1
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Dorgau B, Collin J, Rozanska A, Zerti D, Unsworth A, Crosier M, Hussain R, Coxhead J, Dhanaseelan T, Patel A, Sowden JC, FitzPatrick DR, Queen R, Lako M. Single-cell analyses reveal transient retinal progenitor cells in the ciliary margin of developing human retina. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3567. [PMID: 38670973 PMCID: PMC11053058 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47933-x] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of retinal progenitor cells and differentiation to various retinal cell types represent fundamental processes during retinal development. Herein, we provide a comprehensive single cell characterisation of transcriptional and chromatin accessibility changes that underline retinal progenitor cell specification and differentiation over the course of human retinal development up to midgestation. Our lineage trajectory data demonstrate the presence of early retinal progenitors, which transit to late, and further to transient neurogenic progenitors, that give rise to all the retinal neurons. Combining single cell RNA-Seq with spatial transcriptomics of early eye samples, we demonstrate the transient presence of early retinal progenitors in the ciliary margin zone with decreasing occurrence from 8 post-conception week of human development. In retinal progenitor cells, we identified a significant enrichment for transcriptional enhanced associate domain transcription factor binding motifs, which when inhibited led to loss of cycling progenitors and retinal identity in pluripotent stem cell derived organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birthe Dorgau
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Joseph Collin
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Agata Rozanska
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Darin Zerti
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Moira Crosier
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | | | | | | | - Aara Patel
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jane C Sowden
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health and NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - David R FitzPatrick
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rachel Queen
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK.
| | - Majlinda Lako
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK.
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2
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Li S, Yan RG, Gao X, He Z, Wu SX, Wang YJ, Zhang YW, Tao HP, Zhang XN, Jia GX, Yang QE. Single-cell transcriptome analyses reveal critical regulators of spermatogonial stem cell fate transitions. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:138. [PMID: 38310206 PMCID: PMC10837949 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the foundation cells for continual spermatogenesis and germline regeneration in mammals. SSC activities reside in the undifferentiated spermatogonial population, and currently, the molecular identities of SSCs and their committed progenitors remain unclear. RESULTS We performed single-cell transcriptome analysis on isolated undifferentiated spermatogonia from mice to decipher the molecular signatures of SSC fate transitions. Through comprehensive analysis, we delineated the developmental trajectory and identified candidate transcription factors (TFs) involved in the fate transitions of SSCs and their progenitors in distinct states. Specifically, we characterized the Asingle spermatogonial subtype marked by the expression of Eomes. Eomes+ cells contained enriched transplantable SSCs, and more than 90% of the cells remained in the quiescent state. Conditional deletion of Eomes in the germline did not impact steady-state spermatogenesis but enhanced SSC regeneration. Forced expression of Eomes in spermatogenic cells disrupted spermatogenesis mainly by affecting the cell cycle progression of undifferentiated spermatogonia. After injury, Eomes+ cells re-enter the cell cycle and divide to expand the SSC pool. Eomes+ cells consisted of 7 different subsets of cells at single-cell resolution, and genes enriched in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and the PI3/Akt signaling pathway participated in the SSC regeneration process. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we explored the molecular characteristics and critical regulators of subpopulations of undifferentiated spermatogonia. The findings of the present study described a quiescent SSC subpopulation, Eomes+ spermatogonia, and provided a dynamic transcriptional map of SSC fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute of Medical Technology, Luoyang Polytechnic, Luoyang, Henan, 471000, China
| | - Rong-Ge Yan
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xue Gao
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhen He
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shi-Xin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yi-Wen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Hai-Ping Tao
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Gong-Xue Jia
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810008, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810001, China
| | - Qi-En Yang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810008, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai, 810001, China.
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3
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Fries M, Brown TW, Jolicoeur C, Boulan B, Boudreau-Pinsonneault C, Javed A, Abram P, Cayouette M. Pou3f1 orchestrates a gene regulatory network controlling contralateral retinogeniculate projections. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112985. [PMID: 37590135 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The balance of contralateral and ipsilateral retinogeniculate projections is critical for binocular vision, but the transcriptional programs regulating this process remain ill defined. Here we show that the Pou class homeobox protein POU3F1 is expressed in nascent mouse contralateral retinal ganglion cells (cRGCs) but not ipsilateral RGCs (iRGCs). Upon Pou3f1 inactivation, the proportion of cRGCs is reduced in favor of iRGCs, leading to abnormal projection ratios at the optic chiasm. Conversely, misexpression of Pou3f1 in progenitors increases the production of cRGCs. Using CUT&RUN and RNA sequencing in gain- and loss-of-function assays, we demonstrate that POU3F1 regulates expression of several key members of the cRGC gene regulatory network. Finally, we report that POU3F1 is sufficient to induce RGC-like cell production, even in late-stage retinal progenitors of Atoh7 knockout mice. This work uncovers POU3F1 as a regulator of the cRGC transcriptional program, opening possibilities for optic nerve regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Fries
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Thomas W Brown
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Christine Jolicoeur
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Benoit Boulan
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Camille Boudreau-Pinsonneault
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Awais Javed
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Pénélope Abram
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Michel Cayouette
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; Molecular Biology Program, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
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4
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Paşcalău R, Badea TC. Signaling - transcription interactions in mouse retinal ganglion cells early axon pathfinding -a literature review. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2023; 3:1180142. [PMID: 38983012 PMCID: PMC11182120 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2023.1180142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Sending an axon out of the eye and into the target brain nuclei is the defining feature of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The literature on RGC axon pathfinding is vast, but it focuses mostly on decision making events such as midline crossing at the optic chiasm or retinotopic mapping at the target nuclei. In comparison, the exit of RGC axons out of the eye is much less explored. The first checkpoint on the RGC axons' path is the optic cup - optic stalk junction (OC-OS). OC-OS development and the exit of the RGC pioneer axons out of the eye are coordinated spatially and temporally. By the time the optic nerve head domain is specified, the optic fissure margins are in contact and the fusion process is ongoing, the first RGCs are born in its proximity and send pioneer axons in the optic stalk. RGC differentiation continues in centrifugal waves. Later born RGC axons fasciculate with the more mature axons. Growth cones at the end of the axons respond to guidance cues to adopt a centripetal direction, maintain nerve fiber layer restriction and to leave the optic cup. Although there is extensive information on OC-OS development, we still have important unanswered questions regarding its contribution to the exit of the RGC axons out of the eye. We are still to distinguish the morphogens of the OC-OS from the axon guidance molecules which are expressed in the same place at the same time. The early RGC transcription programs responsible for axon emergence and pathfinding are also unknown. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms for early RGC axon guidance by contextualizing mouse knock-out studies on OC-OS development with the recent transcriptomic studies on developing RGCs in an attempt to contribute to the understanding of human optic nerve developmental anomalies. The published data summarized here suggests that the developing optic nerve head provides a physical channel (the closing optic fissure) as well as molecular guidance cues for the pioneer RGC axons to exit the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca Paşcalău
- Research and Development Institute, Transilvania University of Braşov, Braşov, Romania
- Ophthalmology Clinic, Cluj County Emergency Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Tudor Constantin Badea
- Research and Development Institute, Transilvania University of Braşov, Braşov, Romania
- National Center for Brain Research, Institutul de Cercetări pentru Inteligență Artificială, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
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5
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Zeitz C, Roger JE, Audo I, Michiels C, Sánchez-Farías N, Varin J, Frederiksen H, Wilmet B, Callebert J, Gimenez ML, Bouzidi N, Blond F, Guilllonneau X, Fouquet S, Léveillard T, Smirnov V, Vincent A, Héon E, Sahel JA, Kloeckener-Gruissem B, Sennlaub F, Morgans CW, Duvoisin RM, Tkatchenko AV, Picaud S. Shedding light on myopia by studying complete congenital stationary night blindness. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 93:101155. [PMID: 36669906 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Myopia is the most common eye disorder, caused by heterogeneous genetic and environmental factors. Rare progressive and stationary inherited retinal disorders are often associated with high myopia. Genes implicated in myopia encode proteins involved in a variety of biological processes including eye morphogenesis, extracellular matrix organization, visual perception, circadian rhythms, and retinal signaling. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identified in animal models mimicking myopia are helpful in suggesting candidate genes implicated in human myopia. Complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB) in humans and animal models represents an ON-bipolar cell signal transmission defect and is also associated with high myopia. Thus, it represents also an interesting model to identify myopia-related genes, as well as disease mechanisms. While the origin of night blindness is molecularly well established, further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of myopia development in subjects with cCSNB. Using whole transcriptome analysis on three different mouse models of cCSNB (in Gpr179-/-, Lrit3-/- and Grm6-/-), we identified novel actors of the retinal signaling cascade, which are also novel candidate genes for myopia. Meta-analysis of our transcriptomic data with published transcriptomic databases and genome-wide association studies from myopia cases led us to propose new biological/cellular processes/mechanisms potentially at the origin of myopia in cCSNB subjects. The results provide a foundation to guide the development of pharmacological myopia therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Zeitz
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France.
