1
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Zhu ZH, Yin XY, Cai Y, Jia NN, Wang PJ, Qi Q, Hou WL, Man LJ, Hui L. Association between the HHEX polymorphism and delayed memory in first-episode schizophrenic patients. Schizophr Res Cogn 2024; 36:100304. [PMID: 38444400 PMCID: PMC10912683 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2024.100304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The hematopoietically-expressed homeobox gene (HHEX) played a critical role in regulating the immune system that the abnormality of which was involved in the psychopathology and cognitive deficits of psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of HHEX rs1111875 polymorphism on the susceptibility and cognitive deficits of first-episode schizophrenic patients (FSP). We assessed cognitive function in 239 first-episode patients meeting DSM-IV for schizophrenia, and 368 healthy controls using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). The HHEX rs1111875 polymorphism was genotyped. Our results showed that the allelic and genotypic frequencies of HHEX rs1111875 polymorphism didn't differ between FSP and healthy controls (both p > 0.05) after adjusting for sex and age. Cognitive test scores in FSP were significantly lower than those in healthy controls on all scales (all p < 0.001) except for the visuospatial/constructional score (p > 0.05) after adjusting for covariates. There was a significant genotype (p < 0.05) rather than genotype × diagnosis (p > 0.05) effect on the delayed memory score after adjusting for covariates. The HHEX rs1111875 polymorphism was significantly associated with the delayed memory score in FSP (p < 0.05), but not in healthy controls (p > 0.05) after adjusting for covariates. Our findings supported that the HHEX rs1111875 polymorphism did not contribute to the susceptibility to FSP. However, this polymorphism might influence the delayed memory in FSP. Moreover, FSP had poorer cognitive function than healthy controls except for the visuospatial/constructional domain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ning Ning Jia
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Pei Jie Wang
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Qi Qi
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Wen Long Hou
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Li Juan Man
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Li Hui
- Research Center of Biological Psychiatry, Suzhou Guangji Hospital, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215137, Jiangsu, PR China
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2
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Blake MJ, Steer CJ. Chimeric Livers: Interspecies Blastocyst Complementation and Xenotransplantation for End-Stage Liver Disease. Hepat Med 2024; 16:11-29. [PMID: 38379783 PMCID: PMC10878318 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s440697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) currently serves as the sole definitive treatment for thousands of patients suffering from end-stage liver disease; and the existing supply of donor livers for OLT is drastically outpaced by the increasing demand. To alleviate this significant gap in treatment, several experimental approaches have been devised with the aim of either offering interim support to patients waiting on the transplant list or bioengineering complete livers for OLT by infusing them with fresh hepatic cells. Recently, interspecies blastocyst complementation has emerged as a promising method for generating complete organs in utero over a short timeframe. When coupled with gene editing technology, it has brought about a potentially revolutionary transformation in regenerative medicine. Blastocyst complementation harbors notable potential for generating complete human livers in large animals, which could be used for xenotransplantation in humans, addressing the scarcity of livers for OLT. Nevertheless, substantial experimental and ethical challenges still need to be overcome to produce human livers in larger domestic animals like pigs. This review compiles the current understanding of interspecies blastocyst complementation and outlines future possibilities for liver xenotransplantation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn J Blake
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Clifford J Steer
- Departments of Medicine, and Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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3
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Jackson JT, Nutt SL, McCormack MP. The Haematopoietically-expressed homeobox transcription factor: roles in development, physiology and disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197490. [PMID: 37398663 PMCID: PMC10313424 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Haematopoietically expressed homeobox transcription factor (Hhex) is a transcriptional repressor that is of fundamental importance across species, as evident by its evolutionary conservation spanning fish, amphibians, birds, mice and humans. Indeed, Hhex maintains its vital functions throughout the lifespan of the organism, beginning in the oocyte, through fundamental stages of embryogenesis in the foregut endoderm. The endodermal development driven by Hhex gives rise to endocrine organs such as the pancreas in a process which is likely linked to its role as a risk factor in diabetes and pancreatic disorders. Hhex is also required for the normal development of the bile duct and liver, the latter also importantly being the initial site of haematopoiesis. These haematopoietic origins are governed by Hhex, leading to its crucial later roles in definitive haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) self-renewal, lymphopoiesis and haematological malignancy. Hhex is also necessary for the developing forebrain and thyroid gland, with this reliance on Hhex evident in its role in endocrine disorders later in life including a potential role in Alzheimer's disease. Thus, the roles of Hhex in embryological development throughout evolution appear to be linked to its later roles in a variety of disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob T. Jackson
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen L. Nutt
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Matthew P. McCormack
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- iCamuno Biotherapeutics, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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4
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Genetics and Molecular Basis of Congenital Heart Defects in Down Syndrome: Role of Extracellular Matrix Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032918. [PMID: 36769235 PMCID: PMC9918028 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), a complex disorder that is caused by the trisomy of chromosome 21 (Hsa21), is a major cause of congenital heart defects (CHD). Interestingly, only about 50% of individuals with Hsa21 trisomy manifest CHD. Here we review the genetic basis of CHD in DS, focusing on genes that regulate extracellular matrix (ECM) organization. The overexpression of Hsa21 genes likely underlies the molecular mechanisms that contribute to CHD, even though the genes responsible for CHD could only be located in a critical region of Hsa21. A role in causing CHD has been attributed not only to protein-coding Hsa21 genes, but also to genes on other chromosomes, as well as miRNAs and lncRNAs. It is likely that the contribution of more than one gene is required, and that the overexpression of Hsa21 genes acts in combination with other genetic events, such as specific mutations or polymorphisms, amplifying their effect. Moreover, a key function in determining alterations in cardiac morphogenesis might be played by ECM. A large number of genes encoding ECM proteins are overexpressed in trisomic human fetal hearts, and many of them appear to be under the control of a Hsa21 gene, the RUNX1 transcription factor.
