containing neural developmental genes show iCGI's DNA hypermethylation which is accompanied by gene activation and NEUROD1which is one of the core neuronal TFs interacts with hypermethylated iCGI regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Young Choi
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hyun Hwang
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ann-Na Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Andrew J Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungwoo Lee
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Inkyung Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Woo Cho
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Lark Kyun Kim
- Severance Biomedical Science Institute and BK21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 06230, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young-Joon Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program of Integrated OMICS for Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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Perepelkina T, Kegeles E, Baranov P. Optimizing the Conditions and Use of Synthetic Matrix for Three-Dimensional In Vitro Retinal Differentiation from Mouse Pluripotent Cells. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2020; 25:433-445. [PMID: 31195897 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2019.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT The development of retinal regenerative therapies relies on the reproducible and renewable source of retinal neurons for drug discovery and cell transplantation. Three-dimensional approach for retinal differentiation from pluripotent cells recently emerged as the robust strategy for retinal tissue differentiation. In this work, we present the combination of optimized conditions and techniques for three-dimensional retinal differentiation from mouse embryonic cells that improves reproducibility and efficiency of retinal differentiation in organoid cultures. We also show that the retinal induction can be achieved with the synthetic oligopeptide instead of Matrigel that allows to approach xeno-free conditions for cell production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Perepelkina
- 1The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an Affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Evgenii Kegeles
- 1The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an Affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,2Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russian Federation
| | - Petr Baranov
- 1The Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, an Affiliate of Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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20
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Enayati S, Chang K, Achour H, Cho KS, Xu F, Guo S, Z. Enayati K, Xie J, Zhao E, Turunen T, Sehic A, Lu L, Utheim TP, Chen DF. Electrical Stimulation Induces Retinal Müller Cell Proliferation and Their Progenitor Cell Potential. Cells 2020; 9:E781. [PMID: 32210151 PMCID: PMC7140850 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030781] [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: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive electrical stimulation (ES) is increasingly applied to improve vision in untreatable eye conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. Our previous study suggested that ES promoted retinal function and the proliferation of progenitor-like glial cells in mice with inherited photoreceptor degeneration; however, the underlying mechanism remains obscure. Müller cells (MCs) are thought to be dormant residential progenitor cells that possess a high potential for retinal neuron repair and functional plasticity. Here, we showed that ES with a ramp waveform of 20 Hz and 300 µA of current was effective at inducing mouse MC proliferation and enhancing their expression of progenitor cell markers, such as Crx (cone-rod homeobox) and Wnt7, as well as their production of trophic factors, including ciliary neurotrophic factor. RNA sequencing revealed that calcium signaling pathway activation was a key event, with a false discovery rate of 5.33 × 10-8 (p = 1.78 × 10-10) in ES-mediated gene profiling changes. Moreover, the calcium channel blocker, nifedipine, abolished the observed effects of ES on MC proliferation and progenitor cell gene induction, supporting a central role of ES-induced Ca2+ signaling in the MC changes. Our results suggest that low-current ES may present a convenient tool for manipulating MC behavior toward neuroregeneration and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Enayati
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, 3004 Drammen, Norway
- Institute of clinical medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Karen Chang
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Hamida Achour
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
- Institute of clinical medicine, University of Oslo, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kin-Sang Cho
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Fuyi Xu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (F.X.); (L.L.)
| | - Shuai Guo
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Katarina Z. Enayati
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Jia Xie
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Eric Zhao
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Tytteli Turunen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
| | - Amer Sehic
- Department of Oral Biology; Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA; (F.X.); (L.L.)
| | - Tor Paaske Utheim
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Ophthalmology, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, 3004 Drammen, Norway
- Department of Oral Biology; Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, 0372 Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - Dong Feng Chen
- Schepens Eye Research Institute of Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.E.); (K.C.); (H.A.); (K.-S.C.); (S.G.); (K.Z.E.); (J.X.); (E.Z.); (T.T.); (T.P.U.)
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21
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Kon T, Furukawa T. Origin and evolution of the Rax homeobox gene by comprehensive evolutionary analysis. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 10:657-673. [PMID: 32144893 PMCID: PMC7137802 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Rax is one of the key transcription factors crucial for vertebrate eye development. In this study, we conducted comprehensive evolutionary analysis of Rax. We found that Bilateria and Cnidaria possess Rax, but Placozoa, Porifera, and Ctenophora do not, implying that the origin of the Rax gene dates back to the common ancestor of Cnidaria and Bilateria. The results of molecular phylogenetic and synteny analyses on Rax loci between jawed and jawless vertebrates indicate that segmental duplication of the Rax locus occurred in an early common ancestor of jawed vertebrates, resulting in two Rax paralogs in jawed vertebrates, Rax and Rax2. By analyzing 86 mammalian genomes from all four major groups of mammals, we found that at least five independent Rax2 gene loss events occurred in mammals. This study may provide novel insights into the evolution of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuo Kon
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takahisa Furukawa
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
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22
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Markitantova Y, Simirskii V. Inherited Eye Diseases with Retinal Manifestations through the Eyes of Homeobox Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1602. [PMID: 32111086 PMCID: PMC7084737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal development is under the coordinated control of overlapping networks of signaling pathways and transcription factors. The paper was conceived as a review of the data and ideas that have been formed to date on homeobox genes mutations that lead to the disruption of eye organogenesis and result in inherited eye/retinal diseases. Many of these diseases are part of the same clinical spectrum and have high genetic heterogeneity with already identified associated genes. We summarize the known key regulators of eye development, with a focus on the homeobox genes associated with monogenic eye diseases showing retinal manifestations. Recent advances in the field of genetics and high-throughput next-generation sequencing technologies, including single-cell transcriptome analysis have allowed for deepening of knowledge of the genetic basis of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), as well as improve their diagnostics. We highlight some promising avenues of research involving molecular-genetic and cell-technology approaches that can be effective for IRDs therapy. The most promising neuroprotective strategies are aimed at mobilizing the endogenous cellular reserve of the retina.