| | - Jérome E Roger
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CERTO-Retina France, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Isabelle Audo
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Juliette Varin
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Helen Frederiksen
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Baptiste Wilmet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Jacques Callebert
- Service of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, INSERM U942, Hospital Lariboisière, APHP, Paris, France
| | | | - Nassima Bouzidi
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Frederic Blond
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Stéphane Fouquet
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | | | - Vasily Smirnov
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Ajoy Vincent
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elise Héon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - José-Alain Sahel
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France; CHNO des Quinze-Vingts, INSERM-DGOS CIC 1423, Paris, France; Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Florian Sennlaub
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Catherine W Morgans
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Robert M Duvoisin
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrei V Tkatchenko
- Oujiang Laboratory, Zhejiang Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health, Wenzhou, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Serge Picaud
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
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6
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Guo K, Wang P, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Dai X, Yan Y, Chen Y, Wasan HS, Yu J, Ruan S, Sun L. Transcription factor POU4F2 promotes colorectal cancer cell migration and invasion through hedgehog-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:4176-4186. [PMID: 34327778 PMCID: PMC8486210 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
As a POU homeodomain transcription factor, POU4F2 has been implicated in regulating tumorigenic processes in various cancers. However, the role of POU4F2 in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. Here, we revealed that POU4F2 functions as a tumor promotor in CRC. Bioinformatics analysis in specimens from CRC patients and expression analysis in CRC cell lines showed that POU4F2 was upregulated at the mRNA and protein levels in CRC. Depletion of POU4F2 suppressed the metastatic phenotypes of CRC cells, including cell migration, invasion, and the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Moreover, depletion of POU4F2 decreased the number of lung metastatic nodes in nude mice. Mechanistically, POU4F2 positively regulated the Hedgehog signaling pathway, as inferred from the downregulation of the expression of sonic Hedgehog homolog, patched 1, Smoothened, and GLI family zinc finger 1 in vitro and vivo following silencing of POU4F2. Furthermore, the SMO agonist SAG reversed the effects of POU4F2 knockdown in CRC. Functionally, POU4F2 contributed to the Hedgehog signaling‐regulated activation of the EMT process and promotion of CRC cell migration and invasion. Collectively, these findings elucidated the role of POU4F2 as a tumor promotor in CRC through the regulation of Hedgehog signaling‐mediated EMT and suggested that POU4F2 suppression might be a promising therapeutic target in inhibiting CRC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaibo Guo
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peipei Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Leyin Zhang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yiwen Zhou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyang Dai
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yici Yan
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Chen
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Harpreet S Wasan
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jieru Yu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shanming Ruan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
| | - Leitao Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
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7
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Chen CK, Kiyama T, Weber N, Whitaker CM, Pan P, Badea TC, Massey SC, Mao CA. Characterization of Tbr2-expressing retinal ganglion cells. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:3513-3532. [PMID: 34245014 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian retina contains more than 40 retinal ganglion cell (RGC) subtypes based on their unique morphologies, functions, and molecular profiles. Among them, intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (ipRGCs) are the first specified RGC type emerging from a common retinal progenitor pool during development. Previous work has shown that T-box transcription factor T-brain 2 (Tbr2) is essential for the formation and maintenance of ipRGCs, and that Tbr2-expressing RGCs activate Opn4 expression upon native ipRGC ablation, suggesting that Tbr2+ RGCs contain a reservoir for ipRGCs. However, the identity of Tbr2+ RGCs has not been fully vetted. Here, using genetic sparse labeling and single cell recording, we showed that Tbr2-expressing retinal neurons include RGCs and a subset of GABAergic displaced amacrine cells (dACs). Most Tbr2+ RGCs are intrinsically photosensitive and morphologically resemble native ipRGCs with identical retinofugal projections. Tbr2+ RGCs also include a unique and rare Pou4f1-expressing OFF RGC subtype. Using a loss-of-function strategy, we have further demonstrated that Tbr2 is essential for the survival of these RGCs and dACs, as well as maintaining the expression of Opn4. These data set a strong foundation to study how Tbr2 regulates ipRGC development and survival, as well as the expression of molecular machinery regulating intrinsic photosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Kang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Takae Kiyama
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nicole Weber
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher M Whitaker
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ping Pan
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tudor C Badea
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,Research and Development Institute, Transilvania University of Brasov, School of Medicine, Brasov, Romania
| | - Stephen C Massey
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA.,The MD Anderson Cancer Center/UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chai-An Mao
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, Texas, USA.,The MD Anderson Cancer Center/UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
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8
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Völkner M, Kurth T, Schor J, Ebner LJA, Bardtke L, Kavak C, Hackermüller J, Karl MO. Mouse Retinal Organoid Growth and Maintenance in Longer-Term Culture. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:645704. [PMID: 33996806 PMCID: PMC8114082 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.645704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Using retinal organoid systems, organ-like 3D tissues, relies implicitly on their robustness. However, essential key parameters, particularly retinal growth and longer-term culture, are still insufficiently defined. Here, we hypothesize that a previously optimized protocol for high yield of evenly-sized mouse retinal organoids with low variability facilitates assessment of such parameters. We demonstrate that these organoids reliably complete retinogenesis, and can be maintained at least up to 60 days in culture. During this time, the organoids continue to mature on a molecular and (ultra)structural level: They develop photoreceptor outer segments and synapses, transiently maintain its cell composition for about 5-10 days after completing retinogenesis, and subsequently develop pathologic changes - mainly of the inner but also outer retina and reactive gliosis. To test whether this organoid system provides experimental access to the retina during and upon completion of development, we defined and stimulated organoid growth by activating sonic hedgehog signaling, which in patients and mice in vivo with a congenital defect leads to enlarged eyes. Here, a sonic hedgehog signaling activator increased retinal epithelia length in the organoid system when applied during but not after completion of development. This experimentally supports organoid maturation, stability, and experimental reproducibility in this organoid system, and provides a potential enlarged retina pathology model, as well as a protocol for producing larger organoids. Together, our study advances the understanding of retinal growth, maturation, and maintenance, and further optimizes the organoid system for future utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Völkner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Kurth
- Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technology Platform, Electron Microscopy and Histology Facility, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jana Schor
- Young Investigators Group Bioinformatics and Transcriptomics, Department Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lynn J A Ebner
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lara Bardtke
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cagri Kavak
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jörg Hackermüller
- Young Investigators Group Bioinformatics and Transcriptomics, Department Molecular Systems Biology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mike O Karl
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,CRTD - Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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9
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Shams Najafabadi H, Sadeghi M, Zibaii MI, Soheili ZS, Samiee S, Ghasemi P, Hosseini M, Gholami Pourbadie H, Ahmadieh H, Taghizadeh S, Ranaei Pirmardan E. Optogenetic control of neural differentiation in Opto-mGluR6 engineered retinal pigment epithelial cell line and mesenchymal stem cells. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:851-869. [PMID: 33847009 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In retinal degenerative disorders, when neural retinal cells are damaged, cell transplantation is one of the most promising therapeutic approaches. Optogenetic technology plays an essential role in the neural differentiation of stem cells via membrane depolarization. This study explored the efficacy of blue light stimulation in neuroretinal differentiation of Opto-mGluR6-engineered mouse retinal pigment epithelium (mRPE) and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). mRPE and BMSCs were selected for optogenetic study due to their capability to differentiate into retinal-specific neurons. BMSCs were isolated and phenotypically characterized by the expression of mesenchymal stem cell-specific markers, CD44 (99%) and CD105 (98.8%). mRPE culture identity was confirmed by expression of RPE-specific marker, RPE65, and epithelial cell marker, ZO-1. mRPE cells and BMSCs were transduced with AAV-MCS-IRES-EGFP-Opto-mGluR6 viral vector and stimulated for 5 days with blue light (470 nm). RNA and protein expression of Opto-mGluR6 were verified. Optogenetic stimulation-induced elevated intracellular Ca2+ levels in mRPE- and BMS-treated cells. Significant increase in cell growth rate and G1/S phase transition were detected in mRPE- and BMSCs-treated cultures. Pou4f1, Dlx2, Eomes, Barlh2, Neurod2, Neurod6, Rorb, Rxrg, Nr2f2, Ascl1, Hes5, and Sox8 were overexpressed in treated BMSCs and Barlh2, Rorb, and Sox8 were overexpressed in treated mRPE cells. Expression of Rho, Thy1, OPN1MW, Recoverin, and CRABP, as retinal-specific neuron markers, in mRPE and BMS cell cultures were demonstrated. Differentiation of ganglion, amacrine, photoreceptor cells, and bipolar and Muller precursors were determined in BMSCs-treated culture and were compared with mRPE. mRPE cells represented more abundant terminal Muller glial differentiation compared with BMSCs. Our results also demonstrated that optical stimulation increased the intracellular Ca2+ level and proliferation and differentiation of Opto-mGluR6-engineered BMSCs. It seems that optogenetic stimulation of mRPE- and BMSCs-engineered cells would be a potential therapeutic approach for retinal degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Shams Najafabadi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad I Zibaii
- Laser & Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra-Soheila Soheili
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Samiee
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouria Ghasemi
- Laser & Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosseini
- Laser & Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hamid Ahmadieh
- Ophthalmic Research Center, Research Institute for Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Taghizadeh
