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Lee PR, Kim J, Rossi HL, Chung S, Han SY, Kim J, Oh SB. Transcriptional profiling of dental sensory and proprioceptive trigeminal neurons using single-cell RNA sequencing. Int J Oral Sci 2023; 15:45. [PMID: 37749100 PMCID: PMC10519964 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-023-00246-z] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Dental primary afferent (DPA) neurons and proprioceptive mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (MTN) neurons, located in the trigeminal ganglion and the brainstem, respectively, are essential for controlling masticatory functions. Despite extensive transcriptomic studies on various somatosensory neurons, there is still a lack of knowledge about the molecular identities of these populations due to technical challenges in their circuit-validated isolation. Here, we employed high-depth single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in combination with retrograde tracing in mice to identify intrinsic transcriptional features of DPA and MTN neurons. Our transcriptome analysis revealed five major types of DPA neurons with cell type-specific gene enrichment, some of which exhibit unique mechano-nociceptive properties capable of transmitting nociception in response to innocuous mechanical stimuli in the teeth. Furthermore, we discovered cellular heterogeneity within MTN neurons that potentially contribute to their responsiveness to mechanical stretch in the masseter muscle spindles. Additionally, DPA and MTN neurons represented sensory compartments with distinct molecular profiles characterized by various ion channels, receptors, neuropeptides, and mechanoreceptors. Together, our study provides new biological insights regarding the highly specialized mechanosensory functions of DPA and MTN neurons in pain and proprioception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pa Reum Lee
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Kim
- Genomics and Computational Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Heather Lynn Rossi
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sena Chung
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Yub Han
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Junhyong Kim
- Genomics and Computational Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Seog Bae Oh
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Marzulli M, Hall BL, Zhang M, Goins WF, Cohen JB, Glorioso JC. Novel mutations in U L24 and gH rescue efficient infection of an HSV vector retargeted to TrkA. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:208-220. [PMID: 37519407 PMCID: PMC10384243 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Transductional targeting of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based gene therapy vectors offers the potential for improved tissue-specific delivery and can be achieved by modification of the viral entry machinery to incorporate ligands that bind the desired cell surface proteins. The interaction of nerve growth factor (NGF) with tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) is essential for survival of sensory neurons during development and is involved in chronic pain signaling. We targeted HSV infection to TrkA-bearing cells by replacing the signal peptide and HVEM binding domain of glycoprotein D (gD) with pre-pro-NGF. This TrkA-targeted virus (KNGF) infected cells via both nectin-1 and TrkA. However, infection through TrkA was inefficient, prompting a genetic search for KNGF mutants showing enhanced infection following repeat passage on TrkA-expressing cells. These studies revealed unique point mutations in envelope glycoprotein gH and in UL24, a factor absent from mature particles. Together these mutations rescued efficient infection of TrkA-expressing cells, including neurons, and facilitated the production of a completely retargeted KNGF derivative. These studies provide insight into HSV vector improvements that will allow production of replication-defective TrkA-targeted HSV for delivery to the peripheral nervous system and may be applied to other retargeted vector studies in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Marzulli
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bonnie L. Hall
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mingdi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - William F. Goins
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Justus B. Cohen
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joseph C. Glorioso
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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3
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Nascimento JM, Gouvêa-Junqueira D, Zuccoli GS, Pedrosa CDSG, Brandão-Teles C, Crunfli F, Antunes ASLM, Cassoli JS, Karmirian K, Salerno JA, de Souza GF, Muraro SP, Proenca-Módena JL, Higa LM, Tanuri A, Garcez PP, Rehen SK, Martins-de-Souza D. Zika Virus Strains and Dengue Virus Induce Distinct Proteomic Changes in Neural Stem Cells and Neurospheres. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5549-5563. [PMID: 35732867 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02922-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Brain abnormalities and congenital malformations have been linked to the circulating strain of Zika virus (ZIKV) in Brazil since 2016 during the microcephaly outbreak; however, the molecular mechanisms behind several of these alterations and differential viral molecular targets have not been fully elucidated. Here we explore the proteomic alterations induced by ZIKV by comparing the Brazilian (Br ZIKV) and the African (MR766) viral strains, in addition to comparing them to the molecular responses to the Dengue virus type 2 (DENV). Neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem (iPSCs) were cultured both as monolayers and in suspension (resulting in neurospheres), which were then infected with ZIKV (Br ZIKV or ZIKV MR766) or DENV to assess alterations within neural cells. Large-scale proteomic analyses allowed the comparison not only between viral strains but also regarding the two- and three-dimensional cellular models of neural cells derived from iPSCs, and the effects on their interaction. Altered pathways and biological processes were observed related to cell death, cell cycle dysregulation, and neurogenesis. These results reinforce already published data and provide further information regarding the biological alterations induced by ZIKV and DENV in neural cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Minardi Nascimento
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 255, 13083-862, Brazil.,D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil.,Department of Biosciences, Federal University of São Paulo, Santos, Brazil
| | - Danielle Gouvêa-Junqueira
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 255, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Giuliana S Zuccoli
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 255, 13083-862, Brazil
| | | | - Caroline Brandão-Teles
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 255, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Crunfli
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 255, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - André S L M Antunes
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 255, 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Juliana S Cassoli
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 255, 13083-862, Brazil.,Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
| | - Karina Karmirian
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre Salerno
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Fabiano de Souza
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stéfanie Primon Muraro
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Luiz Proenca-Módena
- Laboratory of Emerging Viruses, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiza M Higa
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Amilcar Tanuri
- Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia P Garcez
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Stevens K Rehen
- D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil. .,Institute of Biology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Rua Monteiro Lobato, Campinas, SP, 255, 13083-862, Brazil. .,D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rua Diniz Cordeiro, 30, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22281-100, Brazil. .,Experimental Medicine Research Cluster (EMRC), University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil. .,Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores Em Neuropsiquiatria (INBION), Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico E Tecnológico, São Paulo, Brazil.
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4
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de Nooij JC. Influencers in the Somatosensory System: Extrinsic Control of Sensory Neuron Phenotypes. Neuroscientist 2022:10738584221074350. [DOI: 10.1177/10738584221074350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Somatosensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) comprise several main subclasses: high threshold nociceptors/thermoceptors, high- and low-threshold mechanoreceptors, and proprioceptors. Recent years have seen an explosion in the identification of molecules that underlie the functional diversity of these sensory modalities. They also have begun to reveal the developmental mechanisms that channel the emergence of this subtype diversity, solidifying the importance of peripheral instructive signals. Somatic sensory neurons collectively serve numerous essential physiological and protective roles, and as such, an increased understanding of the processes that underlie the specialization of these sensory subtypes is not only biologically interesting but also clinically relevant.
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5
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Muzyka VV, Badea TC. Genetic interplay between transcription factor Pou4f1/Brn3a and neurotrophin receptor Ret in retinal ganglion cell type specification. Neural Dev 2021; 16:5. [PMID: 34548095 PMCID: PMC8454062 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-021-00155-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While the transcriptional code governing retinal ganglion cell (RGC) type specification begins to be understood, its interplay with neurotrophic signaling is largely unexplored. In mice, the transcription factor Brn3a/Pou4f1 is expressed in most RGCs, and is required for the specification of RGCs with small dendritic arbors. The Glial Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) receptor Ret is expressed in a subset of RGCs, including some expressing Brn3a, but its role in RGC development is not defined. Methods Here we use combinatorial genetic experiments using conditional knock-in reporter alleles at the Brn3a and Ret loci, in combination with retina- or Ret specific Cre drivers, to generate complete or mosaic genetic ablations of either Brn3a or Ret in RGCs. We then use sparse labelling to investigate Brn3a and Ret gene dosage effects on RGC dendritic arbor morphology. In addition, we use immunostaining and/or gene expression profiling by RNASeq to identify transcriptional targets relevant for the potential Brn3a-Ret interaction in RGC development. Results We find that mosaic gene dosage manipulation of the transcription factor Brn3a/Pou4f1 in neurotrophic receptor Ret heterozygote RGCs results in altered cell fate decisions and/or morphological dendritic defects. Specific RGC types are lost if Brn3a is ablated during embryogenesis and only mildly affected by postnatal Brn3a ablation. Sparse but not complete Brn3a heterozygosity combined with complete Ret heterozygosity has striking effects on RGC type distribution. Brn3a only mildly modulates Ret transcription, while Ret knockouts exhibit slightly skewed Brn3a and Brn3b expression during development that is corrected by adult age. Brn3a loss of function modestly but significantly affects distribution of Ret co-receptors GFRα1-3, and neurotrophin receptors TrkA and TrkC in RGCs. Conclusions Based on these observations, we propose that Brn3a and Ret converge onto developmental pathways that control RGC type specification, potentially through a competitive mechanism requiring signaling from the surrounding tissue. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13064-021-00155-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Vladimirovich Muzyka
- Retinal Circuit Development & Genetics Unit, Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Tudor Constantin Badea
- Retinal Circuit Development & Genetics Unit, Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,Research and Development Institute, School of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania.