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23
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Harding P, Moosajee M. The Molecular Basis of Human Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia. J Dev Biol 2019; 7:jdb7030016. [PMID: 31416264 PMCID: PMC6787759 DOI: 10.3390/jdb7030016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human eye development is coordinated through an extensive network of genetic signalling pathways. Disruption of key regulatory genes in the early stages of eye development can result in aborted eye formation, resulting in an absent eye (anophthalmia) or a small underdeveloped eye (microphthalmia) phenotype. Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (AM) are part of the same clinical spectrum and have high genetic heterogeneity, with >90 identified associated genes. By understanding the roles of these genes in development, including their temporal expression, the phenotypic variation associated with AM can be better understood, improving diagnosis and management. This review describes the genetic and structural basis of eye development, focusing on the function of key genes known to be associated with AM. In addition, we highlight some promising avenues of research involving multiomic approaches and disease modelling with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, which will aid in developing novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK.
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK.
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24
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Shin JY, Son J, Kim WS, Gwak J, Ju BG. Jmjd6a regulates GSK3β RNA splicing in Xenopus laevis eye development. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219800. [PMID: 31361752 PMCID: PMC6667200 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been suggested that Jmjd6 plays an important role in gene regulation through its demethylation or hydroxylation activity on histone and transcription factors. In addition, Jmjd6 has been shown to regulate RNA splicing by interaction with splicing factors. In this study, we demonstrated that Jmjd6a is expressed in developing Xenopus laevis eye during optic vesicle formation and retinal layer differentiation stages. Knockdown of Jmjd6a by an antisense morpholino resulted in eye malformation including a deformed retinal layer and no lens formation. We further found down-regulation of gene expression related to eye development such as Rx1, Otx2, and Pax6 in Jmjd6a morpholino injected embryos. Jmjd6 interacts with splicing factor U2AF25 and GSK3β RNA in the anterior region of Xenopus embryos. Knockdown of Jmjd6a led to deletion of GSK3β RNA exon 1 and 2, which resulted in generation of N’-terminal truncated GSK3β protein. This event further caused decreased phosphorylation of β-catenin and subsequently increased β-catenin stability. Therefore, our result may suggest that Jmjd6a plays an important role in Xenopus eye development through regulation of GSK3β RNA splicing and canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee Yoon Shin
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeongin Son
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Sun Kim
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungsug Gwak
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bong-Gun Ju
- Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
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25
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El Wazan L, Urrutia-Cabrera D, Wong RCB. Using transcription factors for direct reprogramming of neurons in vitro. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:431-444. [PMID: 31396370 PMCID: PMC6682505 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i7.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy offers great promises in replacing the neurons lost due to neurodegenerative diseases or injuries. However, a key challenge is the cellular source for transplantation which is often limited by donor availability. Direct reprogramming provides an exciting avenue to generate specialized neuron subtypes in vitro, which have the potential to be used for autologous transplantation, as well as generation of patient-specific disease models in the lab for drug discovery and testing gene therapy. Here we present a detailed review on transcription factors that promote direct reprogramming of specific neuronal subtypes with particular focus on glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, sensory and retinal neurons. We will discuss the developmental role of master transcriptional regulators and specification factors for neuronal subtypes, and summarize their use in promoting direct reprogramming into different neuronal subtypes. Furthermore, we will discuss up-and-coming technologies that advance the cell reprogramming field, including the use of computational prediction of reprogramming factors, opportunity of cellular reprogramming using small chemicals and microRNA, as well as the exciting potential for applying direct reprogramming in vivo as a novel approach to promote neuro-regeneration within the body. Finally, we will highlight the clinical potential of direct reprogramming and discuss the hurdles that need to be overcome for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Layal El Wazan
- Cellular Reprogramming Unit, Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Daniel Urrutia-Cabrera
- Cellular Reprogramming Unit, Centre for Eye Research Australia, Melbourne 3004, Australia
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26
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Brachet C, Kozhemyakina EA, Boros E, Heinrichs C, Balikova I, Soblet J, Smits G, Vilain C, Mathers PH. Truncating RAX Mutations: Anophthalmia, Hypopituitarism, Diabetes Insipidus, and Cleft Palate in Mice and Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:2925-2930. [PMID: 30811539 PMCID: PMC6543774 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-02316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The transcription factor RAX is a paired-type homeoprotein that plays a critical role in eye and forebrain development of vertebrate species. RAX knockout mice have anophthalmia, cleft palate, and an abnormal hypothalamus and display perinatal lethality. In humans, homozygous or compound heterozygous RAX mutations have been reported to cause bilateral microphthalmia or anophthalmia without consistent associated features. Congenital hypopituitarism can be associated with various eye or craniofacial anomalies; however, the co-occurrence of congenital hypopituitarism, anophthalmia, cleft palate, and diabetes insipidus has been very rare. RESULTS We report the case of a child with anophthalmia, congenital hypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus, and bilateral cleft lip and palate who had a homozygous frameshift truncating mutation c.266delC (p.Pro89Argfs*114) in exon 1 of the RAX gene. Rax knockout mice show loss of ventral forebrain structures, pituitary, and basosphenoid bone and palate and a misplaced anterior pituitary gland along the roof of the oral cavity. CONCLUSIONS Our patient's phenotype was more severe than that reported in other patients. Although most of the previously reported patients with RAX mutations showed either a missense or some less severe mutation in at least one of their RAX alleles, our patient was homozygous for truncating mutations that would yield a severe, null protein phenotype. The severity of the genetic defect, the precise match between the knockout mouse and the patient's endocrine phenotypes, and the prominent roles of RAX in eye and pituitary development and diencephalic patterning suggest that the RAX null mutations could fully account for the observed phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Brachet
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elena A Kozhemyakina
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
- Department of Otolaryngology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Emese Boros
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Claudine Heinrichs
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Irina Balikova
- Pediatric Ophthalmology Unit, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julie Soblet
- Department of Genetics, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, ULB Center of Human Genetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, ULB Center of Human Genetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Guillaume Smits
- Department of Genetics, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, ULB Center of Human Genetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, ULB Center of Human Genetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catheline Vilain
- Department of Genetics, Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, ULB Center of Human Genetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Genetics, Hôpital Erasme, ULB Center of Human Genetics, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter H Mathers