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Ranaei Pirmardan
- Molecular Biomarkers Nano-imaging Laboratory, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Lyu J, Mu X. Genetic control of retinal ganglion cell genesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4417-4433. [PMID: 33782712 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03814-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the only projection neurons in the neural retina. They receive and integrate visual signals from upstream retinal neurons in the visual circuitry and transmit them to the brain. The function of RGCs is performed by the approximately 40 RGC types projecting to various central brain targets. RGCs are the first cell type to form during retinogenesis. The specification and differentiation of the RGC lineage is a stepwise process; a hierarchical gene regulatory network controlling the RGC lineage has been identified and continues to be elaborated. Recent studies with single-cell transcriptomics have led to unprecedented new insights into their types and developmental trajectory. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the functions and relationships of the many regulators of the specification and differentiation of the RGC lineage. We emphasize the roles of these key transcription factors and pathways in different developmental steps, including the transition from retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) to RGCs, RGC differentiation, generation of diverse RGC types, and central projection of the RGC axons. We discuss critical issues that remain to be addressed for a comprehensive understanding of these different aspects of RGC genesis and emerging technologies, including single-cell techniques, novel genetic tools and resources, and high-throughput genome editing and screening assays, which can be leveraged in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyi Lyu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, State University of New York At Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiuqian Mu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, State University of New York At Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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11
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Bonelli R, Ansell BRE, Lotta L, Scerri T, Clemons TE, Leung I, Peto T, Bird AC, Sallo FB, Langenberg C, Bahlo M. Genetic disruption of serine biosynthesis is a key driver of macular telangiectasia type 2 aetiology and progression. Genome Med 2021; 13:39. [PMID: 33750426 PMCID: PMC7945323 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00848-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) is a rare, heritable and largely untreatable retinal disorder, often comorbid with diabetes. Genetic risk loci subtend retinal vascular calibre and glycine/serine/threonine metabolism genes. Serine deficiency may contribute to MacTel via neurotoxic deoxysphingolipid production; however, an independent vascular contribution is also suspected. Here, we use statistical genetics to dissect the causal mechanisms underpinning this complex disease. Methods We integrated genetic markers for MacTel, vascular and metabolic traits, and applied Mendelian randomisation and conditional and interaction genome-wide association analyses to discover the causal contributors to both disease and spatial retinal imaging sub-phenotypes. Results Genetically induced serine deficiency is the primary causal metabolic driver of disease occurrence and progression, with a lesser, but significant, causal contribution of type 2 diabetes genetic risk. Conversely, glycine, threonine and retinal vascular traits are unlikely to be causal for MacTel. Conditional regression analysis identified three novel disease loci independent of endogenous serine biosynthetic capacity. By aggregating spatial retinal phenotypes into endophenotypes, we demonstrate that SNPs constituting independent risk loci act via related endophenotypes. Conclusions Follow-up studies after GWAS integrating publicly available data with deep phenotyping are still rare. Here, we describe such analysis, where we integrated retinal imaging data with MacTel and other traits genomics data to identify biochemical mechanisms likely causing this disorder. Our findings will aid in early diagnosis and accurate prognosis of MacTel and improve prospects for effective therapeutic intervention. Our integrative genetics approach also serves as a useful template for post-GWAS analyses in other disorders. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13073-021-00848-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bonelli
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Brendan R E Ansell
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Luca Lotta
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SL, UK
| | - Thomas Scerri
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | | | - Irene Leung
- Department of Research and Development, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | | | - Tunde Peto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Queen's University, Belfast, BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Alan C Bird
- Inherited Eye Disease, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, EC1V 2PD, UK
| | - Ferenc B Sallo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin, Fondation Asile des Aveugles, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Melanie Bahlo
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia. .,Population Health and Immunity Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
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12
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Iwagawa T, Honda H, Watanabe S. Jmjd3 Plays Pivotal Roles in the Proper Development of Early-Born Retinal Lineages: Amacrine, Horizontal, and Retinal Ganglion Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:43. [PMID: 32986815 PMCID: PMC7533738 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.11.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3) is a critical mediator of transcriptional gene repression, and Jmjd3 and Utx are the demethylases specific to H3K27me3. Using an in vitro retinal explant culture system, we previously revealed the role of Jmjd3 in the development of rod bipolar cells; however, the roles of Jmjd3 in the development of early-born retinal cells are unknown due to limitations concerning the use of retinal explant culture systems. In this study, we investigated the roles of Jmjd3 in the development of early-born retinal cells. Methods We examined retina-specific conditional Jmjd3 knockout (Jmjd3-cKO) mice using immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription PCR and JMJD3 binding to a target locus by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis. Results We observed reductions in amacrine cells (ACs) and horizontal cells (HCs), as well as lowered expression levels of several transcription factors involved in the development of ACs and HCs in the Jmjd3-cKO mouse retina. JMJD3 bound the promoter regions of these transcription factors. Notably, an elevated number of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) was observed at embryonic stages, whereas RGCs were moderately reduced at later postnatal stages in the Jmjd3-cKO retina. We also observed reduced expression of Eomes, which is required for the maintenance of RGCs, as well as lower H3K27me3 level and lower JMJD3 binding in the promoter region of Eomes in RGC-enriched cells. Conclusions The results indicated that Jmjd3 has critical roles in the development of early-born retinal subtypes, and suggested biphasic roles of Jmjd3 in RGC production and maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiro Iwagawa
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Honda
- Field of Human Disease Models, Major in Advanced Life Sciences and Medicine, Institute of Laboratory Animals, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sumiko Watanabe
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Berg DJ, Kartheiser K, Leyrer M, Saali A, Berson DM. Transcriptomic Signatures of Postnatal and Adult Intrinsically Photosensitive Ganglion Cells. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0022-19.2019. [PMID: 31387875 PMCID: PMC6712207 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0022-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are rare mammalian photoreceptors essential for non-image-forming vision functions, such as circadian photoentrainment and the pupillary light reflex. They comprise multiple subtypes distinguishable by morphology, physiology, projections, and levels of expression of melanopsin (Opn4), their photopigment. The molecular programs that distinguish ipRGCs from other ganglion cells and ipRGC subtypes from one another remain elusive. Here, we present comprehensive gene expression profiles of early postnatal and adult mouse ipRGCs purified from two lines of reporter mice that mark different sets of ipRGC subtypes. We find dozens of novel genes highly enriched in ipRGCs. We reveal that Rasgrp1 and Tbx20 are selectively expressed in subsets of ipRGCs, though these molecularly defined groups imperfectly match established ipRGC subtypes. We demonstrate that the ipRGCs regulating circadian photoentrainment are diverse at the molecular level. Our findings reveal unexpected complexity in gene expression patterns across mammalian ipRGC subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Berg
- Molecular Biology, Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry Program, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | | | - Megan Leyrer
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Alexandra Saali
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - David M Berson
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
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14
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Langer BE, Roscito JG, Hiller M. REforge Associates Transcription Factor Binding Site Divergence in Regulatory Elements with Phenotypic Differences between Species. Mol Biol Evol 2019; 35:3027-3040. [PMID: 30256993 PMCID: PMC6278867 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msy187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the genomic determinants of morphological differences between species is key to understanding how morphological diversity evolved. While differences in cis-regulatory elements are an important genetic source for morphological evolution, it remains challenging to identify regulatory elements involved in phenotypic differences. Here, we present Regulatory Element forward genomics (REforge), a computational approach that detects associations between transcription factor binding site divergence in putative regulatory elements and phenotypic differences between species. By simulating regulatory element evolution in silico, we show that this approach has substantial power to detect such associations. To validate REforge on real data, we used known binding motifs for eye-related transcription factors and identified significant binding site divergence in vision-impaired subterranean mammals in 1% of all conserved noncoding elements. We show that these genomic regions are significantly enriched in regulatory elements that are specifically active in mouse eye tissues, and that several of them are located near genes, which are required for eye development and photoreceptor function and are implicated in human eye disorders. Thus, our genome-wide screen detects widespread divergence of eye-regulatory elements and highlights regulatory regions that likely contributed to eye degeneration in subterranean mammals. REforge has broad applicability to detect regulatory elements that could be involved in many other phenotypes, which will help to reveal the genomic basis of morphological diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn E Langer
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Systems Biology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Juliana G Roscito
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Systems Biology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Hiller
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Dresden, Germany.,Center for Systems Biology, Dresden, Germany
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15
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Kiyama T, Long Y, Chen CK, Whitaker CM, Shay A, Wu H, Badea TC, Mohsenin A, Parker-Thornburg J, Klein WH, Mills SL, Massey SC, Mao CA. Essential Roles of Tbr1 in the Formation and Maintenance of the Orientation-Selective J-RGCs and a Group of OFF-Sustained RGCs in Mouse. Cell Rep 2019; 27:900-915.e5. [PMID: 30995485 PMCID: PMC6542366 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.03.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In the mouse retina, more than 30 retinal ganglion cell (RGC) subtypes have been classified based on a combined metric of morphological and functional characteristics. RGCs arise from a common pool of retinal progenitor cells during embryonic stages and differentiate into mature subtypes in adult retinas. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling formation and maturation of such remarkable cellular diversity remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that T-box transcription factor T-brain 1 (Tbr1) is expressed in two groups of morphologically and functionally distinct RGCs: the orientation-selective J-RGCs and a group of OFF-sustained RGCs with symmetrical dendritic arbors. When Tbr1 is genetically ablated during retinal development, these two RGC groups cannot develop. Ectopically expressing Tbr1 in M4 ipRGCs during development alters dendritic branching and density but not the inner plexiform layer stratification level. Our data indicate that Tbr1 plays critical roles in regulating the formation and dendritic morphogenesis of specific RGC types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takae Kiyama