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6
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Webb BD, Evans A, Naidich TP, M Bird L, Parikh S, Fernandez Garcia M, Henderson LB, Millan F, Si Y, Brennand KJ, Hung P, Rucker JC, Wheeler PG, Schadt EE. Haploinsufficiency of POU4F1 causes an ataxia syndrome with hypotonia and intention tremor. Hum Mutat 2021; 42:685-693. [PMID: 33783914 DOI: 10.1002/humu.24201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
De novo, heterozygous, loss-of-function variants were identified in Pou domain, class 4, transcription factor 1 (POU4F1) via whole-exome sequencing in four independent probands presenting with ataxia, intention tremor, and hypotonia. POU4F1 is expressed in the developing nervous system, and mice homozygous for null alleles of Pou4f1 exhibit uncoordinated movements with newborns being unable to successfully right themselves to feed. Head magnetic resonance imaging of the four probands was reviewed and multiple abnormalities were noted, including significant cerebellar vermian atrophy and hypertrophic olivary degeneration in one proband. Transcriptional activation of the POU4F1 p.Gln306Arg protein was noted to be decreased when compared with wild type. These findings suggest that heterozygous, loss-of-function variants in POU4F1 are causative of a novel ataxia syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryn D Webb
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Anthony Evans
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Thomas P Naidich
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Lynne M Bird
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Sumit Parikh
- Neurometabolism & Neurogenetics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Meilin Fernandez Garcia
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Yue Si
- GeneDx, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristen J Brennand
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Peter Hung
- Department of Radiology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Janet C Rucker
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Eric E Schadt
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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7
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Abstract
Primary nociceptors are a heterogeneous class of peripheral somatosensory neurons, responsible for detecting noxious, pruriceptive, and thermal stimuli. These neurons are further divided into several molecularly defined subtypes that correlate with their functional sensory modalities and morphological features. During development, all nociceptors arise from a common pool of embryonic precursors, and then segregate progressively into their mature specialized phenotypes. In this review, we summarize the intrinsic transcriptional programs and extrinsic trophic factor signaling mechanisms that interact to control nociceptor diversification. We also discuss how recent transcriptome profiling studies have significantly advanced the field of sensory neuron development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suna L Cranfill
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Wenqin Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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8
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Chen J, Zhang L, Gan X, Zhang R, He Y, Lv Q, Fu H, Liu X, Miao L. Effects of Retinal Transcription Regulation After GB20 Needling Treatment in Retina With Optic Neuritis. Front Integr Neurosci 2020; 14:568449. [PMID: 33117136 PMCID: PMC7550785 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2020.568449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optic neuritis (ON) is one of the most frequent symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) that results in progressive loss of axons and neurons. In clinical trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine, needling at the GB20 acupoint has been widely used for the treatment of ocular diseases, including ON. However, the molecular mechanisms of needling at this site are still unclear. In this study, we generated an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model and investigated the effects of needling treatment at the GB20 acupoint on retina with EAE-associated ON. RNA sequencing of the retinal transcriptome revealed that, of the 234 differentially expressed genes induced by ON, 100 genes were upregulated, and 134 genes were downregulated by ON, while needling at the GB20 acupoint specifically reversed the expression of 21 genes compared with control treatment at GV16 acupoint. Among the reversed genes, Nr4a3, Sncg, Uchl1, and Tppp3 were involved in axon development and regeneration and were downregulated by ON, indicating the beneficial effect of needling at GB20. Further gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that needling at GB20 affected the molecular process of Circadian rhythm in mouse retina with ON. Our study first reported that needling treatment after ON at the GB20 acupoint regulated gene expression of the retina and reversed the expression of downregulated axon development-related genes. This study also demonstrated that GV16 was a perfect control treatment site for GB20 in animal research. Our study provided a scientific basis for needling treatments at GB20 for ocular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.,School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiulun Gan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yinjia He
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuyi Lv
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haonan Fu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Linqing Miao
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Intelligent Robots and Systems, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.,School of Mechatronical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
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9
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Vermeiren S, Bellefroid EJ, Desiderio S. Vertebrate Sensory Ganglia: Common and Divergent Features of the Transcriptional Programs Generating Their Functional Specialization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:587699. [PMID: 33195244 PMCID: PMC7649826 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.587699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensory fibers of the peripheral nervous system carry sensation from specific sense structures or use different tissues and organs as receptive fields, and convey this information to the central nervous system. In the head of vertebrates, each cranial sensory ganglia and associated nerves perform specific functions. Sensory ganglia are composed of different types of specialized neurons in which two broad categories can be distinguished, somatosensory neurons relaying all sensations that are felt and visceral sensory neurons sensing the internal milieu and controlling body homeostasis. While in the trunk somatosensory neurons composing the dorsal root ganglia are derived exclusively from neural crest cells, somato- and visceral sensory neurons of cranial sensory ganglia have a dual origin, with contributions from both neural crest and placodes. As most studies on sensory neurogenesis have focused on dorsal root ganglia, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the embryonic development of the different cranial sensory ganglia remains today rudimentary. However, using single-cell RNA sequencing, recent studies have made significant advances in the characterization of the neuronal diversity of most sensory ganglia. Here we summarize the general anatomy, function and neuronal diversity of cranial sensory ganglia. We then provide an overview of our current knowledge of the transcriptional networks controlling neurogenesis and neuronal diversification in the developing sensory system, focusing on cranial sensory ganglia, highlighting specific aspects of their development and comparing it to that of trunk sensory ganglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Vermeiren
- ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Eric J Bellefroid
- ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Simon Desiderio
- Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, INSERM U1051, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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10
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Leyva-Díaz E, Masoudi N, Serrano-Saiz E, Glenwinkel L, Hobert O. Brn3/POU-IV-type POU homeobox genes-Paradigmatic regulators of neuronal identity across phylogeny. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2020; 9:e374. [PMID: 32012462 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
One approach to understand the construction of complex systems is to investigate whether there are simple design principles that are commonly used in building such a system. In the context of nervous system development, one may ask whether the generation of its highly diverse sets of constituents, that is, distinct neuronal cell types, relies on genetic mechanisms that share specific common features. Specifically, are there common patterns in the function of regulatory genes across different neuron types and are those regulatory mechanisms not only used in different parts of one nervous system, but are they conserved across animal phylogeny? We address these questions here by focusing on one specific, highly conserved and well-studied regulatory factor, the POU homeodomain transcription factor UNC-86. Work over the last 30 years has revealed a common and paradigmatic theme of unc-86 function throughout most of the neuron types in which Caenorhabditis elegans unc-86 is expressed. Apart from its role in preventing lineage reiterations during development, UNC-86 operates in combination with distinct partner proteins to initiate and maintain terminal differentiation programs, by coregulating a vast array of functionally distinct identity determinants of specific neuron types. Mouse orthologs of unc-86, the Brn3 genes, have been shown to fulfill a similar function in initiating and maintaining neuronal identity in specific parts of the mouse brain and similar functions appear to be carried out by the sole Drosophila ortholog, Acj6. The terminal selector function of UNC-86 in many different neuron types provides a paradigm for neuronal identity regulation across phylogeny. This article is categorized under: Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms Invertebrate Organogenesis > Worms Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Leyva-Díaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Neda Masoudi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Lori Glenwinkel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Oliver Hobert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
