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Drake LY, Wicher SA, Roos BB, Khalfaoui L, Nesbitt L, Fang YH, Pabelick CM, Prakash YS. Functional role of glial-derived neurotrophic factor in a mixed allergen murine model of asthma. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2024; 326:L19-L28. [PMID: 37987758 PMCID: PMC11279745 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00099.2023] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous study showed that glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) expression is upregulated in asthmatic human lungs, and GDNF regulates calcium responses through its receptor GDNF family receptor α1 (GFRα1) and RET receptor in human airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that airway GDNF contributes to airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and remodeling using a mixed allergen mouse model. Adult C57BL/6J mice were intranasally exposed to mixed allergens (ovalbumin, Aspergillus, Alternaria, house dust mite) over 4 wk with concurrent exposure to recombinant GDNF, or extracellular GDNF chelator GFRα1-Fc. Airway resistance and compliance to methacholine were assessed using FlexiVent. Lung expression of GDNF, GFRα1, RET, collagen, and fibronectin was examined by RT-PCR and histology staining. Allergen exposure increased GDNF expression in bronchial airways including ASM and epithelium. Laser capture microdissection of the ASM layer showed increased mRNA for GDNF, GFRα1, and RET in allergen-treated mice. Allergen exposure increased protein expression of GDNF and RET, but not GFRα1, in ASM. Intranasal administration of GDNF enhanced baseline responses to methacholine but did not consistently potentiate allergen effects. GDNF also induced airway thickening, and collagen deposition in bronchial airways. Chelation of GDNF by GFRα1-Fc attenuated allergen-induced AHR and particularly remodeling. These data suggest that locally produced GDNF, potentially derived from epithelium and/or ASM, contributes to AHR and remodeling relevant to asthma.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Local production of growth factors within the airway with autocrine/paracrine effects can promote features of asthma. Here, we show that glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a procontractile and proremodeling factor that contributes to allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity and tissue remodeling in a mouse model of asthma. Blocking GDNF signaling attenuates allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity and remodeling, suggesting a novel approach to alleviating structural and functional changes in the asthmatic airway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Y. Drake
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Sarah A. Wicher
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Benjamin B. Roos
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Latifa Khalfaoui
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Lisa Nesbitt
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Yun Hua Fang
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Christina M. Pabelick
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Y. S. Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
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Honeycutt SE, N'Guetta PEY, O'Brien LL. Innervation in organogenesis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 148:195-235. [PMID: 35461566 PMCID: PMC10636594 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.02.004] [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] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Proper innervation of peripheral organs helps to maintain physiological homeostasis and elicit responses to external stimuli. Disruptions to normal function can result in pathophysiological consequences. The establishment of connections and communication between the central nervous system and the peripheral organs is accomplished through the peripheral nervous system. Neuronal connections with target tissues arise from ganglia partitioned throughout the body. Organ innervation is initiated during development with stimuli being conducted through several types of neurons including sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory. While the physiological modulation of mature organs by these nerves is largely understood, their role in mammalian development is only beginning to be uncovered. Interactions with cells in target tissues can affect the development and eventual function of several organs, highlighting their significance. This chapter will cover the origin of peripheral neurons, factors mediating organ innervation, and the composition and function of organ-specific nerves during development. This emerging field aims to identify the functional contribution of innervation to development which will inform future investigations of normal and abnormal mammalian organogenesis, as well as contribute to regenerative and organ replacement efforts where nerve-derived signals may have significant implications for the advancement of such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel E Honeycutt
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Y N'Guetta
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lori L O'Brien
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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3
