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Fang Y, Wan JP, Wang Z, Song SY, Zhang CX, Yang L, Zhang QY, Yan CY, Wu FY, Lu SY, Sun F, Han B, Zhao SX, Dong M, Song HD. Deficiency of the HGF/Met pathway leads to thyroid dysgenesis by impeding late thyroid expansion. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3165. [PMID: 38605010 PMCID: PMC11009301 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47363-9] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of bifurcation, a key step in thyroid development, are largely unknown. Here we find three zebrafish lines from a forward genetic screening with similar thyroid dysgenesis phenotypes and identify a stop-gain mutation in hgfa and two missense mutations in met by positional cloning from these zebrafish lines. The elongation of the thyroid primordium along the pharyngeal midline was dramatically disrupted in these zebrafish lines carrying a mutation in hgfa or met. Further studies show that MAPK inhibitor U0126 could mimic thyroid dysgenesis in zebrafish, and the phenotypes are rescued by overexpression of constitutively active MEK or Snail, downstream molecules of the HGF/Met pathway, in thyrocytes. Moreover, HGF promotes thyrocyte migration, which is probably mediated by downregulation of E-cadherin expression. The delayed bifurcation of the thyroid primordium is also observed in thyroid-specific Met knockout mice. Together, our findings reveal that HGF/Met is indispensable for the bifurcation of the thyroid primordium during thyroid development mediated by downregulation of E-cadherin in thyrocytes via MAPK-snail pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Fang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical Center of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, China
| | - Jia-Ping Wan
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Shi-Yang Song
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cao-Xu Zhang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Qian-Yue Zhang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chen-Yan Yan
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Feng-Yao Wu
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Sang-Yu Lu
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Feng Sun
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Shuang-Xia Zhao
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Mei Dong
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Huai-Dong Song
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Wang H, Kang G, Ma C, Lian H, Zhao K, Zhao B, Feng Y, Dong W. Inhibitory Effect of Acetaminophen on Ocular Pigmentation and its Relationship with Thyroxine in Zebrafish Embryos. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2024; 112:39. [PMID: 38353786 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-024-03867-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol; APAP) is one of the most widely used analgesics. To examine the toxicity of APAP, we used zebrafish embryos as model animals to detect the effect of APAP on the thyroid system of zebrafish embryos. The zebrafish embryos were exposed to APAP from 4 h post fertilization (4 hpf) until observation. The experimental results showed that APAP caused pericardial edema and decreased pigmentation in the zebrafish embryos or larvae. The APAP treatment caused a decrease in the expression of tpo and thrβ in the zebrafish at 36 and 72 hpf. The transcriptomic analysis found that APAP affected retinol metabolism, the metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, and the tyrosine metabolism pathway. The harmful effect of APAP on zebrafish embryos might be due to its disrupting effect on the functional regulation of the thyroid hormone system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, 028000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Guiying Kang
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, 028000, China.
- , No. 996, Xilamulun Street, Keerqin District, Tongliao, 028000, China.
| | - Chenglong Ma
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, 028000, China
| | - Hua Lian
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, 028000, China
| | - Kexin Zhao
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, 028000, China
| | - Baoquan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Yuanzhou Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Wu Dong
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Toxicant Monitoring and Toxicology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia Minzu University, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, 028000, China.
- , No. 996, Xilamulun Street, Keerqin District, Tongliao, 028000, China.
