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Liu Y, Kim YS, Xue X, Miao Y, Kobayashi N, Sun S, Yan RZ, Yang Q, Pourquié O, Fu J. A human pluripotent stem cell-based somitogenesis model using microfluidics. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:1113-1126.e6. [PMID: 38981471 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.06.004] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Emerging human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based embryo models are useful for studying human embryogenesis. Particularly, there are hPSC-based somitogenesis models using free-floating culture that recapitulate somite formation. Somitogenesis in vivo involves intricately orchestrated biochemical and biomechanical events. However, none of the current somitogenesis models controls biochemical gradients or biomechanical signals in the culture, limiting their applicability to untangle complex biochemical-biomechanical interactions that drive somitogenesis. Herein, we develop a human somitogenesis model by confining hPSC-derived presomitic mesoderm (PSM) tissues in microfabricated trenches. Exogenous microfluidic morphogen gradients imposed on the PSM tissues cause axial patterning and trigger spontaneous rostral-to-caudal somite formation. A mechanical theory is developed to explain the size dependency between somites and the PSM. The microfluidic somitogenesis model is further exploited to reveal regulatory roles of cellular and tissue biomechanics in somite formation. This study presents a useful microengineered, hPSC-based model for understanding the biochemical and biomechanical events that guide somite formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Yung Su Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xufeng Xue
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yuchuan Miao
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Norio Kobayashi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shiyu Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Robin Zhexuan Yan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Qiong Yang
- Department of Biophysics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Physics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Olivier Pourquié
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jianping Fu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Liao L, Yao Z, Kong J, Zhang X, Li H, Chen W, Xie Q. Exploring the role of miRNAs in early chicken embryonic development and their significance. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103105. [PMID: 37852050 PMCID: PMC10587638 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103105] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In the early stages of embryonic development, a precise and strictly controlled hierarchy of gene expression is essential to ensure proper development of all cell types and organs. To better understand this gene control process, we constructed a small RNA library from 1- to 5-day-old chick embryos, and identified 2,459 miRNAs including 827 existing, 695 known, and 937 novel miRNAs with bioinformatic analysis. There was absolute high expression of a number of miRNAs in each stage, including gga-miR-363-3p (Em1d), gga-miR-26a-5p (Em2d and Em3d), gga-miR-10a-5p (Em4d), and gga-miR-199-5p (Em5d). We evaluated enriched miRNA profiles, identifying VEGF, Insulin, ErbB, MAPK, Hedgehog, TLR and Hippo signaling pathways as primary regulatory mechanisms enabling complex morphogenetic transformations within tight temporal constraints. Pathway analysis revealed miRNAs as pivotal nodes of interaction, coordinating cascades of gene expression critical for cell fate determination, proliferation, migration, and differentiation across germ layers and developing organ systems. Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) generated hub miRNAs whose modular connections spanned regulatory networks, including: gga-miR-181a-3p (blue module), coordinating immunegenesis and myogenesis; gga-miR-126-3p (brown module), regulating vasculogenesis and angiogenesis; gga-miR-302c-5p (turquoise module), enabling pluripotency and self-renew; and gga-miR-429-3p (yellow module), modulating neurogenesis and osteogenesis. The findings of this study extend the knowledge of miRNA expression in early embryonic development of chickens, providing insights into the intricate gene control process that helps ensure proper development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Liao
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Health Aquaculture and Environmental Control, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziqi Yao
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Kong
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xinheng Zhang
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Health Aquaculture and Environmental Control, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongxin Li
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Health Aquaculture and Environmental Control, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiguo Chen
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qingmei Xie
- Heyuan Branch, Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China; South China Collaborative Innovation Center for Poultry Disease Control and Product Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China; Key Laboratory of Animal Health Aquaculture and Environmental Control, Guangzhou 510642, Guangdong, China.