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11
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Angelim MKSC, Maia LMSDS, Mouffle C, Ginhoux F, Low D, Amancio-Dos-Santos A, Makhoul J, Le Corronc H, Mangin JM, Legendre P. Embryonic macrophages and microglia ablation alter the development of dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons in mouse embryos. Glia 2018; 66:2470-2486. [PMID: 30252950 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are known to regulate several aspects of the development of the central nervous system. When microglia colonize the spinal cord, from E11.5 in the mouse embryo, they interact with growing central axons of dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons (SNs), which suggests that they may have some functions in SN development. To address this issue, we analyzed the effects of embryonic macrophage ablation on the early development of SNs using mouse embryo lacking embryonic macrophages (PU.1 knock-out mice) and immune cell ablation. We discovered that, in addition to microglia, embryonic macrophages contact tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) C+ SN, TrkB+ SN, and TrkA+ SN peripheral neurites from E11.5. Deprivation of immune cells resulted in an initial reduction of TrkC+ SN and TrkB+ SN populations at E11.5 that was unlikely to be related to an alteration in their developmental cell death (DCD), followed by a transitory increase in their number at E12.5. It also resulted in a reduction of TrkA+ SN number during the developmental period analyzed (E11.5-E15.5), although we did not observe any change in their DCD. Proliferation of cells negative for brain fatty acid-binding protein (BFABP- ), which likely correspond to neuronal progenitors, was increased at E11.5, while their proliferation was decreased at E12.5, which could partly explain the alterations of SN subtype production observed from E11.5. In addition, we observed alterations in the proliferation of glial cell progenitors (BFABP+ cells) in the absence of embryonic macrophages. Our data indicate that embryonic macrophages and microglia ablation alter the development of SNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monara Kaélle Sérvulo Cruz Angelim
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS, IBPS), Paris, France.,Neurophysiology and pharmacology laboratory, Federal University of Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Luciana Maria Silva de Seixas Maia
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS, IBPS), Paris, France.,Neurophysiology and pharmacology laboratory, Federal University of Pernambuco, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Christine Mouffle
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS, IBPS), Paris, France
| | - Florent Ginhoux
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Donovan Low
- Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Jennifer Makhoul
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS, IBPS), Paris, France
| | - Hervé Le Corronc
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS, IBPS), Paris, France.,Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Jean-Marie Mangin
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS, IBPS), Paris, France
| | - Pascal Legendre
- Sorbonne Université, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine (NPS, IBPS), Paris, France
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12
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Serrano-Saiz E, Leyva-Díaz E, De La Cruz E, Hobert O. BRN3-type POU Homeobox Genes Maintain the Identity of Mature Postmitotic Neurons in Nematodes and Mice. Curr Biol 2018; 28:2813-2823.e2. [PMID: 30146154 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2018.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Many distinct regulatory factors have been shown to be required for the proper initiation of neuron-type-specific differentiation programs, but much less is known about the regulatory programs that maintain the differentiated state in the adult [1-3]. One possibility is that regulatory factors that initiate a terminal differentiation program during development are continuously required to maintain the differentiated state. Here, we test this hypothesis by investigating the function of two orthologous POU homeobox genes in nematodes and mice. The C. elegans POU homeobox gene unc-86 is a terminal selector that is required during development to initiate the terminal differentiation program of several distinct neuron classes [4-13]. Through post-developmental removal of unc-86 activity, we show here that unc-86 is also continuously required throughout the life of many neuron classes to maintain neuron-class-specific identity features. Similarly, the mouse unc-86 ortholog Brn3a/POU4F1 has been shown to control the initiation of the terminal differentiation program of distinct neuron types across the mouse brain, such as the medial habenular neurons [14-20]. By conditionally removing Brn3a in the adult mouse central nervous system, we show that, like its invertebrate ortholog unc-86, Brn3a is also required for the maintenance of terminal identity features of medial habenular neurons. In addition, Brn3a is required for the survival of these neurons, indicating that identity maintenance and survival are genetically linked. We conclude that the continuous expression of transcription factors is essential for the active maintenance of the differentiated state of a neuron across phylogeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Serrano-Saiz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Eduardo Leyva-Díaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Estanislao De La Cruz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Oliver Hobert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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13
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Human peptidergic nociceptive sensory neurons generated from human epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC). PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199996. [PMID: 29953534 PMCID: PMC6023242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Accepted: 06/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we provide new technology for generating human peptidergic nociceptive sensory neurons in a straightforward and efficient way. The cellular source, human epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC), consists of multipotent somatic stem cells that reside in the bulge of hair follicles. hEPI-NCSC and primary sensory neurons have a common origin, the embryonic neural crest. For directed differentiation, hEPI-NCSC were exposed to pertinent growth factors and small molecules in order to modulate master signalling networks involved in differentiation of neural crest cells into postmitotic peptidergic sensory neurons during embryonic development. The neuronal populations were homogenous in regard to antibody marker expression. Cells were immunoreactive for essential master regulatory genes, including NGN1/2, SOX10, and BRN3a among others, and for the pain-mediating genes substance P (SP), calcitonin gene related protein (CGRP) and the TRPV1 channel. Approximately 30% of total cells responded to capsaicin, indicating that they expressed an active TRPV1 channel. In summary, hEPI-NCSC are a biologically relevant and easily available source of somatic stem cells for generating human peptidergic nociceptive neurons without the need for genetic manipulation and cell purification. As no analgesics exist that specifically target TRPV1, a ready supply of high-quality human peptidergic nociceptive sensory neurons could open the way for new approaches, in a biologically relevant cellular context, to drug discovery and patient-specific disease modelling that is aimed at pain control, and as such is highly desirable.
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14
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Viventi S, Dottori M. Modelling the dorsal root ganglia using human pluripotent stem cells: A platform to study peripheral neuropathies. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2018; 100:61-68. [PMID: 29772357 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are the primary responders to stimuli inducing feelings of touch, pain, temperature, vibration, pressure and muscle tension. They consist of multiple subpopulations based on their morphology, molecular and functional properties. Our understanding of DRG sensory neurons has been predominantly driven by rodent studies and using transformed cell lines, whereas less is known about human sensory DRG neurons simply because of limited availability of human tissue. Although these previous studies have been fundamental for our understanding of the sensory system, it is imperative to profile human DRG subpopulations as it is becoming evident that human sensory neurons do not share the identical molecular and functional properties found in other species. Furthermore, there are wide range of diseases and disorders that directly/indirectly cause sensory neuronal degeneration or dysfunctionality. Having an in vitro source of human DRG sensory neurons is paramount for studying their development, unique neuronal properties and for accelerating regenerative therapies to treat sensory neuropathies. Here we review the major studies describing generation of DRG sensory neurons from human pluripotent stem cells and fibroblasts and the gaps that need to be addressed for using in vitro-generated human DRG neurons to model human DRG tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Viventi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mirella Dottori
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Centre for Molecular and Medical Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Australia.
