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Kahane N, Dahan-Barda Y, Kalcheim C. A Spatio-Temporal-Dependent Requirement of Sonic Hedgehog in the Early Development of Sclerotome-Derived Vertebrae and Ribs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5602. [PMID: 38891790 PMCID: PMC11171667 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Derived from axial structures, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is secreted into the paraxial mesoderm, where it plays crucial roles in sclerotome induction and myotome differentiation. Through conditional loss-of-function in quail embryos, we investigate the timing and impact of Shh activity during early formation of sclerotome-derived vertebrae and ribs, and of lateral mesoderm-derived sternum. To this end, Hedgehog interacting protein (Hhip) was electroporated at various times between days 2 and 5. While the vertebral body and rib primordium showed consistent size reduction, rib expansion into the somatopleura remained unaffected, and the sternal bud developed normally. Additionally, we compared these effects with those of locally inhibiting BMP activity. Transfection of Noggin in the lateral mesoderm hindered sternal bud formation. Unlike Hhip, BMP inhibition via Noggin or Smad6 induced myogenic differentiation of the lateral dermomyotome lip, while impeding the growth of the myotome/rib complex into the somatic mesoderm, thus affirming the role of the lateral dermomyotome epithelium in rib guidance. Overall, these findings underscore the continuous requirement for opposing gradients of Shh and BMP activity in the morphogenesis of proximal and distal flank skeletal structures, respectively. Future research should address the implications of these early interactions to the later morphogenesis and function of the musculo-skeletal system and of possible associated malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chaya Kalcheim
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC) and the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC), Hebrew University of Jerusalem-Hadassah Medical School, P.O. Box 12272, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel; (N.K.); (Y.D.-B.)
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2
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Draga M, Scaal M. Building a vertebra: Development of the amniote sclerotome. J Morphol 2024; 285:e21665. [PMID: 38100740 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21665] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In embryonic development, the vertebral column arises from the sclerotomal compartment of the somites. The sclerotome is a mesenchymal cell mass which can be subdivided into several subpopulations specified by different regulatory mechanisms and giving rise to different parts of the vertebrae like vertebral body, vertebral arch, ribs, and vertebral joints. This review gives a short overview on the molecular and cellular basis of the formation of sclerotomal subdomains and the morphogenesis of their vertebral derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarethe Draga
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Center of Anatomy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Scaal
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Center of Anatomy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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3
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Dương TB, Dwivedi R, Bain LJ. 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol exposure impairs osteogenic differentiation. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 461:116386. [PMID: 36682590 PMCID: PMC9974311 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) is a synthetic antioxidant used in polyethylene crosspolymer (PEX) water distribution pipes and food-related plastics. 2,4-DTBP can leach from plastic materials and has been found in breast milk, cord blood, and placental tissue, giving rise to the concern that this compound may interfere with fetal development. The objective of this study is to assess the impacts of 2,4-DTBP on cellular differentiation. Human induced pluripotent stem (HiPS) cells were differentiated into osteoblasts or myoblasts over 40 days, and analyzed for markers of somite, dermomyotome, sclerotome, myoblast, and osteoblast development. When cultured as stem cells, 2,4-DTBP did not alter cell viability and expression of markers (NANOG, OCT4). However, upon differentiation into somite-like cells, 2,4-DTBP had reduced levels of MEOX1 and TBX6 transcripts, while NANOG and OCT4 were in turn upregulated in a dose-dependent manner. At the sclerotome-like stage, PAX9 mRNA decreased by 2-fold in the 0.5 μM and 1.0 μM 2,4-DTBP exposure groups. After 40 days of differentiation into an osteoblast-like lineage, exposure to 2,4-DTBP significantly reduced expression of the osteogenesis transcripts RUNX2 and OSX in a dose-dependent manner. Further, Alizarin Red staining of calcium deposits was decreased in the 0.5 μM and 1.0 μM treatment groups. In contrast, myogenesis was not affected by 2,4-DTBP exposure. Interestingly, KEAP1 expression was significantly increased in the sclerotomal-like cells, but decreased in the dermomytomal-like cells, which may suggest a mechanism of action. Overall, this study shows that 2,4-DTBP can delay key processes during sclerotome and osteoblast development, leading to a potential for bone developmental issues in exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh-Bình Dương
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 132 Long Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Raj Dwivedi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 132 Long Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Lisa J Bain
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, 132 Long Hall, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
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4
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The role of MEOX1 in non-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114068. [PMID: 36495659 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted gene therapy has shown durable efficacy in non-neoplastic and neoplastic patients. Therefore, finding a suitable target has become a key area of research. Mesenchyme homeobox 1 (MEOX1) is a transcriptional factor that plays a significant role in regulation of somite development. Evidence indicates that abnormalities in MEOX1 expression and function are associated with a variety of pathologies, including non-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases. MEOX1 expression is upregulated during progression of most diseases and plays a critical role in maintenance of the cellular phenotypes such as cell differentiation, cell cycle arrest and senescence, migration, and proliferation. Therefore, MEOX1 may become an important molecular target and therapeutic target. This review will discuss the current state of knowledge on the role of MEOX1 in different diseases.