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Volz SN, Poulsen R, Hansen M, Holbech H. Bisphenol A alters retinal morphology, visually guided behavior, and thyroid hormone levels in zebrafish larvae. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 348:140776. [PMID: 38000552 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenols are industrial chemicals that are produced in large quantities and have been detected in all parts of the environment as well as in a multitude of different organisms including humans and fish. Several bisphenols, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol F, have been shown to disrupt endocrine systems thereby affecting development and reproduction. While numerous studies investigated the effect of bisphenols on estrogen signaling, their impact on the thyroid hormone system (THS), which is vital for neurodevelopment including sensory development, has been explored to a lesser extent. The present work selected BPA as a representative for structurally similar bisphenols and assessed its impact on the THS as well as sensory development and function in zebrafish. To this end, zebrafish were exposed to BPA until up to 8 days post fertilization (dpf) and thyroid hormone levels, eye morphology, and sensory-mediated behaviors were analyzed. Zebrafish larvae exposed to BPA showed altered retinal layering, decreased motility across varying light conditions, and a loss of responsiveness to red light. Furthermore, whole-body levels of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and 3,5-diiodothyronine (3,5-T2) were significantly decreased in 5 dpf zebrafish. Taken together, BPA disrupted THS homeostasis and compromised visual development and function, which is pivotal for the survival of fish larvae. This work underlines the necessity for ongoing research on BPA and its numerous substitutes, particularly concerning their effects on the THS and neurodevelopment, to ensure a high level of protection for the environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina N Volz
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark.
| | - Rikke Poulsen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Aarhus, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Martin Hansen
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Aarhus, Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark.
| | - Henrik Holbech
- Department of Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark.
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Ullrich S, Leidescher S, Feodorova Y, Thanisch K, Fini JB, Kaspers B, Weber F, Markova B, Führer D, Romitti M, Krebs S, Blum H, Leonhardt H, Costagliola S, Heuer H, Solovei I. The highly and perpetually upregulated thyroglobulin gene is a hallmark of functional thyrocytes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1265407. [PMID: 37860816 PMCID: PMC10582334 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1265407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities are indispensable for studying normal biological processes and mechanisms. In the present work, we draw attention to the remarkable phenomenon of a perpetually and robustly upregulated gene, the thyroglobulin gene (Tg). The gene is expressed in the thyroid gland and, as it has been recently demonstrated, forms so-called transcription loops, easily observable by light microscopy. Using this feature, we show that Tg is expressed at a high level from the moment a thyroid cell acquires its identity and both alleles remain highly active over the entire life of the cell, i.e., for months or years depending on the species. We demonstrate that this high upregulation is characteristic of thyroglobulin genes in all major vertebrate groups. We provide evidence that Tg is not influenced by the thyroid hormone status, does not oscillate round the clock and is expressed during both the exocrine and endocrine phases of thyrocyte activity. We conclude that the thyroglobulin gene represents a unique and valuable model to study the maintenance of a high transcriptional upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Ullrich
- Biocenter, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Yana Feodorova
- Biocenter, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Jean-Baptiste Fini
- Département Adaptations du Vivant (AVIV), Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation (PhyMA UMR 7221 CNRS), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP 32, Paris, France
| | - Bernd Kaspers
- Department for Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Planegg, Germany
| | - Frank Weber
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Section of Endocrine Surgery, University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Boyka Markova
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Führer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Krebs
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Blum
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis (LAFUGA), Gene Center, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Heike Heuer
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University Duisburg-Essen, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Irina Solovei
- Biocenter, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
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5