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
- Department of Otolaryngology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
- Department of Ophthalmology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
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27
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Oonuma K, Kusakabe TG. Spatio-temporal regulation of Rx and mitotic patterns shape the eye-cup of the photoreceptor cells in Ciona. Dev Biol 2018; 445:245-255. [PMID: 30502325 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The ascidian larva has a pigmented ocellus comprised of a cup-shaped array of approximately 30 photoreceptor cells, a pigment cell, and three lens cells. Morphological, physiological and molecular evidence has suggested evolutionary kinship between the ascidian larval photoreceptors and vertebrate retinal and/or pineal photoreceptors. Rx, an essential factor for vertebrate photoreceptor development, has also been suggested to be involved in the development of the ascidian photoreceptor cells, but a recent revision of the photoreceptor cell lineage raised a crucial discrepancy between the reported expression patterns of Rx and the cell lineage. Here, we report spatio-temporal expression patterns of Rx at single-cell resolution along with mitotic patterns up to the final division of the photoreceptor-lineage cells in Ciona. The expression of Rx commences in non-photoreceptor a-lineage cells on the right side of the anterior sensory vesicle at the early tailbud stage. At the mid tailbud stage, Rx begins to be expressed in the A-lineage photoreceptor cell progenitors located on the right side of the posterior sensory vesicle. Thus, Rx is specifically but not exclusively expressed in the photoreceptor-lineage cells in the ascidian embryo. Two cis-regulatory modules are shown to be important for the photoreceptor-lineage expression of Rx. The cell division patterns of the photoreceptor-lineage cells rationally explain the generation of the cup-shaped structure of the pigmented ocellus. The present findings demonstrate the complete cell lineage of the ocellus photoreceptor cells and provide a framework elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms of photoreceptor development in Ciona.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kouhei Oonuma
- Institute for Integrative Neurobiology and Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Konan University, Kobe 658-8501, Japan.
| | - Takehiro G Kusakabe
- Institute for Integrative Neurobiology and Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Konan University, Kobe 658-8501, Japan.
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28
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Flach H, Krieg J, Hoffmeister M, Dietmann P, Reusch A, Wischmann L, Kernl B, Riegger R, Oess S, Kühl SJ. Nosip functions during vertebrate eye and cranial cartilage development. Dev Dyn 2018; 247:1070-1082. [PMID: 30055071 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nitric oxide synthase interacting protein (Nosip) has been associated with diverse human diseases including psychological disorders. In line, early neurogenesis of mouse and Xenopus is impaired upon Nosip deficiency. Nosip knockout mice show craniofacial defects and the down-regulation of Nosip in the mouse and Xenopus leads to microcephaly. Until now, the exact underlying molecular mechanisms of these malformations were still unknown. RESULTS Here, we show that nosip is expressed in the developing ocular system as well as the anterior neural crest cells of Xenopus laevis. Furthermore, Nosip inhibition causes severe defects in eye formation in the mouse and Xenopus. Retinal lamination as well as dorso-ventral patterning of the retina were affected in Nosip-depleted Xenopus embryos. Marker gene analysis using rax, pax6 and otx2 reveals an interference with the eye field induction and differentiation. A closer look on Nosip-deficient Xenopus embryos furthermore reveals disrupted cranial cartilage structures and an inhibition of anterior neural crest cell induction and migration shown by twist, snai2, and egr2. Moreover, foxc1 as downstream factor of retinoic acid signalling is affected upon Nosip deficiency. CONCLUSIONS Nosip is a crucial factor for the development of anterior neural tissue such the eyes and neural crest cells. Developmental Dynamics 247:1070-1082, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Flach
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Julia Krieg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Meike Hoffmeister
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University, Frankfurt Medical School, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB) Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Petra Dietmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Adrian Reusch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lisa Wischmann
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bianka Kernl
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ricarda Riegger
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefanie Oess
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University, Frankfurt Medical School, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry, Brandenburg Medical School (MHB) Theodor Fontane, Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Susanne J Kühl
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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29
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Rohde K, Bering T, Furukawa T, Rath MF. A modulatory role of the Rax
homeobox gene in mature pineal gland function: Investigating the photoneuroendocrine circadian system of a Rax
conditional knockout mouse. J Neurochem 2017; 143:100-111. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Rohde
- Department of Neuroscience; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Tenna Bering
- Department of Neuroscience; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry; Psychiatric Center Copenhagen; Mental Health Services of the Capital Region of Denmark; Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Takahisa Furukawa
- Laboratory for Molecular and Developmental Biology; Institute for Protein Research; Osaka University; Suita Osaka Japan
| | - Martin Fredensborg Rath
- Department of Neuroscience; Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences; University of Copenhagen; Copenhagen Denmark
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30
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Abstract
Photoreceptors are highly specialized primary sensory neurons that sense light and initiate vision. This critical role is well demonstrated by the fact that visual impairment accompanies photoreceptor loss or dysfunction in many human diseases. With the remarkable advances in stem cell research, one therapeutic approach is to use stem cells to generate photoreceptors and then engraft them into diseased eyes. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms that control photoreceptor genesis during normal development can greatly aid in the production of photoreceptor cells for this approach. This article will discuss advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that regulate photoreceptor fate determination during development. Recent lineage studies have shown that there are distinct retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) that produce specific combinations of daughter cell types, including photoreceptors and other types of retinal cells. Gene regulatory networks, in which transcription factors interact via cis-regulatory DNA elements, have been discovered that operate within distinct RPCs, and/or newly postmitotic cells, to direct the choice of photoreceptor fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sui Wang
- Department of Genetics and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States 2Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Constance L Cepko
- Department of Genetics and Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States 2Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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31