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Bhallamudi S, Roos BB, Teske JJ, Wicher SA, McConico A, M Pabelick C, Sathish V, Prakash YS. Glial-derived neurotrophic factor in human airway smooth muscle. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:8184-8196. [PMID: 34170009 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells modulate the local airway milieu via production of inflammatory mediators and growth factors including classical neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family of ligands (GFLs) are nonclassical neurotrophins and their role in the airway is barely understood. The major GFLs, GDNF and Neurturin (NRTN) bind to GDNF family receptor (GFR) α1 and α2 respectively that pair with Ret receptor to accomplish signaling. In this study, we found GDNF is expressed in human lung and increased in adult asthma, while human ASM expresses GDNF and its receptors. Accordingly, we used human ASM cells to test the hypothesis that ASM expression and autocrine signaling by GFLs regulate [Ca2+ ]i . Serum-deprived ASM cells from non-asthmatics were exposed to 10 ng/ml GDNF or NRTN for 15 min (acute) or 24 h (chronic). In fura-2 loaded cells, acute GDNF or NRTN alone induced [Ca2+ ]i responses, and further enhanced responses to 1 µM ACh or 10 µM histamine. Ret inhibitor (SPP86; 10 µM) or specific GDNF chelator GFRα1-Fc (1 µg/ml) showed roles of these receptors in GDNF effects. In contrast, NRTN did not enhance [Ca2+ ]i response to histamine. Furthermore, conditioned media of nonasthmatic and asthmatic ASM cells showed GDNF secretion. SPP86, Ret inhibitor and GFRα1-Fc chelator markedly decreased [Ca2+ ]i response compared with vehicle, highlighting autocrine effects of secreted GDNF. Chronic GDNF treatment increased histamine-induced myosin light chain phosphorylation. These novel data demonstrate GFLs particularly GDNF/GFRα1 influence ASM [Ca2+ ]i and raise the possibility that GFLs are potential targets of airway hyperresponsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeeta Bhallamudi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Benjamin B Roos
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jacob J Teske
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sarah A Wicher
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Andrea McConico
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Christina M Pabelick
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Y S Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.,Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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4
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Rubin L, Stabler CT, Schumacher-Klinger A, Marcinkiewicz C, Lelkes PI, Lazarovici P. Neurotrophic factors and their receptors in lung development and implications in lung diseases. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2021; 59:84-94. [PMID: 33589358 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although lung innervation has been described by many studies in humans and rodents, the regulation of the respiratory system induced by neurotrophins is not fully understood. Here, we review current knowledge on the role of neurotrophins and the expression and function of their receptors in neurogenesis, vasculogenesis and during the embryonic development of the respiratory tree and highlight key implications relevant to respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limor Rubin
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Collin T Stabler
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Adi Schumacher-Klinger
- School of Pharmacy Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
| | - Cezary Marcinkiewicz
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Peter I Lelkes
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Philip Lazarovici
- School of Pharmacy Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
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5
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Roos BB, Teske JJ, Bhallamudi S, Pabelick CM, Sathish V, Prakash YS. Neurotrophin Regulation and Signaling in Airway Smooth Muscle. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1304:109-121. [PMID: 34019266 PMCID: PMC11042712 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-68748-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Structural and functional aspects of bronchial airways are key throughout life and play critical roles in diseases such as asthma. Asthma involves functional changes such as airway irritability and hyperreactivity, as well as structural changes such as enhanced cellular proliferation of airway smooth muscle (ASM), epithelium, and fibroblasts, and altered extracellular matrix (ECM) and fibrosis, all modulated by factors such as inflammation. There is now increasing recognition that disease maintenance following initial triggers involves a prominent role for resident nonimmune airway cells that secrete growth factors with pleiotropic autocrine and paracrine effects. The family of neurotrophins may be particularly relevant in this regard. Long recognized in the nervous system, classical neurotrophins such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nonclassical ligands such as glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) are now known to be expressed and functional in non-neuronal systems including lung. However, the sources, targets, regulation, and downstream effects are still under investigation. In this chapter, we discuss current state of knowledge and future directions regarding BDNF and GDNF in airway physiology and on pathophysiological contributions in asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin B Roos
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jacob J Teske
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Sangeeta Bhallamudi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Christina M Pabelick
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Venkatachalem Sathish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Y S Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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6
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Kistemaker LEM, Prakash YS. Airway Innervation and Plasticity in Asthma. Physiology (Bethesda) 2019; 34:283-298. [PMID: 31165683 PMCID: PMC6863372 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00050.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Airway nerves represent a mechanistically and therapeutically important aspect that requires better highlighting in the context of diseases such as asthma. Altered structure and function (plasticity) of afferent and efferent airway innervation can contribute to airway diseases. We describe established anatomy, current understanding of how plasticity occurs, and contributions of plasticity to asthma, focusing on target-derived growth factors (neurotrophins). Perspectives toward novel treatment strategies and future research are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E M Kistemaker
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
- GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Y S Prakash