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5
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Wei Z, Han C, Li H, He W, Zhou J, Dong H, Wu Y, Tian Y, Luo G. Molecular Mechanism of Mesenchyme Homeobox 1 in Transforming Growth Factor β1-Induced P311 Gene Transcription in Fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:59. [PMID: 32411720 PMCID: PMC7199492 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ fibrosis is characterized by excessive fibroblast, and extracellular matrix and the molecular basis are not fully elucidated. Recent studies have proven that P311, an 8-kDa conserved protein, could promote various organ fibrosis, such as skin, kidney, liver, and lung, partially through upregulating transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) translation. However, the upstream regulators and mechanism of P311 gene regulation remain unclear, although we previously found that cytokines, hypoxia, and TGF-β1 could upregulate P311 transcription. Here, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of TGF-β1–induced P311 transcriptional regulation, focusing on mesenchyme homeobox 1 (Meox1). In this article, we identified the core promoter of P311 through bioinformatics analysis and luciferase reporter assays. Moreover, we demonstrated that Meox1, induced by TGF-β1, could bind to the promoter of P311 and promote its transcriptional activity. Furthermore, the effect of Meox1 on P311 transcriptional expression contributed to altered migration and proliferation in human dermal fibroblast cells. In conclusion, we identified Meox1 as a novel transcription factor of P311 gene, providing a new clue of the pathogenesis in fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Wei
- Institute of Burn Research, PLA, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Han
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Haisheng Li
- Institute of Burn Research, PLA, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Weifeng He
- Institute of Burn Research, PLA, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Junyi Zhou
- Institute of Burn Research, PLA, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuzhang Wu
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Tian
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Gaoxing Luo
- Institute of Burn Research, PLA, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, The First Affiliated Hospital of Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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6
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Skuplik I, Cobb J. Animal Models for Understanding Human Skeletal Defects. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1236:157-188. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-15-2389-2_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Lu D, Wang J, Li J, Guan F, Zhang X, Dong W, Liu N, Gao S, Zhang L. Meox1 accelerates myocardial hypertrophic decompensation through Gata4. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 114:300-311. [PMID: 29155983 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Pathological hypertrophy is the result of gene network regulation, which ultimately leads to adverse cardiac remodelling and heart failure (HF) and is accompanied by the reactivation of a 'foetal gene programme'. The Mesenchyme homeobox 1 (Meox1) gene is one of the foetal programme genes. Meox1 may play a role in embryonic development, but its regulation of pathological hypertrophy is not known. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of Meox1 on pathological hypertrophy, including familial and pressure overload-induced hypertrophy, and its potential mechanism of action. Methods and results Meox1 expression was markedly down-regulated in the wild-type adult mouse heart with age, and expression was up-regulated in heart tissues from familial dilated cardiomyopathy (FDCM) mice of the cTnTR141W strain, familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (FHCM) mice of the cTnTR92Q strain, pressure overload-induced HF mice, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) patients. Echocardiography, histopathology, and hypertrophic molecular markers consistently demonstrated that Meox1 overexpression exacerbated the phenotypes in FHCM and in mice with thoracic aorta constriction (TAC), and that Meox1 knockdown improved the pathological changes. Gata4 was identified as a potential downstream target of Meox1 using digital gene expression (DGE) profiling, real-time PCR, and bioinformatics analysis. Promoter activity data and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and Gata4 knockdown analyses indicated that Meox1 acted via activation of Gata4 transcription. Conclusion Meox1 accelerated decompensation via the downstream target Gata4, at least in part directly. Meox1 and other foetal programme genes form a highly interconnected network, which offers multiple therapeutic entry points to dampen the aberrant expression of foetal genes and pathological hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, NHFPC, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College, Building 5, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jizheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Disease, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 167 Beilishilu, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, NHFPC, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College, Building 5, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Feifei Guan
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, NHFPC, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College, Building 5, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, NHFPC, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College, Building 5, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, NHFPC, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College, Building 5, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, NHFPC, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College, Building 5, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, NHFPC, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College, Building 5, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Lianfeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Human Disease Comparative Medicine, NHFPC, Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Comparative Medical Center, Peking Union Medical College, Building 5, Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100021, China
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8
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Dauer MVP, Currie PD, Berger J. Skeletal malformations of Meox1-deficient zebrafish resemble human Klippel-Feil syndrome. J Anat 2018; 233:687-695. [PMID: 30277257 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Klippel-Feil syndrome is a congenital vertebral anomaly, which is characterised by the fusion of at least two cervical vertebrae and a clinically broad set of symptoms, including congenital scoliosis and elevated scapula (Sprengel's deformity). Klippel-Feil syndrome is associated with mutations in MEOX1. The zebrafish mutant choker (cho) carries a mutation in its orthologue, meox1. Although zebrafish is being increasingly employed as fidelitous models of human spinal disease, the vertebral column of Meox1-deficient fish has not been assessed for defects. Here, we describe the skeletal defects of meox1cho mutant zebrafish utilising alizarin red to stain bones and chemical maceration of soft tissue to detect fusions in an unbiased manner. Obtained data reveal that meox1cho mutants feature aspects of a number of described symptoms of patients who suffer from Klippel-Feil syndrome and have mutations in MEOX1. These include vertebral fusion, congenital scoliosis and an asymmetry of the pectoral girdle, which resembles Sprengel's deformity. Thus, the meox1cho mutant zebrafish may serve as a useful tool to study the pathogenesis of the symptoms associated with Klippel-Feil syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervyn V P Dauer