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Orquera DP, de Souza FSJ. Evolution of the Rax family of developmental transcription factors in vertebrates. Mech Dev 2016; 144:163-170. [PMID: 27838261 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Revised: 11/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Rax proteins comprise a small family of paired-type, homeodomain-containing transcription factors with essential functions in eye and forebrain development. While invertebrates possess only one Rax gene, vertebrates can have several Rax paralogue genes, but the evolutionary history of the members of the family has not been studied in detail. Here, we present a thorough analysis of the evolutionary relationships between vertebrate Rax genes and proteins available in diverse genomic databases. Phylogenetic and synteny analyses indicate that Rax genes went through a duplication in an ancestor of all jawed vertebrates (Gnathostomata), giving rise to the ancestral vertebrate Rax1 and Rax2 genes. This duplication event is likely related to the proposed polyploidisations that occurred during early vertebrate evolution. Subsequent genome-wide duplications in the lineage of ray-finned fish (Actinopterygii) originated new Rax2 paralogues in the genomes of teleosts. In the lobe-finned fish lineage (Sarcopterygii), the N-terminal octapeptide domain of Rax2 was lost in a common ancestor of tetrapods, giving rise to a shorter version of Rax2 in this lineage. Within placental mammals, the Rax2 gene was lost altogether in an ancestor of rodents and lagomorphs (Glires). Finally, we discuss the scientific literature in the light of Rax gene evolution and propose new avenues of research on the function of this important family of transcriptional regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela P Orquera
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Flávio S J de Souza
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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32
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Gueta K, David A, Cohen T, Menuchin-Lasowski Y, Nobel H, Narkis G, Li L, Love P, de Melo J, Blackshaw S, Westphal H, Ashery-Padan R. The stage-dependent roles of Ldb1 and functional redundancy with Ldb2 in mammalian retinogenesis. Development 2016; 143:4182-4192. [PMID: 27697904 DOI: 10.1242/dev.129734] [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: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The Lim domain-binding proteins are key co-factor proteins that assemble with LIM domains of the LMO/LIM-HD family to form functional complexes that regulate cell proliferation and differentiation. Using conditional mutagenesis and comparative phenotypic analysis, we analyze the function of Ldb1 and Ldb2 in mouse retinal development, and demonstrate overlapping and specific functions of both proteins. Ldb1 interacts with Lhx2 in the embryonic retina and both Ldb1 and Ldb2 play a key role in maintaining the pool of retinal progenitor cells. This is accomplished by controlling the expression of the Vsx2 and Rax, and components of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways. Furthermore, the Ldb1/Ldb2-mediated complex is essential for generation of early-born photoreceptors through the regulation of Rax and Crx. Finally, we demonstrate functional redundancy between Ldb1 and Ldb2. Ldb1 can fully compensate the loss of Ldb2 during all phases of retinal development, whereas Ldb2 alone is sufficient to sustain activity of Lhx2 in both early- and late-stage RPCs and in Müller glia. By contrast, loss of Ldb1 disrupts activity of the LIM domain factors in neuronal precursors. An intricate regulatory network exists that is mediated by Ldb1 and Ldb2, and promotes RPC proliferation and multipotency; it also controls specification of mammalian retina cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Gueta
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ahuvit David
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tsadok Cohen
- Mammalian Genes and Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yotam Menuchin-Lasowski
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Hila Nobel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ginat Narkis
- Mammalian Genes and Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - LiQi Li
- Program on Genomics of Differentiation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Paul Love
- Program on Genomics of Differentiation, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jimmy de Melo
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Heiner Westphal
- Mammalian Genes and Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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Wu J, Su W, Powner MB, Liu J, Copland DA, Fruttiger M, Madeddu P, Dick AD, Liu L. Pleiotropic action of CpG-ODN on endothelium and macrophages attenuates angiogenesis through distinct pathways. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31873. [PMID: 27558877 PMCID: PMC4997267 DOI: 10.1038/srep31873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an integral relationship between vascular cells and leukocytes in supporting healthy tissue homeostasis. Furthermore, activation of these two cellular components is key for tissue repair following injury. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a role in innate immunity defending the organism against infection, but their contribution to angiogenesis remains unclear. Here we used synthetic TLR9 agonists, cytosine-phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN), to investigate the role of TLR9 in vascular pathophysiology and identify potential therapeutic translation. We demonstrate that CpG-ODN stimulates inflammation yet inhibits angiogenesis. Regulation of angiogenesis by CpG-ODN is pervasive and tissue non-specific. Further, we noted that synthetic CpG-ODN requires backbone phosphorothioate but not TLR9 activation to render and maintain endothelial stalk cells quiescent. CpG-ODN pre-treated endothelial cells enhance macrophage migration but restrain pericyte mobilisation. CpG-ODN attenuation of angiogenesis, however, remains TLR9-dependent, as inhibition is lost in TLR9 deficient mice. Additionally, CpG-ODNs induce an M1 macrophage phenotype that restricts angiogenesis. The effects mediated by CpG-ODNs can therefore modulate both endothelial cells and macrophages through distinct pathways, providing potential therapeutic application in ocular vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Wu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Wenru Su
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Centre for Clinic Immunology, Sun Yat-sen University Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Michael B. Powner
- UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jian Liu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
| | - David A. Copland
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Marcus Fruttiger
- UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paolo Madeddu
- Bristol Heart Institute, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew D. Dick
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
- UCL-Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Lei Liu
- Academic Unit of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
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Kraft KF, Massey EM, Kolb D, Walldorf U, Urbach R. Retinal homeobox promotes cell growth, proliferation and survival of mushroom body neuroblasts in the Drosophila brain. Mech Dev 2016; 142:50-61. [PMID: 27455861 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila mushroom bodies, centers of olfactory learning and memory in the fly 'forebrain', develop from a set of neural stem cells (neuroblasts) that generate a large number of Kenyon cells (KCs) during sustained cell divisions from embryonic to late pupal stage. We show that retinal homeobox (rx), encoding for an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor, is required for proper development of the mushroom bodies. Throughout development rx is expressed in mushroom body neuroblasts (MBNBs), their ganglion mother cells (MB-GMCs) and young KCs. In the absence of rx function, MBNBs form correctly but exhibit a reduction in cell size and mitotic activity, whereas overexpression of rx increases growth of MBNBs. These data suggest that Rx is involved in the control of MBNB growth and proliferation. Rx also promotes cell cycling of MB-GMCs. Moreover, we show that Rx is important for the survival of MBNBs and Kenyon cells which undergo premature cell death in the absence of rx function. Simultaneous blocking of cell death restores the normal set of MBNBs and part of the KCs, demonstrating that both, impaired proliferation and premature cell death (of MBNBs and KCs) account for the observed defects in mushroom body development. We then show that Rx controls proliferation within the MBNB clones independently of Tailless (Tll) and Prospero (Pros), and does not regulate the expression of other key regulators of MB development, Eyeless (Ey) and Dachshund (Dac). Our data support that the role of Rx in forebrain development is conserved between vertebrates and fly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karoline F Kraft
- Institute of Genetics, University of Mainz, D-55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Eva M Massey
- Institute of Genetics, University of Mainz, D-55099 Mainz, Germany
| | - Dieter Kolb
- Institute of Developmental Biology, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Uwe Walldorf
- Institute of Developmental Biology, Saarland University, D-66421 Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Rolf Urbach
- Institute of Genetics, University of Mainz, D-55099 Mainz, Germany.