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Yadav P, Sarode LP, Gaddam RR, Kumar P, Bhatti JS, Khurana A, Navik U. Zebrafish as an emerging tool for drug discovery and development for thyroid diseases. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 130:53-60. [PMID: 36084888 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish is a useful model for understanding human genetics and diseases and has evolved into a prominent scientific research model. The genetic structure of zebrafish is 70% identical to that of humans. Its small size, low cost, and transparent embryo make it a valuable tool in experimentation. Zebrafish and mammals possess the same molecular mechanism of thyroid organogenesis and development. Thus, thyroid hormone signaling, embryonic development, thyroid-related disorders, and novel genes involved in early thyroid development can all be studied using zebrafish as a model. Here in this review, we emphasize the evolving role of zebrafish as a possible tool for studying the thyroid gland in the context of physiology and pathology. The transcription factors nkx2.1a, pax2a, and hhex which contribute a pivotal role in the differentiation of thyroid primordium are discussed. Further, we have described the role of zebrafish as a model for thyroid cancer, evaluation of defects in thyroid hormone transport, thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism, and as a screening tool to study thyrotoxins. Hence, the present review highlights the role of zebrafish as a novel approach to understand thyroid development and organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Lopmudra P Sarode
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, 440033, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ravinder Reddy Gaddam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, IA, USA
| | - Puneet Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Jasvinder Singh Bhatti
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Amit Khurana
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstr. 30, D-52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Umashanker Navik
- Department of Pharmacology, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
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6
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Marelli F, Rurale G, Persani L. From Endoderm to Progenitors: An Update on the Early Steps of Thyroid Morphogenesis in the Zebrafish. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:664557. [PMID: 34149617 PMCID: PMC8213386 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.664557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying thyroid gland development have a central interest in biology and this review is aimed to provide an update on the recent advancements on the early steps of thyroid differentiation that were obtained in the zebrafish, because this teleost fish revealed to be a suitable organism to study the early developmental stages. Physiologically, the thyroid precursors fate is delineated by the appearance among the endoderm cells of the foregut of a restricted cell population expressing specific transcription factors, including pax2a, nkx2.4b, and hhex. The committed thyroid primordium first appears as a thickening of the pharyngeal floor of the anterior endoderm, that subsequently detaches from the floor and migrates to its final location where it gives rise to the thyroid hormone-producing follicles. At variance with mammalian models, thyroid precursor differentiation in zebrafish occurs early during the developmental process before the dislocation to the eutopic positioning of thyroid follicles. Several pathways have been implicated in these early events and nowadays there is evidence of a complex crosstalk between intrinsic (coming from the endoderm and thyroid precursors) and extrinsic factors (coming from surrounding tissues, as the cardiac mesoderm) whose organization in time and space is probably required for the proper thyroid development. In particular, Notch, Shh, Fgf, Bmp, and Wnt signaling seems to be required for the commitment of endodermal cells to a thyroid fate at specific developmental windows of zebrafish embryo. Here, we summarize the recent findings produced in the various zebrafish experimental models with the aim to define a comprehensive picture of such complicated puzzle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Marelli
- Dipartimento di Malattie Endocrine e del Metabolismo, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano - LITA, Segrate, Italy
| | - Giuditta Rurale
- Dipartimento di Malattie Endocrine e del Metabolismo, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Dipartimento di Malattie Endocrine e del Metabolismo, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie Mediche e Medicina Traslazionale, Università degli Studi di Milano - LITA, Segrate, Italy
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7
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Blitz E, Matsuda H, Guenther S, Morikawa T, Kubota Y, Zada D, Lerer-Goldshtein T, Stainier DYR, Appelbaum L. Thyroid Hormones Regulate Goblet Cell Differentiation and Fgf19-Fgfr4 Signaling. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6155754. [PMID: 33675223 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hypothyroidism is a common pathological condition characterized by insufficient activity of the thyroid hormones (THs), thyroxine (T4), and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), in the whole body or in specific tissues. Hypothyroidism is associated with inadequate development of the intestine as well as gastrointestinal diseases. We used a zebrafish model of hypothyroidism to identify and characterize TH-modulated genes and cellular pathways controlling intestine development. In the intestine of hypothyroid juveniles and adults, the number of mucus-secreting goblet cells was reduced, and this phenotype could be rescued by T3 treatment. Transcriptome profiling revealed dozens of differentially expressed genes in the intestine of hypothyroid adults compared to controls. Notably, the expression of genes encoding to Fgf19 and its receptor Fgfr4 was markedly increased in the intestine of hypothyroid adults, and treatment with T3 normalized it. Blocking fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling, using an inducible dominant-negative Fgfr transgenic line, rescued the number of goblet cells in hypothyroid adults. These results show that THs inhibit the Fgf19-Fgfr4 signaling pathway, which is associated with inhibition of goblet cell differentiation in hypothyroidism. Both the TH and Fgf19-Fgfr4 signaling pathways can be pharmaceutical targets for the treatment of TH-related gastrointestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einat Blitz