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15
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Peng C, Furlan A, Zhang MD, Su J, Lübke M, Lönnerberg P, Abdo H, Sontheimer J, Sundström E, Ernfors P. Termination of cell-type specification gene programs by miR-183 cluster determines the population sizes of low threshold mechanosensitive neurons. Development 2018; 145:dev.165613. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.165613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Touch and mechanical sensations require the development of several different kinds of sensory neurons dedicated to respond to certain types of mechanical stimuli. The transcription factor Shox2 (short stature homeobox 2) is involved in the generation of TRKB+ low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs), but mechanisms terminating this program and allowing for alternative fates are unknown. Here, we show that the conditional loss of miR-183-96-182 cluster leads to a failure of extinction of Shox2 during development and an increase in the proportion of Aδ LTMRs (TRKB+/NECAB2+) neurons at the expense of Aβ slowly adapting (SA)-LTMRs (TRKC+/Runx3−) neurons. Conversely, overexpression of miR-183 cluster that represses Shox2 expression, or loss of Shox2, both increases the Aβ SA-LTMRs population at expense of Aδ LTMRs. Our results suggest that the miR-183 cluster determines the timing of Shox2 expression by direct targeting during development, and through this determines the population sizes of Aδ LTMRs and Aβ SA-LTMRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changgeng Peng
- The First Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200029 Shanghai, China
| | - Alessandro Furlan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ming-Dong Zhang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jie Su
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Moritz Lübke
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Lönnerberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hind Abdo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jana Sontheimer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik Sundström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society. Karolinska Institutet, 171777 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrik Ernfors
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Parmhans N, Sajgo S, Niu J, Luo W, Badea TC. Characterization of retinal ganglion cell, horizontal cell, and amacrine cell types expressing the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase Ret. J Comp Neurol 2017; 526:742-766. [PMID: 29218725 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
We report the retinal expression pattern of Ret, a receptor tyrosine kinase for the glial derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) family ligands (GFLs), during development and in the adult mouse. Ret is initially expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), followed by horizontal cells (HCs) and amacrine cells (ACs), beginning with the early stages of postmitotic development. Ret expression persists in all three classes of neurons in the adult. Using RNA sequencing, immunostaining and random sparse recombination, we show that Ret is expressed in at least three distinct types of ACs, and ten types of RGCs. Using intersectional genetics, we describe the dendritic arbor morphologies of RGC types expressing Ret in combination with each of the three members of the POU4f/Brn3 family of transcription factors. Ret expression overlaps with Brn3a in 4 RGC types, with Brn3b in 5 RGC types, and with Brn3c in one RGC type, respectively. Ret+ RGCs project to the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), pretectal area (PTA) and superior colliculus (SC), and avoid the suprachiasmatic nucleus and accessory optic system. Brn3a+ Ret+ and Brn3c+ Ret+ RGCs project preferentially to contralateral retinorecipient areas, while Brn3b+ Ret+ RGCs shows minor ipsilateral projections to the olivary pretectal nucleus and the LGN. Our findings establish intersectional genetic approaches for the anatomic and developmental characterization of individual Ret+ RGC types. In addition, they provide necessary information for addressing the potential interplay between GDNF neurotrophic signaling and transcriptional regulation in RGC type specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Parmhans
- Retinal Circuit Development & Genetics Unit, Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Szilard Sajgo
- Retinal Circuit Development & Genetics Unit, Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jingwen Niu
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Wenqin Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Tudor Constantin Badea
- Retinal Circuit Development & Genetics Unit, Neurobiology-Neurodegeneration & Repair Laboratory, National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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17
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Perny M, Ting CC, Kleinlogel S, Senn P, Roccio M. Generation of Otic Sensory Neurons from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in 3D Culture. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:409. [PMID: 29311837 PMCID: PMC5742223 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The peripheral hearing process taking place in the cochlea mainly depends on two distinct sensory cell types: the mechanosensitive hair cells and the spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). The first respond to the mechanical stimulation exerted by sound pressure waves on their hair bundles by releasing neurotransmitters and thereby activating the latter. Loss of these sensorineural cells is associated with permanent hearing loss. Stem cell-based approaches aiming at cell replacement or in vitro drug testing to identify potential ototoxic, otoprotective, or regenerative compounds have lately gained attention as putative therapeutic strategies for hearing loss. Nevertheless, they rely on efficient and reliable protocols for the in vitro generation of cochlear sensory cells for their implementation. To this end, we have developed a differentiation protocol based on organoid culture systems, which mimics the most important steps of in vivo otic development, robustly guiding mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) toward otic sensory neurons (OSNs). The stepwise differentiation of mESCs toward ectoderm was initiated using a quick aggregation method in presence of Matrigel in serum-free conditions. Non-neural ectoderm was induced via activation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling and concomitant inhibition of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling to prevent mesendoderm induction. Preplacodal and otic placode ectoderm was further induced by inhibition of BMP signaling and addition of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2). Delamination and differentiation of SGNs was initiated by plating of the organoids on a 2D Matrigel-coated substrate. Supplementation with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) was used for further maturation until 15 days of in vitro differentiation. A large population of neurons with a clear bipolar morphology and functional excitability was derived from these cultures. Immunostaining and gene expression analysis performed at different time points confirmed the transition trough the otic lineage and final expression of the key OSN markers. Moreover, the stem cell-derived OSNs exhibited functional electrophysiological properties of native SGNs. Our established in vitro model of OSNs development can be used for basic developmental studies, for drug screening or for the exploration of their regenerative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Perny
- Neuroinfection Laboratory, Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Laboratory of Inner Ear Research, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ching-Chia Ting
- Laboratory of Inner Ear Research, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Pascal Senn
- Laboratory of Inner Ear Research, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Geneva (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marta Roccio
- Laboratory of Inner Ear Research, Department for BioMedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Cluster for Regenerative Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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18
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Abstract
The sensation of touch is mediated by mechanosensory neurons that are embedded in skin and relay signals from the periphery to the central nervous system. During embryogenesis, axons elongate from these neurons to make contact with the developing skin. Concurrently, the epithelium of skin transforms from a homogeneous tissue into a heterogeneous organ that is made up of distinct layers and microdomains. Throughout this process, each neuronal terminal must form connections with an appropriate skin region to serve its function. This Review presents current knowledge of the development of the sensory microdomains in mammalian skin and the mechanosensory neurons that innervate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair A Jenkins
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics and Department of Dermatology, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ellen A Lumpkin
- Department of Physiology & Cellular Biophysics and Department of Dermatology, Columbia University in the City of New York, New York, NY 10032, USA
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19
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Appel E, Weissmann S, Salzberg Y, Orlovsky K, Negreanu V, Tsoory M, Raanan C, Feldmesser E, Bernstein Y, Wolstein O, Levanon D, Groner Y. An ensemble of regulatory elements controls Runx3 spatiotemporal expression in subsets of dorsal root ganglia proprioceptive neurons. Genes Dev 2017; 30:2607-2622. [PMID: 28007784 PMCID: PMC5204353 DOI: 10.1101/gad.291484.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Appel et al. defined the genomic transcription unit encompassing regulatory elements (REs) that mediate the tissue-specific expression of Runx3. Then, using transgenic mice expressing BAC reporters spanning the Runx3 locus, they discovered three REs that cross-talk with promoter-2 (P2) to drive TrkC neuron-specific Runx3 transcription. The Runx3 transcription factor is essential for development and diversification of the dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) TrkC sensory neurons. In Runx3-deficient mice, developing TrkC neurons fail to extend central and peripheral afferents, leading to cell death and disruption of the stretch reflex circuit, resulting in severe limb ataxia. Despite its central role, the mechanisms underlying the spatiotemporal expression specificities of Runx3 in TrkC neurons were largely unknown. Here we first defined the genomic transcription unit encompassing regulatory elements (REs) that mediate the tissue-specific expression of Runx3. Using transgenic mice expressing BAC reporters spanning the Runx3 locus, we discovered three REs—dubbed R1, R2, and R3—that cross-talk with promoter-2 (P2) to drive TrkC neuron-specific Runx3 transcription. Deletion of single or multiple elements either in the BAC transgenics or by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated endogenous ablation established the REs’ ability to promote and/or repress Runx3 expression in developing sensory neurons. Our analysis reveals that an intricate combinatorial interplay among the three REs governs Runx3 expression in distinct subtypes of TrkC neurons while concomitantly extinguishing its expression in non-TrkC neurons. These findings provide insights into the mechanism regulating cell type-specific expression and subtype diversification of TrkC neurons in developing DRGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Appel
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Sarit Weissmann
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Yehuda Salzberg
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.,Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Kira Orlovsky
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Varda Negreanu
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Michael Tsoory
- Department of Veterinary Resources, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Calanit Raanan
- Department of Veterinary Resources, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Ester Feldmesser
- Life Science Core Facilities, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Yael Bernstein
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Orit Wolstein
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Ditsa Levanon
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Yoram Groner
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
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20
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Wang JW, Stifani S. Roles of Runx Genes in Nervous System Development. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 962:103-116. [PMID: 28299654 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3233-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Runt-related (Runx) transcription factors play essential roles during development and adult tissue homeostasis and are responsible for several human diseases. They regulate a variety of biological mechanisms in numerous cell lineages. Recent years have seen significant progress in our understanding of the functions performed by Runx proteins in the developing and postnatal mammalian nervous system. In both central and peripheral nervous systems, Runx1 and Runx3 display remarkably specific expression in mostly non-overlapping groups of postmitotic neurons. In the central nervous system, Runx1 is involved in the development of selected motor neurons controlling neural circuits mediating vital functions such as chewing, swallowing, breathing, and locomotion. In the peripheral nervous system, Runx1 and Runx3 play essential roles during the development of sensory neurons involved in circuits mediating pain, itch, thermal sensation and sense of relative position. Runx1 and Runx3 orchestrate complex gene expression programs controlling neuronal subtype specification and axonal connectivity. Runx1 is also important in the olfactory system, where it regulates the progenitor-to-neuron transition in undifferentiated neural progenitor cells in the olfactory epithelium as well as the proliferation and developmental maturation of specific glial cells termed olfactory ensheathing cells. Moreover, upregulated Runx expression is associated with brain injury and disease. Increasing knowledge of the functions of Runx proteins in the developing and postnatal nervous system is therefore expected to improve our understanding of nervous system development, homeostasis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Woong Wang
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A2B4, Canada
| | - Stefano Stifani
- Montreal Neurological Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A2B4, Canada.
