1
|
Lee SCS, Wei AJ, Martin PR, Grünert U. Thorny and Tufted Retinal Ganglion Cells Express the Transcription Factor Forkhead Proteins Foxp1 and Foxp2 in Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). J Comp Neurol 2024; 532:e25663. [PMID: 39235164 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
The transcription factor forkhead/winged-helix domain proteins Foxp1 and Foxp2 have previously been studied in mouse retina, where they are expressed in retinal ganglion cells named F-mini and F-midi. Here we show that both transcription factors are expressed by small subpopulations (on average less than 10%) of retinal ganglion cells in the retina of the marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus). The morphology of Foxp1- and Foxp2-expressing cells was revealed by intracellular DiI injections of immunofluorescent cells. Foxp1- and Foxp2-expressing cells comprised multiple types of wide-field ganglion cells, including broad thorny cells, narrow thorny cells, and tufted cells. The large majority of Foxp2-expressing cells were identified as tufted cells. Tufted cells stratify broadly in the middle of the inner plexiform layer. They resemble broad thorny cells but their proximal dendrites are bare of branches and the distal dendrites branch frequently forming dense dendritic tufts. Double labeling with calretinin, a previously established marker for broad thorny and narrow thorny cells, showed that only a small proportion of ganglion cells co-expressed calretinin and Foxp1 or Foxp2 supporting the idea that the two markers are differentially expressed in retinal ganglion cells of marmoset retina.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sammy C S Lee
- Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anlai J Wei
- Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Paul R Martin
- Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ulrike Grünert
- Save Sight Institute and Discipline of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang L, Luo P, Yang Z, Zhong X, Ji C. FOXP1 inhibits pancreatic cancer growth by transcriptionally regulating IRF1 expression. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280794. [PMID: 36952469 PMCID: PMC10035899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXP1, known as a Forkhead-box (FOX) family protein, plays an important role in human tumorigenesis. However, the function and molecular mechanism of FOXP1 in pancreatic cancer (PC) remain unclear. Here, we report that PC patients with FOXP1 overexpression had a higher survival rate compared to patients with low- FOXP1 expression. Additionally, high expression of FOXP1 can markedly inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer in vivo and in vitro, whereas low expression of FOXP1 effectively promoted the tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, FOXP1 could directly bind the IRF1 promoter, which triggered the transcriptional activity of IRF1. Taken together, FOXP1 suppressed PC growth via IRF1-dependent manner, serving as a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Le Wang
- Graduate School, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Scientific Research Section, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ping Luo
- Department of Breast Surgery, Nanchang Third Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhiwen Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Zhong
- Graduate School, Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Changxue Ji
- Department of Vascular Interventional Radiology, Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fiederling F, Hammond LA, Ng D, Mason C, Dodd J. Tools for efficient analysis of neurons in a 3D reference atlas of whole mouse spinal cord. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2021; 1:100074. [PMID: 34661190 PMCID: PMC8516137 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2021.100074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
To fill the prevailing gap in methodology for whole spinal cord (SC) analysis, we have (1) designed scaffolds (SpineRacks) that facilitate efficient and ordered cryo-sectioning of the entire SC in a single block, (2) constructed a 3D reference atlas of adult mouse SC, and (3) developed software (SpinalJ) to register images of sections and for standardized analysis of cells and projections in atlas space. We have verified mapping accuracies for known neurons and demonstrated the usefulness of this platform to reveal unknown neuronal distributions. Together, these tools provide high-throughput analyses of whole mouse SC and enable direct comparison of 3D spatial information between animals and studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felix Fiederling
- Departments of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, and Neuroscience, Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Luke A. Hammond
- Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - David Ng
- Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Carol Mason
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology, Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Jane Dodd
- Departments of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics, and Neuroscience, Zuckerman Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Co M, Anderson AG, Konopka G. FOXP transcription factors in vertebrate brain development, function, and disorders. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2020; 9:e375. [PMID: 31999079 PMCID: PMC8286808 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