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Victoria Node, EMBL Australia, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter D Currie
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Victoria Node, EMBL Australia, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Joachim Berger
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Victoria Node, EMBL Australia, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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9
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Early development of the vertebral column. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 49:83-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Zhao J, Li S, Trilok S, Tanaka M, Jokubaitis-Jameson V, Wang B, Niwa H, Nakayama N. Small molecule-directed specification of sclerotome-like chondroprogenitors and induction of a somitic chondrogenesis program from embryonic stem cells. Development 2014; 141:3848-58. [PMID: 25294938 PMCID: PMC7055718 DOI: 10.1242/dev.105981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) generate rostral paraxial mesoderm-like progeny in 5-6 days of differentiation induced by Wnt3a and Noggin (Nog). We report that canonical Wnt signaling introduced either by forced expression of activated β-catenin, or the small-molecule inhibitor of Gsk3, CHIR99021, satisfied the need for Wnt3a signaling, and that the small-molecule inhibitor of BMP type I receptors, LDN193189, was able to replace Nog. Mesodermal progeny generated using such small molecules were chondrogenic in vitro, and expressed trunk paraxial mesoderm markers such as Tcf15 and Meox1, and somite markers such as Uncx, but failed to express sclerotome markers such as Pax1. Induction of the osteochondrogenically committed sclerotome from somite requires sonic hedgehog and Nog. Consistently, Pax1 and Bapx1 expression was induced when the isolated paraxial mesodermal progeny were treated with SAG1 (a hedgehog receptor agonist) and LDN193189, then Sox9 expression was induced, leading to cartilaginous nodules and particles in the presence of BMP, indicative of chondrogenesis via sclerotome specification. By contrast, treatment with TGFβ also supported chondrogenesis and stimulated Sox9 expression, but failed to induce the expression of Pax1 and Bapx1. On ectopic transplantation to immunocompromised mice, the cartilage particles developed under either condition became similarly mineralized and formed pieces of bone with marrow. Thus, the use of small molecules led to the effective generation from ESCs of paraxial mesodermal progeny, and to their further differentiation in vitro through sclerotome specification into growth plate-like chondrocytes, a mechanism resembling in vivo somitic chondrogenesis that is not recapitulated with TGFβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangang Zhao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Songhui Li
- Australian Stem Cell Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Suprita Trilok
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Makoto Tanaka
- Australian Stem Cell Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | | | - Bei Wang
- Australian Stem Cell Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Hitoshi Niwa
- RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Naoki Nakayama
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA Australian Stem Cell Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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Xu X, He Y, Sun L, Ma S, Luo C. Maternal Vsx1 plays an essential role in regulating prechordal mesendoderm and forebrain formation in zebrafish. Dev Biol 2014; 394:264-76. [PMID: 25150888 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2014] [Revised: 08/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Prechordal mesendoderm (PME) is a derivative of gastrula organizer underlying the anterior neural plate of vertebrate embryos. It has been firmly established that PME is critical for head induction and anterior-posterior patterning. Therefore, the establishment of PME in a desired shape and size at a correct position during early embryogenesis is crucial for normal head patterning. However, it remains largely unclear how the desired form and size of PME is generated at a predestined position during early embryogenesis. Here we show that in zebrafish a maternal transcription repressor Vsx1 is essential for this early developmental regulation. Knocking down maternal vsx1 resulted in impaired PME formation and progression associated with a deficient and posteriorized forebrain. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments showed that maternal Vsx1 is essential for repressing ntl ectopic expression in more animal region at early gastrula stages. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay in combination with core consensus sequence mutation analysis further revealed that maternal Vsx1 can directly repress ntl transcription by binding to the proximal promoter at a specific site. Simultaneous inhibition of ntl function could successfully suppress the defects of both PME and forebrain formation in maternal Vsx1 knockdown embryos. Our results reveal a pivotal role for maternal Vsx1 as a direct transcriptional repressor of ntl expression at the margin of the zebrafish gastrula to ensure directional cell polarization and migration of PME cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying He
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shanshan Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan, China
| | - Chen Luo
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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He Y, Xu X, Zhao S, Ma S, Sun L, Liu Z, Luo C. Maternal control of axial-paraxial mesoderm patterning via direct transcriptional repression in zebrafish. Dev Biol 2013; 386:96-110. [PMID: 24296303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Revised: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Axial-paraxial mesoderm patterning is a special dorsal-ventral patterning event of establishing the vertebrate body plan. Though dorsal-ventral patterning has been extensively studied, the initiation of axial-paraxial mesoderm pattering remains largely unrevealed. In zebrafish, spt cell-autonomously regulates paraxial mesoderm specification and flh represses spt expression to promote axial mesoderm fate, but the expression domains of spt and flh initially overlap in the entire marginal zone of the embryo. Defining spt and flh territories is therefore a premise of axial-paraxial mesoderm patterning. In this study, we investigated why and how the initial expression of flh becomes repressed in the ventrolateral marginal cells during blastula stage. Loss- and gain-of-function experiments showed that a maternal transcription factor Vsx1 is essential for restricting flh expression within the dorsal margin and preserving spt expression and paraxial mesoderm specification in the ventrolateral margin of embryo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays in combination with core consensus sequence mutation analysis further revealed that Vsx1 can directly repress flh by binding to the proximal promoter at a specific site. Inhibiting maternal vsx1 translation resulted in confusion of axial and paraxial mesoderm markers expression and axial-paraxial mesoderm patterning. These results demonstrated that direct transcriptional repression of the decisive axial mesoderm gene by maternal ventralizing factor is a crucial regulatory mechanism of initiating axial-paraxial mesoderm patterning in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying He