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5
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Guo Y, Zhu Z, Huang Z, Cui L, Yu W, Hong W, Zhou Z, Du P, Liu CY. CK2-induced cooperation of HHEX with the YAP-TEAD4 complex promotes colorectal tumorigenesis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:4995. [PMID: 36008411 PMCID: PMC9411202 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-32674-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of Hippo pathway leads to hyperactivation of YAP-TEAD transcriptional complex in various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, we observed that HHEX (Hematopoietically expressed homeobox) may enhance transcription activity of the YAP-TEAD complex. HHEX associates with and stabilizes the YAP-TEAD complex on the regulatory genomic loci to coregulate the expression of a group of YAP/TEAD target genes. Also, HHEX may indirectly regulate these target genes by controlling YAP/TAZ expression. Importantly, HHEX is required for the pro-tumorigenic effects of YAP during CRC progression. In response to serum stimulation, CK2 (Casein Kinase 2) phosphorylates HHEX and enhances its interaction with TEAD4. A CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 diminishes the interaction between HHEX and TEAD4, leading to decreased expression of YAP/TEAD target genes. CX-4945 synergizes the antitumor activity of YAP-TEAD inhibitors verteporfin and Super-TDU. Elevated expression of HHEX is correlated with hyperactivation of YAP/TEAD and associated with poor prognosis of CRC patients. Overall, our study identifies HHEX as a positive modulator of YAP/TEAD to promote colorectal tumorigenesis, providing a new therapeutic strategy for targeting YAP/TEAD in CRC. Hippo signalling is often deregulated in cancers. Here the authors show that CK2 enhances the cooperation of HHEX with YAP-TEAD complex to promote colorectal tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuegui Guo
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.,Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhehui Zhu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.,Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, 200092, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhenyu Huang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.,Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Long Cui
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.,Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wanjin Hong
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61, Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Zhaocai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Peng Du
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China. .,Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Chen-Ying Liu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China. .,Shanghai Colorectal Cancer Research Center, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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6
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Du Z, Zhang D, Li J, Li Q, Pang Y. Lamprey immune protein triggers the ferroptosis pathway during zebrafish embryonic development. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:124. [PMID: 35978430 PMCID: PMC9386916 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00933-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, a novel lamprey immune protein (LIP) was identified, which plays an important role in immunity and the regulation of growth and development in lampreys. However, the mechanism of how LIP regulates growth and development remains unclear. METHODS In this study, a zebrafish model of LIP overexpression was established by delivering a transgenic plasmid to the fertilized egg. The biological function of LIP was explored in vivo through phenotypic characterization, comparative transcriptome sequencing, and physiological and biochemical analyses. RESULTS LIP caused developmental toxicity in zebrafish, increased embryo mortality and exhibited strong teratogenic, lethal, and developmental inhibitory effects. Comparative transcriptome analysis showed that LIP-induced large-scale cell death by triggering ferroptosis. Furthermore, LIP-induced lipid peroxidation and caused pericardial edema. Direct inhibition of acsl4a and tfr1a, or silencing of acsl4a and tfr1a with specific siRNA suppressed ferroptosis and pericardial edema. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, we confirmed that LIP can participate in growth and development via the regulation of lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis. This lays the foundation for future studies on the function of LIP in lampreys. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Du
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China.,Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Duo Zhang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China.,Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jun Li
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China.,Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Qingwei Li
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China.,Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yue Pang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China. .,Lamprey Research Center, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116081, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center of Seafood Deep Processing, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian, 116023, China.