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21
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Olson W, Dong P, Fleming M, Luo W. The specification and wiring of mammalian cutaneous low-threshold mechanoreceptors. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2016; 5:389-404. [PMID: 26992078 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian cutaneous low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) are a diverse set of primary somatosensory neurons that function to sense external mechanical force. Generally, LTMRs are composed of Aβ-LTMRs, Aδ-LTMRs, and C-LTMRs, which have distinct molecular, physiological, anatomical, and functional features. The specification and wiring of each type of mammalian cutaneous LTMRs is established during development by the interplay of transcription factors with trophic factor signalling. In this review, we summarize the cohort of extrinsic and intrinsic factors generating the complex mammalian cutaneous LTMR circuits that mediate our tactile sensations and behaviors. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Olson
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter Dong
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael Fleming
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wenqin Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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22
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Patthey C, Clifford H, Haerty W, Ponting CP, Shimeld SM, Begbie J. Identification of molecular signatures specific for distinct cranial sensory ganglia in the developing chick. Neural Dev 2016; 11:3. [PMID: 26819088 PMCID: PMC4730756 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-016-0057-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The cranial sensory ganglia represent populations of neurons with distinct functions, or sensory modalities. The production of individual ganglia from distinct neurogenic placodes with different developmental pathways provides a powerful model to investigate the acquisition of specific sensory modalities. To date there is a limited range of gene markers available to examine the molecular pathways underlying this process. Results Transcriptional profiles were generated for populations of differentiated neurons purified from distinct cranial sensory ganglia using microdissection in embryonic chicken followed by FAC-sorting and RNAseq. Whole transcriptome analysis confirmed the division into somato- versus viscerosensory neurons, with additional evidence for subdivision of the somatic class into general and special somatosensory neurons. Cross-comparison of distinct ganglia transcriptomes identified a total of 134 markers, 113 of which are novel, which can be used to distinguish trigeminal, vestibulo-acoustic and epibranchial neuronal populations. In situ hybridisation analysis provided validation for 20/26 tested markers, and showed related expression in the target region of the hindbrain in many cases. Conclusions One hundred thirty-four high-confidence markers have been identified for placode-derived cranial sensory ganglia which can now be used to address the acquisition of specific cranial sensory modalities. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13064-016-0057-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Patthey
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Umeå Center for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Harry Clifford
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,MRC Functional Genomics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Wilfried Haerty
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,MRC Functional Genomics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Chris P Ponting
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,MRC Functional Genomics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - Jo Begbie
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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23
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Ma W, Wei X, Gu H, Li H, Guan K, Liu D, Chen L, Cao S, An D, Zhang H, Huang T, Miao J, Zhao G, Wu D, Liu B, Wang W, Yuan Z. Sensory neuron differentiation potential of in utero mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in rat fetuses with spina bifida aperta. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 103:772-9. [PMID: 26172505 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In previous studies, we found that the deficiency of sensory and motor neurons was a primary defect associated with the spinal malformation. Upon prenatal treatment of spina bifida through in utero stem cell transplantation in a retinoic acid-induced spina bifida rat model, we found that the mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) survived, migrated, and differentiated into cells of a neural lineage. In the present study, we investigated whether the transplanted MSCs had the potential to differentiate into sensory neurons or to protect sensory neurons in the defective spinal cord. METHODS Pregnant rats treated with retinoic acid on embryonic day (E) 10, underwent fetal surgery for MSC transplantation on E16. The fetuses were harvested on E20. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the expression of Brn3a protein in the transplanted MSCs and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in the defective spinal cords. The expression of the transcription factors Brn3a and Runx1 in spinal cords was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Some of the transplanted MSCs expressed sensory neuron cell specific phenotypes. The expression of Brn3a and Runx1 was upregulated in the defective spinal cords when compared to controls. The percentage of Brn3a-positive neurons in DRG was also increased after transplantation. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that the transplantation of MSCs into the spinal cord could promote the transplanted MSCs and the surrounding cells to differentiate toward a sensory neuron cell fate and to play an important role in protecting sensory neurons in DRG. This approach might be of value in the treatment of sensory neuron deficiency in spina bifida aperta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ma
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaowei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Gu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kaoping Guan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lizhu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Songying Cao
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dong An
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Henan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianchu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jianing Miao
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guifeng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Weilin Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhengwei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Health Ministry for Congenital Malformation, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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24
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Incoherent feed-forward regulatory loops control segregation of C-mechanoreceptors, nociceptors, and pruriceptors. J Neurosci 2015; 35:5317-29. [PMID: 25834056 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0122-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian skin is innervated by diverse, unmyelinated C fibers that are associated with senses of pain, itch, temperature, or touch. A key developmental question is how this neuronal cell diversity is generated during development. We reported previously that the runt domain transcription factor Runx1 is required to coordinate the development of these unmyelinated cutaneous sensory neurons, including VGLUT3(+) low-threshold c-mechanoreceptors (CLTMs), MrgprD(+) polymodal nociceptors, MrgprA3(+) pruriceptors, MrgprB4(+) c-mechanoreceptors, and others. However, how these Runx1-dependent cutaneous sensory neurons are further segregated is poorly illustrated. Here, we find that the Runx1-dependent transcription factor gene Zfp521 is expressed in, and required for establishing molecular features that define, VGLUT3(+) CLTMs. Furthermore, Runx1 and Zfp521 form a classic incoherent feedforward loop (I-FFL) in controlling molecular identities that normally belong to MrgprD(+) neurons, with Runx1 and Zfp51 playing activator and repressor roles, respectively (in genetic terms). A knock-out of Zfp521 allows prospective VGLUT3 lineage neurons to acquire MrgprD(+) neuron identities. Furthermore, Runx1 might form other I-FFLs to regulate the expression of MrgprA3 and MrgprB4, a mechanism preventing these genes from being expressed in Runx1-persistent VGLUT3(+) and MrgprD(+) neurons. The evolvement of these I-FFLs provides an explanation for how modality-selective sensory subtypes are formed during development and may also have intriguing implications for sensory neuron evolution and sensory coding.