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Liu Y, Kim YS, Xue X, Kobayashi N, Sun S, Yang Q, Pourquié O, Fu J. A human pluripotent stem cell-based somitogenesis model using microfluidics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.29.564399. [PMID: 37961125 PMCID: PMC10634932 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.29.564399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Emerging human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based embryo models are useful for studying human embryogenesis. Particularly, there are hPSC-based somitogenesis models using free-floating culture that recapitulate somite formation. Somitogenesis in vivo involves intricately orchestrated bio-chemical and -mechanical events. However, none of the current somitogenesis models controls biochemical gradients or biomechanical signals in the culture, limiting their applicability to untangle complex biochemical-biomechanical interactions that drive somitogenesis. Here we report a new human somitogenesis model by confining hPSC-derived presomitic mesoderm (PSM) tissues in microfabricated trenches. Exogenous microfluidic morphogen gradients imposed on PSM cause axial patterning and trigger spontaneous rostral-to-caudal somite formation. A mechanical theory is developed to explain the size dependency between somites and PSM. The microfluidic somitogenesis model is further exploited to reveal regulatory roles of cellular and tissue biomechanics in somite formation. This study presents a useful microengineered, hPSC-based model for understanding the bio-chemical and -mechanical events that guide somite formation.
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4
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Geng YW, Zhang Z, Jin H, Da JL, Zhang K, Wang JQ, Guo YY, Zhang B, Li Y. Mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition of osteoblasts induced by Fam20c knockout. Genes Genomics 2022; 44:155-164. [PMID: 35025083 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-021-01170-4] [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: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fam20c is intimately related to tissue development and diseases. At present, it has been reported that Fam20c regulates the mineralization of osteoblasts, but there are few reports on other effects. OBJECTIVE To study the effect of Fam20c on osteoblasts by knocking out the Fam20c gene. METHODS Fam20c knockout osteoblasts were constructed by transfecting mouse osteoblasts with lentivirus. The proliferation, migration and mineralization of Fam20c knockout cells were detected by CCK-8, scratch test and alizarin red staining assays. The subcellular structure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. RT-PCR was used to detect the differential expression of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET)-related marker genes and core transcription factors. The differential expression of MET-related proteins was detected by immunofluorescence or Western blot. Transcriptome analysis of Fam20c knockout osteoblasts was performed, and real-time PCR was used to verify transcriptome analysis related to MET. RESULTS The proliferation ability of osteoblasts was not significantly changed after Fam20c deletion, but the migration ability and mineralization ability were significantly weakened. There were tight junctions between Fam20c knockout cells. The expression of mesenchymal cell marker genes and core transcription factors was significantly decreased, and the expression of epithelial cell marker genes was significantly increased. The expression of mesenchymal cell marker proteins was significantly decreased, and the expression of epithelial cell marker proteins was significantly increased. Multiple signalling molecules and pathways involved in MET have changed. CONCLUSIONS Knockdown of Fam20c resulted in MET. Fam20c affects the transcription of key factors in osteoblast MET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Wei Geng
- Institute of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Institute of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Jin
- Institute of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Long Da
- Institute of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Institute of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Qun Wang
- Institute of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Yao Guo
- Institute of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Institute of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China. .,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China. .,Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Li
- Institute of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China. .,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Hard Tissue Development and Regeneration, Harbin, 150001, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Lachat C, Peixoto P, Hervouet E. Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition History: From Embryonic Development to Cancers. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060782. [PMID: 34067395 PMCID: PMC8224685 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that allows epithelial cells to progressively acquire a reversible mesenchymal phenotype. Here, we recount the main events in the history of EMT. EMT was first studied during embryonic development. Nowadays, it is an important field in cancer research, studied all around the world by more and more scientists, because it was shown that EMT is involved in cancer aggressiveness in many different ways. The main features of EMT's involvement in embryonic development, fibrosis and cancers are briefly reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Lachat
- UMR 1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS-BFC, F-25000 Besançon, France; (P.P.); (E.H.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Paul Peixoto
- UMR 1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS-BFC, F-25000 Besançon, France; (P.P.); (E.H.)
- EPIgenetics and GENe EXPression Technical Platform (EPIGENExp), University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
| | - Eric Hervouet
- UMR 1098 RIGHT, University Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS-BFC, F-25000 Besançon, France; (P.P.); (E.H.)