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7
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Watanabe H, Okada H, Hirose J, Omata Y, Matsumoto T, Matsumoto M, Nakamura M, Saito T, Miyamoto T, Tanaka S. Transcription factor Hhex negatively regulates osteoclast differentiation by controlling cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors. JBMR Plus 2022; 6:e10608. [PMID: 35434453 PMCID: PMC9009129 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the role of hematopoietically expressed homeobox protein (Hhex) in osteoclast development. Trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 at the cis‐regulatory element of Hhex was maintained and that of lysine 4 was reduced during receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced osteoclastogenesis, which was associated with a reduction of Hhex expression. Overexpression of Hhex in bone marrow–derived macrophages inhibited, whereas Hhex suppression promoted, RANKL‐induced osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Conditional deletion of Hhex in osteoclast‐lineage cells promoted osteoclastogenesis and reduced cancellous bone volume in mice, confirming the negative regulatory role of Hhex in osteoclast differentiation. Expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitors such as Cdkn2a and Cdkn1b in osteoclast precursors was negatively regulated by Hhex, and Hhex deletion increased the ratio of cells at the G1 phase of the cell cycle. In conclusion, Hhex is an inhibitor of osteoclast differentiation that is regulated in an epigenetic manner and regulates the cell cycle of osteoclast precursors and the skeletal homeostasis. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisato Watanabe
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine The University of Tokyo, 7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okada
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine The University of Tokyo Tokyo Japan
| | - Jun Hirose
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine The University of Tokyo, 7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Yasunori Omata
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine The University of Tokyo, 7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Takumi Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine The University of Tokyo, 7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Morio Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Masaya Nakamura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Keio University School of Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Taku Saito
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine The University of Tokyo, 7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo Japan
| | - Takeshi Miyamoto
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
| | - Sakae Tanaka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine The University of Tokyo, 7‐3‐1 Hongo, Bunkyo‐ku Tokyo Japan
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8
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Ruiz-Estevez M, Crane AT, Rodriguez-Villamil P, Ongaratto FL, You Y, Steevens AR, Hill C, Goldsmith T, Webster DA, Sherry L, Lim S, Denman N, Low WC, Carlson DF, Dutton JR, Steer CJ, Gafni O. Liver development is restored by blastocyst complementation of HHEX knockout in mice and pigs. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:292. [PMID: 34011403 PMCID: PMC8132445 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02348-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are over 17,000 patients in the US waiting to receive liver transplants, and these numbers are increasing dramatically. Significant effort is being made to obtain functional hepatocytes and liver tissue that can for therapeutic use in patients. Blastocyst complementation is a challenging, innovative technology that could fundamentally change the future of organ transplantation. It requires the knockout (KO) of genes essential for cell or organ development in early stage host embryos followed by injection of donor pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) into host blastocysts to generate chimeric offspring in which progeny of the donor cells populate the open niche to develop functional tissues and organs. Methods The HHEX gene is necessary for proper liver development. We engineered loss of HHEX gene expression in early mouse and pig embryos and performed intraspecies blastocyst complementation of HHEX KO embryos with eGFP-labeled PSCs in order to rescue the loss of liver development. Results Loss of HHEX gene expression resulted in embryonic lethality at day 10.5 in mice and produced characteristics of lethality at day 18 in pigs, with absence of liver tissue in both species. Analyses of mouse and pig HHEX KO fetuses confirmed significant loss of liver-specific gene and protein expression. Intraspecies blastocyst complementation restored liver formation and liver-specific proteins in both mouse and pig. Livers in complemented chimeric fetuses in both species were comprised of eGFP-labeled donor-derived cells and survived beyond the previously observed time of HHEX KO embryonic lethality. Conclusions This work demonstrates that loss of liver development in the HHEX KO can be rescued via blastocyst complementation in both mice and pigs. This complementation strategy is the first step towards generating interspecies chimeras for the goal of producing human liver cells, tissues, and potentially complete organs for clinical transplantation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02348-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ruiz-Estevez
- Recombinetics Inc., Stem Cell Technologies, 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - A T Crane
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - P Rodriguez-Villamil
- Recombinetics Inc., Stem Cell Technologies, 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - F L Ongaratto
- Recombinetics Inc., Stem Cell Technologies, 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - Yun You
- Mouse Genetics Laboratory, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - A R Steevens
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - C Hill
- Recombinetics Inc., Stem Cell Technologies, 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - T Goldsmith
- Recombinetics Inc., Stem Cell Technologies, 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - D A Webster
- Recombinetics Inc., Stem Cell Technologies, 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - L Sherry
- Recombinetics Inc., Stem Cell Technologies, 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - S Lim
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - N Denman
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.,Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - W C Low
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.,Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - D F Carlson
- Recombinetics Inc., Stem Cell Technologies, 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA
| | - J R Dutton
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA.,Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - C J Steer
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA. .,Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 36, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
| | - O Gafni
- Recombinetics Inc., Stem Cell Technologies, 3388 Mike Collins Drive, Eagan, MN, 55121, USA.
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9
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Wu Y, Jin X, Zhang Y, Zheng J, Yang R. Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in the development of congenital heart diseases. WORLD JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC SURGERY 2021; 4:e000196. [DOI: 10.1136/wjps-2020-000196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common of congenital cardiovascular malformations associated with birth defects, and it results in significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The classification of CHD is still elusive owing to the complex pathogenesis of CHD. Advances in molecular medicine have revealed the genetic basis of some heart anomalies. Genes associated with CHD might be modulated by various epigenetic factors. Thus, the genetic and epigenetic factors are gradually accepted as important triggers in the pathogenesis of CHD. However, few literatures have comprehensively elaborated the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of CHD. This review focuses on the etiology of CHD from genetics and epigenetics to discuss the role of these factors in the development of CHD. The interactions between genetic and epigenetic in the pathogenesis of CHD are also elaborated. Chromosome abnormalities and gene mutations in genetics, and DNA methylations, histone modifications and on-coding RNAs in epigenetics are summarized in detail. We hope the summative knowledge of these etiologies may be useful for improved diagnosis and further elucidation of CHD so that morbidity and mortality of children with CHD can be reduced in the near future.