FOXP transcription factors are an evolutionarily ancient protein subfamily coordinating the development of several organ systems in the vertebrate body. Association of their genes with neurodevelopmental disorders has sparked particular interest in their expression patterns and functions in the brain. Here, FOXP1, FOXP2, and FOXP4 are expressed in distinct cell type-specific spatiotemporal patterns in multiple regions, including the cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, basal ganglia, thalamus, and cerebellum. These varied sites and timepoints of expression have complicated efforts to link FOXP1 and FOXP2 mutations to their respective developmental disorders, the former affecting global neural functions and the latter specifically affecting speech and language. However, the use of animal models, particularly those with brain region- and cell type-specific manipulations, has greatly advanced our understanding of how FOXP expression patterns could underlie disorder-related phenotypes. While many questions remain regarding FOXP expression and function in the brain, studies to date have illuminated the roles of these transcription factors in vertebrate brain development and have greatly informed our understanding of human development and disorders. This article is categorized under: Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Co
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ashley G Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kaneyama T, Shirasaki R. Post-crossing segment of dI1 commissural axons forms collateral branches to motor neurons in the developing spinal cord. J Comp Neurol 2019; 526:1943-1961. [PMID: 29752714 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The dI1 commissural axons in the developing spinal cord, upon crossing the midline through the floor plate, make a sharp turn to grow rostrally. These post-crossing axons initially just extend adjacent to the floor plate without entering nearby motor columns. However, it remains poorly characterized how these post-crossing dI1 axons behave subsequently to this process. In the present study, to address this issue, we examined in detail the behavior of post-crossing dI1 axons in mice, using the Atoh1 enhancer-based conditional expression system that enables selective and sparse labeling of individual dI1 axons, together with Hb9 and ChAT immunohistochemistry for precise identification of spinal motor neurons (MNs). We found unexpectedly that the post-crossing segment of dI1 axons later gave off collateral branches that extended laterally to invade motor columns. Interestingly, these collateral branches emerged at around the time when their primary growth cones initiated invasion into motor columns. In addition, although the length of the laterally growing collateral branches increased with age, the majority of them remained within motor columns. Strikingly, these collateral branches further gave rise to multiple secondary branches in the region of MNs that innervate muscles close to the body axis. Moreover, these axonal branches formed presynaptic terminals on MNs. These observations demonstrate that dI1 commissural neurons develop axonal projection to spinal MNs via collateral branches arising later from the post-crossing segment of these axons. Our findings thus reveal a previously unrecognized projection of dI1 commissural axons that may contribute directly to generating proper motor output.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Kaneyama
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Shirasaki
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tung YT, Peng KC, Chen YC, Yen YP, Chang M, Thams S, Chen JA. Mir-17∼92 Confers Motor Neuron Subtype Differential Resistance to ALS-Associated Degeneration. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 25:193-209.e7. [PMID: 31155482 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Progressive degeneration of motor neurons (MNs) is the hallmark of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Limb-innervating lateral motor column MNs (LMC-MNs) seem to be particularly vulnerable and are among the first MNs affected in ALS. Here, we report association of this differential susceptibility with reduced expression of the mir-17∼92 cluster in LMC-MNs prior to disease onset. Reduced mir-17∼92 is accompanied by elevated nuclear PTEN in spinal MNs of presymptomatic SOD1G93A mice. Selective dysregulation of the mir-17∼92/nuclear PTEN axis in degenerating SOD1G93A LMC-MNs was confirmed in a double-transgenic embryonic stem cell system and recapitulated in human SOD1+/L144F-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived MNs. We further show that overexpression of mir-17∼92 significantly rescues human SOD1+/L144F MNs, and intrathecal delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV)9-mir-17∼92 improves motor deficits and survival in SOD1G93A mice. Thus, mir-17∼92 may have value as a prognostic marker of MN degeneration and is a candidate therapeutic target in SOD1-linked ALS. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Tsen Tung
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Chih Peng
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Chung Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ping Yen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Mien Chang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Sebastian Thams