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Muthu V, Eachus H, Ellis P, Brown S, Placzek M. Rx3 and Shh direct anisotropic growth and specification in the zebrafish tuberal/anterior hypothalamus. Development 2016; 143:2651-63. [PMID: 27317806 PMCID: PMC4958342 DOI: 10.1242/dev.138305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the developing brain, growth and differentiation are intimately linked. Here, we show that in the zebrafish embryo, the homeodomain transcription factor Rx3 coordinates these processes to build the tuberal/anterior hypothalamus. Analysis of rx3 chk mutant/rx3 morphant fish and EdU pulse-chase studies reveal that rx3 is required to select tuberal/anterior hypothalamic progenitors and to orchestrate their anisotropic growth. In the absence of Rx3 function, progenitors accumulate in the third ventricular wall, die or are inappropriately specified, the shh(+) anterior recess does not form, and its resident pomc(+), ff1b(+) and otpb(+) Th1(+) cells fail to differentiate. Manipulation of Shh signalling shows that Shh coordinates progenitor cell selection and behaviour by acting as an on-off switch for rx3 Together, our studies show that Shh and Rx3 govern formation of a distinct progenitor domain that elaborates patterning through its anisotropic growth and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Muthu
- The Bateson Centre and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Helen Eachus
- The Bateson Centre and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Pam Ellis
- The Bateson Centre and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Sarah Brown
- The Bateson Centre and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Marysia Placzek
- The Bateson Centre and Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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36
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Orquera DP, Nasif S, Low MJ, Rubinstein M, de Souza FSJ. Essential function of the transcription factor Rax in the early patterning of the mammalian hypothalamus. Dev Biol 2016; 416:212-224. [PMID: 27212025 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus is a region of the anterior forebrain that controls basic aspects of vertebrate physiology, but the genes involved in its development are still poorly understood. Here, we investigate the function of the homeobox gene Rax/Rx in early hypothalamic development using a conditional targeted inactivation strategy in the mouse. We found that lack of Rax expression prior to embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) caused a general underdevelopment of the hypothalamic neuroepithelium, while inactivation at later timepoints had little effect. The early absence of Rax impaired neurogenesis and prevented the expression of molecular markers of the dorsomedial hypothalamus, including neuropeptides Proopiomelanocortin and Somatostatin. Interestingly, the expression domains of genes expressed in the ventromedial hypothalamus and infundibulum invaded dorsal hypothalamic territory, showing that Rax is needed for the proper dorsoventral patterning of the developing medial hypothalamus. The phenotypes caused by the early loss of Rax are similar to those of eliminating the expression of the morphogen Sonic hedgehog (Shh) specifically from the hypothalamus. Consistent with this similarity in phenotypes, we observed that Shh and Rax are coexpressed in the rostral forebrain at late head fold stages and that loss of Rax caused a downregulation of Shh expression in the dorsomedial portion of the hypothalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela P Orquera
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sofia Nasif
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Malcolm J Low
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States
| | - Marcelo Rubinstein
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, United States; Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Flávio S J de Souza
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ingeniería Genética y Biología Molecular, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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37
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Iyer NR, Huettner JE, Butts JC, Brown CR, Sakiyama-Elbert SE. Generation of highly enriched V2a interneurons from mouse embryonic stem cells. Exp Neurol 2016; 277:305-316. [PMID: 26784005 PMCID: PMC4761286 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Challenges in parsing specific contributions to spinal microcircuit architecture have limited our ability to model and manipulate those networks for improved functional regeneration after injury or disease. While spinal interneurons (INs) have been implicated in driving coordinated locomotor behaviors, they constitute only a small percentage of the spinal cord and are difficult to isolate from primary tissue. In this study, we employed a genetic strategy to obtain large quantities of highly enriched mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived V2a INs, an excitatory glutamatergic IN population that is defined by expression of the homeodomain protein Chx10 during development. Puromycin N-acetyltransferase expression was driven by the native gene regulatory elements of Chx10 in the transgenic ESC line, resulting in positive selection of V2a INs after induction and treatment with puromycin. Directly after selection, approximately 80% of cells are Chx10(+), with 94% Lhx3(+); after several weeks, cultures remain free of proliferative cell types and mature into normal glutamatergic neurons as assessed by molecular markers and electrophysiological methods. Functional synapses were observed between selected ESC-derived V2a INs and motor neurons when co-cultured, demonstrating the potential of these cells to form neural networks. While ESC-derived neurons obtained in vitro are not identical to those that develop in the spinal cord, the transgenic ESCs here provide a unique tool to begin studying V2a INs in isolation or for use in in vitro models of spinal microcircuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha R Iyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Campus Box 1097, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - James E Huettner
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8228, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Jessica C Butts
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Campus Box 1097, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Chelsea R Brown
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Campus Box 1097, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Shelly E Sakiyama-Elbert
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, Campus Box 1097, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA.