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10
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Yaglova NV, Tsomartova DA, Obernikhin SS, Nazimova SV, Ivanova MY, Chereshneva EV, Yaglov VV, Lomanovskaya TA. Transcription factors β-catenin and Hex in postnatal development of the rat adrenal cortex: implication in proliferation control. Heliyon 2021; 7:e05932. [PMID: 33490685 PMCID: PMC7809185 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation of growth, maturation, and cell turnover in adrenal cortex during postnatal development has been significantly less studied than in embryonic period, while elucidation of factors mediating its normal postnatal morphogenesis could clarify mechanisms of tumorigenesis in adrenal cortex. Expression of transcription factors Hex, β-catenin, and Wnt signaling in the adrenal cortex of male pubertal and postpubertal Wistar rats were examined. Adrenal cortex morphology and hormone production during postnatal development were also studied. Adrenocortical zones demonstrated similar reduction of Ki-67-expressing cells, but different patterns of morphological and functional changes. Age-dependent decrease in percentage of cells with membrane localization of β-catenin and stable rate of cells with nuclear β-catenin, indicative of Wnt signaling activation, were revealed in each cortical zone. Nuclear β-catenin was not observed in immature areas of zona fasciculata. No association between Wnt signaling activation and rates of proliferation as well as changes in secretion of adrenocortical hormones was observed in postnatal development of rat adrenal cortex. Hex, known as antiproliferative factor, showed up-regulation of expression after puberty. Strong inverse correlations between ratio of Hex-positive cells and proliferating cells were found in zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata. Zona reticularis demonstrated moderate correlation. Thus, these findings suggest a role for Hex in proliferation control during postnatal development of the rat adrenal cortex and possible implication of Hex down-regulation in adrenocortical dysplasia and neoplasia, which requires further study. Evaluation of Hex expression may also be considered a potent tool in assessment of cell proliferation in rat adrenal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya V Yaglova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dibakhan A Tsomartova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Federal State Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey S Obernikhin
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Nazimova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Y Ivanova
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Federal State Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta V Chereshneva
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Federal State Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentin V Yaglov
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana A Lomanovskaya
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Federal State Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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11
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Zhang K, Zhao Q, Li Z, Fu F, Zhang H, Fu J, Zheng M, Zhang S. Clinicopathological Significances of Cancer Stem Cell-Associated HHEX Expression in Breast Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:605744. [PMID: 33425911 PMCID: PMC7785851 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.605744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of the transcription factor hematopoietic ally expressed homeobox/proline-rich homeodomain (HHEX/PRH) is implicated in numerous cancers. However, the association of HHEX with breast cancer (BC) remains unclear. In this study, HHEX mRNA and protein expression were analyzed using the Oncomine, UALCAN, GEPIA, TCGAportal, and HPA databases. We evaluated the effect of HHEX on clinicopathological parameters using Kaplan–Meier plotter, OncoLnc, TCGAportal, PROGgeneV2, and BC-GenExMiner. Western blotting was performed to compare the level of HHEX in breast samples of Tientsin Albino 2 mice, human breast precancerous lesions, benign breast tumors, and BC. The correlation between HHEX and cancer stem cells was investigated using the GEO (GSE52327 and GSE94865) and GEPIA datasets. Networks between HHEX and survival-related gene marker sets and microRNAs were analyzed using GEPIA, StarBase, and Cytoscape. Results of this study showed that HHEX expression in BC was significantly lower than those in breast precancerous lesions and benign breast tumors at both mRNA and protein levels. BC patients with lower HHEX expression had significantly worse overall survival and disease-free survival. Moreover, HHEX significantly affected the clinicopathology of BC. Specifically, low HHEX expression was correlated with the following groups of patients: age ≤51 years, ER-negative or PR-negative patients, HER-2 positive, triple-negative breast cancer, and basal-like BC. Immunohistochemical analysis of the breast samples showed significant differences of HHEX staining index (P < 0.001) among the three groups. To further investigate the mechanism, we determined the intersection of differentially expressed genes related to BC stem cells and those genes after HHEX expression was altered. This led to the identification of four potentially regulated genes-CXL12, BLNK, PAG1, and LPXN. Using StarBase and km-plotter, the negative regulation of HHEX expression and survival trends, including miR-130b, miR-30e, and miR-301b were joined into miRNA-HHEX-mRNA potential regulatory network. The abilities of proliferation, migration and invasion increased in MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 breast cancer cell lines after HHEX down expression and decreased after HHEX overexpression compared them in the control cells. In conclusion, these data suggest that HHEX expression is downregulated in BC and HHEX may regulate the development of BC through the stem cell-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Zhang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zugui Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China.,Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Fangmei Fu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China.,Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China.,Graduate School, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Junjie Fu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
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12
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Aravalli RN. Generating liver using blastocyst complementation: Opportunities and challenges. Xenotransplantation 2020; 28:e12668. [PMID: 33372360 DOI: 10.1111/xen.12668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the only definitive treatment option for many patients with end-stage liver disease. Current supply of donor livers for OLT is not keeping up with the growing demand. To overcome this problem, a number of experimental strategies have been developed either to provide a bridge to transplant for patients on the waiting list or to bioengineer whole livers for OLT by replenishing them with fresh supplies of hepatic cells. In recent years, blastocyst complementation has emerged as the most promising approach for generating whole organs and, in combination with gene editing technology, it has revolutionized regenerative medicine. This methodology was successful in producing xenogeneic organs in animal hosts. Blastocyst complementation has the potential to produce whole livers in large animals that could be xenotransplanted in humans, thereby reducing the shortage of livers for OLT. However, significant experimental and ethical barriers remain for the production of human livers in domestic animals, such as the pig. This review summarizes the current knowledge and provides future perspectives for liver xenotransplantation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajagopal N Aravalli
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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13
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Goh W, Scheer S, Jackson JT, Hediyeh-Zadeh S, Delconte RB, Schuster IS, Andoniou CE, Rautela J, Degli-Esposti MA, Davis MJ, McCormack MP, Nutt SL, Huntington ND. Hhex Directly Represses BIM-Dependent Apoptosis to Promote NK Cell Development and Maintenance. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108285. [PMID: 33086067 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hhex encodes a homeobox transcriptional regulator important for embryonic development and hematopoiesis. Hhex is highly expressed in NK cells, and its germline deletion results in significant defects in lymphoid development, including NK cells. To determine if Hhex is intrinsically required throughout NK cell development or for NK cell function, we generate mice that specifically lack Hhex in NK cells. NK cell frequency is dramatically reduced, while NK cell differentiation, IL-15 responsiveness, and function at the cellular level remain largely normal in the absence of Hhex. Increased IL-15 availability fails to fully reverse NK lymphopenia following conditional Hhex deletion, suggesting that Hhex regulates developmental pathways extrinsic to those dependent on IL-15. Gene expression and functional genetic approaches reveal that Hhex regulates NK cell survival by directly binding Bcl2l11 (Bim) and repressing expression of this key apoptotic mediator. These data implicate Hhex as a transcriptional regulator of NK cell homeostasis and immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilford Goh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Sebastian Scheer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Jacob T Jackson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Soroor Hediyeh-Zadeh
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Rebecca B Delconte
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Iona S Schuster
- Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Christopher E Andoniou
- Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Jai Rautela
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia; oNKo-Innate Pty Ltd., 27 Norwood Cres, Moonee Ponds, Victoria, 3039, Australia
| | - Mariapia A Degli-Esposti
- Centre for Experimental Immunology, Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, 6009, Australia; Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Melissa J Davis
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Matthew P McCormack
- The Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia
| | - Stephen L Nutt
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia; oNKo-Innate Pty Ltd., 27 Norwood Cres, Moonee Ponds, Victoria, 3039, Australia.