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jun-An Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Castells-Nobau A, Eidhof I, Fenckova M, Brenman-Suttner DB, Scheffer-de Gooyert JM, Christine S, Schellevis RL, van der Laan K, Quentin C, van Ninhuijs L, Hofmann F, Ejsmont R, Fisher SE, Kramer JM, Sigrist SJ, Simon AF, Schenck A. Conserved regulation of neurodevelopmental processes and behavior by FoxP in Drosophila. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211652. [PMID: 30753188 PMCID: PMC6372147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP proteins form a subfamily of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors involved in the development and functioning of several tissues, including the central nervous system. In humans, mutations in FOXP1 and FOXP2 have been implicated in cognitive deficits including intellectual disability and speech disorders. Drosophila exhibits a single ortholog, called FoxP, but due to a lack of characterized mutants, our understanding of the gene remains poor. Here we show that the dimerization property required for mammalian FOXP function is conserved in Drosophila. In flies, FoxP is enriched in the adult brain, showing strong expression in ~1000 neurons of cholinergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic nature. We generate Drosophila loss-of-function mutants and UAS-FoxP transgenic lines for ectopic expression, and use them to characterize FoxP function in the nervous system. At the cellular level, we demonstrate that Drosophila FoxP is required in larvae for synaptic morphogenesis at axonal terminals of the neuromuscular junction and for dendrite development of dorsal multidendritic sensory neurons. In the developing brain, we find that FoxP plays important roles in α-lobe mushroom body formation. Finally, at a behavioral level, we show that Drosophila FoxP is important for locomotion, habituation learning and social space behavior of adult flies. Our work shows that Drosophila FoxP is important for regulating several neurodevelopmental processes and behaviors that are related to human disease or vertebrate disease model phenotypes. This suggests a high degree of functional conservation with vertebrate FOXP orthologues and established flies as a model system for understanding FOXP related pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Castells-Nobau
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ilse Eidhof
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michaela Fenckova
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Jolanda M. Scheffer-de Gooyert
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sheren Christine
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rosa L. Schellevis
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Kiran van der Laan
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Christine Quentin
- Genetics, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa van Ninhuijs
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Falko Hofmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Radoslaw Ejsmont
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG), Dresden, Germany
| | - Simon E. Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute of Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jamie M. Kramer
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Stephan J. Sigrist
- Genetics, Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne F. Simon
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schatton A, Agoro J, Mardink J, Leboulle G, Scharff C. Identification of the neurotransmitter profile of AmFoxP expressing neurons in the honeybee brain using double-label in situ hybridization. BMC Neurosci 2018; 19:69. [PMID: 30400853 PMCID: PMC6219247 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-018-0469-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND FoxP transcription factors play crucial roles for the development and function of vertebrate brains. In humans the neurally expressed FOXPs, FOXP1, FOXP2, and FOXP4 are implicated in cognition, including language. Neural FoxP expression is specific to particular brain regions but FoxP1, FoxP2 and FoxP4 are not limited to a particular neuron or neurotransmitter type. Motor- or sensory activity can regulate FoxP2 expression, e.g. in the striatal nucleus Area X of songbirds and in the auditory thalamus of mice. The DNA-binding domain of FoxP proteins is highly conserved within metazoa, raising the possibility that cellular functions were preserved across deep evolutionary time. We have previously shown in bee brains that FoxP is expressed in eleven specific neuron populations, seven tightly packed clusters and four loosely arranged groups. RESULTS The present study examined the co-expression of honeybee FoxP (AmFoxP) with markers for glutamatergic, GABAergic, cholinergic and monoaminergic transmission. We found that AmFoxP could co-occur with any one of those markers. Interestingly, AmFoxP clusters and AmFoxP groups differed with respect to homogeneity of marker co-expression; within a cluster, all neurons co-expressed the same neurotransmitter marker, within a group co-expression varied. We also assessed qualitatively whether age or housing conditions providing different sensory and motor experiences affected the AmFoxP neuron populations, but found no differences. CONCLUSIONS Based on the neurotransmitter homogeneity we conclude that AmFoxP neurons within the clusters might have a common projection and function whereas the AmFoxP groups are more diverse and could be further sub-divided. The obtained information about the neurotransmitters co-expressed in the AmFoxP neuron populations facilitated the search of similar neurons described in the literature. These comparisons revealed e.g. a possible function of AmFoxP neurons in the central complex. Our findings provide opportunities to focus future functional studies on invertebrate FoxP expressing neurons. In a broader context, our data will contribute to the ongoing efforts to discern in which cases relationships between molecular and phenotypic signatures are linked evolutionary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Schatton