- The Faculty of Life Sciences and the Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Hiroki Matsuda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Stefan Guenther
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute (CPI)-DNA & RNA Technologies, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Takuto Morikawa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, 525-8577, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Kubota
- Department of Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, 525-8577, Japan
| | - David Zada
- The Faculty of Life Sciences and the Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Tali Lerer-Goldshtein
- The Faculty of Life Sciences and the Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Didier Y R Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Lior Appelbaum
- The Faculty of Life Sciences and the Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
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Zhang RJ, Yang L, Sun F, Fang Y, Ye XP, Song HD, Dong M. Three-dimensional microscopy and image fusion reconstruction analysis of the thyroid gland during morphogenesis. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:1417-1427. [PMID: 33735512 PMCID: PMC8091578 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid dysgenesis (TD) is a major cause of primary congenital hypothyroidism; however, the molecular mechanism underlying this process is unclear. Current knowledge regarding the morphogenesis of the thyroid gland and vascular anomalies affecting thyroid development is limited. To monitor the early stages of thyroid gland development, we generated double transgenic zebrafish embryos Tg(tg:mCherry/flk1:EGFP). We described the volume of the thyroid from 2 days postfertilization (dpf) to 5 dpf using 3D reconstruction images. We treated zebrafish embryos with the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) inhibitor PD166866 to better understand the impact of vascular defects on thyroid development and the effects of drug administration at specific time periods on different stages of thyroid development. The 3D reconstruction data revealed that the thyroid glands underwent significant transformation at critical time points. PD166866 treatment from 48 to 72 hours postfertilization (hpf) and from 72 to 96 hpf did not cause obvious reductions in thyroid volume but did result in observable abnormalities in thyroid morphology. The treatment also affected thyroid volume from 36 to 48 hpf, thus indicating that there are time-point-specific effects of drug administration during thyroid development. Three-dimensional image reconstruction provides a comprehensive picture of thyroid anatomy and can be used to complement anatomical fluorescence information. The effects of an FGF pathway inhibitor on thyroid development were determined to be time-point-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Jia Zhang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Feng Sun
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Ya Fang
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Ye
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Huai-Dong Song
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Mei Dong
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics & Endocrinology, The Core Laboratory in Medical Center of Clinical Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
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9
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Zebrafish Embryonic Exposure to BPAP and Its Relatively Weak Thyroid Hormone-Disrupting Effects. TOXICS 2020; 8:toxics8040103. [PMID: 33202880 PMCID: PMC7712898 DOI: 10.3390/toxics8040103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Safe endocrine-disrupting alternatives for bisphenol A (BPA) are needed because its adverse health effects have become a public concern. Some bisphenol analogues (bisphenol F and S) have been applied, but their endocrine-disrupting potential is either not negligible or weaker than that of BPA. However, the endocrine-disrupting potential of bisphenol AP (BPAP), another BPA alternative, has not yet been fully assessed. Hence, we evaluated the thyroid hormone (TH)-disrupting potency of BPAP because THs are essential endocrine hormones. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to BPAP (0, 18.2, 43.4, or 105.9 μg/L) for 120 h, and TH levels, the transcription of 16 TH-related genes, the transcriptome, development, and behavior were evaluated. In our study, a decrease in T4 level was observed only at the maximum nonlethal concentration, but significant changes in the T3 and TSHβ levels were not detected. BPAP did not cause significant changes in transcription and gene ontology enrichment related to the TH system. Developmental and behavioral changes were not observed. Despite T4 level reduction, other markers were not significantly affected by BPAP. These might indicate that BPAP has weak or negligible potency regarding TH disruption as a BPA alternative. This study might provide novel information on the TH-disrupting potential of BPAP.