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic , Rochester, Minnesota
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7
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Wu J, Chu X, Chen C, Bellusci S. Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 in Mesenchymal Cell Differentiation During Lung Development and Disease. Front Genet 2018; 9:545. [PMID: 30487814 PMCID: PMC6246629 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During organogenesis and pathogenesis, fibroblast growth factor 10 (Fgf10) regulates mesenchymal cell differentiation in the lung. Different cell types reside in the developing lung mesenchyme. Lineage tracing in vivo was used to characterize these cells during development and disease. Fgf10-positive cells in the early lung mesenchyme differentiate into multiple lineages including smooth muscle cells (SMCs), lipofibroblasts (LIFs) as well as other cells, which still remain to be characterized. Fgf10 signaling has been reported to act both in an autocrine and paracrine fashion. Autocrine Fgf10 signaling is important for the differentiation of LIF progenitors. Interestingly, autocrine Fgf10 signaling also controls the differentiation of pre-adipocytes into mature adipocytes. As the mechanism of action of Fgf10 on adipocyte differentiation via the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparγ) signaling is quite well established, this knowledge could be instrumental for identifying drugs capable of sustaining LIF differentiation in the context of lung injury. We propose that enhanced LIF differentiation could be associated with improved repair. On the other hand, paracrine signaling is considered to be critical for the differentiation of alveolar epithelial progenitors during development as well as for the maintenance of the alveolar type 2 (AT2) stem cells during homeostasis. Alveolar myofibroblasts (MYFs), which are another type of mesenchymal cells critical for the process of alveologenesis (the last phase of lung development) express high levels of Fgf10 and are also dependent for their formation on Fgf signaling. The characterization of the progenitors of alveolar MYFs as well the mechanisms involved in their differentiation is paramount as these cells are considered to be critical for lung regeneration. Finally, lineage tracing in the context of lung fibrosis demonstrated a reversible differentiation from LIF to "activated" MYF during fibrosis formation and resolution. FGF10 expression in the lungs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) vs. donors as well as progressive vs. stable IPF patients supports our conclusion that FGF10 deficiency could be causative for IPF progression. The therapeutic application of recombinant human FGF10 is therefore very promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xuran Chu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
- Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Chengshui Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Saverio Bellusci
- Institute of Life Sciences, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou, China
- Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Abstract
The interplay between the immune and nervous systems has been acknowledged in the past, but only more recent studies have started to unravel the cellular and molecular players of such interactions. Mounting evidence indicates that environmental signals are sensed by discrete neuro-immune cell units (NICUs), which represent defined anatomical locations in which immune and neuronal cells colocalize and functionally interact to steer tissue physiology and protection. These units have now been described in multiple tissues throughout the body, including lymphoid organs, adipose tissue, and mucosal barriers. As such, NICUs are emerging as important orchestrators of multiple physiological processes, including hematopoiesis, organogenesis, inflammation, tissue repair, and thermogenesis. In this review we focus on the impact of NICUs in tissue physiology and how this fast-evolving field is driving a paradigm shift in our understanding of immunoregulation and organismal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Godinho-Silva
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal; , ,
| | - Filipa Cardoso
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal; , ,
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Migration and diversification of the vagal neural crest. Dev Biol 2018; 444 Suppl 1:S98-S109. [PMID: 29981692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Arising within the neural tube between the cranial and trunk regions of the body axis, the vagal neural crest shares interesting similarities in its migratory routes and derivatives with other neural crest populations. However, the vagal neural crest is also unique in its ability to contribute to diverse organs including the heart and enteric nervous system. This review highlights the migratory routes of the vagal neural crest and compares them across multiple vertebrates. We also summarize recent advances in understanding vagal neural crest ontogeny and discuss the contribution of this important neural crest population to the cardiovascular system and endoderm-derived organs, including the thymus, lungs and pancreas.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Asthma is a chronic airway disease that affects more than 300 million people worldwide. Current treatment focuses on symptomatic relief by temporally dampening inflammation and relaxing the airway. Novel combative strategies against asthma and hopefully a cure are yet to be developed. The goal of this review is to summarize recent literature on neurotrophins (NTs) in experimental models and clinical settings of asthma research. RECENT FINDINGS We highlight studies of early phases of asthma that collectively reveal a profound impact of elevated NT levels following initial detrimental insults on long-term airway dysfunction. We hope this review will foster insights into the complex interaction between NTs, nerves, immune cells, and airway structural cells during a critical time window of development and disease susceptibility. Future studies are required to better understand the role of NTs in asthma pathophysiology and to evaluate whether NTs and their receptors may serve as new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Barrios