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25
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Blanchard JW, Eade KT, Szűcs A, Lo Sardo V, Tsunemoto RK, Williams D, Sanna PP, Baldwin KK. Selective conversion of fibroblasts into peripheral sensory neurons. Nat Neurosci 2015; 18:25-35. [PMID: 25420069 PMCID: PMC4466122 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Humans and mice detect pain, itch, temperature, pressure, stretch and limb position via signaling from peripheral sensory neurons. These neurons are divided into three functional classes (nociceptors/pruritoceptors, mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors) that are distinguished by their selective expression of TrkA, TrkB or TrkC receptors, respectively. We found that transiently coexpressing Brn3a with either Ngn1 or Ngn2 selectively reprogrammed human and mouse fibroblasts to acquire key properties of these three classes of sensory neurons. These induced sensory neurons (iSNs) were electrically active, exhibited distinct sensory neuron morphologies and matched the characteristic gene expression patterns of endogenous sensory neurons, including selective expression of Trk receptors. In addition, we found that calcium-imaging assays could identify subsets of iSNs that selectively responded to diverse ligands known to activate itch- and pain-sensing neurons. These results offer a simple and rapid means for producing genetically diverse human sensory neurons suitable for drug screening and mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel W Blanchard
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kevin T Eade
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Attila Szűcs
- 1] BioCircuits Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA. [2] Balaton Limnological Institute of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Tihany, Hungary
| | - Valentina Lo Sardo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Rachel K Tsunemoto
- 1] Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA. [2] Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Daniel Williams
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Pietro Paolo Sanna
- Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences Department, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kristin K Baldwin
- 1] Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Dorris Neuroscience Center, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA. [2] Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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26
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Wainger BJ, Buttermore ED, Oliveira JT, Mellin C, Lee S, Saber WA, Wang A, Ichida JK, Chiu IM, Barrett L, Huebner EA, Bilgin C, Tsujimoto N, Brenneis C, Kapur K, Rubin LL, Eggan K, Woolf CJ. Modeling pain in vitro using nociceptor neurons reprogrammed from fibroblasts. Nat Neurosci 2015; 18:17-24. [PMID: 25420066 PMCID: PMC4429606 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Reprogramming somatic cells from one cell fate to another can generate specific neurons suitable for disease modeling. To maximize the utility of patient-derived neurons, they must model not only disease-relevant cell classes, but also the diversity of neuronal subtypes found in vivo and the pathophysiological changes that underlie specific clinical diseases. We identified five transcription factors that reprogram mouse and human fibroblasts into noxious stimulus-detecting (nociceptor) neurons. These recapitulated the expression of quintessential nociceptor-specific functional receptors and channels found in adult mouse nociceptor neurons, as well as native subtype diversity. Moreover, the derived nociceptor neurons exhibited TrpV1 sensitization to the inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2 and the chemotherapeutic drug oxaliplatin, modeling the inherent mechanisms underlying inflammatory pain hypersensitivity and painful chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Using fibroblasts from patients with familial dysautonomia (hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type III), we found that the technique was able to reveal previously unknown aspects of human disease phenotypes in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Wainger
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
- Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine,
Massachusetts General Hospital
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School
| | - Elizabeth D. Buttermore
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School
| | - Julia T. Oliveira
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
| | - Cassidy Mellin
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
| | - Seungkyu Lee
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School
| | - Wardiya Afshar Saber
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
| | - Amy Wang
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
| | - Justin K. Ichida
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and
Regenerative Biology, Harvard University
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli
and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of
Southern California
| | - Isaac M. Chiu
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School
| | - Lee Barrett
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
| | - Eric A. Huebner
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School
| | - Canan Bilgin
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
| | - Naomi Tsujimoto
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and
Regenerative Biology, Harvard University
| | - Christian Brenneis
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
| | - Kush Kapur
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
| | - Lee L. Rubin
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and
Regenerative Biology, Harvard University
| | - Kevin Eggan
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Stem Cell and
Regenerative Biology, Harvard University
- The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, USA
| | - Clifford J. Woolf
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital
and Harvard Stem Cell Institute
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School
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27
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Burney MJ, Johnston C, Wong KY, Teng SW, Beglopoulos V, Stanton LW, Williams BP, Bithell A, Buckley NJ. An epigenetic signature of developmental potential in neural stem cells and early neurons. Stem Cells 2014; 31:1868-80. [PMID: 23712654 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Revised: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A cardinal property of neural stem cells (NSCs) is their ability to adopt multiple fates upon differentiation. The epigenome is widely seen as a read-out of cellular potential and a manifestation of this can be seen in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), where promoters of many lineage-specific regulators are marked by a bivalent epigenetic signature comprising trimethylation of both lysine 4 and lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K4me3 and H3K27me3, respectively). Bivalency has subsequently emerged as a powerful epigenetic indicator of stem cell potential. Here, we have interrogated the epigenome during differentiation of ESC-derived NSCs to immature GABAergic interneurons. We show that developmental transitions are accompanied by loss of bivalency at many promoters in line with their increasing developmental restriction from pluripotent ESC through multipotent NSC to committed GABAergic interneuron. At the NSC stage, the promoters of genes encoding many transcriptional regulators required for differentiation of multiple neuronal subtypes and neural crest appear to be bivalent, consistent with the broad developmental potential of NSCs. Upon differentiation to GABAergic neurons, all non-GABAergic promoters resolve to H3K27me3 monovalency, whereas GABAergic promoters resolve to H3K4me3 monovalency or retain bivalency. Importantly, many of these epigenetic changes occur before any corresponding changes in gene expression. Intriguingly, another group of gene promoters gain bivalency as NSCs differentiate toward neurons, the majority of which are associated with functions connected with maturation and establishment and maintenance of connectivity. These data show that bivalency provides a dynamic epigenetic signature of developmental potential in both NSCs and in early neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Burney
- Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Department of Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, James Black Centre, London, United Kingdom
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28
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Huang L, Hu F, Xie X, Harder J, Fernandes K, Zeng XY, Libby R, Gan L. Pou4f1 and pou4f2 are dispensable for the long-term survival of adult retinal ganglion cells in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94173. [PMID: 24736625 PMCID: PMC3988073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the role of Pou4f1 and Pou4f2 in the survival of adult retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). METHODS Conditional alleles of Pou4f1 and Pou4f2 were generated (Pou4f1loxP and Pou4f2loxP respectively) for the removal of Pou4f1 and Pou4f2 in adult retinas. A tamoxifen-inducible Cre was used to delete Pou4f1 and Pou4f2 in adult mice and retinal sections and flat mounts were subjected to immunohistochemistry to confirm the deletion of both alleles and to quantify the changes in the number of RGCs and other retinal neurons. To determine the effect of loss of Pou4f1 and Pou4f2 on RGC survival after axonal injury, controlled optic nerve crush (CONC) was performed and RGC death was assessed. RESULTS Pou4f1 and Pou4f2 were ablated two weeks after tamoxifen treatment. Retinal interneurons and Müller glial cells are not affected by the ablation of Pou4f1 or Pou4f2 or both. Although the deletion of both Pou4f1 and Pou4f2 slightly delays the death of RGCs at 3 days post-CONC in adult mice, it does not affect the cell death progress afterwards. Moreoever, deletion of Pou4f1 or Pou4f2 or both has no impact on the long-term viability of RGCs at up to 6 months post-tamoxifen treatment. CONCLUSION Pou4f1 and Pou4f2 are involved in the acute response to damage to RGCs but are dispensable for the long-term survival of adult RGC in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Huang
- Flaum Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fang Hu
- Flaum Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiaoling Xie
- Flaum Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Jeffery Harder
- Flaum Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Fernandes
- Flaum Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Xiang-yun Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Richard Libby
- Flaum Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
| | - Lin Gan
- Flaum Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, United States of America
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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29
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Patthey C, Schlosser G, Shimeld SM. The evolutionary history of vertebrate cranial placodes--I: cell type evolution. Dev Biol 2014; 389:82-97. [PMID: 24495912 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Revised: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate cranial placodes are crucial contributors to the vertebrate cranial sensory apparatus. Their evolutionary origin has attracted much attention from evolutionary and developmental biologists, yielding speculation and hypotheses concerning their putative homologues in other lineages and the developmental and genetic innovations that might have underlain their origin and diversification. In this article we first briefly review our current understanding of placode development and the cell types and structures they form. We next summarise previous hypotheses of placode evolution, discussing their strengths and caveats, before considering the evolutionary history of the various cell types that develop from placodes. In an accompanying review, we also further consider the evolution of ectodermal patterning. Drawing on data from vertebrates, tunicates, amphioxus, other bilaterians and cnidarians, we build these strands into a scenario of placode evolutionary history and of the genes, cells and developmental processes that underlie placode evolution and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Patthey
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK.