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Jarque S, Rubio-Brotons M, Ibarra J, Ordoñez V, Dyballa S, Miñana R, Terriente J. Morphometric analysis of developing zebrafish embryos allows predicting teratogenicity modes of action in higher vertebrates. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:337-348. [PMID: 32822784 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The early identification of teratogens in humans and animals is mandatory for drug discovery and development. Zebrafish has emerged as an alternative model to traditional preclinical models for predicting teratogenicity and other potential chemical-induced toxicity hazards. To prove its predictivity, we exposed zebrafish embryos from 0 to 96 h post fertilization to a battery of 31 compounds classified as teratogens or non-teratogens in mammals. The teratogenicity score was based on the measurement of 16 phenotypical parameters, namely heart edema, pigmentation, body length, eye size, yolk size, yolk sac edema, otic vesicle defects, otoliths defects, body axis defects, developmental delay, tail bending, scoliosis, lateral fins absence, hatching ratio, lower jaw malformations and tissue necrosis. Among the 31 compounds, 20 were detected as teratogens and 11 as non-teratogens, resulting in 94.44 % sensitivity, 90.91 % specificity and 87.10 % accuracy compared to rodents. These percentages decreased slightly when referred to humans, with 87.50 % sensitivity, 81.82 % specificity and 74.19 % accuracy, but allowed an increase in the prediction levels reported by rodents for the same compounds. Positive compounds showed a high correlation among teratogenic parameters, pointing out at general developmental delay as major cause to explain the physiological/morphological malformations. A more detailed analysis based on deviations from main trends revealed potential specific modes of action for some compounds such as retinoic acid, DEAB, ochratoxin A, haloperidol, warfarin, valproic acid, acetaminophen, dasatinib, imatinib, dexamethasone, 6-aminonicotinamide and bisphenol A. The high degree of predictivity and the possibility of applying mechanistic approaches makes zebrafish a powerful model for screening teratogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Jarque
- ZeClinics SL, Carretera de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles, s/n, Edificio IGTP Muntanya, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria Rubio-Brotons
- ZeClinics SL, Carretera de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles, s/n, Edificio IGTP Muntanya, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jone Ibarra
- ZeClinics SL, Carretera de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles, s/n, Edificio IGTP Muntanya, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Ordoñez
- ZeClinics SL, Carretera de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles, s/n, Edificio IGTP Muntanya, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sylvia Dyballa
- ZeClinics SL, Carretera de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles, s/n, Edificio IGTP Muntanya, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Miñana
- ZeClinics SL, Carretera de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles, s/n, Edificio IGTP Muntanya, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Terriente
- ZeClinics SL, Carretera de Can Ruti, Camí de les Escoles, s/n, Edificio IGTP Muntanya, Badalona, 08916 Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Couderq S, Leemans M, Fini JB. Testing for thyroid hormone disruptors, a review of non-mammalian in vivo models. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 508:110779. [PMID: 32147522 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) play critical roles in profound changes in many vertebrates, notably in mammalian neurodevelopment, although the precise molecular mechanisms of these fundamental biological processes are still being unravelled. Environmental and health concerns prompted the development of chemical safety testing and, in the context of endocrine disruption, identification of thyroid hormone axis disrupting chemicals (THADCs) remains particularly challenging. As various molecules are known to interfere with different levels of TH signalling, screening tests for THADCs may not rely solely on in vitro ligand/receptor binding to TH receptors. Therefore, alternatives to mammalian in vivo assays featuring TH-related endpoints that are more sensitive than circulatory THs and more rapid than thyroid histopathology are needed to fulfil the ambition of higher throughput screening of the myriad of environmental chemicals. After a detailed introduction of the context, we have listed current assays and parameters to assess thyroid disruption following a literature search of recent publications referring to non-mammalian models. Potential THADCs were mostly investigated in zebrafish and the frog Xenopus laevis, an amphibian model extensively used to study TH signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Couderq
- Unité PhyMA laboratory, Adaptation du Vivant, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, 7 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Michelle Leemans
- Unité PhyMA laboratory, Adaptation du Vivant, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, 7 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Baptiste Fini
- Unité PhyMA laboratory, Adaptation du Vivant, Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, 7 rue Cuvier, 75005, Paris, France.