- The Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Xingbin Ai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Thorn Building, Rm. 905, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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11
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Developmental mechanisms and adult stem cells for therapeutic lung regeneration. Dev Biol 2018; 433:166-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Deficiency of CPEB2-Confined Choline Acetyltransferase Expression in the Dorsal Motor Nucleus of Vagus Causes Hyperactivated Parasympathetic Signaling-Associated Bronchoconstriction. J Neurosci 2016; 36:12661-12676. [PMID: 27810937 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0557-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 2 (CPEB2) is an RNA-binding protein and translational regulator. To understand the physiological function of CPEB2, we generated CPEB2 knock-out (KO) mice and found that most died within 3 d after birth. CPEB2 is highly expressed in the brainstem, which controls vital functions, such as breathing. Whole-body plethysmography revealed that KO neonates had aberrant respiration with frequent apnea. Nevertheless, the morphology and function of the respiratory rhythm generator and diaphragm neuromuscular junctions appeared normal. We found that upregulated translation of choline acetyltransferase in the CPEB2 KO dorsal motor nucleus of vagus resulted in hyperactivation of parasympathetic signaling-induced bronchoconstriction, as evidenced by increased pulmonary acetylcholine and phosphorylated myosin light chain 2 in bronchial smooth muscles. Specific deletion of CPEB2 in cholinergic neurons sufficiently caused increased apnea in neonatal pups and airway hyper-reactivity in adult mice. Moreover, inhalation of an anticholinergic bronchodilator reduced apnea episodes in global and cholinergic CPEB2-KO mice. Together, the elevated airway constriction induced by cholinergic transmission in KO neonates may account for the respiratory defect and mortality. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study first generated and characterized cpeb2 gene-deficient mice. CPEB2-knock-out (KO) mice are born alive but most die within 3 d after birth showing no overt defects in anatomy. We found that the KO neonates showed severe apnea and altered respiratory pattern. Such respiratory defects could be recapitulated in mice with pan-neuron-specific or cholinergic neuron-specific ablation of the cpeb2 gene. Further investigation revealed that cholinergic transmission in the KO dorsal motor nucleus of vagus was overactivated because KO mice lack CPEB2-suppressed translation of the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of acetylcholine (i.e., choline acetyltransferase). Consequently, increased parasympathetic signaling leads to hyperactivated bronchoconstriction and abnormal respiration in the KO neonates.
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13
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Hines EA, Sun X. Tissue crosstalk in lung development. J Cell Biochem 2015; 115:1469-77. [PMID: 24644090 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.24811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Lung development follows a stereotypic program orchestrated by key interactions among epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. Deviations from this developmental program can lead to pulmonary diseases including bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension. Significant efforts have been made to examine the cellular and molecular basis of the tissue interactions underlying these stereotypic developmental processes. Genetically engineered mouse models, lung organ culture, and advanced imaging techniques are a few of the tools that have expanded our understanding of the tissue interactions that drive lung development. Intimate crosstalk has been identified between the epithelium and mesenchyme, distinct mesenchymal tissues, and individual epithelial cells types. For interactions such as the epithelial-mesenchymal crosstalk regulating lung specification and branching morphogenesis, the key molecular players, FGF, BMP, WNT, and SHH, are well established. Additionally, VEGF regulation underlies the epithelial-endothelial crosstalk that coordinates airway branching with angiogenesis. Recent work also discovered a novel role for SHH in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transition of the mesothelium. In contrast, the molecular basis for the crosstalk between upper airway cartilage and smooth muscle is not yet known. In this review we examine current evidence of the tissue interactions and molecular crosstalk that underlie the stereotypic patterning of the developing lung and mediate injury repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Hines
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706
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Mauffray M, Domingues O, Hentges F, Zimmer J, Hanau D, Michel T. Neurturin influences inflammatory responses and airway remodeling in different mouse asthma models. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:1423-33. [PMID: 25595789 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurturin (NTN) was previously described for its neuronal activities, but recently, we have shown that this factor is also involved in asthma physiopathology. However, the underlying mechanisms of NTN are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate NTN involvement in acute bronchial Th2 responses, to analyze its interaction with airway structural cells, and to study its implication in remodeling during acute and chronic bronchial inflammation in C57BL/6 mice. We analyzed the features of allergic airway inflammation in wild-type and NTN(-/-) mice after sensitization with two different allergens, OVA and house dust mite. We showed that NTN(-/-) dendritic cells and T cells had a stronger tendency to activate the Th2 pathway in vitro than similar wild-type cells. Furthermore, NTN(-/-) mice had significantly increased markers of airway remodeling like collagen deposition. NTN(-/-) lung tissues showed higher levels of neutrophils, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant, matrix metalloproteinase 9, TNF-α, and IL-6. Finally, NTN had the capacity to decrease IL-6 and TNF-α production by immune and epithelial cells, showing a direct anti-inflammatory activity on these cells. Our findings support the hypothesis that NTN could modulate the allergic inflammation in different mouse asthma models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Mauffray