| | - Gerhard Schlosser
- Zoology, School of Natural Sciences & Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sebastian M Shimeld
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK
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30
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Tlx3 and Runx1 act in combination to coordinate the development of a cohort of nociceptors, thermoceptors, and pruriceptors. J Neurosci 2012; 32:9706-15. [PMID: 22787056 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1109-12.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRGs) are composed of a variety of sensory modalities, such as pain-related nociceptors, itch-related pruriceptors, and thermoceptors. All these neurons are derived from late-born neurons that are initially marked by the expression of the nerve growth factor receptor TrkA. During perinatal and postnatal development, these TrkA lineage neurons are globally segregated into Ret-expressing and TrkA-expressing subtypes, and start to express a variety of sensory receptors and ion channels. The runt domain transcription factor Runx1 plays a pivotal role in controlling these developmental processes, but it remains unclear how it works. Here we showed that the homeodomain transcription factor Tlx3, expressed broadly in DRG neurons, is required to establish most Runx1-dependent phenotypes, including the segregation of TrkA-expressing versus Ret-expressing neurons and the expression of a dozen of sensory channels and receptors implicated in sensing pain, itch and temperature. Expression of Runx1 and Tlx3 is independent of each other at prenatal stages when they first establish the expression of these channels and receptors. Moreover, overexpression of Runx1 plus Tlx3 was able to induce ectopic expression of sensory channels and receptors. Collectively, these studies suggest that genetically Tlx3 acts in combination with Runx1 to control the development of a cohort of nociceptors, thermoceptors, and pruriceptors in mice.
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31
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Matsumoto S, Konishi H, Maeda R, Kiryu-Seo S, Kiyama H. Expression analysis of the regenerating gene (Reg) family members Reg-IIIβ and Reg-IIIγ in the mouse during development. J Comp Neurol 2012; 520:479-94. [PMID: 21681751 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The regenerating gene/regenerating islet-derived (Reg) family is a group of small secretory proteins. Within this family, Reg type-III (Reg-III) consists of: Reg-IIIα, -β, -γ, and -δ. To elucidate the physiological relevance of Reg-III, we examined the localization and ontogeny of Reg-IIIβ and Reg-IIIγ in mice at different time points spanning from embryonic day 13.5 to 7 weeks old, using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that Reg-IIIβ was expressed in specific subsets of primary sensory neurons and motor neurons, and that expression was transient during the embryonic and perinatal periods. Reg-IIIβ expression was also observed in absorptive epithelial cells of the intestine. In contrast, Reg-IIIγ expression was mainly observed in epithelial cells of the airways and intestine, but not in the nervous system, and expression levels showed a gradually increasing pattern along with development. In the airways Reg-IIIγ was expressed in goblet and Clara-like cells, whereas in the intestine Reg-IIIγ was expressed in the absorptive epithelial cells and Paneth cells, and was found to be expressed in development before these organs had been exposed to the outside world. The present findings imply that Reg-IIIβ and Reg-IIIγ expression is regulated along divergent pathways. Furthermore, we also suggest that expression of Reg-IIIγ in the airway and intestinal epithelia may occur to protect these organs from exposure to antigens or other factors (e.g., microbes) in the outer world, whereas the transient expression of Reg-IIIβ in the nervous system may be associated with the development of the peripheral nervous system including such processes as myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakiko Matsumoto
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
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32
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Pavan WJ, Raible DW. Specification of neural crest into sensory neuron and melanocyte lineages. Dev Biol 2012; 366:55-63. [PMID: 22465373 PMCID: PMC3351495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Elucidating the mechanisms by which multipotent cells differentiate into distinct lineages is a common theme underlying developmental biology investigations. Progress has been made in understanding some of the essential factors and pathways involved in the specification of different lineages from the neural crest. These include gene regulatory networks involving transcription factor hierarchies and input from signaling pathways mediated from environmental cues. In this review, we examine the mechanisms for two lineages that are derived from the neural crest, peripheral sensory neurons and melanocytes. Insights into the specification of these cell types may reveal common themes in the specification processes that occur throughout development.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Pavan
- Genetic Disease Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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33
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Molecular interactions underlying the specification of sensory neurons. Trends Neurosci 2012; 35:373-81. [PMID: 22516617 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2012.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) respond to many different kinds of stimulus. The ability to discriminate between the diverse types of sensation is reflected by the existence of functionally and morphologically specialized sensory neurons. This neuronal diversity is created in a step-wise process extending well into postnatal life. Here, we review the hierarchical organization and the molecular process involving interactions between environmental growth factors, used and reused in different developmental contexts in self-reinforcing and cross-inhibitory mechanisms, and intrinsic gene programs that underlie the progressive diversification of sensory progenitors into specialized neurons. The recent advance in knowledge of sensory neuron specification may provide mechanistic principles that could extend to other parts of the nervous system.
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34
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Regulation of gene expression during early neuronal differentiation: evidence for patterns conserved across neuron populations and vertebrate classes. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 348:1-27. [PMID: 22437873 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1367-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Analysis of transcription factor function during neurogenesis has provided a huge amount of data on the generation and specification of diverse neuron populations in the central and peripheral nervous systems of vertebrates. However, an understanding of the induction of key neuron functions including electrical information processing and synaptic transmission lags seriously behind. Whereas pan-neuronal markers such as neurofilaments, neuron-specific tubulin and RNA-binding proteins have often been included in developmental analysis, the molecular players underlying electrical activity and transmitter release have been neglected in studies addressing gene expression during neuronal induction. Here, I summarize the evidence for a distinct accumulation pattern of mRNAs for synaptic proteins, a pattern that is delayed compared with pan-neuronal gene expression during neurogenesis. The conservation of this pattern across diverse avian and mammalian neuron populations suggests a common mechanism for the regulation of various sets of neuronal genes during initial neuronal differentiation. The co-regulation of genes coding for synaptic proteins from embryonic to postnatal development indicates that the expression of the players required for synaptic transmission shares common regulatory features. For the ion channels involved in neuronal electrical activity, such as voltage-gated sodium channels, the situation is less clear because of the lack of comparative studies early during neurogenesis. Transcription factors have been characterized that regulate the expression of synaptic proteins in vitro and in vivo. They currently do not explain the co-regulation of these genes across different neuron populations. The neuron-restrictive silencing factor NRSF/REST targets a large gene set, but not all of the genes coding for pan-neuronal, synaptic and ion channel proteins. The discrepancy between NRSF/REST loss-of-function and silencer-to-activator-switch studies leaves the full functional implications of this factor open. Together with microRNAs, splicing regulators, chromatin remodellers and an increasing list of transcriptional regulators, the factor is embedded in feedback circuits with the potential to orchestrate neuronal differentiation. The precise regulation of the coordinated expression of proteins underlying key neuronal functions by these circuits during neuronal induction is a major emerging topic.