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ye Long
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ching-Kang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christopher M Whitaker
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Allison Shay
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hongyu Wu
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Tudor C Badea
- National Eye Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Amir Mohsenin
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA; Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jan Parker-Thornburg
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - William H Klein
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen L Mills
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen C Massey
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chai-An Mao
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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16
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Kiyama T, Chen CK, Wang SW, Pan P, Ju Z, Wang J, Takada S, Klein WH, Mao CA. Essential roles of mitochondrial biogenesis regulator Nrf1 in retinal development and homeostasis. Mol Neurodegener 2018; 13:56. [PMID: 30333037 PMCID: PMC6192121 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-018-0287-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the pathologies of a number of retinal degenerative diseases in both the outer and inner retina. In the outer retina, photoreceptors are particularly vulnerable to mutations affecting mitochondrial function due to their high energy demand and sensitivity to oxidative stress. However, it is unclear how defective mitochondrial biogenesis affects neural development and contributes to neural degeneration. In this report, we investigated the in vivo function of nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1), a major transcriptional regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis in both proliferating retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) and postmitotic rod photoreceptor cells (PRs). Methods We used mouse genetic techniques to generate RPC-specific and rod PR-specific Nrf1 conditional knockout mouse models. We then applied a comprehensive set of tools, including histopathological and molecular analyses, RNA-seq, and electroretinography on these mouse lines to study Nrf1-regulated genes and Nrf1’s roles in both developing retinas and differentiated rod PRs. For all comparisons between genotypes, a two-tailed two-sample student’s t-test was used. Results were considered significant when P < 0.05. Results We uncovered essential roles of Nrf1 in cell proliferation in RPCs, cell migration and survival of newly specified retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), neurite outgrowth in retinal explants, reconfiguration of metabolic pathways in RPCs, and mitochondrial morphology, position, and function in rod PRs. Conclusions Our findings provide in vivo evidence that Nrf1 and Nrf1-mediated pathways have context-dependent and cell-state-specific functions during neural development, and disruption of Nrf1-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis in rod PRs results in impaired mitochondria and a slow, progressive degeneration of rod PRs. These results offer new insights into the roles of Nrf1 in retinal development and neuronal homeostasis and the differential sensitivities of diverse neuronal tissues and cell types of dysfunctional mitochondria. Moreover, the conditional Nrf1 allele we have generated provides the opportunity to develop novel mouse models to understand how defective mitochondrial biogenesis contributes to the pathologies and disease progression of several neurodegenerative diseases, including glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, Parkinson’s diseases, and Huntington’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takae Kiyama
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), 6431 Fannin St., MSB 7.024, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ching-Kang Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, 1 Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Steven W Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ping Pan
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), 6431 Fannin St., MSB 7.024, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhenlin Ju
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Shinako Takada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Present Address: Office of Scientific Review, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - William H Klein
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chai-An Mao
- Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), 6431 Fannin St., MSB 7.024, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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17
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Saha A, Tiwari S, Dharmarajan S, Otteson DC, Belecky-Adams TL. Class I histone deacetylases in retinal progenitors and differentiating ganglion cells. Gene Expr Patterns 2018; 30:37-48. [PMID: 30179675 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The acetylation state of histones has been used as an indicator of the developmental state of progenitor and differentiating cells. The goal of this study was to determine the nuclear localization patterns of Class I histone deacetylases (HDACs) in retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), as the first step in understanding their potential importance in cell fate determination within the murine retina. RESULTS The only HDAC to label RPC nuclei at E16 and P5 was HDAC1. In contrast, there was generally increased nuclear localization of all Class I HDACs in differentiating RGCs. Between P5 and P30, SOX2 expression becomes restricted to Müller glial, cholinergic amacrine cells, and retinal astrocytes. Cholinergic amacrine showed a combination of changes in nuclear localization of Class I HDACs. Strikingly, although Müller glia and retinal astrocytes express many of the same genes, P30 Müller glial cells showed nuclear localization only of HDAC1, while retinal astrocytes were positive for HDACs 1, 2, and 3. CONCLUSION These results indicate there may be a role for one or more of the Class I HDACs in retinal cell type-specific differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Saha
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Sarika Tiwari
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Subramanian Dharmarajan
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Deborah C Otteson
- University of Houston College of Optometry, 4901 Calhoun Rd. Rm 2195, Houston, TX, 77204-2020, USA.
| | - Teri L Belecky-Adams
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA; Center for Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Indiana University- Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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18
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Chuang JH, Yarmishyn AA, Hwang DK, Hsu CC, Wang ML, Yang YP, Chien KH, Chiou SH, Peng CH, Chen SJ. Expression profiling of cell-intrinsic regulators in the process of differentiation of human iPSCs into retinal lineages. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:140. [PMID: 29751772 PMCID: PMC5948821 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0848-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) into retinal lineages offers great potential for medical application. Therefore, it is of crucial importance to know the key intrinsic regulators of differentiation and the specific biomarker signatures of cell lineages. METHODS In this study, we used microarrays to analyze transcriptomes of terminally differentiated retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) lineages, as well as intermediate retinal progenitor cells of optic vesicles (OVs) derived from hiPSCs. In our analysis, we specifically focused on the classes of transcripts that encode intrinsic regulators of gene expression: the transcription factors (TFs) and epigenetic chromatin state regulators. We applied two criteria for the selection of potentially important regulators and markers: firstly, the magnitude of fold-change of upregulation; secondly, the contrasted pattern of differential expression between OV, RGC and RPE lineages. RESULTS We found that among the most highly overexpressed TF-encoding genes in the OV/RGC lineage were three members of the Collier/Olfactory-1/Early B-cell family: EBF1, EBF2 and EBF3. Knockdown of EBF1 led to significant impairment of differentiation of hiPSCs into RGCs. EBF1 was shown to act upstream of ISL1 and BRN3A, the well-characterized regulators of RGC lineage specification. TF-encoding genes DLX1, DLX2 and INSM1 were the most highly overexpressed genes in the OVs, indicating their important role in the early stages of retinal differentiation. Along with MITF, the two paralogs, BHLHE41 and BHLHE40, were the most robust TF markers of RPE cells. The markedly contrasted expression of ACTL6B, encoding the component of chromatin remodeling complex SWI/SNF, discriminated hiPSC-derived OV/RGC and RPE lineages. CONCLUSIONS We identified novel, potentially important intrinsic regulators of RGC and RPE cell lineage specification in the process of differentiation from hiPSCs. We demonstrated the crucial role played by EBF1 in differentiation of RGCs. We identified intrinsic regulator biomarker signatures of these two retinal cell types that can be applied with high confidence to confirm the cell lineage identities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Hua Chuang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Aliaksandr A Yarmishyn
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - De-Kuang Hwang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chien Hsu
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Lien Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ke-Hung Chien
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital & National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hsien Peng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital and Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Jen Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital & National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan. .,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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19
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Zhang XM, Hashimoto T, Tang R, Yang XJ. Elevated expression of human bHLH factor ATOH7 accelerates cell cycle progression of progenitors and enhances production of avian retinal ganglion cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6823. [PMID: 29717171 PMCID: PMC5931526 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of vertebrate retinal projection neurons, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), is regulated by cell-intrinsic determinants and cell-to-cell signaling events. The basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein Atoh7 is a key neurogenic transcription factor required for RGC development. Here, we investigate whether manipulating human ATOH7 expression among uncommitted progenitors can promote RGC fate specification and thus be used as a strategy to enhance RGC genesis. Using the chicken retina as a model, we show that cell autonomous expression of ATOH7 is sufficient to induce precocious RGC formation and expansion of the neurogenic territory. ATOH7 overexpression among neurogenic progenitors significantly enhances RGC production at the expense of reducing the progenitor pool. Furthermore, forced expression of ATOH7 leads to a minor increase of cone photoreceptors. We provide evidence that elevating ATOH7 levels accelerates cell cycle progression from S to M phase and promotes cell cycle exit. We also show that ATOH7-induced ectopic RGCs often exhibit aberrant axonal projection patterns and are correlated with increased cell death during the period of retinotectal connections. These results demonstrate the high potency of human ATOH7 in promoting early retinogenesis and specifying the RGC differentiation program, thus providing insight for manipulating RGC production from stem cell-derived retinal organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Mei Zhang
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Takao Hashimoto