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Allergology, Public Research Center for Health, L-1526 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; and
| | - Olivia Domingues
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Allergology, Public Research Center for Health, L-1526 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; and
| | - François Hentges
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Allergology, Public Research Center for Health, L-1526 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; and
| | - Jacques Zimmer
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Allergology, Public Research Center for Health, L-1526 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; and
| | - Daniel Hanau
- Mixed Research Unit-S949, INSERM-University of Strasbourg, Biology and Pharmacology of Haemostasis and Thrombosis, Blood Transfusion Center-Alsace, 67065 Strasbourg, France
| | - Tatiana Michel
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Allergology, Public Research Center for Health, L-1526 Luxembourg, Luxembourg; and
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El Agha E, Bellusci S. Walking along the Fibroblast Growth Factor 10 Route: A Key Pathway to Understand the Control and Regulation of Epithelial and Mesenchymal Cell-Lineage Formation during Lung Development and Repair after Injury. SCIENTIFICA 2014; 2014:538379. [PMID: 25298902 PMCID: PMC4178922 DOI: 10.1155/2014/538379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Basic research on embryonic lung development offers unique opportunities to make important discoveries that will impact human health. Developmental biologists interested in the molecular control of branching morphogenesis have intensively studied the developing lung, with its complex and seemingly stereotyped ramified structure. However, it is also an organ that is linked to a vast array of clinical problems in humans such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature babies and emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, fibrosis, and cancer in adults. Epithelial stem/progenitor cells reside in niches where they interact with specific extracellular matrices as well as with mesenchymal cells; the latter are still poorly characterized. Interactions of epithelial stem/progenitor cells with their microenvironments are usually instructive, controlling quiescence versus activation, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. During the past 18 years, Fgf10 has emerged not only as a marker for the distal lung mesenchyme during early lung development, but also as a key player in branching morphogenesis and a critical component of the niche for epithelial stem cells. In this paper, we will present the current knowledge regarding the lineage tree in the lung, with special emphasis on cell-lineage decisions in the lung mesenchyme and the role of Fgf10 in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie El Agha
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Klinikstraße 36, 35392 Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Hessen, Germany
| | - Saverio Bellusci
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center (UGMLC), Klinikstraße 36, 35392 Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), 35392 Giessen, Hessen, Germany
- Developmental Biology and Regenerative Program of the Saban Research Institute at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
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Aven L, Paez-Cortez J, Achey R, Krishnan R, Ram-Mohan S, Cruikshank WW, Fine A, Ai X. An NT4/TrkB-dependent increase in innervation links early-life allergen exposure to persistent airway hyperreactivity. FASEB J 2014; 28:897-907. [PMID: 24221086 PMCID: PMC3898648 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-238212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Children who are exposed to environmental respiratory insults often develop asthma that persists into adulthood. In this study, we used a neonatal mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway inflammation to understand the long-term effects of early childhood insults on airway structure and function. We showed that OVA sensitization and challenge in early life led to a 2-fold increase in airway smooth muscle (ASM) innervation (P<0.05) and persistent airway hyperreactivity (AHR). In contrast, OVA exposure in adult life elicited short-term AHR without affecting innervation levels. We found that postnatal ASM innervation required neurotrophin (NT)-4 signaling through the TrkB receptor and that early-life OVA exposure significantly elevated NT4 levels and TrkB signaling by 5- and 2-fold, respectively, to increase innervation. Notably, blockade of NT4/TrkB signaling in OVA-exposed pups prevented both acute and persistent AHR without affecting baseline airway function or inflammation. Furthermore, biophysical assays using lung slices and isolated cells demonstrated that NT4 was necessary for hyperreactivity of ASM induced by early-life OVA exposure. Together, our findings show that the NT4/TrkB-dependent increase in innervation plays a critical role in the alteration of the ASM phenotype during postnatal growth, thereby linking early-life allergen exposure to persistent airway dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh Aven