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14
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Gao C, Huang W, Gao Y, Lo LJ, Luo L, Huang H, Chen J, Peng J. Zebrafish hhex-null mutant develops an intrahepatic intestinal tube due to de-repression of cdx1b and pdx1. J Mol Cell Biol 2020; 11:448-462. [PMID: 30428031 PMCID: PMC6604603 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjy068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatopancreatic duct (HPD) system links the liver and pancreas to the intestinal tube and is composed of the extrahepatic biliary duct, gallbladder, and pancreatic duct. Haematopoietically expressed-homeobox (Hhex) protein plays an essential role in the establishment of HPD; however, the molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we show that zebrafish hhex-null mutants fail to develop the HPD system characterized by lacking the biliary marker Annexin A4 and the HPD marker sox9b. The hepatobiliary duct part of the mutant HPD system is replaced by an intrahepatic intestinal tube characterized by expressing the intestinal marker fatty acid-binding protein 2a (fabp2a). Cell lineage analysis showed that this intrahepatic intestinal tube is not originated from hepatocytes or cholangiocytes. Further analysis revealed that cdx1b and pdx1 are expressed ectopically in the intrahepatic intestinal tube and knockdown of cdx1b and pdx1 could restore the expression of sox9b in the mutant. Chromatin-immunoprecipitation analysis showed that Hhex binds to the promoters of pdx1 and cdx1b genes to repress their expression. We therefore propose that Hhex, Cdx1b, Pdx1, and Sox9b form a genetic network governing the patterning and morphogenesis of the HPD and digestive tract systems in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuqi Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Jan Lo
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingfei Luo
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Honghui Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinrong Peng
- MOE Key Laboratory for Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou, China
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15
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Cancer-associated fibroblasts mediate cancer progression and remodel the tumouroid stroma. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:1178-1190. [PMID: 32641866 PMCID: PMC7524802 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0973-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are highly differentiated and heterogeneous cancer-stromal cells that promote tumour growth, angiogenesis and matrix remodelling. Methods We utilised an adapted version of a previously developed 3D in vitro model of colorectal cancer, composed of a cancer mass and the surrounding stromal compartment. We compared cancer invasion with an acellular stromal surround, a “healthy” or normal cellular stroma and a cancerous stroma. For the cancerous stroma, we incorporated six patient-derived CAF samples to study their differential effects on cancer growth, vascular network formation and remodelling. Results CAFs enhanced the distance and surface area of the invasive cancer mass whilst inhibiting vascular-like network formation. These processes correlated with the upregulation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP1) and fibulin-5 (FBLN5). Vascular remodelling of previously formed endothelial structures occurred through the disruption of complex networks, and was associated with the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) and downregulation in vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cadherin). Conclusions These results support, within a biomimetic 3D, in vitro framework, the direct role of CAFs in promoting cancer invasion, and their key function in driving vasculogenesis and angiogenesis.