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35
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Combinatorial expression of Brn3 transcription factors in somatosensory neurons: genetic and morphologic analysis. J Neurosci 2012; 32:995-1007. [PMID: 22262898 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4755-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The three members of the Brn3 family of POU-domain transcription factors (Brn3a/Pou4f1, Brn3b/Pou4f2, and Brn3c/Pou4f3) are expressed in overlapping subsets of visual, auditory/vestibular, and somatosensory neurons. Using unmarked Brn3-null alleles and Brn3 conditional alleles in which gene loss is coupled to expression of an alkaline phosphatase reporter, together with sparse Cre-mediated recombination, we describe the following: (1) the overlapping patterns of Brn3 gene expression in somatosensory neurons; (2) the manner in which these patterns correlate with molecular markers, peripheral afferent arbor morphologies, and dorsal horn projections; and (3) the consequences for these neurons of deleting individual Brn3 genes in the mouse. We observe broad expression of Brn3a among DRG neurons, but subtype-restricted expression of Brn3b and Brn3c. We also observe a nearly complete loss of hair follicle-associated sensory endings among Brn3a(-/-) neurons. Together with earlier analyses of Brn3 gene expression patterns in the retina and inner ear, these experiments suggest a deep functional similarity among primary somatosensory neurons, spiral and vestibular ganglion neurons, and retinal ganglion cells. This work also demonstrates the utility of sparse genetically directed labeling for visualizing individual somatosensory afferent arbors and for defining cell-autonomous mutant phenotypes.
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Zou M, Li S, Klein WH, Xiang M. Brn3a/Pou4f1 regulates dorsal root ganglion sensory neuron specification and axonal projection into the spinal cord. Dev Biol 2012; 364:114-27. [PMID: 22326227 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) must project accurately to their central targets to convey proprioceptive, nociceptive and mechanoreceptive information to the spinal cord. How these different sensory modalities and central connectivities are specified and coordinated still remains unclear. Given the expression of the POU homeodomain transcription factors Brn3a/Pou4f1 and Brn3b/Pou4f2 in DRG and spinal cord sensory neurons, we determined the subtype specification of DRG and spinal cord sensory neurons as well as DRG central projections in Brn3a and Brn3b single and double mutant mice. Inactivation of either or both genes causes no gross abnormalities in early spinal cord neurogenesis; however, in Brn3a single and Brn3a;Brn3b double mutant mice, sensory afferent axons from the DRG fail to form normal trajectories in the spinal cord. The TrkA(+) afferents remain outside the dorsal horn and fail to extend into the spinal cord, while the projections of TrkC(+) proprioceptive afferents into the ventral horn are also impaired. Moreover, Brn3a mutant DRGs are defective in sensory neuron specification, as marked by the excessive generation of TrkB(+) and TrkC(+) neurons as well as TrkA(+)/TrkB(+) and TrkA(+)/TrkC(+) double positive cells at early embryonic stages. At later stages in the mutant, TrkB(+), TrkC(+) and parvalbumin(+) neurons diminish while there is a significant increase of CGRP(+) and c-ret(+) neurons. In addition, Brn3a mutant DRGs display a dramatic down-regulation of Runx1 expression, suggesting that the regulation of DRG sensory neuron specification by Brn3a is mediated in part by Runx1. Our results together demonstrate a critical role for Brn3a in generating DRG sensory neuron diversity and regulating sensory afferent projections to the central targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zou
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
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Weisinger K, Kohl A, Kayam G, Monsonego-Ornan E, Sela-Donenfeld D. Expression of hindbrain boundary markers is regulated by FGF3. Biol Open 2011; 1:67-74. [PMID: 23213398 PMCID: PMC3507201 DOI: 10.1242/bio.2011032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Compartment boundaries act as organizing centers that segregate adjacent areas into domains of gene expression and regulation, and control their distinct fates via the secretion of signalling factors. During hindbrain development, a specialized cell-population forms boundaries between rhombomeres. These boundary cells demonstrate unique morphological properties and express multiple genes that differs them from intra-rhombomeric cells. Yet, little is known regarding the mechanisms that controls the expression or function of these boundary markers.Multiple components of the FGF signaling system, including ligands, receptors, downstream effectors as well as proteoglycans are shown to localize to boundary cells in the chick hindbrain. These patterns raise the possibility that FGF signaling plays a role in regulating boundary properties. We provide evidence to the role of FGF signaling, particularly the boundary-derived FGF3, in regulating the expression of multiple markers at hindbrain boundaries. These findings enable further characterization of the unique boundary-cell population, and expose a new function for FGFs as regulators of boundary-gene expression in the chick hindbrain.
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Brn3a and Islet1 act epistatically to regulate the gene expression program of sensory differentiation. J Neurosci 2011; 31:9789-99. [PMID: 21734270 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0901-11.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The combinatorial expression of transcription factors frequently marks cellular identity in the nervous system, yet how these factors interact to determine specific neuronal phenotypes is not well understood. Sensory neurons of the trigeminal ganglion (TG) and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) coexpress the homeodomain transcription factors Brn3a and Islet1, and past work has revealed partially overlapping programs of gene expression downstream of these factors. Here we examine sensory development in Brn3a/Islet1 double knock-out (DKO) mice. Sensory neurogenesis and the formation of the TG and DRG occur in DKO embryos, but the DRG are dorsally displaced, and the peripheral projections of the ganglia are markedly disturbed. Sensory neurons in DKO embryos show a profound loss of all early markers of sensory subtypes, including the Ntrk neurotrophin receptors, and the runt-family transcription factors Runx1 and Runx3. Examination of global gene expression in the E12.5 DRG of single and double mutant embryos shows that Brn3a and Islet1 are together required for nearly all aspects of sensory-specific gene expression, including several newly identified sensory markers. On a majority of targets, Brn3a and Islet1 exhibit negative epistasis, in which the effects of the individual knock-out alleles are less than additive in the DKO. Smaller subsets of targets exhibit positive epistasis, or are regulated exclusively by one factor. Brn3a/Islet1 double mutants also fail to developmentally repress neurogenic bHLH genes, and in vivo chromatin immunoprecipitation shows that Islet1 binds to a known Brn3a-regulated enhancer in the neurod4 gene, suggesting a mechanism of interaction between these genes.
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Zagami CJ, Stifani S. Molecular characterization of the mouse superior lateral parabrachial nucleus through expression of the transcription factor Runx1. PLoS One 2010; 5:e13944. [PMID: 21085653 PMCID: PMC2978708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0013944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The ability to precisely identify separate neuronal populations is essential to the understanding of the development and function of different brain structures. This necessity is particularly evident in regions such as the brainstem, where the anatomy is quite complex and little is known about the identity, origin, and function of a number of distinct nuclei due to the lack of specific cellular markers. In this regard, the gene encoding the transcription factor Runx1 has emerged as a specific marker of restricted neuronal populations in the murine central and peripheral nervous systems. The aim of this study was to precisely characterize the expression of Runx1 in the developing and postnatal mouse brainstem. Methods and Principal Findings Anatomical and immunohistochemical studies were used to characterize mouse Runx1 expression in the brainstem. It is shown here that Runx1 is expressed in a restricted population of neurons located in the dorsolateral rostral hindbrain. These neurons define a structure that is ventromedial to the dorsal nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, dorsocaudal to the medial paralemniscal nucleus and rostral to the cerebellum. Runx1 expression in these cells is first observed at approximately gestational day 12.5, persists into the adult brain, and is lost in knockout mice lacking the transcription factor Atoh1, an important regulator of the development of neuronal lineages of the rhombic lip. Runx1-expressing neurons in the rostral hindbrain produce cholecystokinin and also co-express members of the Groucho/Transducin-like Enhancer of split protein family. Conclusion Based on the anatomical and molecular characteristics of the Runx1-expressing cells in the rostral hindbrain, we propose that Runx1 expression in this region of the mouse brain defines the superior lateral parabrachial nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrissandra J. Zagami
- Centre for Neuronal Survival, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stefano Stifani
- Centre for Neuronal Survival, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Liu Y, Ma Q. Generation of somatic sensory neuron diversity and implications on sensory coding. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2010; 21:52-60. [PMID: 20888752 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2010.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Revised: 08/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are composed of a variety of sensory modalities, three of which are pain-sensing nociceptors, temperature-sensing thermoceptors, and itch-sensing pruriceptors. All these neurons are emerged from a common pool of embryonic DRG neurons that are marked by the expression of the neurotrophin receptor TrkA. Here we discuss how intrinsic transcription factors interface with target-derived signals to specify these functionally distinct sensory neurons. We will also discuss how this control mechanism provides a developmental perspective for the coding of somatic sensations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 1 Jimmy Fund Way, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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