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ronald Tang
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xian-Jie Yang
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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20
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Sessa A, Ciabatti E, Drechsel D, Massimino L, Colasante G, Giannelli S, Satoh T, Akira S, Guillemot F, Broccoli V. The Tbr2 Molecular Network Controls Cortical Neuronal Differentiation Through Complementary Genetic and Epigenetic Pathways. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:3378-3396. [PMID: 27600842 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The T-box containing Tbr2 gene encodes for a transcription factor essential for the specification of the intermediate neural progenitors (INPs) originating the excitatory neurons of the cerebral cortex. However, its overall mechanism of action, direct target genes and cofactors remain unknown. Herein, we carried out global gene expression profiling combined with genome-wide binding site identification to determine the molecular pathways regulated by TBR2 in INPs. This analysis led to the identification of novel protein-protein interactions that control multiple features of INPs including cell-type identity, morphology, proliferation and migration dynamics. In particular, NEUROG2 and JMJD3 were found to associate with TBR2 revealing unexplored TBR2-dependent mechanisms. These interactions can explain, at least in part, the role of this transcription factor in the implementation of the molecular program controlling developmental milestones during corticogenesis. These data identify TBR2 as a major determinant of the INP-specific traits by regulating both genetic and epigenetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Sessa
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Ernesto Ciabatti
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Drechsel
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, The Ridgeway ,LondonNW7 1AA, UK
| | - Luca Massimino
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Colasante
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Giannelli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute , 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Takashi Satoh
- Laboratory of Host Defense, Osaka University, Osaka565-0871, Japan
| | - Shizuo Akira
- Laboratory of Host Defense, Osaka University, Osaka565-0871, Japan
| | - Francois Guillemot
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, The Ridgeway ,LondonNW7 1AA, UK
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20129 Milan, Italy
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21
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Massimino L, Flores-Garcia L, Di Stefano B, Colasante G, Icoresi-Mazzeo C, Zaghi M, Hamilton BA, Sessa A. TBR2 antagonizes retinoic acid dependent neuronal differentiation by repressing Zfp423 during corticogenesis. Dev Biol 2018; 434:231-248. [PMID: 29305158 PMCID: PMC7032051 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
During cerebral cortex development, neural progenitors are required to elaborate a variety of cell differentiation signals to which they are continuously exposed. RA acid is a potent inducer of neuronal differentiation as it was found to influence cortical development. We report herein that TBR2, a transcription factor specific to Intermediate (Basal) Neural Progenitors (INPs), represses activation of the RA responsive element and expression of RA target genes in cell lines. This repressive action on RA signaling was functionally confirmed by the decrease of RA-mediated neuronal differentiation in neural stem cells stably overexpressing TBR2. In vivo mapping of RA activity in the developing cortex indicated that RA activity is detected in radial glial cells and subsequently downregulated in INPs, revealing a fine cell-type specific regulation of its signaling. Thus, TBR2 might be a molecular player in opposing RA signaling in INPs. Interestingly, this negative regulation is achieved at least in part by directly repressing the critical nuclear RA co-factor ZFP423. Indeed, we found ZFP423 to be expressed in the developing cortex and promote RA-dependent neuronal differentiation. These data indicate that TBR2 contributes to suppressing RA signaling in INPs, thereby enabling them to re-enter the cell cycle and delay neuronal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Massimino
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Lisbeth Flores-Garcia
- Departments of Cellular&Molecular Medicine and Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0644, USA
| | - Bruno Di Stefano
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Colasante
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Icoresi-Mazzeo
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Mattia Zaghi
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Bruce A Hamilton
- Departments of Cellular&Molecular Medicine and Medicine, Moores Cancer Center, and Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92093-0644, USA
| | - Alessandro Sessa
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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22
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Seabrook TA, Dhande OS, Ishiko N, Wooley VP, Nguyen PL, Huberman AD. Strict Independence of Parallel and Poly-synaptic Axon-Target Matching during Visual Reflex Circuit Assembly. Cell Rep 2017; 21:3049-3064. [PMID: 29241535 PMCID: PMC6333306 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of sensory information to drive specific behaviors relies on circuits spanning long distances that wire up through a range of axon-target recognition events. Mechanisms assembling poly-synaptic circuits and the extent to which parallel pathways can "cross-wire" to compensate for loss of one another remain unclear and are crucial to our understanding of brain development and models of regeneration. In the visual system, specific retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) project to designated midbrain targets connected to downstream circuits driving visuomotor reflexes. Here, we deleted RGCs connecting to pupillary light reflex (PLR) midbrain targets and discovered that axon-target matching is tightly regulated. RGC axons of the eye-reflex pathway avoided vacated PLR targets. Moreover, downstream PLR circuitry is maintained; hindbrain and peripheral components retained their proper connectivity and function. These findings point to a model in which poly-synaptic circuit development reflects independent, highly stringent wiring of each parallel pathway and downstream station.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania A Seabrook
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Onkar S Dhande
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Nao Ishiko
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Victoria P Wooley
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Phong L Nguyen
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Andrew D Huberman
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94304, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94303, USA; Bio-X, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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23
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Groman-Lupa S, Adewumi J, Park KU, Brzezinski JA. The Transcription Factor Prdm16 Marks a Single Retinal Ganglion Cell Subtype in the Mouse Retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:5421-5433. [PMID: 29053761 PMCID: PMC5656415 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.17-22442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal ganglion cells (RGC) can be categorized into roughly 30 distinct subtypes. How these subtypes develop is poorly understood, in part because few unique subtype markers have been characterized. We tested whether the Prdm16 transcription factor is expressed by RGCs as a class or within particular ganglion cell subtypes. Methods Embryonic and mature retinal sections and flatmount preparations were examined by immunohistochemistry for Prdm16 and several other cell type-specific markers. To visualize the morphology of Prdm16+ cells, we utilized Thy1-YFP-H transgenic mice, where a small random population of RGCs expresses yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) throughout the cytoplasm. Results Prdm16 was expressed in the retina starting late in embryogenesis. Prdm16+ cells coexpressed the RGC marker Brn3a. These cells were arranged in an evenly spaced pattern and accounted for 2% of all ganglion cells. Prdm16+ cells coexpressed parvalbumin, but not calretinin, melanopsin, Smi32, or CART. This combination of marker expression and morphology data from Thy1-YFP-H mice suggested that the Prdm16+ cells represented a single ganglion cell subtype. Prdm16 also marked vascular endothelial cells and mural cells of retinal arterioles. Conclusions A single subtype of ganglion cell appears to be uniquely marked by Prdm16 expression. While the precise identity of these ganglion cells is unclear, they most resemble the G9 subtype described by Völgyi and colleagues in 2009. Future studies are needed to determine the function of these ganglion cells and whether Prdm16 regulates their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Groman-Lupa
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Joseph Adewumi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Ko Uoon Park
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Joseph A. Brzezinski
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado, United States
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24
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Probst S, Daza RA, Bader N, Hummel JF, Weiß M, Tanriver Y, Hevner RF, Arnold SJ. A dual-fluorescence reporter in the Eomes locus for live imaging and medium-term lineage tracing. Genesis 2017. [PMID: 28646547 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The T-box transcription factor Eomes (also known as Tbr2) shows short-lived expression in various localized domains of the embryo, including epiblast cells during gastrulation and intermediate progenitor cells in the cerebral cortex. In these tissues Eomes fulfills crucial roles for lineage specification of progenitors. To directly observe Eomes-dependent cell lineages in the living embryo, we generated a novel dual-fluorescence reporter allele that expresses a membrane-bound tdTomato protein for investigation of cell morphology and a nuclear GFP for cell tracing. This allele recapitulates endogenous EOMES protein expression and is suitable for live imaging. We found that the allele can also be used as a short-to-medium-term lineage tracer, as GFP persists in cells longer than EOMES protein and marks Eomes-dependent lineages with a timeframe of days to weeks depending on the proliferation rate. In summary, we present a novel genetic tool for investigation of Eomes-dependent cell types by live imaging and lineage tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Probst
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ray A Daza
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, 98101
| | - Natalie Bader
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jonas F Hummel
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Weiß
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yakup Tanriver
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine IV, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert F Hevner
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, 98101
| | - Sebastian J Arnold
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,BIOSS Centre of Biological Signalling Studies, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
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25
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Molecular codes for cell type specification in Brn3 retinal ganglion cells. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E3974-E3983. [PMID: 28465430 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1618551114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Visual information is conveyed from the eye to the brain by distinct types of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). It is largely unknown how RGCs acquire their defining morphological and physiological features and connect to upstream and downstream synaptic partners. The three Brn3/Pou4f transcription factors (TFs) participate in a combinatorial code for RGC type specification, but their exact molecular roles are still unclear. We use deep sequencing to define (i) transcriptomes of Brn3a- and/or Brn3b-positive RGCs, (ii) Brn3a- and/or Brn3b-dependent RGC transcripts, and (iii) transcriptomes of retinorecipient areas of the brain at developmental stages relevant for axon guidance, dendrite formation, and synaptogenesis. We reveal a combinatorial code of TFs, cell surface molecules, and determinants of neuronal morphology that is differentially expressed in specific RGC populations and selectively regulated by Brn3a and/or Brn3b. This comprehensive molecular code provides a basis for understanding neuronal cell type specification in RGCs.