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16
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Kitchen P, Lee KY, Clark D, Lau N, Lertsuwan J, Sawasdichai A, Satayavivad J, Oltean S, Afford S, Gaston K, Jayaraman PS. A Runaway PRH/HHEX-Notch3-Positive Feedback Loop Drives Cholangiocarcinoma and Determines Response to CDK4/6 Inhibition. Cancer Res 2019; 80:757-770. [PMID: 31843982 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant Notch and Wnt signaling are known drivers of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), but the underlying factors that initiate and maintain these pathways are not known. Here, we show that the proline-rich homeodomain protein/hematopoietically expressed homeobox (PRH/HHEX) transcription factor forms a positive transcriptional feedback loop with Notch3 that is critical in CCA. PRH/HHEX expression is elevated in CCA, and depletion of PRH reduces CCA tumor growth in a xenograft model. Overexpression of PRH in primary human biliary epithelial cells is sufficient to increase cell proliferation and produce an invasive phenotype. Interrogation of the gene networks regulated by PRH and Notch3 reveals that unlike Notch3, PRH directly activates canonical Wnt signaling. These data indicate that hyperactivation of Notch and Wnt signaling is independent of the underlying mutational landscape and has a common origin in dysregulation of PRH. Moreover, they suggest new therapeutic options based on the dependence of specific Wnt, Notch, and CDK4/6 inhibitors on PRH activity. SIGNIFICANCE: The PRH/HHEX transcription factor is an oncogenic driver in cholangiocarcinoma that confers sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Kitchen
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ka Ying Lee
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Danielle Clark
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Nikki Lau
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jomnarong Lertsuwan
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anyaporn Sawasdichai
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Sebastian Oltean
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Afford
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin Gaston
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Padma-Sheela Jayaraman
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
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17
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Hhex induces promyelocyte self-renewal and cooperates with growth factor independence to cause myeloid leukemia in mice. Blood Adv 2019; 2:347-360. [PMID: 29453249 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017013243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The hematopoietically expressed homeobox (Hhex) transcription factor is overexpressed in human myeloid leukemias. Conditional knockout models of murine acute myeloid leukemia indicate that Hhex maintains leukemia stem cell self-renewal by enabling Polycomb-mediated epigenetic repression of the Cdkn2a tumor suppressor locus, encoding p16Ink4a and p19Arf However, whether Hhex overexpression also affects hematopoietic differentiation is unknown. To study this, we retrovirally overexpressed Hhex in hematopoietic progenitors. This enabled serial replating of myeloid progenitors, leading to the rapid establishment of interleukin-3 (IL-3)-dependent promyelocytic cell lines. Use of a Hhex-ERT2 fusion protein demonstrated that continuous nuclear Hhex is required for transformation, and structure function analysis demonstrated a requirement of the DNA-binding and N-terminal-repressive domains of Hhex for promyelocytic transformation. This included the N-terminal promyelocytic leukemia protein (Pml) interaction domain, although deletion of Pml failed to prevent Hhex-induced promyelocyte transformation, implying other critical partners. Furthermore, deletion of p16Ink4a or p19Arf did not promote promyelocyte transformation, indicating that repression of distinct Hhex target genes is required for this process. Indeed, transcriptome analysis showed that Hhex overexpression resulted in repression of several myeloid developmental genes. To test the potential for Hhex overexpression to contribute to leukemic transformation, Hhex-transformed promyelocyte lines were rendered growth factor-independent using a constitutively active IL-3 receptor common β subunit (βcV449E). The resultant cell lines resulted in a rapid promyelocytic leukemia in vivo. Thus, Hhex overexpression can contribute to myeloid leukemia via multiple mechanisms including differentiation blockade and enabling epigenetic repression of the Cdkn2a locus.
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18
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Miksiunas R, Mobasheri A, Bironaite D. Homeobox Genes and Homeodomain Proteins: New Insights into Cardiac Development, Degeneration and Regeneration. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1212:155-178. [PMID: 30945165 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2019_349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of human death in the developing world. Extensive evidence indicates that various toxic environmental factors and unhealthy lifestyle choices contribute to the risk, incidence and severity of cardiovascular diseases. Alterations in the genetic level of myocardium affects normal heart development and initiates pathological processes leading to various types of cardiac diseases. Homeobox genes are a large and highly specialized family of closely related genes that direct the formation of body structure, including cardiac development. Homeobox genes encode homeodomain proteins that function as transcription factors with characteristic structures that allow them to bind to DNA, regulate gene expression and subsequently control the proper physiological function of cells, tissues and organs. Mutations in homeobox genes are rare and usually lethal with evident alterations in cardiac function at or soon after the birth. Our understanding of homeobox gene family expression and function has expanded significantly during the recent years. However, the involvement of homeobox genes in the development of human and animal cardiac tissue requires further investigation. The phenotype of human congenital heart defects unveils only some aspects of human heart development. Therefore, mouse models are often used to gain a better understanding of human heart function, pathology and regeneration. In this review, we have focused on the role of homeobox genes in the development and pathology of human heart as potential tools for the future development of targeted regenerative strategies for various heart malfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rokas Miksiunas
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Daiva Bironaite
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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19
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Expression of Transcription Factor PRH/Hhex in Adrenal Chromaffin Cells in the Postnatal Development and Its Role in the Regulation of Proliferative Processes. Bull Exp Biol Med 2018; 165:508-511. [PMID: 30121926 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-018-4205-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor PRH/Hhex suppresses cell proliferation and contributes to regulation of prenatal and postnatal ontogeny. Neurons of the peripheral nervous system and chromaffin cells were previously considered as non-expressing PRH/Hhex in postnatal development. In our study, the expression of PRH/Hhex in chromaffin cells of rat adrenal glands and association between the decrease of proliferation and activation of PRH/Hhex expression were demonstrated.