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofeng Xu
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shufang Zhao
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Ma
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Sun
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenghua Liu
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Luo
- College of Life Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Mohamed JY, Faqeih E, Alsiddiky A, Alshammari MJ, Ibrahim NA, Alkuraya FS. Mutations in MEOX1, encoding mesenchyme homeobox 1, cause Klippel-Feil anomaly. Am J Hum Genet 2013; 92:157-61. [PMID: 23290072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a segmentation malformation of the cervical spine; clinically, it manifests as a short neck with reduced mobility and a low posterior hairline. Several genes have been proposed as candidates for KFS when it is present with other associated anomalies, but the genetics of isolated KFS have been difficult to study because of the syndrome's mostly sporadic occurrence. We describe a multiplex consanguineous family in which isolated KFS maps to a single 17q21.31 locus that harbors a homozygous frameshift deletion in MEOX1; this deletion results in complete instability of the transcript. Direct sequencing of this gene in two siblings from another consanguineous family affected by isolated KFS uncovered another homozygous truncating (nonsense) MEOX1 mutation that also leads to complete degradation of the transcript. This gene encodes a transcription factor with a well-established and nonredundant role in somite development, and homozygous null alleles of Meox1 in mice have a cervical skeletal defect that is remarkably similar to the one we observe in human individuals with MEOX1 mutations. Our data strongly suggest that KFS is the human phenotypic equivalent of the sclerotome polarity defect that results from Meox1 deficiency in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawahir Y Mohamed
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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Thiaville MM, Stoeck A, Chen L, Wu RC, Magnani L, Oidtman J, Shih IM, Lupien M, Wang TL. Identification of PBX1 target genes in cancer cells by global mapping of PBX1 binding sites. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36054. [PMID: 22567123 PMCID: PMC3342315 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PBX1 is a TALE homeodomain transcription factor involved in organogenesis and tumorigenesis. Although it has been shown that ovarian, breast, and melanoma cancer cells depend on PBX1 for cell growth and survival, the molecular mechanism of how PBX1 promotes tumorigenesis remains unclear. Here, we applied an integrated approach by overlapping PBX1 ChIP-chip targets with the PBX1-regulated transcriptome in ovarian cancer cells to identify genes whose transcription was directly regulated by PBX1. We further determined if PBX1 target genes identified in ovarian cancer cells were co-overexpressed with PBX1 in carcinoma tissues. By analyzing TCGA gene expression microarray datasets from ovarian serous carcinomas, we found co-upregulation of PBX1 and a significant number of its direct target genes. Among the PBX1 target genes, a homeodomain protein MEOX1 whose DNA binding motif was enriched in PBX1-immunoprecipicated DNA sequences was selected for functional analysis. We demonstrated that MEOX1 protein interacts with PBX1 protein and inhibition of MEOX1 yields a similar growth inhibitory phenotype as PBX1 suppression. Furthermore, ectopically expressed MEOX1 functionally rescued the PBX1-withdrawn effect, suggesting MEOX1 mediates the cellular growth signal of PBX1. These results demonstrate that MEOX1 is a critical target gene and cofactor of PBX1 in ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M. Thiaville
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alexander Stoeck
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Li Chen
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ren-Chin Wu
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Luca Magnani
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Jessica Oidtman
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ie-Ming Shih
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mathieu Lupien
- Institute of Quantitative Biomedical Sciences, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Tian-Li Wang
- Departments of Pathology and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Lufkin T. Bridging the Gap: Understanding Embryonic Intervertebral Disc Development. CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 1:103. [PMID: 23106046 PMCID: PMC3481539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The intervertebral disc (IVD) is a multi-component structure consisting of a heterogeneous population of cells that form the central nucleus pulposus, encased by the fibrous annulus fibrosus and the cartilage end-plate. The essential function of the IVD is to withstand biomechanical forces, confer tensile strength and flexibility in motion to the spine. Disc degenerative disease (DD) is a prevalent ailment that affects the general population, often manifesting either in the form of lower back pain or as deformities of the spine such as degenerative lumbar scoliosis or in severe cases as disc herniation. With the aid of mutant mouse models generated through traditional knock-out strategies and spontaneous mutants, scientists have been able to elucidate some of the fundamental mechanisms of embryonic IVD development. Mutual interaction between the notochord and vertebral bodies are instrumental in the proper formation of the IVD. In this review, the known and proposed molecular mechanisms underlying these processes and the areas that require further investigation are discussed. Sufficient knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of IVD formation and the etiology of IVD degeneration is currently lacking and this has greatly hampered efforts to design appropriate and effective therapies for DD. With the dawn of the next-generation sequencing and better tools to engineer the genome, elucidation of the mechanism of IVD formation and the molecular basis of the pathology of DD ought to be an appealing avenue for researchers to pursue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lufkin
- Corresponding author: Thomas Lufkin, Ph.D, Stem Cell and Developmental Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, Tel: (65) 6808 8167; Fax: (65) 6808 8307;
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Douville JM, Cheung DYC, Herbert KL, Moffatt T, Wigle JT. Mechanisms of MEOX1 and MEOX2 regulation of the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors p21 and p16 in vascular endothelial cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29099. [PMID: 22206000 PMCID: PMC3243699 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Senescence, the state of permanent cell cycle arrest, has been associated
with endothelial cell dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The cyclin dependent
kinase inhibitors p21CIP1/WAF1 and p16INK4a govern the
G1/S cell cycle checkpoint and are essential for determining whether
a cell enters into an arrested state. The homeodomain transcription factor
MEOX2 is an important regulator of vascular cell proliferation and is a direct
transcriptional activator of both p21CIP1/WAF1 and p16INK4a.