- Department of Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Agoro
- Department of Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Neurobiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 28-30, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Janis Mardink
- Department of Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gérard Leboulle
- Department of Neurobiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Straße 28-30, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Constance Scharff
- Department of Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustraße 6, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mukaigasa K, Sakuma C, Okada T, Homma S, Shimada T, Nishiyama K, Sato N, Yaginuma H. Motor neurons with limb-innervating character in the cervical spinal cord are sculpted by apoptosis based on the Hox code in chick embryo. Development 2017; 144:4645-4657. [PMID: 29061638 DOI: 10.1242/dev.158873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the developing chick embryo, a certain population of motor neurons (MNs) in the non-limb-innervating cervical spinal cord undergoes apoptosis between embryonic days 4 and 5. However, the characteristics of these apoptotic MNs remain undefined. Here, by examining the spatiotemporal profiles of apoptosis and MN subtype marker expression in normal or apoptosis-inhibited chick embryos, we found that this apoptotic population is distinguishable by Foxp1 expression. When apoptosis was inhibited, the Foxp1+ MNs survived and showed characteristics of lateral motor column (LMC) neurons, which are of a limb-innervating subtype, suggesting that cervical Foxp1+ MNs are the rostral continuation of the LMC. Knockdown and misexpression of Foxp1 did not affect apoptosis progression, but revealed the role of Foxp1 in conferring LMC identity on the cervical MNs. Furthermore, ectopic expression of Hox genes that are normally expressed in the brachial region prevented apoptosis, and directed Foxp1+ MNs to LMC neurons at the cervical level. These results indicate that apoptosis in the cervical spinal cord plays a role in sculpting Foxp1+ MNs committed to LMC neurons, depending on the Hox expression pattern.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuki Mukaigasa
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Chie Sakuma
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Okada
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Shunsaku Homma
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Takako Shimada
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Keiji Nishiyama
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| | - Noboru Sato
- Division of Gross Anatomy and Morphogenesis, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yaginuma
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Li X, Xiao J, Fröhlich H, Tu X, Li L, Xu Y, Cao H, Qu J, Rappold GA, Chen JG. Foxp1 regulates cortical radial migration and neuronal morphogenesis in developing cerebral cortex. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127671. [PMID: 26010426 PMCID: PMC4444005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP1 is a member of FOXP subfamily transcription factors. Mutations in FOXP1 gene have been found in various development-related cognitive disorders. However, little is known about the etiology of these symptoms, and specifically the function of FOXP1 in neuronal development. Here, we report that suppression of Foxp1 expression in mouse cerebral cortex led to a neuronal migration defect, which was rescued by overexpression of Foxp1. Mice with Foxp1 knockdown exhibited ectopic neurons in deep layers of the cortex postnatally. The neuronal differentiation of Foxp1-downregulated cells was normal. However, morphological analysis showed that the neurons with Foxp1 deficiency had an inhibited axonal growth in vitro and a weakened transition from multipolar to bipolar in vivo. Moreover, we found that the expression of Foxp1 modulated the dendritic maturation of neurons at a late postnatal date. Our results demonstrate critical roles of Foxp1 in the radial migration and morphogenesis of cortical neurons during development. This study may shed light on the complex relationship between neuronal development and the related cognitive disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Key Laboratory of Visual Science, National Ministry of Health, and School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China
| | - Jian Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Visual Science, National Ministry of Health, and School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China
| | - Henning Fröhlich
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xiaomeng Tu
- Key Laboratory of Visual Science, National Ministry of Health, and School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China
| | - Lianlian Li
- Key Laboratory of Visual Science, National Ministry of Health, and School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China
| | - Yue Xu
- Key Laboratory of Visual Science, National Ministry of Health, and School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China