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20
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HHEX is a transcriptional regulator of the VEGFC/FLT4/PROX1 signaling axis during vascular development. Nat Commun 2018; 9:2704. [PMID: 30006544 PMCID: PMC6045644 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05039-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Formation of the lymphatic system requires the coordinated expression of several key regulators: vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC), its receptor FLT4, and a key transcriptional effector, PROX1. Yet, how expression of these signaling components is regulated remains poorly understood. Here, using a combination of genetic and molecular approaches, we identify the transcription factor hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) as an upstream regulator of VEGFC, FLT4, and PROX1 during angiogenic sprouting and lymphatic formation in vertebrates. By analyzing zebrafish mutants, we found that hhex is necessary for sprouting angiogenesis from the posterior cardinal vein, a process required for lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, studies of mammalian HHEX using tissue-specific genetic deletions in mouse and knockdowns in cultured human endothelial cells reveal its highly conserved function during vascular and lymphatic development. Our findings that HHEX is essential for the regulation of the VEGFC/FLT4/PROX1 axis provide insights into the molecular regulation of lymphangiogenesis. VEGFC, its receptor FLT4, and transcriptional effector PROX1 control formation of the lymphatic system but how is unclear. Here, the authors show that the transcription factor hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) regulates VEGFC, FLT4 and PROX1 in fish and mammals during angiogenic sprouting and lymphatic formation.
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21
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El-Gammal Z, AlOkda A, El-Badri N. Role of human oocyte-enriched factors in somatic cell reprograming. Mech Ageing Dev 2018; 175:88-99. [PMID: 29890177 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2018.05.009] [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: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cellular reprograming paves the way for creating functional patient-specific tissues to eliminate immune rejection responses by applying the same genetic profile. However, the epigenetic memory of a cell remains a challenge facing the current reprograming methods and does not allow transcription factors to bind properly. Because somatic cells can be reprogramed by transferring their nuclear contents into oocytes, introducing specific oocyte factors into differentiated cells is considered a promising approach for mimicking the reprograming process that occurs during fertilization. Mammalian metaphase II oocyte possesses a superior capacity to epigenetically reprogram somatic cell nuclei towards an embryonic stem cell-like state than the current factor-based reprograming approaches. This may be due to the presence of specific factors that are lacking in the current factor-based reprograming approaches. In this review, we focus on studies identifying human oocyte-enriched factors aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms mediating cellular reprograming. We describe the role of oocyte-enriched factors in metabolic switch, chromatin remodelling, and global epigenetic transformation. This is critical for improving the quality of resulting reprogramed cells, which is crucial for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaynab El-Gammal
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Abdelrahman AlOkda
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt
| | - Nagwa El-Badri
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Egypt.
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22
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HAND2 Target Gene Regulatory Networks Control Atrioventricular Canal and Cardiac Valve Development. Cell Rep 2018; 19:1602-1613. [PMID: 28538179 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The HAND2 transcriptional regulator controls cardiac development, and we uncover additional essential functions in the endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) underlying cardiac cushion development in the atrioventricular canal (AVC). In Hand2-deficient mouse embryos, the EMT underlying AVC cardiac cushion formation is disrupted, and we combined ChIP-seq of embryonic hearts with transcriptome analysis of wild-type and mutants AVCs to identify the functionally relevant HAND2 target genes. The HAND2 target gene regulatory network (GRN) includes most genes with known functions in EMT processes and AVC cardiac cushion formation. One of these is Snai1, an EMT master regulator whose expression is lost from Hand2-deficient AVCs. Re-expression of Snai1 in mutant AVC explants partially restores this EMT and mesenchymal cell migration. Furthermore, the HAND2-interacting enhancers in the Snai1 genomic landscape are active in embryonic hearts and other Snai1-expressing tissues. These results show that HAND2 directly regulates the molecular cascades initiating AVC cardiac valve development.
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23
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Wadey KS, Brown BA, Sala-Newby GB, Jayaraman PS, Gaston K, George SJ. Protein kinase CK2 inhibition suppresses neointima formation via a proline-rich homeodomain-dependent mechanism. Vascul Pharmacol 2017; 99:34-44. [PMID: 28927755 PMCID: PMC5718878 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neointimal hyperplasia is a product of VSMC replication and consequent accumulation within the blood vessel wall. In this study, we determined whether inhibition of protein kinase CK2 and the resultant stabilisation of proline-rich homeodomain (PRH) could suppress VSMC proliferation. Both silencing and pharmacological inhibition of CK2 with K66 antagonised replication of isolated VSMCs. SiRNA-induced knockdown as well as ectopic overexpression of proline-rich homeodomain indicated that PRH disrupts cell cycle progression. Mutation of CK2 phosphorylation sites Ser163 and Ser177 within the PRH homeodomain enabled prolonged cell cycle arrest by PRH. Concomitant knockdown of PRH and inhibition of CK2 with K66 indicated that the anti-proliferative action of K66 required the presence of PRH. Both K66 and adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of S163C:S177C PRH impaired neointima formation in human saphenous vein organ cultures. Importantly, neither intervention had notable effects on cell cycle progression, cell survival or migration in cultured endothelial cells.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Casein Kinase II/antagonists & inhibitors
- Casein Kinase II/genetics
- Casein Kinase II/metabolism
- Cell Cycle Checkpoints/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured
- Homeodomain Proteins/genetics
- Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells/enzymology
- Humans
- Hyperplasia
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/enzymology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Mutation
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/enzymology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Neointima
- Phosphorylation
- Proline-Rich Protein Domains
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- RNA Interference
- Rats
- Saphenous Vein/drug effects
- Saphenous Vein/enzymology
- Saphenous Vein/pathology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Tissue Culture Techniques
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Transfection
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Wadey
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK; Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - B A Brown
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - G B Sala-Newby
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
| | - P-S Jayaraman
- Division of Immunity and Infection, College of Medicine, University Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - K Gaston
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - S J George
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK.