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26
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Zhang Q, Zagozewski J, Cheng S, Dixit R, Zhang S, de Melo J, Mu X, Klein WH, Brown NL, Wigle JT, Schuurmans C, Eisenstat DD. Regulation of Brn3b by DLX1 and DLX2 is required for retinal ganglion cell differentiation in the vertebrate retina. Development 2017; 144:1698-1711. [PMID: 28356311 PMCID: PMC5450843 DOI: 10.1242/dev.142042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Regulated retinal ganglion cell (RGC) differentiation and axonal guidance is required for a functional visual system. Homeodomain and basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors are required for retinogenesis, as well as patterning, differentiation and maintenance of specific retinal cell types. We hypothesized that Dlx1, Dlx2 and Brn3b homeobox genes function in parallel intrinsic pathways to determine RGC fate and therefore generated Dlx1/Dlx2/Brn3b triple-knockout mice. A more severe retinal phenotype was found in the Dlx1/Dlx2/Brn3b-null retinas than was predicted by combining features of the Brn3b single- and Dlx1/Dlx2 double-knockout retinas, including near total RGC loss with a marked increase in amacrine cells in the ganglion cell layer. Furthermore, we discovered that DLX1 and DLX2 function as direct transcriptional activators of Brn3b expression. Knockdown of Dlx2 expression in primary embryonic retinal cultures and Dlx2 gain of function in utero strongly support that DLX2 is both necessary and sufficient for Brn3b expression in vivo. We suggest that ATOH7 specifies RGC-committed progenitors and that Dlx1 and Dlx2 function both downstream of ATOH7 and in parallel, but cooperative, pathways that involve regulation of Brn3b expression to determine RGC fate. Summary:Dlx1/2 homeobox genes regulate retinal ganglion cell (RGC) differentiation by directly activating Brn3b expression; accordingly, Dlx1/Dlx2/Brn3b triple-knockout mice exhibit near complete RGC loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada R3E 0J9
| | - Jamie Zagozewski
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada T6G 2H7
| | - Shaohong Cheng
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada R3A 1S1
| | - Rajiv Dixit
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Canada T2N 4N1
| | - Shunzhen Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada R3E 3J7
| | - Jimmy de Melo
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada R3E 0J9
| | - Xiuqian Mu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - William H Klein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Nadean L Brown
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, Canada
| | - Jeffrey T Wigle
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada R3E 3J7
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Canada T2N 4N1
| | - David D Eisenstat
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada R3E 0J9 .,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada T6G 2H7.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada R3A 1S1.,Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada R3E 3J7.,Department of Ophthalmology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada R3T 2N2
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27
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Sweeney NT, James KN, Nistorica A, Lorig-Roach RM, Feldheim DA. Expression of transcription factors divides retinal ganglion cells into distinct classes. J Comp Neurol 2017; 527:225-235. [PMID: 28078709 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are tasked with transmitting all light information from the eye to the retinal recipient areas of the brain. RGCs can be classified into many different types by morphology, gene expression, axonal projections, and functional responses to different light stimuli. Ultimately, these classification systems should be unified into an all-encompassing taxonomy. Toward that end, we show here that nearly all RGCs express either Islet-2 (Isl2), Tbr2, or a combination of Satb1 and Satb2. We present gene expression data supporting the hypothesis that Satb1 and Satb2 are expressed in ON-OFF direction-selective (DS) RGCs, complementing our previous work demonstrating that RGCs that express Isl2 and Tbr2 are non-DS and non-image-forming, respectively. Expression of these transcription factors emerges at distinct embryonic ages and only in postmitotic cells. Finally, we demonstrate that these transcription factor-defined RGC classes are born throughout RGC genesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neal T Sweeney
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Kiely N James
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Andreea Nistorica
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - Ryan M Lorig-Roach
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
| | - David A Feldheim
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California
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28
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29
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Zheng D, Yang X, Sheng D, Yu D, Liang G, Guo L, Xu M, Hu X, He D, Yang Y, Wang Y. Pou4f2-GFP knock-in mouse line: A model for studying retinal ganglion cell development. Genesis 2016; 54:534-541. [PMID: 27532212 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Pou4f2 acts as a key node in the comprehensive and step-wise gene regulatory network (GRN) and regulates the development of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Accordingly, deletion of Pou4f2 results in RGC axon defects and apoptosis. To investigate the GRN involved in RGC regeneration, we generated a mouse line with a POU4F2-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein expressed in RGCs. Co-localization of POU4F2 and GFP in the retina and brain of Pou4f2-GFP/+ heterozygote mice was confirmed using immunofluorescence analysis. Compared with those in wild-type mice, the expression patterns of POU4F2 and POU4F1 and the co-expression patterns of ISL1 and POU4F2 were unaffected in Pou4f2-GFP/GFP homozygote mice. Moreover, the quantification of RGCs showed no significant difference between Pou4f2-GFP/GFP homozygote and wild-type mice. These results demonstrated that the development of RGCs in Pou4f2-GFP/GFP homozygote mice was the same as in wild-type mice. Thus, the present Pou4f2-GFP knock-in mouse line is a useful tool for further studies on the differentiation and regeneration of RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwang Zheng
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.,Shanghai Chenpartner Company Limited, Shanghai, China
| | - Donglai Sheng
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dongliang Yu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Guoqing Liang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Luming Guo
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mei Xu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xu Hu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Daqiang He
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuying Wang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.
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30
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Abstract
T-box transcription factors play key roles in the regulation of developmental processes such as cell differentiation and migration. Mammals have 17 T-box genes, of which several regulate brain development. The Tbr1 subfamily of T-box genes is particularly important in development of the cerebral cortex, olfactory bulbs (OBs), and cerebellum. This subfamily is comprised of Tbr1, Tbr2 (also known as Eomes), and Tbx21. In developing cerebral cortex, Tbr2 and Tbr1 are expressed during successive stages of differentiation in the pyramidal neuron lineage, from Tbr2+ intermediate progenitors to Tbr1+ postmitotic glutamatergic neurons. At each stage, Tbr2 and Tbr1 regulate laminar and regional identity of cortical projection neurons, cell migration, and axon guidance. In the OB, Tbr1 subfamily genes regulate neurogenesis of mitral and tufted cells, and glutamatergic juxtaglomerular interneurons. Tbr2 is also prominent in the development of retinal ganglion cells in nonimage-forming pathways. Other regions that require Tbr2 or Tbr1 in development or adulthood include the cerebellum and adult dentate gyrus. In humans, de novo mutations in TBR1 are important causes of sporadic autism and intellectual disability. Further studies of T-box transcription factors will enhance our understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and inform approaches to new therapies.
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Mao CA, Agca C, Mocko-Strand JA, Wang J, Ullrich-Lüter E, Pan P, Wang SW, Arnone MI, Frishman LJ, Klein WH. Substituting mouse transcription factor Pou4f2 with a sea urchin orthologue restores retinal ganglion cell development. Proc Biol Sci 2016; 283:20152978. [PMID: 26962139 PMCID: PMC4810862 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2015.2978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pou domain transcription factor Pou4f2 is essential for the development of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the vertebrate retina. A distant orthologue of Pou4f2 exists in the genome of the sea urchin (class Echinoidea) Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (SpPou4f1/2), yet the photosensory structure of sea urchins is strikingly different from that of the mammalian retina. Sea urchins have no obvious eyes, but have photoreceptors clustered around their tube feet disc. The mechanisms that are associated with the development and function of photoreception in sea urchins are largely unexplored. As an initial approach to better understand the sea urchin photosensory structure and relate it to the mammalian retina, we asked whether SpPou4f1/2 could support RGC development in the absence of Pou4f2. To answer this question, we replaced genomic Pou4f2 with an SpPou4f1/2 cDNA. In Pou4f2-null mice, retinas expressing SpPou4f1/2 were outwardly identical to those of wild-type mice. SpPou4f1/2 retinas exhibited dark-adapted electroretinogram scotopic threshold responses, indicating functionally active RGCs. During retinal development, SpPou4f1/2 activated RGC-specific genes and in S. purpuratus, SpPou4f2 was expressed in photoreceptor cells of tube feet in a pattern distinct from Opsin4 and Pax6. Our results suggest that SpPou4f1/2 and Pou4f2 share conserved components of a gene network for photosensory development and they maintain their conserved intrinsic functions despite vast morphological differences in mouse and sea urchin photosensory structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chai-An Mao
- Department of Systems Biology, Unit 0950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cavit Agca
- Department of Systems Biology, Unit 0950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | - Jing Wang
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | | | - Ping Pan
- Department of Systems Biology, Unit 0950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Steven W Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, Unit 0950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Maria Ina Arnone
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples 80121, Italy
| | - Laura J Frishman
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77204, USA
| | - William H Klein
- Department of Systems Biology, Unit 0950, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Bertolessi M, Linta L, Seufferlein T, Kleger A, Liebau S. A Fresh Look on T-Box Factor Action in Early Embryogenesis (T-Box Factors in Early Development). Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:1833-51. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maíra Bertolessi
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Leonhard Linta
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Seufferlein
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander Kleger
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan Liebau
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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33
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La Torre A, Hoshino A, Cavanaugh C, Ware CB, Reh TA. The GIPC1-Akt1 Pathway Is Required for the Specification of the Eye Field in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cells 2015; 33:2674-85. [PMID: 26013465 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
During early patterning of the neural plate, a single region of the embryonic forebrain, the eye field, becomes competent for eye development. The hallmark of eye field specification is the expression of the eye field transcription factors (EFTFs). Experiments in fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals have demonstrated largely conserved roles for the EFTFs. Although some of the key signaling events that direct the synchronized expression of these factors to the eye field have been elucidated in fish and frogs, it has been more difficult to study these mechanisms in mammalian embryos. In this study, we have used two different methods for directed differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to generate eye field cells and retina in vitro to test for a role of the PDZ domain-containing protein GIPC1 in the specification of the mammalian eye primordia. We find that the overexpression of a dominant-negative form of GIPC1 (dnGIPC1), as well as the downregulation of endogenous GIPC1, is sufficient to inhibit the development of eye field cells from mESCs. GIPC1 interacts directly with IGFR and participates in Akt1 activation, and pharmacological inhibition of Akt1 phosphorylation mimics the dnGIPC1 phenotype. Our data, together with previous studies in Xenopus, support the hypothesis that the GIPC1-PI3K-Akt1 pathway plays a key role in eye field specification in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna La Torre
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Akina Hoshino
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Christopher Cavanaugh
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Carol B Ware
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Type I interferons regulate eomesodermin expression and the development of unconventional memory CD8(+) T cells. Nat Commun 2015; 6:7089. [PMID: 25953241 PMCID: PMC4432629 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms8089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8(+) T-cell memory phenotype and function are acquired after antigen-driven activation. Memory-like cells may also arise in absence of antigenic exposure in the thymus or in the periphery. Eomesodermin (Eomes) is a key transcription factor for the development of these unconventional memory cells. Herein, we show that type I interferon signalling in CD8(+) T cells directly activates Eomes gene expression. Consistent with this observation, the phenotype, function and age-dependent expansion of 'virtual memory' CD8(+) T cells are strongly affected in absence of type I interferon signalling. In addition, type I interferons induce a sustained expansion of 'virtual memory' CD8(+) T cells in an Eomes-dependent fashion. We further show that the development of 'innate thymic' CD8(+) T cells is dependent on the same pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrate that type I interferon signalling in CD8(+) T cells drives Eomes expression and thereby regulates the function and homeostasis of memory-like CD8(+) T cells.