- EPIgenetics and GENe EXPression Technical Platform (EPIGENExp), University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
- DImaCell Platform, University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France
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6
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Abstract
Over 50 years after its discovery in early chick embryos, the concept of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is now widely applied to morphogenetic studies in both physiological and pathological contexts. Indeed, the EMT field has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, driven primarily by a rapid expansion of cancer-oriented EMT research. This has led to EMT-based therapeutic interventions that bear the prospect of fighting cancer, and has given developmental biologists new impetus to investigate EMT phenomena more closely and to find suitable models to address emerging EMT-related questions. Here, and in the accompanying poster, I provide a brief summary of the current status of EMT research and give an overview of EMT models that have been used in developmental studies. I also highlight dynamic epithelialization and de-epithelialization events that are involved in many developmental processes and that should be considered to provide a broader perspective of EMT. Finally, I put forward a set of criteria to separate morphogenetic phenomena that are EMT-related from those that are not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojun Sheng
- International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
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7
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Mesothelial-mesenchymal transitions in embryogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 92:37-44. [PMID: 30243860 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Most animals develop coelomic cavities lined by an epithelial cell layer called the mesothelium. Embryonic mesothelial cells have the ability to transform into mesenchymal cells which populate many developing organs contributing to their connective and vascular tissues, and also to organ-specific cell types. Furthermore, embryonic mesothelium and mesothelial-derived cells produce essential signals for visceral morphogenesis. We review the most relevant literature about the mechanisms regulating the embryonic mesothelial-mesenchymal transition, the developmental fate of the mesothelial-derived cells and other functions of the embryonic mesothelium, such as its contribution to the establishment of left-right visceral asymmetries or its role in limb morphogenesis.
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8
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Schwabe T, Li X, Gaul U. Dynamic analysis of the mesenchymal-epithelial transition of blood-brain barrier forming glia in Drosophila. Biol Open 2017; 6:232-243. [PMID: 28108476 PMCID: PMC5312092 DOI: 10.1242/bio.020669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, many epithelia are formed by a mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). Here, we examine the major stages and underlying mechanisms of MET during blood-brain barrier formation in Drosophila. We show that contact with the basal lamina is essential for the growth of the barrier-forming subperineurial glia (SPG). Septate junctions (SJs), which provide insulation of the paracellular space, are not required for MET, but are necessary for the establishment of polarized SPG membrane compartments. In vivo time-lapse imaging reveals that the Moody GPCR signaling pathway regulates SPG cell growth and shape, with different levels of signaling causing distinct phenotypes. Timely, well-coordinated SPG growth is essential for the uniform insertion of SJs and thus the insulating function of the barrier. To our knowledge, this is the first dynamic in vivo analysis of all stages in the formation of a secondary epithelium, and of the key role trimeric G protein signaling plays in this important morphogenetic process. Summary: This study examines the major steps and underlying mechanisms of mesenchymal-epithelial transition of the blood-brain-barrier forming glia in Drosophila, including the role of basal lamina, septate junctions and of trimeric G protein signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Schwabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Center of Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM), University of Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Center of Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM), University of Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, Munich 81377, Germany.,Rockefeller University, 1230 York Ave, New York, 10065-6399 NY, USA
| | - Ulrike Gaul
- Department of Biochemistry, Gene Center, Center of Integrated Protein Science (CIPSM), University of Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 25, Munich 81377, Germany
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9