- 1The Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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El Agha E, Herold S, Al Alam D, Quantius J, MacKenzie B, Carraro G, Moiseenko A, Chao CM, Minoo P, Seeger W, Bellusci S. Fgf10-positive cells represent a progenitor cell population during lung development and postnatally. Development 2013; 141:296-306. [PMID: 24353064 DOI: 10.1242/dev.099747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The lung mesenchyme consists of a widely heterogeneous population of cells that play crucial roles during development and homeostasis after birth. These cells belong to myogenic, adipogenic, chondrogenic, neuronal and other lineages. Yet, no clear hierarchy for these lineages has been established. We have previously generated a novel Fgf10(iCre) knock-in mouse line that allows lineage tracing of Fgf10-positive cells during development and postnatally. Using these mice, we hereby demonstrate the presence of two waves of Fgf10 expression during embryonic lung development: the first wave, comprising Fgf10-positive cells residing in the submesothelial mesenchyme at early pseudoglandular stage (as well as their descendants); and the second wave, comprising Fgf10-positive cells from late pseudoglandular stage (as well as their descendants). Our lineage-tracing data reveal that the first wave contributes to the formation of parabronchial and vascular smooth muscle cells as well as lipofibroblasts at later developmental stages, whereas the second wave does not give rise to smooth muscle cells but to lipofibroblasts as well as an Nkx2.1(-) E-Cad(-) Epcam(+) Pro-Spc(+) lineage that requires further in-depth analysis. During alveologenesis, Fgf10-positive cells give rise to lipofibroblasts rather than alveolar myofibroblasts, and during adult life, a subpopulation of Fgf10-expressing cells represents a pool of resident mesenchymal stromal (stem) cells (MSCs) (Cd45(-) Cd31(-) Sca-1(+)). Taken together, we show for the first time that Fgf10-expressing cells represent a pool of mesenchymal progenitors in the embryonic and postnatal lung. Our findings suggest that Fgf10-positive cells could be useful for developing stem cell-based therapies for treating interstitial lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elie El Agha
- Excellence Cluster Cardio-Pulmonary System (ECCPS), D-35392 Giessen, Hessen, Germany
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Abstract
Autonomic neural control of the intrathoracic airways aids in optimizing air flow and gas exchange. In addition, and perhaps more importantly, the autonomic nervous system contributes to host defense of the respiratory tract. These functions are accomplished by tightly regulating airway caliber, blood flow, and secretions. Although both the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomic nervous system innervate the airways, it is the later that dominates, especially with respect to control of airway smooth muscle and secretions. Parasympathetic tone in the airways is regulated by reflex activity often initiated by activation of airway stretch receptors and polymodal nociceptors. This review discusses the preganglionic, ganglionic, and postganglionic mechanisms of airway autonomic innervation. Additionally, it provides a brief overview of how dysregulation of the airway autonomic nervous system may contribute to respiratory diseases.
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Wiese CB, Fleming N, Buehler DP, Southard-Smith EM. A Uchl1-Histone2BmCherry:GFP-gpi BAC transgene for imaging neuronal progenitors. Genesis 2013; 51:852-61. [PMID: 24123561 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Uchl1 encodes the protein gene product 9.5 antigen (PGP9.5) that is a widely used to identify migrating neural progenitors in the PNS, mature neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as neuroendocrine cells. To facilitate analysis of developing peripheral neurons, we linked regulatory regions of Uchl1 carried within a 160kb bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) to the dual fluorescent reporter H2BmCherry:GFP-gpi. The Uchl1-H2BmCherry:GFP-gpi transgene exhibits robust expression and allows clear discrimination of individual cells and cellular processes in cranial ganglia, sympathetic chain, the enteric nervous system (ENS), and autonomic ganglia of the urogenital system. The transgene also labels subsets of cells in endocrine tissues where earlier in situ hybridization (ISH) studies have previously identified expression of this deubiquinating enzyme. The Uchl1-H2BmCherry:GFP-gpi transgene will be a powerful tool for static and live imaging, as well as isolation of viable neural progenitors to investigate processes of autonomic neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie B Wiese
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 529 Light Hall, 2215 Garland Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee
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Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) accounts for nearly 15% of human lung cancers and is one of the most aggressive solid tumors. The SCLC cells are thought to derive from self-renewing pulmonary neuroendocrine cells by oncogenic transformation. However, whether the SCLC cells possess stemness and plasticity for differentiation as normal stem cells has not been well understood thus far. In this study, we investigated the expressions of multilineage stem cell markers in the cancer cells of SCLC cell line (NCI-H446) and analyzed their clonogenicity, tumorigenicity, and plasticity for inducing differentiation. It has been found that most cancer cells of the cell line expressed multilineage stem cell markers under the routine culture conditions and generated single-cell clones in anchorage-dependent or -independent conditions. These cancer cells could form subcutaneous xenograft tumors and orthotopic lung xenograft tumors in BALB/C-nude mice. Most cells in xenograft tumors expressed stem cell markers and proliferation cell nuclear antigen Ki67, suggesting that these cancer cells remained stemness and highly proliferative ability in vivo. Intriguingly, the cancer cells could be induced to differentiate into neurons, adipocytes, and osteocytes, respectively, in vitro. During the processes of cellular phenotype-conversions, autophagy and apoptosis were two main metabolic events. There is cross-talking between autophagy and apoptosis in the differentiated cancer cells. In addition, the effects of the inhibitor and agonist for Sirtuin1/2 on the inducing osteogenic differentiation indicated that Sirtuin1/2 had an important role in this process. Taken together, these results indicate that most cancer cells of NCI-H446 cell line possess stemness and plasticity for multilineage differentiation. These findings have potentially some translational applications in treatments of SCLC with inducing differentiation therapy.