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38
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Li P, Sun X, Ma Z, Liu Y, Jin Y, Ge R, Hao L, Ma Y, Han S, Sun H, Zhang M, Li R, Li T, Shen L. Transcriptional Reactivation of OTX2, RX1 and SIX3 during Reprogramming Contributes to the Generation of RPE Cells from Human iPSCs. Int J Biol Sci 2016; 12:505-17. [PMID: 27019633 PMCID: PMC4807412 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.14212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Directed differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) holds great promise in cell replacement therapy for patients suffering from degenerative eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In this study, we generated iPSCs from human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) by electroporation with episomal plasmid vectors encoding OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, L-MYC together with p53 suppression. Intriguingly, cell reprogramming resulted in a metastable transcriptional activation and selective demethylation of neural and retinal specification-associated genes, such as OTX2, RX1 and SIX3. In contrast, RPE progenitor genes were transcriptionally silent in HDFs and descendant iPSCs. Overexpression of OCT4 and SOX2 directly stimulated the expression of OTX2, RX1 and SIX3 in HDFs and iPSCs. Luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays further identified an OCT4- and two SOX2-binding sites located in the proximal promoter of OTX2. Histone acetylation and methylation on the local promoter also participated in the reactivation of OTX2. The transcriptional conversion of RX1 and SIX3 genes partially attributed to DNA demethylation. Subsequently, iPSCs were induced into the RPE cells displaying the characteristics of polygonal shapes and pigments, and expressing typical RPE cell markers. Taken together, our results establish readily efficient and safe protocols to produce iPSCs and iPSC-derived RPE cells, and underline that the reactivation of anterior neural transcription factor OTX2, eye field transcription factor RX1 and SIX3 in iPSCs is a feature of pluripotency acquisition and predetermines the potential of RPE differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- 1. Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiaofeng Sun
- 2. Department of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Science Garden District of Hanpu, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China
| | - Zhizhong Ma
- 3. Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yinan Liu
- 1. Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ying Jin
- 3. Peking University Eye Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruimin Ge
- 4. Lund Stem Cell Center, University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, 22242, Sweden
| | - Limin Hao
- 5. Beijing Cellonis Biotechnologies Co.Ltd, Zhongguancun Bio-Medicine Park, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yanling Ma
- 5. Beijing Cellonis Biotechnologies Co.Ltd, Zhongguancun Bio-Medicine Park, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shuo Han
- 1. Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Haojie Sun
- 1. Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- 1. Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruizhi Li
- 1. Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Tao Li
- 6. Department of Biology, College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang, 321004, China
| | - Li Shen
- 1. Stem Cell Research Center, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China
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39
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Abstract
Photoreceptors have been the most intensively studied retinal cell type. Early lineage studies showed that photoreceptors are produced by retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) that produce only photoreceptor cells and by RPCs that produce both photoreceptor cells and other retinal cell types. More recent lineage studies have shown that there are intrinsic, molecular differences among these RPCs and that these molecular differences operate in gene regulatory networks (GRNs) that lead to the choice of the rod versus the cone fate. In addition, there are GRNs that lead to the choice of a photoreceptor fate and that of another retinal cell type. An example of such a GRN is one that drives the binary fate choice between a rod photoreceptor and bipolar cell. This GRN has many elements, including both feedforward and feedback regulatory loops, highlighting the complexity of such networks. This and other examples of retinal cell fate determination are reviewed here, focusing on the events that direct the choice of rod and cone photoreceptor fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance L Cepko
- Departments of Genetics and Ophthalmology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115;
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40
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Singh RK, Mallela RK, Cornuet PK, Reifler AN, Chervenak AP, West MD, Wong KY, Nasonkin IO. Characterization of Three-Dimensional Retinal Tissue Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells in Adherent Monolayer Cultures. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:2778-95. [PMID: 26283078 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-based therapy of retinal degenerative conditions is a promising modality to treat blindness, but requires new strategies to improve the number of functionally integrating cells. Grafting semidifferentiated retinal tissue rather than progenitors allows preservation of tissue structure and connectivity in retinal grafts, mandatory for vision restoration. Using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), we derived retinal tissue growing in adherent conditions consisting of conjoined neural retina and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and evaluated cell fate determination and maturation in this tissue. We found that deriving such tissue in adherent conditions robustly induces all eye field genes (RX, PAX6, LHX2, SIX3, SIX6) and produces four layers of pure populations of retinal cells: RPE (expressing NHERF1, EZRIN, RPE65, DCT, TYR, TYRP, MITF, PMEL), early photoreceptors (PRs) (coexpressing CRX and RCVRN), inner nuclear layer neurons (expressing CALB2), and retinal ganglion cells [RGCs, expressing BRN3B and Neurofilament (NF) 200]. Furthermore, we found that retinal progenitors divide at the apical side of the hESC-derived retinal tissue (next to the RPE layer) and then migrate toward the basal side, similar to that found during embryonic retinogenesis. We detected synaptogenesis in hESC-derived retinal tissue, and found neurons containing many synaptophysin-positive boutons within the RGC and PR layers. We also observed long NF200-positive axons projected by RGCs toward the apical side. Whole-cell recordings demonstrated that putative amacrine and/or ganglion cells exhibited electrophysiological responses reminiscent of those in normal retinal neurons. These responses included voltage-gated Na(+) and K(+) currents, depolarization-induced spiking, and responses to neurotransmitter receptor agonists. Differentiation in adherent conditions allows generation of long and flexible pieces of 3D retinal tissue suitable for isolating transplantable slices of tissue for retinal replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnesh K Singh
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ramya K Mallela
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Pamela K Cornuet
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Aaron N Reifler
- 2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Andrew P Chervenak
- 2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Kwoon Y Wong
- 2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Igor O Nasonkin
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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41
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Rax Homeoprotein Regulates Photoreceptor Cell Maturation and Survival in Association with Crx in the Postnatal Mouse Retina. Mol Cell Biol 2015; 35:2583-96. [PMID: 25986607 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00048-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rax homeobox gene plays essential roles in multiple processes of vertebrate retina development. Many vertebrate species possess Rax and Rax2 genes, and different functions have been suggested. In contrast, mice contain a single Rax gene, and its functional roles in late retinal development are still unclear. To clarify mouse Rax function in postnatal photoreceptor development and maintenance, we generated conditional knockout mice in which Rax in maturing or mature photoreceptor cells was inactivated by tamoxifen treatment (Rax iCKO mice). When Rax was inactivated in postnatal Rax iCKO mice, developing photoreceptor cells showed a significant decrease in the level of the expression of rod and cone photoreceptor genes and mature adult photoreceptors exhibited a specific decrease in cone cell numbers. In luciferase assays, we found that Rax and Crx cooperatively transactivate Rhodopsin and cone opsin promoters and that an optimum Rax expression level to transactivate photoreceptor gene expression exists. Furthermore, Rax and Crx colocalized in maturing photoreceptor cells, and their coimmunoprecipitation was observed in cultured cells. Taken together, these results suggest that Rax plays essential roles in the maturation of both cones and rods and in the survival of cones by regulating photoreceptor gene expression with Crx in the postnatal mouse retina.