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12
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Abstract
Background: GLIS3 (GLI-Similar protein 3) is a transcription factor involved in several cellular processes. Homozygous mutations in the GLIS3 gene have been typically associated with neonatal diabetes and congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in a syndrome called NDH. NDH patients present developmental abnormalities including endocrine pancreas defects and a spectrum of thyroid abnormalities, mainly including thyroid dysgenesis (TD). The mouse models revealed a key role of Glis3 in pancreatic islets but not in early thyroid development, as Glis3 was described to retain a role in regulating thyroid hormone synthesis downstream the thyrotropin (TSH)/TSHR signaling pathway and in postnatal follicle proliferation. Hence, in this study, we have been taking advantage of the zebrafish model to gain insights on the Glis3 activity during thyroid organogenesis. Methods: Transient glis3-knockdown zebrafish embryos (called glis3 morphants) were generated by the microinjection of specific glis3 morpholinos at one- to two-cell stage to analyze the thyroid phenotype in vivo. Several additional analyses (in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and pharmacological treatments) were performed for further molecular characterization. Results: The analysis of thyroid embryonic development revealed that Glis3 is involved in early steps of thyroid specification. glis3 morphants exhibited a reduced expression of the early transcription factors nkx2.4 and pax2a at the thyroid primordium level, which is not caused by changes in proliferation or apoptosis of the pharyngeal endoderm. As a result, the differentiated thyroid tissue in morphants appeared reduced in size with decreased expression of tg and slc5a5, a low number of thyroxine (T4)-producing follicles, associated with an elevation of tshba (homologous of the human TSHβ), thus resembling the clinical and biochemical manifestations of patients with TD. Interestingly, glis3 morphants have pancreatic β-cell defects, but not liver defects. In vitro and in vivo data also demonstrated that Glis3 is an effector of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway. Molecular and pharmacological inhibition of SHH reproduced the thyroid defects observed in glis3 morphant. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that glis3, within the SHH pathway, appears to determine the number of endodermal cells committed to a thyroid fate. This is the first evidence of the involvement of Glis3 in TD, thereby expanding the understanding of the genetic basis of thyroid development and CH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuditta Rurale
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Marelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Duminuco
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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13
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Haerlingen B, Opitz R, Vandernoot I, Trubiroha A, Gillotay P, Giusti N, Costagliola S. Small-Molecule Screening in Zebrafish Embryos Identifies Signaling Pathways Regulating Early Thyroid Development. Thyroid 2019; 29:1683-1703. [PMID: 31507237 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background: Defects in embryonic development of the thyroid gland are a major cause for congenital hypothyroidism in human newborns, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Organ development relies on a tightly regulated interplay between extrinsic signaling cues and cell intrinsic factors. At present, however, there is limited knowledge about the specific extrinsic signaling cues that regulate foregut endoderm patterning, thyroid cell specification, and subsequent morphogenetic processes in thyroid development. Methods: To begin to address this problem in a systematic way, we used zebrafish embryos to perform a series of in vivo phenotype-driven chemical genetic screens to identify signaling cues regulating early thyroid development. For this purpose, we treated zebrafish embryos during different developmental periods with a panel of small-molecule compounds known to manipulate the activity of major signaling pathways and scored phenotypic deviations in thyroid, endoderm, and cardiovascular development using whole-mount in situ hybridization and transgenic fluorescent reporter models. Results: Systematic assessment of drugged embryos recovered a range of thyroid phenotypes including expansion, reduction or lack of the early thyroid anlage, defective thyroid budding, as well as hypoplastic, enlarged, or overtly disorganized presentation of the thyroid primordium after budding. Our pharmacological screening identified bone morphogenetic protein and fibroblast growth factor signaling as key factors for thyroid specification and early thyroid organogenesis, highlighted the importance of low Wnt activities during early development for thyroid specification, and implicated drug-induced cardiac and vascular anomalies as likely indirect mechanisms causing various forms of thyroid dysgenesis. Conclusions: By integrating the outcome of our screening efforts with previously available information from other model organisms including Xenopus, chicken, and mouse, we conclude that signaling cues regulating thyroid development appear broadly conserved across vertebrates. We therefore expect that observations made in zebrafish can inform mammalian models of thyroid organogenesis to further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of congenital thyroid diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Haerlingen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robert Opitz