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Abstract
During embryogenesis, the development of the respiratory tract is closely associated with the formation of an extensive neuronal network. While the topic of respiratory innervation is not new, and similar articles were published previously, recent studies using animal models and genetic tools are breathing new life into the field. In this review, we focus on signaling mechanisms that underlie innervation of the embryonic respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linh Aven
- The Pulmonary Center; Boston University School of Medicine; Boston, MA USA
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Li Y, Linnoila RI. Multidirectional differentiation of Achaete-Scute homologue-1-defined progenitors in lung development and injury repair. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2012; 47:768-75. [PMID: 22878413 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2012-0027oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple cells contribute to the function of lungs. Pulmonary neuroendocrine cells (PNECs) are important for the regulation of breathing and carcinogenesis, although they represent only a small population of the airway lining. Achaete-Scute homologue-1 (Ascl1), a proneural basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, is critical for the development of PNECs. We postulated that Ascl1-defined cells (ASDCs) may be progenitors, and traced their fate during development and injury repair. R26R-stop-lacZ (Rosa) reporter mice were crossed with Ascl1-Cre or Ascl1-CreERTM mice, in which the Ascl1 promoter drives the expression of Cre or inducible Cre recombinase, respectively. ASDCs and their descendants will be permanently labeled. The labeled cells were characterized by immunohistochemistry, using highly specific differentiation markers. Lineage studies revealed a population that proliferates before the pseudoglandular stage, and widely contributes to different compartments. When ASDCs were labeled on Embryonic Day 9.5, they gave rise to both airway and alveolar cells, but when labeled on Embryonic Day 11.5, they only gave rise to airway cells. In postnatal naphthalene injury, ASDCs contributed to regenerating Clara cells. In conclusion, Ascl1-defined cells in the lung represent a novel multipotent lineage, indicating a close relationship of neuroendocrine cells with other cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Experimental Pathology Section, Cell and Cancer Biology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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A Shh/miR-206/BDNF cascade coordinates innervation and formation of airway smooth muscle. J Neurosci 2011; 31:15407-15. [PMID: 22031887 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2745-11.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctional neural control of airway smooth muscle (ASM) is involved in inflammatory diseases, such as asthma. However, neurogenesis in the lung is poorly understood. This study uses mouse models to investigate developmental mechanisms of ASM innervation, a process that is highly coordinated with ASM formation during lung branching morphogenesis. We show that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an essential ASM-derived signal for innervation. Although BDNF mRNA expression is temporally dissociated with ASM formation and innervation, BDNF protein is coordinately produced through post-transcriptional suppression by miR-206. Using a combination of chemical and genetic approaches to modulate sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling, a pathway essential for lung branching and ASM formation, we show that Shh signaling blocks miR-206 expression, which in turn increases BDNF protein expression. Together, our work uncovers a functional cascade that involves Shh, miR-206 and BDNF to coordinate ASM formation and innervation.
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A Shh/miR-206/BDNF cascade coordinates innervation and formation of airway smooth muscle. J Neurosci 2011. [PMID: 22031887 DOI: 10.1523/jneuro] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctional neural control of airway smooth muscle (ASM) is involved in inflammatory diseases, such as asthma. However, neurogenesis in the lung is poorly understood. This study uses mouse models to investigate developmental mechanisms of ASM innervation, a process that is highly coordinated with ASM formation during lung branching morphogenesis. We show that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an essential ASM-derived signal for innervation. Although BDNF mRNA expression is temporally dissociated with ASM formation and innervation, BDNF protein is coordinately produced through post-transcriptional suppression by miR-206. Using a combination of chemical and genetic approaches to modulate sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling, a pathway essential for lung branching and ASM formation, we show that Shh signaling blocks miR-206 expression, which in turn increases BDNF protein expression. Together, our work uncovers a functional cascade that involves Shh, miR-206 and BDNF to coordinate ASM formation and innervation.