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42
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Löffler K, Schäfer P, Völkner M, Holdt T, Karl MO. Age-dependent Müller glia neurogenic competence in the mouse retina. Glia 2015; 63:1809-24. [PMID: 25943952 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms limiting neuronal regeneration in mammals and their relationship with reactive gliosis are unknown. Müller glia (MG), common to all vertebrate retinas, readily regenerate neuron loss in some species, but normally not in mammals. However, experimental stimulation of limited mammalian retina regeneration has been reported. Here, we use a mouse retina organ culture approach to investigate the MG responses at different mouse ages. We found that MG undergo defined spatio-temporal changes upon stimulation. In EGF-stimulated juvenile postmitotic retinas, most MG upregulate cell-cycle regulators (Mcm6, Pcna, Ki67, Ccnd1) within 48 h ex vivo; some also express the neurogenic factors Ascl1, Pax6, and Vsx2; up to 60% re-enter the cell cycle, some of which delaminate to divide mostly apically; and the majority cease to proliferate after stimulation. A subpopulation of MG progeny starts to express transcription factors (Ptf1a, Nr4a2) and neuronal (Calb1, Calb2, Rbfox3), but not glial, markers, indicating neurogenesis. BrdU-tracking, genetic lineage-tracing, and transgenic-reporter experiments suggest that MG reprogram to a neurogenic stage and proliferate; and that some MG progeny differentiate into neuronal-like cells, most likely amacrines, no photoreceptors; most others remain in a de-differentiated state. The mouse MG regeneration potential becomes restricted, dependent on the age of the animal, as observed by limited activation of the cell cycle and neurogenic factors. The stage-dependent analysis of mouse MG revealed similarities and differences when compared with MG-derived regeneration in fish and chicks. Therefore, the mouse retina ex vivo approach is a potential assay for understanding and overcoming the limitations of mammalian MG-derived neuronal regeneration. Postmitotic MG in mouse retina ex vivo can be stimulated to proliferate, express neurogenic factors, and generate progeny expressing neuronal or glial markers. This potential regenerative competence becomes limited with increasing mouse age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kati Löffler
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Patrick Schäfer
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Manuela Völkner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Tina Holdt
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
| | - Mike O Karl
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, 01307, Germany
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43
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Hunnekuhl VS, Akam M. An anterior medial cell population with an apical-organ-like transcriptional profile that pioneers the central nervous system in the centipede Strigamia maritima. Dev Biol 2014; 396:136-49. [PMID: 25263198 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The apical plate of primary marine larvae is characterized by a common set of transcription factors comprising six3, rx, hbn, nk2.1 and FoxQ2. It harbours the apical organ, a neural and ciliary structure with neurosecretory properties. Recent studies in lophotrochozoans have found that apical organ cells form the anterior tip of the developing central nervous system. We identify an anterior medial tissue in the embryonic centipede head that shares the transcriptional profile of the apical plate of marine larvae, including nested domains of FoxQ2 and six3 expression. This domain gives rise to an anterior medial population of neural precursors distinct from those arising within the segmental neuroectoderm. These medial cells do not express achaete scute homologue in proneural clusters, but express collier, a marker for post mitotic cells committed to a neural fate, while they are still situated in the surface ectodermal layer. They then sink under the surface to form a compact cell cluster. Once internalized these cells extend axons that pioneer the primary axonal scaffold of the central nervous system. The same cells express phc2, a neural specific prohormone convertase, which suggests that they form an early active neurosecretory centre. Some also express markers of hypothalamic neurons, including otp, vtn and vax1. These medial neurosecretory cells of the centipede are distinct from those of the pars intercerebralis, the anterior neurosecretory part of the insect brain. The pars intercerebralis derives from vsx positive placodal-like invagination sites. In the centipede, vsx expressing invaginating ectoderm is situated bilaterally adjacent to the medial pioneer cell population. Hence the pars intercerebralis is present in both insect and centipede brains, whereas no prominent anterior medial cluster of pioneer neurons is present in insects. These observations suggest that the arthropod brain retained ancestrally an anterior medial population of neurosecretory cells homologous to those of the apical plate in other invertebrate phyla, but that this cell population has been lost or greatly reduced in insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera S Hunnekuhl
- Laboratory for Development and Evolution, Department of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
| | - Michael Akam
- Laboratory for Development and Evolution, Department of Zoology, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, UK.