| | - Huateng Cao
- Key Laboratory of Visual Science, National Ministry of Health, and School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China
| | - Jia Qu
- Key Laboratory of Visual Science, National Ministry of Health, and School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China
| | - Gudrun A Rappold
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jie-Guang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Visual Science, National Ministry of Health, and School of Optometry and Ophthalmology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stifani N. Motor neurons and the generation of spinal motor neuron diversity. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:293. [PMID: 25346659 PMCID: PMC4191298 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons (MNs) are neuronal cells located in the central nervous system (CNS) controlling a variety of downstream targets. This function infers the existence of MN subtypes matching the identity of the targets they innervate. To illustrate the mechanism involved in the generation of cellular diversity and the acquisition of specific identity, this review will focus on spinal MNs (SpMNs) that have been the core of significant work and discoveries during the last decades. SpMNs are responsible for the contraction of effector muscles in the periphery. Humans possess more than 500 different skeletal muscles capable to work in a precise time and space coordination to generate complex movements such as walking or grasping. To ensure such refined coordination, SpMNs must retain the identity of the muscle they innervate. Within the last two decades, scientists around the world have produced considerable efforts to elucidate several critical steps of SpMNs differentiation. During development, SpMNs emerge from dividing progenitor cells located in the medial portion of the ventral neural tube. MN identities are established by patterning cues working in cooperation with intrinsic sets of transcription factors. As the embryo develop, MNs further differentiate in a stepwise manner to form compact anatomical groups termed pools connecting to a unique muscle target. MN pools are not homogeneous and comprise subtypes according to the muscle fibers they innervate. This article aims to provide a global view of MN classification as well as an up-to-date review of the molecular mechanisms involved in the generation of SpMN diversity. Remaining conundrums will be discussed since a complete understanding of those mechanisms constitutes the foundation required for the elaboration of prospective MN regeneration therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Stifani
- Medical Neuroscience, Dalhousie University Halifax, NS, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Francius C, Harris A, Rucchin V, Hendricks TJ, Stam FJ, Barber M, Kurek D, Grosveld FG, Pierani A, Goulding M, Clotman F. Identification of multiple subsets of ventral interneurons and differential distribution along the rostrocaudal axis of the developing spinal cord. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70325. [PMID: 23967072 PMCID: PMC3744532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The spinal cord contains neuronal circuits termed Central Pattern Generators (CPGs) that coordinate rhythmic motor activities. CPG circuits consist of motor neurons and multiple interneuron cell types, many of which are derived from four distinct cardinal classes of ventral interneurons, called V0, V1, V2 and V3. While significant progress has been made on elucidating the molecular and genetic mechanisms that control ventral interneuron differentiation, little is known about their distribution along the antero-posterior axis of the spinal cord and their diversification. Here, we report that V0, V1 and V2 interneurons exhibit distinct organizational patterns at brachial, thoracic and lumbar levels of the developing spinal cord. In addition, we demonstrate that each cardinal class of ventral interneurons can be subdivided into several subsets according to the combinatorial expression of different sets of transcription factors, and that these subsets are differentially distributed along the rostrocaudal axis of the spinal cord. This comprehensive molecular profiling of ventral interneurons provides an important resource for investigating neuronal diversification in the developing spinal cord and for understanding the contribution of specific interneuron subsets on CPG circuits and motor control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Francius
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Audrey Harris
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Rucchin
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timothy J. Hendricks
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Floor J. Stam
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Melissa Barber
- CNRS UMR 7592, Institut Jacques Monod, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Dorota Kurek
- Erasmus MC Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank G. Grosveld
- Erasmus MC Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandra Pierani
- CNRS UMR 7592, Institut Jacques Monod, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Martyn Goulding
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Frédéric Clotman
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Brussels, Belgium