MEOX1 and MEOX2 have been shown to be partially functionally redundant during
development, suggesting that they regulate similar target genes in
vivo. We compared the ability of MEOX1 and MEOX2 to activate p21CIP1/WAF1
and p16INK4a expression and induce endothelial cell cycle arrest.
Our results demonstrate for the first time that MEOX1 regulates the MEOX2
target genes p21CIP1/WAF1 and p16INK4a. In addition,
increased expression of either of the MEOX homeodomain transcription factors
leads to cell cycle arrest and endothelial cell senescence. Furthermore, we
show that the mechanism of transcriptional activation of these cyclin dependent
kinase inhibitor genes by MEOX1 and MEOX2 is distinct. MEOX1 and MEOX2 activate
p16INK4a in a DNA binding dependent manner, whereas they induce
p21CIP1/WAF1 in a DNA binding independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josette M. Douville
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences,
St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical
Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - David Y. C. Cheung
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences,
St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Krista L. Herbert
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences,
St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Teri Moffatt
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences,
St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T. Wigle
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences,
St. Boniface Hospital Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical
Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Cattell M, Lai S, Cerny R, Medeiros DM. A new mechanistic scenario for the origin and evolution of vertebrate cartilage. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22474. [PMID: 21799866 PMCID: PMC3142159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 06/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The appearance of cellular cartilage was a defining event in vertebrate evolution because it made possible the physical expansion of the vertebrate "new head". Despite its central role in vertebrate evolution, the origin of cellular cartilage has been difficult to understand. This is largely due to a lack of informative evolutionary intermediates linking vertebrate cellular cartilage to the acellular cartilage of invertebrate chordates. The basal jawless vertebrate, lamprey, has long been considered key to understanding the evolution of vertebrate cartilage. However, histological analyses of the lamprey head skeleton suggest it is composed of modern cellular cartilage and a putatively unrelated connective tissue called mucocartilage, with no obvious transitional tissue. Here we take a molecular approach to better understand the evolutionary relationships between lamprey cellular cartilage, gnathostome cellular cartilage, and lamprey mucocartilage. We find that despite overt histological similarity, lamprey and gnathostome cellular cartilage utilize divergent gene regulatory networks (GRNs). While the gnathostome cellular cartilage GRN broadly incorporates Runx, Barx, and Alx transcription factors, lamprey cellular cartilage does not express Runx or Barx, and only deploys Alx genes in certain regions. Furthermore, we find that lamprey mucocartilage, despite its distinctive mesenchymal morphology, deploys every component of the gnathostome cartilage GRN, albeit in different domains. Based on these findings, and previous work, we propose a stepwise model for the evolution of vertebrate cellular cartilage in which the appearance of a generic neural crest-derived skeletal tissue was followed by a phase of skeletal tissue diversification in early agnathans. In the gnathostome lineage, a single type of rigid cellular cartilage became dominant, replacing other skeletal tissues and evolving via gene cooption to become the definitive cellular cartilage of modern jawed vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cattell
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Su Lai
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Robert Cerny
- Department of Zoology, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Meulemans Medeiros
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Transient activation of meox1 is an early component of the gene regulatory network downstream of hoxa2. Mol Cell Biol 2011; 31:1301-8. [PMID: 21245383 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00705-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox genes encode transcription factors that regulate morphogenesis in all animals with bilateral symmetry. Although Hox genes have been extensively studied, their molecular function is not clear in vertebrates, and only a limited number of genes regulated by Hox transcription factors have been identified. Hoxa2 is required for correct development of the second branchial arch, its major domain of expression. We now show that Meox1 is genetically downstream from Hoxa2 and is a direct target. Meox1 expression is downregulated in the second arch of Hoxa2 mouse mutant embryos. In chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), Hoxa2 binds to the Meox1 proximal promoter. Two highly conserved binding sites contained in this sequence are required for Hoxa2-dependent activation of the Meox1 promoter. Remarkably, in the absence of Meox1 and its close homolog Meox2, the second branchial arch develops abnormally and two of the three skeletal elements patterned by Hoxa2 are malformed. Finally, we show that Meox1 can specifically bind the DNA sequences recognized by Hoxa2 on its functional target genes. These results provide new insight into the Hoxa2 regulatory network that controls branchial arch identity.