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EMT in developmental morphogenesis. Cancer Lett 2013; 341:9-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Rowton M, Ramos P, Anderson DM, Rhee JM, Cunliffe HE, Rawls A. Regulation of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition by PARAXIS during somitogenesis. Dev Dyn 2013; 242:1332-44. [PMID: 24038871 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dynamic alterations in cell shape, migration, and adhesion play a central role in tissue morphogenesis during embryonic development and congenital disease. The mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition that occurs during vertebrate somitogenesis is required for proper patterning of the axial musculoskeletal system. Somitic MET is initiated in the presomitic mesoderm by PARAXIS-dependent changes in cell adhesion, cell polarity, and the composition of the extracellular matrix. However, the target genes downstream of the transcription factor PARAXIS remain poorly described. RESULTS A genome-wide comparison of gene expression in the anterior presomitic mesoderm and newly formed somites of Paraxis(-/-) embryos resulted in a set of deregulated genes enriched for factors associated with extracellular matrix and cytoskeletal organization and cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion. The greatest change in expression was seen in fibroblast activation protein alpha (Fap), encoding a dipeptidyl peptidase capable of increasing fibronectin and collagen fiber organization in extracellular matrix. Further, downstream genes in the Wnt and Notch signaling pathways were downregulated, predicting that PARAXIS participates in positive feedback loops in both pathways. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that PARAXIS initiates and stabilizes somite epithelialization by integrating signals from multiple pathways to control the reorganization of the ECM, cytoskeleton, and adhesion junctions during MET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Rowton
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
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Davies O, Lin CY, Radzisheuskaya A, Zhou X, Taube J, Blin G, Waterhouse A, Smith A, Lowell S. Tcf15 primes pluripotent cells for differentiation. Cell Rep 2013; 3:472-84. [PMID: 23395635 PMCID: PMC3607254 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Revised: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The events that prime pluripotent cells for differentiation are not well understood. Inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation (Id) proteins, which are inhibitors of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor activity, contribute to pluripotency by blocking sequential transitions toward differentiation. Using yeast-two-hybrid screens, we have identified Id-regulated transcription factors that are expressed in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). One of these, Tcf15, is also expressed in the embryonic day 4.5 embryo and is specifically associated with a novel subpopulation of primed ESCs. An Id-resistant form of Tcf15 rapidly downregulates Nanog and accelerates somatic lineage commitment. We propose that because Tcf15 can be held in an inactive state through Id activity, it may prime pluripotent cells for entry to somatic lineages upon downregulation of Id. We also find that Tcf15 expression is dependent on fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling, providing an explanation for how FGF can prime for differentiation without driving cells out of the pluripotent state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen R. Davies
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Chia-Yi Lin
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Aliaksandra Radzisheuskaya
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Xinzhi Zhou
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Jessica Taube
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Guillaume Blin
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Anna Waterhouse
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Andrew J.H. Smith
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Sally Lowell
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK,Corresponding author
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12
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Impaired stria vascularis integrity upon loss of E-cadherin in basal cells. Dev Biol 2011; 359:95-107. [PMID: 21925491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2011] [Revised: 08/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In the cochlea, sensory transduction depends on the endocochlear potential (EP) and the unique composition of the endolymph, both of which are maintained by a highly specialized epithelium at the cochlear lateral wall, the stria vascularis. The generation of the EP by the stria vascularis, in turn, relies on the insulation of an intrastrial extracellular compartment by epithelial basal cells. Despite the physiological importance of basal cells, their cellular origin and the molecular pathways that lead to their differentiation are unclear. Here, we show by genetic lineage tracing in the mouse that basal cells exclusively derive from the otic mesenchyme. Conditional deletion of E-cadherin in the otic mesenchyme and its descendants does not abrogate the transition from mesenchymal precursors to epithelial basal cells. Rather, dedifferentiation of intermediate cells, altered morphology of basal and marginal cells and hearing impairment due to decreased EP in E-cadherin mutant mice demonstrate an essential role of E-cadherin in terminal basal cell differentiation and their interaction with other strial cell types to establish and maintain the functional architecture of the stria vascularis.