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Shakes LA, Du H, Wolf HM, Hatcher C, Norford DC, Precht P, Sen R, Chatterjee PK. Using BAC transgenesis in zebrafish to identify regulatory sequences of the amyloid precursor protein gene in humans. BMC Genomics 2012; 13:451. [PMID: 22947103 PMCID: PMC3546842 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Non-coding DNA in and around the human Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) gene that is central to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) shares little sequence similarity with that of appb in zebrafish. Identifying DNA domains regulating expression of the gene in such situations becomes a challenge. Taking advantage of the zebrafish system that allows rapid functional analyses of gene regulatory sequences, we previously showed that two discontinuous DNA domains in zebrafish appb are important for expression of the gene in neurons: an enhancer in intron 1 and sequences 28–31 kb upstream of the gene. Here we identify the putative transcription factor binding sites responsible for this distal cis-acting regulation, and use that information to identify a regulatory region of the human APP gene. Results Functional analyses of intron 1 enhancer mutations in enhancer-trap BACs expressed as transgenes in zebrafish identified putative binding sites of two known transcription factor proteins, E4BP4/ NFIL3 and Forkhead, to be required for expression of appb. A cluster of three E4BP4 sites at −31 kb is also shown to be essential for neuron-specific expression, suggesting that the dependence of expression on upstream sequences is mediated by these E4BP4 sites. E4BP4/ NFIL3 and XFD1 sites in the intron enhancer and E4BP4/ NFIL3 sites at −31 kb specifically and efficiently bind the corresponding zebrafish proteins in vitro. These sites are statistically over-represented in both the zebrafish appb and the human APP genes, although their locations are different. Remarkably, a cluster of four E4BP4 sites in intron 4 of human APP exists in actively transcribing chromatin in a human neuroblastoma cell-line, SHSY5Y, expressing APP as shown using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments. Thus although the two genes share little sequence conservation, they appear to share the same regulatory logic and are regulated by a similar set of transcription factors. Conclusion The results suggest that the clock-regulated and immune system modulator transcription factor E4BP4/ NFIL3 likely regulates the expression of both appb in zebrafish and APP in humans. It suggests potential human APP gene regulatory pathways, not on the basis of comparing DNA primary sequences with zebrafish appb but on the model of conservation of transcription factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leighcraft A Shakes
- Julius L. Chambers Biomedical/ Biotechnology Research Institute & Department of Chemistry, North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC 27707, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mullen RD, Park S, Rhodes SJ. A distal modular enhancer complex acts to control pituitary- and nervous system-specific expression of the LHX3 regulatory gene. Mol Endocrinol 2011; 26:308-19. [PMID: 22194342 DOI: 10.1210/me.2011-1252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lin-11, Isl-1, and Mec-3 (LIM)-homeodomain (HD)-class transcription factors are critical for many aspects of mammalian organogenesis. Of these, LHX3 is essential for pituitary gland and nervous system development. Pediatric patients with mutations in coding regions of the LHX3 gene have complex syndromes, including combined pituitary hormone deficiency and nervous system defects resulting in symptoms such as dwarfism, thyroid insufficiency, infertility, and developmental delay. The pathways underlying early pituitary development are poorly understood, and the mechanisms by which the LHX3 gene is regulated in vivo are not known. Using bioinformatic and transgenic mouse approaches, we show that multiple conserved enhancers downstream of the human LHX3 gene direct expression to the developing pituitary and spinal cord in a pattern consistent with endogenous LHX3 expression. Several transferable cis elements can individually guide nervous system expression. However, a single 180-bp minimal enhancer is sufficient to confer specific expression in the developing pituitary. Within this sequence, tandem binding sites recognized by the islet-1 (ISL1) LIM-HD protein are essential for enhancer activity in the pituitary and spine, and a pituitary homeobox 1 (PITX1) bicoid class HD element is required for spatial patterning in the developing pituitary. This study establishes ISL1 as a novel transcriptional regulator of LHX3 and describes a potential mechanism for regulation by PITX1. Moreover, these studies suggest models for analyses of the transcriptional pathways coordinating the expression of other LIM-HD genes and provide tools for the molecular analysis and genetic counseling of pediatric patients with combined pituitary hormone deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D Mullen
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-5120, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hisaoka T, Nakamura Y, Senba E, Morikawa Y. The forkhead transcription factors, Foxp1 and Foxp2, identify different subpopulations of projection neurons in the mouse cerebral cortex. Neuroscience 2010; 166:551-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.12.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2009] [Revised: 12/19/2009] [Accepted: 12/23/2009] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
|