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Lieu T, Kollarik M, Myers AC, Undem BJ. Neurotrophin and GDNF family ligand receptor expression in vagal sensory nerve subtypes innervating the adult guinea pig respiratory tract. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2011; 300:L790-8. [PMID: 21335521 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00449.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We combined retrograde tracing techniques with single-neuron RT-PCR to compare the expression of neurotrophic factor receptors in nodose vs. jugular vagal sensory neurons. The neurons were further categorized based on location of their terminals (tracheal or lungs) and based on expression of the ionotropic capsaicin receptor TRPV1. Consistent with functional studies, nearly all jugular neurons innervating the trachea and lungs expressed TRPV1. With respect to the neurotrophin receptors, the TRPV1-expressing jugular C-fiber neurons innervating both the trachea and lung compartments preferentially expressed tropomyosin-receptor kinase A (TrkA), with only a minority of neurons expressing TrkB or TrkC. The nodose neurons that express TRPV1 (presumed nodose C-fibers) innervate mainly intrapulmonary structures. These neurons preferentially expressed TrkB, with only a minority expressing TrkA or TrkC. The expression pattern in tracheal TRPV1-negative neurons, nodose tracheal presumed Aδ-fiber neurons as well as the intrapulmonary TRPV1-negative presumed Aβ-fiber neurons, was similar to that observed in the nodose C-fiber neurons. We also evaluated the expression of GFRα receptors and RET (receptors for the GDNF family ligands). Virtually all vagal sensory neurons innervating the respiratory tract expressed RET and GFRα1. The jugular neurons also categorically expressed GFRα3, as well as ∼50% of the nodose neurons. GFRα2 was expressed in ∼50% of the neurons irrespective of subtype. The results reveal that Trk receptor expression in vagal afferent neurons innervating the adult respiratory tract depends more on the location of the cell bodies (jugular vs. nodose ganglion) than either the location of the terminals or the functional phenotype of the nerve. The data also reveal that in addition to neurotrophins, the GDNF family ligands may be important neuromodulators of vagal afferent nerves innervating the adult respiratory tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinamarie Lieu
- The Johns Hopkins University Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Freem LJ, Escot S, Tannahill D, Druckenbrod NR, Thapar N, Burns AJ. The intrinsic innervation of the lung is derived from neural crest cells as shown by optical projection tomography in Wnt1-Cre;YFP reporter mice. J Anat 2010; 217:651-64. [PMID: 20840354 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2010.01295.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the embryonic lung, intrinsic nerve ganglia, which innervate airway smooth muscle, are required for normal lung development and function. We studied the development of neural crest-derived intrinsic neurons within the embryonic mouse lung by crossing Wnt1-Cre mice with R26R-EYFP reporter mice to generate double transgenic mice that express yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in all neural crest cells (NCCs) and their derivatives. In addition to utilizing conventional immunohistochemistry on frozen lung sections, the complex organization of lung innervation was visualized in three dimensions by combining the genetic labelling of NCCs with optical projection tomography, a novel imaging technique that is particularly useful for the 3D examination of developing organs within embryos. YFP-positive NCCs migrated into the mouse lung from the oesophagus region at embryonic day 10.5. These cells subsequently accumulated around the bronchi and epithelial tubules of the lung and, as shown by 3D lung reconstructions with optical projection tomography imaging, formed an extensive, branching network in association with the developing airways. YFP-positive cells also colonized lung maintained in organotypic culture, and responded in a chemoattractive manner to the proto-oncogene, rearranged during transfection (RET) ligand, glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), suggesting that the RET signalling pathway is involved in neuronal development within the lung. However, when the lungs of Ret(-/-) and Gfrα1(-/-) embryos, deficient in the RET receptor and GDNF family receptor α 1 (GFRα1) co-receptor respectively, were examined, no major differences in the extent of lung innervation were observed. Our findings demonstrate that intrinsic neurons of the mouse lung are derived from NCCs and that, although implicated in the development of these cells, the role of the RET signalling pathway requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J Freem
- Neural Development Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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