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35
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Onecut1 and Onecut2 transcription factors operate downstream of Pax6 to regulate horizontal cell development. Dev Biol 2015; 402:48-60. [PMID: 25794677 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2014] [Revised: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Genetic studies of the last decades strongly indicated that generation of particular retinal cell types is governed by gene regulatory networks of transcription factors and their target genes. The paired and homeodomain transcription factor Pax6 plays a pivotal role in retinal development as its inactivation in the retinal progenitor cell population leads to abolished differentiation of all retinal cell types. However, until now, only a few transcription factors operating downstream of Pax6 responsible for generation of individual retinal cell types have been identified. In this study, we identified two transcription factors of the Onecut family, Onecut1 and Onecut2, as Pax6 downstream-acting factors. Onecut1 and Onecut2 were previously shown to be expressed in developing horizontal cells, retinal ganglion cells and cone photoreceptors; however, their role in differentiation of these cell types is poorly understood. In this study, we show that the horizontal cell genesis is severely disturbed in Onecut-deficient retinae. In single Onecut1 and Onecut2 mutants, the number of horizontal cells is dramatically reduced while horizontal cells are completely missing in the Onecut1/Onecut2 compound mutant. Analysis of genes involved in the horizontal cell genesis such as Foxn4, Ptf1a, Prox1 and Lim1 showed that although horizontal cells are initially formed, they are not maintained in Onecut-deficient retinae. Taken together, this study suggests the model in which Pax6 regulates the maintenance of horizontal cells through the activation of Onecut1 and Onecut2 transcription factors.
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36
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Two transcription factors, Pou4f2 and Isl1, are sufficient to specify the retinal ganglion cell fate. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:E1559-68. [PMID: 25775587 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1421535112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
As with other retinal cell types, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) arise from multipotent retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), and their formation is regulated by a hierarchical gene-regulatory network (GRN). Within this GRN, three transcription factors--atonal homolog 7 (Atoh7), POU domain, class 4, transcription factor 2 (Pou4f2), and insulin gene enhancer protein 1 (Isl1)--occupy key node positions at two different stages of RGC development. Atoh7 is upstream and is required for RPCs to gain competence for an RGC fate, whereas Pou4f2 and Isl1 are downstream and regulate RGC differentiation. However, the genetic and molecular basis for the specification of the RGC fate, a key step in RGC development, remains unclear. Here we report that ectopic expression of Pou4f2 and Isl1 in the Atoh7-null retina using a binary knockin-transgenic system is sufficient for the specification of the RGC fate. The RGCs thus formed are largely normal in gene expression, survive to postnatal stages, and are physiologically functional. Our results indicate that Pou4f2 and Isl1 compose a minimally sufficient regulatory core for the RGC fate. We further conclude that during development a core group of limited transcription factors, including Pou4f2 and Isl1, function downstream of Atoh7 to determine the RGC fate and initiate RGC differentiation.
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The guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav3 regulates differentiation of progenitor cells in the developing mouse retina. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 359:423-440. [PMID: 25501893 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2050-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 11/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The seven main cell types in the mammalian retina arise from multipotent retinal progenitor cells, a process that is tightly regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic signals. However, the molecular mechanisms that control proliferation, differentiation and cell-fate decisions of retinal progenitor cells are not fully understood yet. Here, we report that the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Vav3, a regulator of Rho-GTPases, is involved in retinal development. We demonstrate that Vav3 is expressed in the mouse retina during the embryonic period. In order to study the role of Vav3 in the developing retina, we generate Vav3-deficient mice. The loss of Vav3 results in an accelerated differentiation of retinal ganglion cells and cone photoreceptors during early and late embryonic development. We provide evidence that more retinal progenitor cells express the late progenitor marker Sox9 in Vav3-deficient mice than in wild-types. This premature differentiation is compensated during the postnatal period and late-born cell types such as bipolar cells and Müller glia display normal numbers. Taken together, our data imply that Vav3 is a regulator of retinal progenitor cell differentiation, thus highlighting a novel role for guanine nucleotide exchange factors in retinogenesis.
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38
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Neural progenitor cells orchestrate microglia migration and positioning into the developing cortex. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5611. [PMID: 25425146 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are observed in the early developing forebrain and contribute to the regulation of neurogenesis through still unravelled mechanisms. In the developing cerebral cortex, microglia cluster in the ventricular/subventricular zone (VZ/SVZ), a region containing Cxcl12-expressing basal progenitors (BPs). Here we show that the ablation of BP as well as genetic loss of Cxcl12 affect microglia recruitment into the SVZ. Ectopic Cxcl12 expression or pharmacological blockage of CxcR4 further supports that Cxcl12/CxcR4 signalling is involved in microglial recruitment during cortical development. Furthermore, we found that cell death in the developing forebrain triggers microglial proliferation and that this is mediated by the release of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Finally, we show that the depletion of microglia in mice lacking receptor for colony-stimulating factor-1 (Csf-1R) reduces BPs into the cerebral cortex.
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T-box transcription regulator Tbr2 is essential for the formation and maintenance of Opn4/melanopsin-expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. J Neurosci 2014; 34:13083-95. [PMID: 25253855 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1027-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Opsin 4 (Opn4)/melanopsin-expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) play a major role in non-image-forming visual system. Although advances have been made in understanding their morphological features and functions, the molecular mechanisms that regulate their formation and survival remain unknown. Previously, we found that mouse T-box brain 2 (Tbr2) (also known as Eomes), a T-box-containing transcription factor, was expressed in a subset of newborn RGCs, suggesting that it is involved in the formation of specific RGC subtypes. In this in vivo study, we used complex mouse genetics, single-cell dye tracing, and behavioral analyses to determine whether Tbr2 regulates ipRGC formation and survival. Our results show the following: (1) Opn4 is expressed exclusively in Tbr2-positive RGCs; (2) no ipRGCs are detected when Tbr2 is genetically ablated before RGC specification; and (3) most ipRGCs are eliminated when Tbr2 is deleted in established ipRGCs. The few remaining ipRGCs display abnormal dendritic morphological features and functions. In addition, some Tbr2-expressing RGCs can activate Opn4 expression on the loss of native ipRGCs, suggesting that Tbr2-expressing RGCs may serve as a reservoir of ipRGCs to regulate the number of ipRGCs and the expression levels of Opn4.
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Viotti M, Nowotschin S, Hadjantonakis AK. SOX17 links gut endoderm morphogenesis and germ layer segregation. Nat Cell Biol 2014; 16:1146-56. [PMID: 25419850 PMCID: PMC4250291 DOI: 10.1038/ncb3070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gastrulation leads to three germ layers--ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm--that are separated by two basement membranes. In the mouse embryo, the emergent gut endoderm results from the widespread intercalation of cells of two distinct origins: pluripotent epiblast-derived definitive endoderm (DE) and extra-embryonic visceral endoderm (VE). Here we image the trajectory of prospective DE cells before intercalating into the VE epithelium. We show that the transcription factor SOX17, which is activated in prospective DE cells before intercalation, is necessary for gut endoderm morphogenesis and the assembly of the basement membrane that separates gut endoderm from mesoderm. Our results mechanistically link gut endoderm morphogenesis and germ layer segregation, two central and conserved features of gastrulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Viotti
- 1] Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, New York 10065, USA [2] Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University, New York 10065, USA
| | - Sonja Nowotschin
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, 1275 York Avenue, New York 10065, USA
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Onecut1 and Onecut2 redundantly regulate early retinal cell fates during development. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E4086-95. [PMID: 25228773 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1405354111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we have shown that Onecut1 (Oc1) and Onecut2 (Oc2) are expressed in retinal progenitor cells, developing retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), and horizontal cells (HCs). However, in Oc1-null mice, we only observed an 80% reduction in HCs, but no defects in other cell types. We postulated that the lack of defects in other cell types in Oc1-null retinas was a result of redundancy with Oc2. To test this theory, we have generated Oc2-null mice and now show that their retinas also only have defects in HCs, with a 50% reduction in their numbers. However, when both Oc1 and Oc2 are knocked out, the retinas exhibit more profound defects in the development of all early retinal cell types, including completely failed genesis of HCs, compromised generation of cones, reduced production (by 30%) of RGCs, and absence of starburst amacrine cells. Cone subtype diversification and RGC subtype composition also were affected in the double-null retina. Using RNA-Seq expression profiling, we have identified downstream genes of Oc1 and Oc2, which not only confirms the redundancy between the two factors and renders a molecular explanation for the defects in the double-null retinas, but also shows that the onecut factors suppress the production of the late cell type, rods, indicating that the two factors contribute to the competence of retinal progenitor cells for the early retinal cell fates. Our results provide insight into how onecut factors regulate the creation of cellular diversity in the retina and, by extension, in the central nervous system in general.
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Abstract
There are ∼20 types of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in mice, each of which has distinct molecular, morphological, and physiological characteristics. Each RGC type sends axon projections to specific brain areas that execute light-dependent behaviors. Here, we show that the T-box transcription factor Tbr2 is required for the development of several RGC types that participate in non-image-forming circuits. These types are molecularly distinct, project to non-image-forming targets, and include intrinsically photosensitive RGCs. Tbr2 mutant mice have reduced retinal projections to non-image-forming nuclei and an attenuated pupillary light reflex. These data demonstrate that Tbr2 acts to execute RGC type choice and/or survival in a set of RGCs that mediates light-induced subconscious behaviors.