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20
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Skuntz S, Mankoo B, Nguyen MTT, Hustert E, Nakayama A, Tournier-Lasserve E, Wright CVE, Pachnis V, Bharti K, Arnheiter H. Lack of the mesodermal homeodomain protein MEOX1 disrupts sclerotome polarity and leads to a remodeling of the cranio-cervical joints of the axial skeleton. Dev Biol 2009; 332:383-95. [PMID: 19520072 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2009] [Revised: 06/03/2009] [Accepted: 06/04/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Meox1 and Meox2 are two related homeodomain transcription factor genes that together are essential for the development of all somite compartments. Here we show that mice homozygous for Meox1 mutations alone have abnormalities that are restricted to the sclerotome and its derivatives. A prominent and consistent phenotype of these mutations is a remodeling of the cranio-cervical joints whose major feature is the assimilation of the atlas into the basioccipital bone so that the skull rests on the axis. These abnormalities can be traced back to changes in the relative rates of cell proliferation in the rostral and caudal sclerotome compartments, and they are associated with alterations in the expression of at least three transcription factor genes, Tbx18, Uncx, and Bapx1. As previously observed for Bapx1, MEOX1 protein occupies evolutionarily conserved promoter regions of Tbx18 and Uncx, suggesting that Meox1 regulates these genes at least in part directly. Hence, Meox1 is part of a regulatory circuit that serves an essential, non-redundant function in the maintenance of rostro-caudal sclerotome polarity and axial skeleton formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Skuntz
- Mammalian Development Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-3706, USA
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Chong SW, Korzh V, Jiang YJ. Myogenesis and molecules - insights from zebrafish Danio rerio. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2009; 74:1693-1755. [PMID: 20735668 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2009.02174.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Myogenesis is a fundamental process governing the formation of muscle in multicellular organisms. Recent studies in zebrafish Danio rerio have described the molecular events occurring during embryonic morphogenesis and have thus greatly clarified this process, helping to distinguish between the events that give rise to fast v. slow muscle. Coupled with the well-known Hedgehog signalling cascade and a wide variety of cellular processes during early development, the continual research on D. rerio slow muscle precursors has provided novel insights into their cellular behaviours in this organism. Similarly, analyses on fast muscle precursors have provided knowledge of the behaviour of a sub-set of epitheloid cells residing in the anterior domain of somites. Additionally, the findings by various groups on the roles of several molecules in somitic myogenesis have been clarified in the past year. In this study, the authors briefly review the current trends in the field of research of D. rerio trunk myogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S-W Chong
- Laboratory of Developmental Signalling and Patterning, Genes and Development Division, A STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138673, Singapore.
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23
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Sox9 directly promotes Bapx1 gene expression to repress Runx2 in chondrocytes. Exp Cell Res 2009; 315:2231-40. [PMID: 19306868 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2009.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2009] [Revised: 03/13/2009] [Accepted: 03/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor, Sry-related High Mobility Group (HMG) box containing gene 9 (Sox9), plays a critical role in cartilage development by initiating chondrogenesis and preventing the subsequent maturation process called chondrocyte hypertrophy. This suppression mechanism by Sox9 on late-stage chondrogenesis partially results from the inhibition of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), the main activator of hypertrophic chondrocyte differentiation. However, the precise mechanism by which Sox9 regulates late chondrogenesis is poorly understood. In the present study, the transcriptional repressor vertebrate homolog of Drosophila bagpipe (Bapx1) was found to be a direct target of Sox9 for repression of Runx2 expression in chondrocytes. We identified a critical Sox9 responsive region in the Bapx1 promoter via a luciferase reporter assay. Analysis by chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicated that Sox9 physically bound to this region of the Bapx1 promoter. Consistent with the notion that Bapx1 and Sox9 act as negative regulators of chondrocyte hypertrophy by regulating Runx2 expression, transient knockdown of Sox9 or Bapx1 expression by shRNA in chondrocytes increased Runx2 expression, as well as expression of the late chondrogenesis marker, Col10a1. Furthermore, while over-expression of Sox9 decreased Runx2 and Col10a1 expressions, simultaneous transient knockdown of Bapx1 diminished that Sox9 over-expressing effect. Our findings reveal that the molecular pathway modulated by Bapx1 links two major regulators in chondrogenesis, Sox9 and Runx2, to coordinate skeletal formation.
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24
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Formation and Differentiation of Avian Somite Derivatives. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2008; 638:1-41. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-09606-3_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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25
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Hoffman BG, Zavaglia B, Witzsche J, Ruiz de Algara T, Beach M, Hoodless PA, Jones SJM, Marra MA, Helgason CD. Identification of transcripts with enriched expression in the developing and adult pancreas. Genome Biol 2008; 9:R99. [PMID: 18554416 PMCID: PMC2481431 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2008-9-6-r99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2008] [Revised: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 06/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite recent advances, the transcriptional hierarchy driving pancreas organogenesis remains largely unknown, in part due to the paucity of comprehensive analyses. To address this deficit we generated ten SAGE libraries from the developing murine pancreas spanning Theiler stages 17-26, making use of available Pdx1 enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and Neurog3 EGFP reporter strains, as well as tissue from adult islets and ducts. RESULTS We used a specificity metric to identify 2,536 tags with pancreas-enriched expression compared to 195 other mouse SAGE libraries. We subsequently grouped co-expressed transcripts with differential expression during pancreas development using K-means clustering. We validated the clusters first using quantitative real time PCR and then by analyzing the Theiler stage 22 pancreas in situ hybridization staining patterns of over 600 of the identified genes using the GenePaint database. These were then categorized into one of the five expression domains within the developing pancreas. Based on these results we identified a cascade of transcriptional regulators expressed in the endocrine pancreas lineage and, from this, we developed a predictive regulatory network describing beta-cell development. CONCLUSION Taken together, this work provides evidence that the SAGE libraries generated here are a valuable resource for continuing to elucidate the molecular mechanisms regulating pancreas development. Furthermore, our studies provide a comprehensive analysis of pancreas development, and insights into the regulatory networks driving this process are revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad G Hoffman
- Department of Cancer Endocrinology, BC Cancer Research Center, West 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada.