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabelle Vandernoot
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Achim Trubiroha
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Gillotay
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicoletta Giusti
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sabine Costagliola
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Trubiroha A, Gillotay P, Giusti N, Gacquer D, Libert F, Lefort A, Haerlingen B, De Deken X, Opitz R, Costagliola S. A Rapid CRISPR/Cas-based Mutagenesis Assay in Zebrafish for Identification of Genes Involved in Thyroid Morphogenesis and Function. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5647. [PMID: 29618800 PMCID: PMC5884836 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-24036-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The foregut endoderm gives rise to several organs including liver, pancreas, lung and thyroid with important roles in human physiology. Understanding which genes and signalling pathways regulate their development is crucial for understanding developmental disorders as well as diseases in adulthood. We exploited unique advantages of the zebrafish model to develop a rapid and scalable CRISPR/Cas-based mutagenesis strategy aiming at the identification of genes involved in morphogenesis and function of the thyroid. Core elements of the mutagenesis assay comprise bi-allelic gene invalidation in somatic mutants, a non-invasive monitoring of thyroid development in live transgenic fish, complementary analyses of thyroid function in fixed specimens and quantitative analyses of mutagenesis efficiency by Illumina sequencing of individual fish. We successfully validated our mutagenesis-phenotyping strategy in experiments targeting genes with known functions in early thyroid morphogenesis (pax2a, nkx2.4b) and thyroid functional differentiation (duox, duoxa, tshr). We also demonstrate that duox and duoxa crispants phenocopy thyroid phenotypes previously observed in human patients with bi-allelic DUOX2 and DUOXA2 mutations. The proposed combination of efficient mutagenesis protocols, rapid non-invasive phenotyping and sensitive genotyping holds great potential to systematically characterize the function of larger candidate gene panels during thyroid development and is applicable to other organs and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Trubiroha
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium.,German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department Chemicals and Product Safety, Max-Dohrn-Strasse 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - P Gillotay
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - N Giusti
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - D Gacquer
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - F Libert
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A Lefort
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - B Haerlingen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - X De Deken
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - R Opitz
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium. .,Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.
| | - S Costagliola
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Molecular Human Biology (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, 1070, Brussels, Belgium.
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15
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Zada D, Blitz E, Appelbaum L. Zebrafish - An emerging model to explore thyroid hormone transporters and psychomotor retardation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 459:53-58. [PMID: 28274736 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid hormones (THs) regulate a variety of fundamental physiological processes, including the development and maintenance of the brain. For decades, it was thought that THs enter the cells by passive diffusion. However, it is now clear that TH transport across the cell membrane requires specific transporter proteins that facilitate the uptake and efflux of THs. Several thyroid hormone transmembrane transporters (THTTs) have been identified, including monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8), MCT10, and organic anion transporting polypeptide 1C1 (OATP1C1). The critical role of THTTs in regulating metabolism and brain function is demonstrated in the Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome (AHDS), an X-linked psychomotor retardation associated with mutations in the MCT8/SLC16A2 gene. In addition to traditional research on humans, cell-lines, and rodents, the zebrafish has recently emerged as an attractive model to study THTTs and neuroendocrinological-related disorders. In this review, we describe the unique contribution of zebrafish studies to the understanding of the functional role of THTTs in live animals, and how this transparent vertebrate model can be used for translational studies on TH-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zada
- The Faculty of Life Sciences and the Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Einat Blitz
- The Faculty of Life Sciences and the Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Lior Appelbaum
- The Faculty of Life Sciences and the Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 5290002, Israel.