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13
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Yoshino T, Saito D, Tadokoro R, Takahashi Y. In vivo gene manipulations of epithelial cell sheets: a novel model to study epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Dev Growth Differ 2011; 53:378-88. [PMID: 21492151 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2011.01252.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic cells are classified into two types of cells by their morphology, epithelial and mesenchymal cells. During dynamic morphogenesis in development, epithelial cells often switch to mesenchymal by the process known as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a central issue in cancer metastasis where epithelial-derived tumor cells are converted to mesenchymal with high mobility. Although many molecules have been identified to be involved in the EMT mostly by in vitro studies, in vivo model systems have been limited. We here established a novel model with which EMT can be analyzed directly in the living body. By an electroporation technique, we targeted a portion of the lateral plate mesoderm that forms epithelial cell sheets delineating the kidney region, called nephric coelomic epithelium (Neph-CE). Enhanced green fluorescent protein-electroporated Neph-CE retained the epithelial integrity without invading into the underling stroma (mesonephros). The Neph-CE transgenesis further allowed us to explore EMT inducers in vivo, and to find that Ras-Raf and RhoA signals were potent inducers. Live-imaging confocal microscopy revealed that during EMT processes cells started extending cellular protrusions toward the stroma, followed by translocation of their cell bodies. Furthermore, we established a long-term tracing of EMT-induced cells, which were dynamically relocated within the kidney stroma. The Neph-CE-transgenesis will open a way to study cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying EMT directly in actual body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yoshino
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5 Takayama, Ikoma, Nara 630-0192, Japan
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Shimokita E, Takahashi Y. Secondary neurulation: Fate-mapping and gene manipulation of the neural tube in tail bud. Dev Growth Differ 2011; 53:401-10. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2011.01260.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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15
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Abstract
When different tissues successively emerge during development, they need to be morphologically segregated from each other. Morphological segregation of tissues is often accompanied by robust changes in cell shape, and these two events are precisely coordinated. We overview recent progress in understanding how such coordination is regulated at the cellular and molecular levels using vertebrate somitogenesis asa unique model. In the formation of the somitic gap and its concomitant cell epithelialization, Ephrin-Eph intercellular signals play a central role, with Ephrin transducing intracellular signals via suppression of Cdc42. These signals lead to the activation of integrin where the segment border of somites forms, which in turn induces the assembly of fibronectin, the final player for the coordination. Intimate coupling of tissue-shape and cell-shape changes is also relevant to tumor suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadayoshi Watanabe
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
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16
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Bard JBL, Lam MS, Aitken S. A bioinformatics approach for identifying candidate transcriptional regulators of mesenchyme-to-epithelium transitions in mouse embryos. Dev Dyn 2008; 237:2748-54. [PMID: 18773494 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This article reports a method for identifying groups of genes associated with tissues undergoing a particular process during mouse development. Given the Theiler stage at which each tissue starts the process, Boolean intersection analysis identifies genes expressed in some or all of these tissues both before the process starts and once it has started. This analysis is implemented in GXD-search; this tool downloads appropriate gene sets from GXD, the mouse gene expression database, and performs the calculations. Applied to mesenchyme-to-epithelium transitions (MET), GXD-search has identified Crabp1 and six transcriptional regulators (Cited1, Cited2, Meox1, Lhx1, Foxc1, and Foxc2) that are usually expressed in tissues about to undergo this process. Expression pattern analysis of these transcriptional regulators, mutations in each of which affect epithelial development, shows that this gene set is expressed in no other tissues and they are, thus, candidates for regulating MET. GXD-search is downloadable from http://www.aiai.ed.ac.uk/project/biosphere/GXD-search.html.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B L Bard
- Computational Biology, Research Group, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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17
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Nakaya Y, Sheng G. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition during gastrulation: An embryological view. Dev Growth Differ 2008; 50:755-66. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2008.01070.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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18