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43
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Shi M, Kumar SR, Motajo O, Kretschmer F, Mu X, Badea TC. Genetic interactions between Brn3 transcription factors in retinal ganglion cell type specification. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76347. [PMID: 24116103 PMCID: PMC3792956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Visual information is conveyed from the retina to the brain via 15–20 Retinal Ganglion Cell (RGC) types. The developmental mechanisms by which RGC types acquire their distinct molecular, morphological, physiological and circuit properties are essentially unknown, but may involve combinatorial transcriptional regulation. Brn3 transcription factors are expressed in RGCs from early developmental stages, and are restricted in adults to distinct, partially overlapping populations of RGC types. Previously, we described cell autonomous effects of Brn3b (Pou4f2) and Brn3a (Pou4f1) on RGC axon and dendrites development. Methods and Findings We now have investigated genetic interactions between Brn3 transcription factors with respect to RGC development, by crossing conventional knock-out alleles of each Brn3 gene with conditional knock-in reporter alleles of a second Brn3 gene, and analyzing the effects of single or double Brn3 knockouts on RGC survival and morphology. We find that Brn3b loss results in axon defects and dendritic arbor area and lamination defects in Brn3a positive RGCs, and selectively affects survival and morphology of specific Brn3c (Pou4f3) positive RGC types. Brn3a and Brn3b interact synergistically to control RGC numbers. Melanopsin positive ipRGCs are resistant to combined Brn3 loss but are under the transcriptional control of Isl1, expanding the combinatorial code of RGC specification. Conclusions Taken together these results complete our knowledge on the mechanisms of transcriptional control of RGC type specification. They demonstrate that Brn3b is required for the correct development of more RGC cell types than suggested by its expression pattern in the adult, but that several cell types, including some Brn3a, Brn3c or Melanopsin positive RGCs are Brn3b independent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melody Shi
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sumit R. Kumar
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Oluwaseyi Motajo
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Friedrich Kretschmer
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Xiuqian Mu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, Developmental Genomics Group, and Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
- SUNY Eye Institute, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
- CCSG Genetics Program, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, United States of America
| | - Tudor C. Badea
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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44
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Nowotschin S, Costello I, Piliszek A, Kwon GS, Mao CA, Klein WH, Robertson EJ, Hadjantonakis AK. The T-box transcription factor Eomesodermin is essential for AVE induction in the mouse embryo. Genes Dev 2013; 27:997-1002. [PMID: 23651855 DOI: 10.1101/gad.215152.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Reciprocal inductive interactions between the embryonic and extraembryonic tissues establish the anterior-posterior (AP) axis of the early mouse embryo. The anterior visceral endoderm (AVE) signaling center emerges at the distal tip of the embryo at embryonic day 5.5 and translocates to the prospective anterior side of the embryo. The process of AVE induction and migration are poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that the T-box gene Eomesodermin (Eomes) plays an essential role in AVE recruitment, in part by directly activating the homeobox transcription factor Lhx1. Thus, Eomes function in the visceral endoderm (VE) initiates an instructive transcriptional program controlling AP identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Nowotschin
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, New York 10065, USA
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45
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Goris A, Pauwels I, Dubois B. Progress in multiple sclerosis genetics. Curr Genomics 2013; 13:646-63. [PMID: 23730204 PMCID: PMC3492804 DOI: 10.2174/138920212803759695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2012] [Revised: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A genetic component in the susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) has long been known, and the first and major genetic risk factor, the HLA region, was identified in the 1970’s. However, only with the advent of genome-wide association studies in the past five years did the list of risk factors for MS grow from 1 to over 50. In this review, we summarize the search for MS risk genes and the latest results. Comparison with data from other autoimmune and neurological diseases and from animal models indicates parallels and differences between diseases. We discuss how these translate into an improved understanding of disease mechanisms, and address current challenges such as genotype-phenotype correlations, functional mechanisms of risk variants and the missing heritability.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Goris
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Section of Experimental Neurology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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46
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Mao CA, Cho JH, Wang J, Gao Z, Pan P, Tsai WW, Frishman LJ, Klein WH. Reprogramming amacrine and photoreceptor progenitors into retinal ganglion cells by replacing Neurod1 with Atoh7. Development 2013; 140:541-51. [PMID: 23293286 DOI: 10.1242/dev.085886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The specification of the seven retinal cell types from a common pool of retina progenitor cells (RPCs) involves complex interactions between the intrinsic program and the environment. The proneural basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcriptional regulators are key components for the intrinsic programming of RPCs and are essential for the formation of the diverse retinal cell types. However, the extent to which an RPC can re-adjust its inherent program and the mechanisms through which the expression of a particular bHLH factor influences RPC fate is unclear. Previously, we have shown that Neurod1 inserted into the Atoh7 locus activates the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) program in Atoh7-expressing RPCs but not in Neurod1-expressing RPCs, suggesting that Atoh7-expressing RPCs are not able to adopt the cell fate determined by Neurod1, but rather are pre-programmed to produce RGCs. Here, we show that Neurod1-expressing RPCs, which are destined to produce amacrine and photoreceptor cells, can be re-programmed into RGCs when Atoh7 is inserted into the Neurod1 locus. These results suggest that Atoh7 acts dominantly to convert a RPC subpopulation not destined for an RGC fate to adopt that fate. Thus, Atoh7-expressing and Neurod1-expressing RPCs are intrinsically different in their behavior. Additionally, ChIP-Seq analysis identified an Atoh7-dependent enhancer within the intronic region of Nrxn3. The enhancer recognized and used Atoh7 in the developing retina to regulate expression of Nrxn3, but could be forced to use Neurod1 when placed in a different regulatory context. The results indicate that Atoh7 and Neurod1 activate distinct sets of genes in vivo, despite their common DNA-binding element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chai-An Mao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Reh TA. The Development of the Retina. Retina 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-0737-9.00013-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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48
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Xiang M. Intrinsic control of mammalian retinogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 70:2519-32. [PMID: 23064704 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1183-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 09/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The generation of appropriate and diverse neuronal and glial types and subtypes during development constitutes the critical first step toward assembling functional neural circuits. During mammalian retinogenesis, all seven neuronal and glial cell types present in the adult retina are specified from multipotent progenitors by the combined action of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Tremendous progress has been made over the past two decades in uncovering the complex molecular mechanisms that control retinal cell diversification. Molecular genetic studies coupled with bioinformatic approaches have identified numerous transcription factors and cofactors as major intrinsic regulators leading to the establishment of progenitor multipotency and eventual differentiation of various retinal cell types and subtypes. More recently, non-coding RNAs have emerged as another class of intrinsic factors involved in generating retinal cell diversity. These intrinsic regulatory factors are found to act in different developmental processes to establish progenitor multipotency, define progenitor competence, determine cell fates, and/or specify cell types and subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqing Xiang
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, 679 Hoes Lane West, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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Tbr2 deficiency in mitral and tufted cells disrupts excitatory-inhibitory balance of neural circuitry in the mouse olfactory bulb. J Neurosci 2012; 32:8831-44. [PMID: 22745484 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5746-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The olfactory bulb (OB) is the first relay station in the brain where odor information from the olfactory epithelium is integrated, processed through its intrinsic neural circuitry, and conveyed to higher olfactory centers. Compared with profound mechanistic insights into olfactory axon wiring from the nose to the OB, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying the formation of functional neural circuitry among various types of neurons inside the OB. T-box transcription factor Tbr2 is expressed in various types of glutamatergic excitatory neurons in the brain including the OB projection neurons, mitral and tufted cells. Here we generated conditional knockout mice in which the Tbr2 gene is inactivated specifically in mitral and tufted cells from late embryonic stages. Tbr2 deficiency caused cell-autonomous changes in molecular expression including a compensatory increase of another T-box member, Tbr1, and a concomitant shift of vesicular glutamate transporter (VGluT) subtypes from VGluT1 to VGluT2. Tbr2-deficient mitral and tufted cells also exhibited anatomical abnormalities in their dendritic morphology and projection patterns. Additionally, several non-cell-autonomous phenotypes were observed in parvalbumin-, calbindin-, and 5T4-positive GABAergic interneurons. Furthermore, the number of dendrodendritic reciprocal synapses between mitral/tufted cells and GABAergic interneurons was significantly reduced. Upon stimulation with odorants, larger numbers of mitral and tufted cells were activated in Tbr2 conditional knockout mice. These results suggest that Tbr2 is required for not only the proper differentiation of mitral and tufted cells, but also for the establishment of functional neuronal circuitry in the OB and maintenance of excitatory-inhibitory balance crucial for odor information processing.
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Wu F, Sapkota D, Li R, Mu X. Onecut 1 and Onecut 2 are potential regulators of mouse retinal development. J Comp Neurol 2012; 520:952-69. [PMID: 21830221 PMCID: PMC3898336 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Our current study focuses on the expression of two members of the onecut transcription factor family, Onecut1 (Oc1) and Onecut2 (Oc2), in the developing mouse retina. By immunofluorescence staining, we found that Oc1 and Oc2 had very similar expression patterns throughout retinal development. Both factors started to be expressed in the retina at around embryonic day (E) 11.5. At early stages (E11.5 and E12.5), they were expressed in both the neuroblast layer (NBL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL). As development progressed (from E14.5 to postnatal day [P] 0), expression diminished in the retinal progenitor cells and became more restricted to the GCL. By P5, Oc1 and Oc2 were expressed at very low levels in the GCL. By co-labeling with transcription factors known to be involved in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) development, we found that Oc1 and Oc2 had extensive overlap with Math5 in the NBL, and that they completely overlapped with Pou4f2 and Isl1 in the GCL, but only partially in the NBL. Co-labeling of Oc1 with cell cycle markers confirmed that Oc1 was expressed in both proliferating retinal progenitors and postmitotic retinal cells. In addition, we demonstrated that expression of Oc1 and Oc2 did not require Math5, Isl1, or Pou4f2. Thus, Oc1 and Oc2 may regulate the formation of RGCs in a pathway independent of Math5, Pou4f2, and Isl1. Furthermore, we showed that Oc1 and Oc2 were expressed in both developing and mature horizontal cells (HCs). Therefore the two factors may also function in the genesis and maintenance of HCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuguo Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, Developmental Genomics Group, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Darshan Sapkota
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, Developmental Genomics Group, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Renzhong Li
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, Developmental Genomics Group, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
| | - Xiuqian Mu
- Department of Ophthalmology/Ross Eye Institute, Developmental Genomics Group, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- State University of New York (SUNY) Eye Institute, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14203
- Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) Molecular Epidemiology and Functional Genomics (MEFG) Program, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York 14263
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