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44
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Can the ‘neuron theory’ be complemented by a universal mechanism for generic neuronal differentiation. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 359:343-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2049-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Esposito R, Racioppi C, Pezzotti MR, Branno M, Locascio A, Ristoratore F, Spagnuolo A. The ascidian pigmented sensory organs: structures and developmental programs. Genesis 2014; 53:15-33. [PMID: 25382437 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The recent advances on ascidian pigment sensory organ development and function represent a fascinating platform to get insight on the basic programs of chordate eye formation. This review aims to summarize current knowledge, at the structural and molecular levels, on the two main building blocks of ascidian light sensory organ, i.e. pigment cells and photoreceptor cells. The unique features of these structures (e.g., simplicity and well characterized cell lineage) are indeed making it possible to dissect the developmental programs at single cell resolution and will soon provide a panel of molecular tools to be exploited for a deep developmental and comparative-evolutionary analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Esposito
- Cellular and Developmental Biology Department, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121, NAPOLI, Italy
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MacKay H, Abizaid A. Embryonic development of the hypothalamic feeding circuitry: Transcriptional, nutritional, and hormonal influences. Mol Metab 2014; 3:813-22. [PMID: 25506547 PMCID: PMC4264037 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Embryonic neurogenesis and differentiation in the hypothalamic feeding circuitry is under the control of a variety of diffused morphogens and intrinsic transcription factors, leading to the unique structural and functional characteristics of each nucleus. Scope of review The transcriptional regulation of the development of feeding neuroendocrine systems during the period of embryonic neurogenesis and differentiation will be reviewed here, with a special emphasis on genetic and environmental manipulations that yield an adverse metabolic phenotype. Major conclusions Emerging data suggest that developmental mechanisms can be perturbed not only by genetic manipulation, but also by manipulations to maternal nutrition during the gestational period, leading to long-lasting behavioral, neurobiological, and metabolic consequences. Leptin is neurotrophic in the embryonic brain, and given that it varies in proportion to maternal energy balance, may mediate these effects through an interaction with the mechanisms of hypothalamic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry MacKay
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Alfonso Abizaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
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Zagozewski JL, Zhang Q, Pinto VI, Wigle JT, Eisenstat DD. The role of homeobox genes in retinal development and disease. Dev Biol 2014; 393:195-208. [PMID: 25035933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox genes are an evolutionarily conserved class of transcription factors that are critical for development of many organ systems, including the brain and eye. During retinogenesis, homeodomain-containing transcription factors, which are encoded by homeobox genes, play essential roles in the regionalization and patterning of the optic neuroepithelium, specification of retinal progenitors and differentiation of all seven of the retinal cell classes that derive from a common progenitor. Homeodomain transcription factors control retinal cell fate by regulating the expression of target genes required for retinal progenitor cell fate decisions and for terminal differentiation of specific retinal cell types. The essential role of homeobox genes during retinal development is demonstrated by the number of human eye diseases, including colobomas and anophthalmia, which are attributed to homeobox gene mutations. In the following review, we highlight the role of homeodomain transcription factors during retinogenesis and regulation of their gene targets. Understanding the complexities of vertebrate retina development will enhance our ability to drive differentiation of specific retinal cell types towards novel cell-based replacement therapies for retinal degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Zagozewski
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H7
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9
| | - Vanessa I Pinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9
| | - Jeffrey T Wigle
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9; Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Research Institute, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R2H 2A6
| | - David D Eisenstat
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 2H7; Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9; Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada T6G 1C9.
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Giudetti G, Giannaccini M, Biasci D, Mariotti S, Degl'innocenti A, Perrotta M, Barsacchi G, Andreazzoli M. Characterization of the Rx1-dependent transcriptome during early retinal development. Dev Dyn 2014; 243:1352-61. [PMID: 24801179 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcription factor Rx1, also known as Rax, controls key properties of retinal precursors including migration behavior, proliferation, and maintenance of multipotency. However, Rx1 effector genes are largely unknown. RESULTS To identify genes controlled by Rx1 in early retinal precursors, we compared the transcriptome of Xenopus embryos overexpressing Rx1 to that of embryos in which Rx1 was knocked-down. In particular, we selected 52 genes coherently regulated, i.e., actived in Rx1 gain of function and repressed in Rx1 loss of function experiments, or vice versa. RT-qPCR and in situ hybridization confirmed the trend of regulation predicted by microarray data for the selected genes. Most of the genes upregulated by Rx1 are coexpressed with this transcription factor, while downregulated genes are either not expressed or expressed at very low levels in the early developing retina. Putative direct Rx1 target genes, activated by GR-Rx1 in the absence of protein synthesis, include Ephrin B1 and Sh2d3c, an interactor of ephrinB1 receptor, which represent candidate novel effectors for the migration promoting activity of Rx1. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies previously undescribed Rx1 regulated genes mainly involved in transcription regulation, cell migration/adhesion, and cell proliferation that contribute to delineate the molecular mechanisms underlying Rx1 activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Giudetti
- Unità di Biologia Cellulare e dello Sviluppo, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Homeobox genes and melatonin synthesis: regulatory roles of the cone-rod homeobox transcription factor in the rodent pineal gland. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:946075. [PMID: 24877149 PMCID: PMC4022116 DOI: 10.1155/2014/946075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Nocturnal synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland is controlled by a circadian rhythm in arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) enzyme activity. In the rodent, Aanat gene expression displays a marked circadian rhythm; release of norepinephrine in the gland at night causes a cAMP-based induction of Aanat transcription. However, additional transcriptional control mechanisms exist. Homeobox genes, which are generally known to encode transcription factors controlling developmental processes, are also expressed in the mature rodent pineal gland. Among these, the cone-rod homeobox (CRX) transcription factor is believed to control pineal-specific Aanat expression. Based on recent advances in our understanding of Crx in the rodent pineal gland, we here suggest that homeobox genes play a role in adult pineal physiology both by ensuring pineal-specific Aanat expression and by facilitating cAMP response element-based circadian melatonin production.
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50
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Pak T, Yoo S, Miranda-Angulo AM, Wang H, Blackshaw S. Rax-CreERT2 knock-in mice: a tool for selective and conditional gene deletion in progenitor cells and radial glia of the retina and hypothalamus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90381. [PMID: 24699247 PMCID: PMC3974648 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
To study gene function in neural progenitors and radial glia of the retina and hypothalamus, we developed a Rax-CreERT2 mouse line in which a tamoxifen-inducible Cre recombinase is inserted into the endogenous Rax locus. By crossing Rax-CreER(T2) with the Cre-dependent Ai9 reporter line, we demonstrate that tamoxifen-induced Cre activity recapitulates the endogenous Rax mRNA expression pattern. During embryonic development, Cre recombinase activity in Rax-CreER(T2) is confined to retinal and hypothalamic progenitor cells, as well as progenitor cells of the posterior pituitary. At postnatal time points, selective Cre recombinase activity is seen in radial glial-like cell types in these organs--specifically Müller glia and tanycytes--as well as pituicytes. We anticipate that this line will prove useful for cell lineage analysis and investigation of gene function in the developing and mature retina, hypothalamus and pituitary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Pak
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sooyeon Yoo
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ana M. Miranda-Angulo
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Institute of Medical Research, School of Medicine, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Center for High-Throughput Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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