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Magie CR, Martindale MQ. Cell-cell adhesion in the cnidaria: insights into the evolution of tissue morphogenesis. THE BIOLOGICAL BULLETIN 2008; 214:218-232. [PMID: 18574100 DOI: 10.2307/25470665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Cell adhesion is a major aspect of cell biology and one of the fundamental processes involved in the development of a multicellular animal. Adhesive mechanisms, both cell-cell and between cell and extracellular matrix, are intimately involved in assembling cells into the three-dimensional structures of tissues and organs. The modulation of adhesive complexes could therefore be seen as a central component in the molecular control of morphogenesis, translating information encoded within the genome into organismal form. The availability of whole genomes from early-branching metazoa such as cnidarians is providing important insights into the evolution of adhesive processes by allowing for the easy identification of the genes involved in adhesion in these organisms. Discovery of the molecular nature of cell adhesion in the early-branching groups, coupled with comparisons across the metazoa, is revealing the ways evolution has tinkered with this vital cellular process in the generation of the myriad forms seen across the animal kingdom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig R Magie
- Kewalo Marine Laboratory, Pacific Biomedical Research Center, University of Hawai'i Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA
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19
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Takahashi Y, Sato Y. Somitogenesis as a model to study the formation of morphological boundaries and cell epithelialization. Dev Growth Differ 2008; 50 Suppl 1:S149-55. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2008.01018.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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20
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Pre-EMTing metastasis? Recapitulation of morphogenetic processes in cancer. Clin Exp Metastasis 2007; 24:587-97. [PMID: 17978854 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-007-9114-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2007] [Accepted: 10/10/2007] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition) is a morphogenetic process in which cells loose their epithelial characteristics and gain mesenchymal properties during embryogenesis. Similar processes regulated by similar pathways are recapitulated during tumour progression, endowing cells with invasive properties, thereby contributing to the formation of metastases. In this review, we outline key features of EMT and discuss the evidence for its involvement in the dissemination of tumours. Finally we review the recent literature concerning the mechanisms that regulate EMT in the tumour context, with a particular focus on breast cancer.
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21
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Kulesa PM, Schnell S, Rudloff S, Baker RE, Maini PK. From segment to somite: segmentation to epithelialization analyzed within quantitative frameworks. Dev Dyn 2007; 236:1392-402. [PMID: 17497694 PMCID: PMC2030567 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most visually striking patterns in the early developing embryo is somite segmentation. Somites form as repeated, periodic structures in pairs along nearly the entire caudal vertebrate axis. The morphological process involves short- and long-range signals that drive cell rearrangements and cell shaping to create discrete, epithelialized segments. Key to developing novel strategies to prevent somite birth defects that involve axial bone and skeletal muscle development is understanding how the molecular choreography is coordinated across multiple spatial scales and in a repeating temporal manner. Mathematical models have emerged as useful tools to integrate spatiotemporal data and simulate model mechanisms to provide unique insights into somite pattern formation. In this short review, we present two quantitative frameworks that address the morphogenesis from segment to somite and discuss recent data of segmentation and epithelialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Kulesa
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, USA.
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22
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Watanabe T, Saito D, Tanabe K, Suetsugu R, Nakaya Y, Nakagawa S, Takahashi Y. Tet-on inducible system combined with in ovo electroporation dissects multiple roles of genes in somitogenesis of chicken embryos. Dev Biol 2007; 305:625-36. [PMID: 17359965 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2006] [Revised: 01/27/2007] [Accepted: 01/29/2007] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The in ovo electroporation technique in chicken embryos has enabled investigators to uncover the functions of numerous developmental genes. In this technique, the ubiquitous promoter, CAGGS (CMV base), has often been used for overexpression experiments. However, if a given gene plays a role in multiple steps of development and if overexpression of this gene causes fatal consequences at the time of electroporation, its roles in later steps of development would be overlooked. Thus, a technique with which expression of an electroporated DNA can be controlled in a stage-specific manner needs to be formulated. Here we show for the first time that the tetracycline-controlled expression method, "tet-on" and "tet-off", works efficiently to regulate gene expression in electroporated chicken embryos. We demonstrate that the onset or termination of expression of an electroporated DNA can be precisely controlled by timing the administration of tetracycline into an egg. Furthermore, with this technique we have revealed previously unknown roles of RhoA, cMeso-1 and Pax2 in early somitogenesis. In particular, cMeso-1 appears to be involved in cell condensation of a newly forming somite by regulating Pax2 and NCAM expression. Thus, the novel molecular technique in chickens proposed in this study provides a useful tool to investigate stage-specific roles of developmental genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadayoshi Watanabe
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
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