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16
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Abstract
Next-generation sequencing technologies have revolutionized the identification of disease-causing genes, accelerating the discovery of new mutations and new candidate genes for thyroid diseases. To face this flow of novel genetic information, it is important to have suitable animal models to study the mechanisms regulating thyroid development and thyroid hormone availability and activity. Zebrafish ( Danio rerio), with its rapid external embryonic development, has been extensively used in developmental biology. To date, almost all of the components of the zebrafish thyroid axis have been characterized and are structurally and functionally comparable with those of higher vertebrates. The availability of transgenic fluorescent zebrafish lines allows the real-time analysis of thyroid organogenesis and its alterations. Transient morpholino-knockdown is a solution to silence the expression of a gene of interest and promptly obtain insights on its contribution during the development of the zebrafish thyroid axis. The recently available tools for targeted stable gene knockout have further increased the value of zebrafish to the study of thyroid disease. All of the reported zebrafish models can also be used to screen small compounds and to test new drugs and may allow the establishment of experimental proof of concept to plan subsequent clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Marelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
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17
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Anelli V, Villefranc JA, Chhangawala S, Martinez-McFaline R, Riva E, Nguyen A, Verma A, Bareja R, Chen Z, Scognamiglio T, Elemento O, Houvras Y. Oncogenic BRAF disrupts thyroid morphogenesis and function via twist expression. eLife 2017; 6:e20728. [PMID: 28350298 PMCID: PMC5389860 DOI: 10.7554/elife.20728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is common, yet the sequence of alterations that promote tumor formation are incompletely understood. Here, we describe a novel model of thyroid carcinoma in zebrafish that reveals temporal changes due to BRAFV600E. Through the use of real-time in vivo imaging, we observe disruption in thyroid follicle structure that occurs early in thyroid development. Combinatorial treatment using BRAF and MEK inhibitors reversed the developmental effects induced by BRAFV600E. Adult zebrafish expressing BRAFV600E in thyrocytes developed invasive carcinoma. We identified a gene expression signature from zebrafish thyroid cancer that is predictive of disease-free survival in patients with papillary thyroid cancer. Gene expression studies nominated TWIST2 as a key effector downstream of BRAF. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to genetically inactivate a TWIST2 orthologue, we suppressed the effects of BRAFV600E and restored thyroid morphology and hormone synthesis. These data suggest that expression of TWIST2 plays a role in an early step of BRAFV600E-mediated transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Anelli
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
| | - Jacques A Villefranc
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
| | - Sagar Chhangawala
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
| | - Raul Martinez-McFaline
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
| | - Eleonora Riva
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Medical Science, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anvy Nguyen
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
| | - Akanksha Verma
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
| | - Rohan Bareja
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
| | - Zhengming Chen
- Department of Healthcare Policy & Research, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
| | - Theresa Scognamiglio
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Institute for Computational Biomedicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York City, United States
| | - Yariv Houvras
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City, United States
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18
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Cheng Y, Ekker M, Chan HM. Relative developmental toxicities of pentachloroanisole and pentachlorophenol in a zebrafish model (Danio rerio). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2015; 112:7-14. [PMID: 25463847 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pentachloroanisole (PCA) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) are chlorinated aromatic compounds that have been found in the environment and in human populations. The objective of this study is to characterize the effects of PCA in comparison to those of PCP on development at environmental relevant levels using a fish model. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 0.1, 1, 10, 100, 500, 1000 μg/L PCA and PCP respectively for 96 h. Malformation observation, LC50 testing for survival rate at 96 hours post fertilization (hpf) and EC50 testing for hatching rate at 72 hpf indicated that the developmental toxicity of PCP was about 15 times higher than that of PCA. PCP exposure at 10 μg/L resulted in elevated 3, 3', 5-triiodothyronine (T3) levels and decreased thyroxine (T4) levels, whereas PCA had no effects on T3 or T4 levels. PCP and PCA exposure at 1 and 10 μg/L showed possible hyperthyroid effects similar to that of T3, due to increased relative mRNA expression of synapsin I (SYN), iodothyronine deiodinase type III (Dio3), thyroid hormone receptor alpha a (THRαa) and thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ), and decreased expression of iodothyronine deiodinase type II (Dio2). The results indicate that both PCA and PCP exposure can cause morphological deformities, possibly affect the timing and coordination of development in the central nervous system, and alter thyroid hormone levels by disrupting thyroid hormone regulating pathways. However, the developmental toxicity of PCA is at least ten times lower than that of PCP. Our results on the relative developmental toxicities of PCA and PCP and the possible underlying mechanisms will be useful to support interpretation of envrionmental concentrations and body burden levels observed in human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cheng
- Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Marc Ekker
- Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5
| | - Hing Man Chan
- Center for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1N 6N5.
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