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26
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Vatanavicharn N, Graham JM, Curry CJ, Pepkowitz S, Lachman RS, Rimoin DL, Wilcox WR. Diaphanospondylodysostosis: six new cases and exclusion of the candidate genes, PAX1 and MEOX1. Am J Med Genet A 2008; 143A:2292-302. [PMID: 17764081 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.31934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We report on six cases from four families with the newly described skeletal disorder diaphanospondylodysostosis (DSD). The characteristic radiographic findings included abnormal ossification of vertebral bodies, posterior rib gaps, missing ribs, and a downward tilt of the pubic rami, but normal long bones. The typical facial features of DSD cases were ocular hypertelorism, a short nose, depressed nasal bridge, and low set ears. Other distinctive findings included a short neck with bell-shaped thorax, and nephroblastomatosis. A history of consanguinity and affected siblings with unaffected parents supports autosomal recessive inheritance. Skeletal histology showed incomplete ossification of the ribs, vertebral bodies, and sacrum as well as incomplete formation of intervertebral discs. The posterior ribs were comprised of bone with intervening cartilage interrupted by dense fibrous tissue and skeletal muscle fascicles. These findings suggest abnormal development and differentiation of the paraxial mesoderm. Because of phenotypic similarities of DSD to Pax1 and Meox1 deficient mice, we sequenced genomic DNA from three unrelated DSD cases. No mutations were identified in the PAX1 and MEOX1 exons or flanking intronic sequences, excluding them as likely causative genes.
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27
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Brody T, Rasband W, Baler K, Kuzin A, Kundu M, Odenwald WF. cis-Decoder discovers constellations of conserved DNA sequences shared among tissue-specific enhancers. Genome Biol 2007; 8:R75. [PMID: 17490485 PMCID: PMC1929141 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2007-8-5-r75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2006] [Revised: 12/18/2006] [Accepted: 05/09/2007] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
: The use of cis-Decoder, a new tool for discovery of conserved sequence elements that are shared between similarly regulating enhancers, suggests that enhancers use overlapping repertoires of highly conserved core elements. A systematic approach is described for analysis of evolutionarily conserved cis-regulatory DNA using cis-Decoder, a tool for discovery of conserved sequence elements that are shared between similarly regulated enhancers. Analysis of 2,086 conserved sequence blocks (CSBs), identified from 135 characterized enhancers, reveals most CSBs consist of shorter overlapping/adjacent elements that are either enhancer type-specific or common to enhancers with divergent regulatory behaviors. Our findings suggest that enhancers employ overlapping repertoires of highly conserved core elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Brody
- Neural Cell-Fate Determinants Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Wayne Rasband
- Office of Scientific Director, IRP, NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kevin Baler
- Office of Scientific Director, IRP, NIMH, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Alexander Kuzin
- Neural Cell-Fate Determinants Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mukta Kundu
- Neural Cell-Fate Determinants Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Ward F Odenwald
- Neural Cell-Fate Determinants Section, NINDS, NIH, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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Valcourt U, Thuault S, Pardali K, Heldin CH, Moustakas A. Functional role of Meox2 during the epithelial cytostatic response to TGF-beta. Mol Oncol 2007; 1:55-71. [PMID: 19383287 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2007.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2006] [Revised: 02/10/2007] [Accepted: 02/12/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) suppresses epithelial cell growth. We have identified a new target gene of the TGF-beta/Smad pathway, Meox2, encoding the homeodomain transcription factor that is known to regulate endothelial cell proliferation and muscle development. Knockdown of endogenous Meox2 by RNA interference prevented the TGF-beta1-induced cytostatic response. Moreover, ectopic Meox2 suppressed epithelial cell proliferation in cooperation with TGF-beta1, and mediated induction of the cell cycle inhibitor gene p21. Transcriptional induction of p21 by Meox2 required a distal region of the p21 promoter that spans the p53-binding site. We show that Meox2 can form protein complexes with Smads leading to cooperative regulation of p21 gene expression. Finally, we found that in cell models that undergo both cell cycle arrest and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), ectopic Meox2 failed to induce EMT and inhibited the proper EMT response to TGF-beta. Thus, Meox2 is primarily involved in the TGF-beta tumor suppressor pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Valcourt
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Uppsala University, Box 595, Biomedical Center, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
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29
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Abstract
Somites are segments of paraxial mesoderm that give rise to a multitude of tissues in the vertebrate embryo. Many decades of intensive research have provided a wealth of data on the complex molecular interactions leading to the formation of various somitic derivatives. In this review, we focus on the crucial role of the somites in building the body wall and limbs of amniote embryos. We give an overview on the current knowledge on the specification and differentiation of somitic cell lineages leading to the development of the vertebral column, skeletal muscle, connective tissue, meninges, and vessel endothelium, and highlight the importance of the somites in establishing the metameric pattern of the vertebrate body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bodo Christ
- Institute of Anatomy und Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Embryology, University of Freiburg, Albertstr. 17, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
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30
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Lallier TE, Spencer A. Use of microarrays to find novel regulators of periodontal ligament fibroblast differentiation. Cell Tissue Res 2006; 327:93-109. [PMID: 17024420 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-006-0282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 06/13/2006] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Periodontal regeneration requires the coordinated movement and differentiation of several cell types in order to re-establish the cementum, periodontal ligament (PDL), and alveolar bone. Cells in culture are often used as model systems for mature tissues, although they may represent expanded progenitor cell populations. Comparison of transcript expression between fresh PDL tissue and PDL cell isolates by MicroArray analysis has revealed numerous molecular differences. Several transcripts (including alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, periostin, and fibromodulin) are expressed at higher levels in fresh PDL than in cultured PDL cells. In contrast, PDL cells in culture selectively express a variety of growth factors. Several of these growth factors alter PDL fibroblast behavior. Two members of the transforming growth factor beta family of growth factors, namely, bone morphogenic protein-7 (BMP7) and growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF5), reduce cell proliferation and Stro-1 expression (a bone marrow stromal stem cell marker), whereas only BMP7 induces alkaline phosphatase activity. In contrast, fibroblast growth factor-5 induces enhanced cell proliferation and Stro-1 expression, while repressing alkaline phosphatase activity. The stimulation of PDL cells to differentiate (either by BMP7 or GDF5) inhibits cell motility. Thus, PDL cells in culture are regulated by several factors that differentially stimulate a mineralized (cementoblast-like) fate, a non-mineralized fate (mature fibroblasts), or the propagation of a more naive phenotype (potential progenitors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Lallier
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Center of Excellence in Oral and Craniofacial Biology, School of Dentistry, Louisiana State University Health Science Center, 1100 Florida Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA.
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31
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Fischer S, Lüdecke HJ, Wieczorek D, Böhringer S, Gillessen-Kaesbach G, Horsthemke B. Histone acetylation dependent allelic expression imbalance of BAPX1 in patients with the oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum. Hum Mol Genet 2006; 15:581-7. [PMID: 16407370 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddi474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum (OAVS) (OMIM % 164210) is a common developmental disorder characterized by hemifacial microsomia, epibulbar tumours, ear malformation and vertebral anomalies. Although rare familial cases suggest that OAVS has a genetic basis, no genetic defect has been identified so far. In a patient with OAVS and a chromosomal translocation t(4;8) we have found that the chromosome 4 breakpoint is 76.4 kb distal to the BAPX1 gene, which plays an essential role in craniofacial development. We did not detect any BAPX1 mutation in 105 patients, but observed a strong allelic expression imbalance (sAEI) in fibroblasts from five of 12 patients, but not in nine normal controls (Fisher's exact test, P=0.038). sAEI was de novo in one patient and inherited in two other patients. Prolonged cell culture or treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A led to reactivation of the downregulated allele. We propose that epigenetic dysregulation of BAPX1 plays an important role in OAVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Fischer
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
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Church V, Yamaguchi K, Tsang P, Akita K, Logan C, Francis-West P. Expression and function of Bapx1 during chick limb development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 209:461-9. [PMID: 15887045 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-005-0464-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The homeobox-containing transcription factor Bapx1 (also known as Nkx3.2) is crucial for development of the axial skeleton and parts of the chondrocranium. Here we describe the detailed expression of Bapx1 during chick limb development and show that in contrast to its expression in the axial skeleton, Bapx1 is expressed after the commitment to chondrogenesis. Bapx1 is initially expressed throughout the developing skeletal elements prior to the overt differentiation of the distinct chondrogenic layers. Once distinct layers (proliferating, prehypertrophic and hypertrophic) have formed, Bapx1 expression is restricted to the proliferating chondrocytes. Bapx1 transcripts are excluded from the articular cartilage. A second homeobox-containing transcription factor, Barx1, is expressed in a complementary fashion in the developing joint and articular cartilage. Interestingly, in vitro functional analyses showed that Bapx1 overexpression in micromass cultures increased both matrix production and nodule number suggesting that Bapx1 is sufficient to promote chondrogenesis in the limb. In contrast, Barx1 had the opposite effect on nodule number suggesting that it has an inhibitory effect on chondrogenic initiation consistent with its expression in the developing joint. A slight increase in matrix levels was also observed consistent with its expression in the articular chondrocytes. Finally, we show that Bapx1 is also expressed in the soft tissues such as the developing tendons, muscle sheaths and surrounding mesenchyme, and therefore may have additional as yet uncharacterized roles in limb morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Church
- Department of Craniofacial Development, King's College London, Guy's Tower, Floor 27, London Bridge, London, SE1 9RT, UK
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Abstract
Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is a critical signaling factor for a variety of developmental pathways during embryogenesis, including the specification of left-right asymmetry in the heart. Mice that lack Hedgehog signaling show a delay in the induction of cardiomyogenesis, as indicated by a delayed expression of Nkx2-5. To further examine a role for Shh in cardiomyogenesis, clonal populations of P19 cells that stably express Shh, termed P19(Shh) cells, were isolated. In monolayer P19(Shh) cultures the Shh pathway was functional as shown by the up-regulation of Ptc1 and Gli1 expression, but no cardiac muscle markers were activated. However, Shh expression induced cardiomyogenesis following cellular aggregation, resulting in the expression of factors expressed in cardiac muscle including GATA-4, MEF2C, and Nkx2-5. Furthermore, aggregated P19 cell lines expressing Gli2 or Meox1 also up-regulated the expression of cardiac muscle factors, leading to cardiomyogenesis. Meox1 up-regulated the expression of Gli1 and Gli2 and, thus, can modify the Shh signaling pathway. Finally, Shh, Gli2, and Meox1 all up-regulated BMP-4 expression, implying that activation of the Hedgehog pathway can regulate bone morphogenetic protein signals. Taken together, we propose a model in which Shh, functioning via Gli1/2, can specify mesodermal cells into the cardiac muscle lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Gianakopoulos
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Sciences Building, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
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