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24
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Yokoyama S, Furukawa S, Kitada S, Mori M, Saito T, Kawakami K, Belmonte JCI, Kawakami Y, Ito Y, Sato T, Asahara H. Analysis of transcription factors expressed at the anterior mouse limb bud. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175673. [PMID: 28467430 PMCID: PMC5415108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Limb bud patterning, outgrowth, and differentiation are precisely regulated in a spatio-temporal manner through integrated networks of transcription factors, signaling molecules, and downstream genes. However, the exact mechanisms that orchestrate morphogenesis of the limb remain to be elucidated. Previously, we have established EMBRYS, a whole-mount in situ hybridization database of transcription factors. Based on the findings from EMBRYS, we focused our expression pattern analysis on a selection of transcription factor genes that exhibit spatially localized and temporally dynamic expression patterns with respect to the anterior-posterior axis in the E9.5–E11.5 limb bud. Among these genes, Irx3 showed a posteriorly expanded expression domain in Shh-/- limb buds and an anteriorly reduced expression domain in Gli3-/- limb buds, suggesting their importance in anterior-posterior patterning. To assess the stepwise EMBRYS-based screening system for anterior regulators, we generated Irx3 transgenic mice in which Irx3 was expressed in the entire limb mesenchyme under the Prrx1 regulatory element. The Irx3 gain-of-function model displayed complex phenotypes in the autopods, including digit loss, radial flexion, and fusion of the metacarpal bones, suggesting that Irx3 may contribute to the regulation of limb patterning, especially in the autopods. Our results demonstrate that gene expression analysis based on EMBRYS could contribute to the identification of genes that play a role in patterning of the limb mesenchyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigetoshi Yokoyama
- Department of Systems Biomedicine, National Institute of Child Health and Development, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Soichi Furukawa
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shoya Kitada
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Department of Systems Biomedicine, National Institute of Child Health and Development, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Kawakami
- Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Genetics, and Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Juan Carlos Izpisua Belmonte
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Yasuhiko Kawakami
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Yoshiaki Ito
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tempei Sato
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Asahara
- Department of Systems Biomedicine, National Institute of Child Health and Development, Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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25
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Yan X, Pan B, Lv T, Liu L, Zhu J, Shen W, Huang X, Tian J. Inhibition of histone acetylation by curcumin reduces alcohol-induced fetal cardiac apoptosis. J Biomed Sci 2017; 24:1. [PMID: 28056970 PMCID: PMC5217636 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-016-0310-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal alcohol exposure may cause cardiac development defects, however, the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. In the present study we have investigated the roles of histone modification by curcumin on alcohol induced fetal cardiac abnormalities during the development. Methods and results Q-PCR and Western blot results showed that alcohol exposure increased gene and active forms of caspase-3 and caspase-8, while decreased gene and protein of bcl-2. ChIP assay results showed that, alcohol exposure increased the acetylation of histone H3K9 near the promoter region of caspase-3 and caspase-8, and decreased the acetylation of histone H3K9 near the promoter region of bcl-2. TUNEL assay data revealed that alcohol exposure increased the apoptosis levels in the embryonic hearts. In vitro experiments demonstrated that curcumin treatment could reverse the up-regulation of active forms of caspase-3 and caspase-8, and down-regulation of bcl-2 induced by alcohol treatment. In addition, curcumin also corrected the high level of histone H3K9 acetylation induced by alcohol. Moreover, the high apoptosis level induced by alcohol was reversed after curcumin treatment in cardiac cells. Conclusions These findings indicate that histone modification may play an important role in mediating alcohol induced fetal cardiac apoptosis, possibly through the up-regulation of H3K9 acetylation near the promoter regions of apoptotic genes. Curcumin treatment may correct alcohol-mediated fetal cardiac apoptosis, suggesting that curcumin may play a protective role against alcohol abuse caused cardiac damage during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Yan
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan Er Rold, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.,Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Pan
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan Er Rold, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.,Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.,China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Tiewei Lv
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan Er Rold, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Lingjuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan Er Rold, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen Shen
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charlie E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA
| | - Xupei Huang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charlie E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA.
| | - Jie Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Heart Centre, The Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136 Zhongshan Er Rold, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400014, China.
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26
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Li L, Liu M, Kang L, Li Y, Dai Z, Wang B, Liu S, Chen L, Tan Y, Wu G. HHEX: A Crosstalker between HCMV Infection and Proliferation of VSMCs. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 6:169. [PMID: 27965937 PMCID: PMC5127840 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2016.00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the role of Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection on homebox (HOX) gene expression and the effects of overexpression of HOX genes on proliferation and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Methods: Viral infection was verified by observation of cytopathic effects through inverted microscopy, viral particles by electron microscopy and HCMV IE gene amplification by RT-PCR. cDNA profiling technology was used to screen expression of HOX genes after HCMV infection in VSMCs. Abnormal expression of Haematopoietically-expressed homeobox (HHEX) was selected to construct over-expressed vector and transfected into VSMCs. The effects of over expression of HHEX on cell proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs were assayed by flow cytometry. Apoptosis and proliferation-associated genes were also assayed by RT-PCR. Results: Multiple HOX gene expression levels had obvious changes after HCMV infection, among which expression of HHEX gene increased obviously at 24, 48, and 72 h after infection. Over expression of HHEX can promote VSMCs proliferation by promoting G0/G1 phase cells into S phase and inhibit VSMCs apoptosis. HHEX inhibited the expression of apoptosis-associated caspase 2 and caspase3 and promoted the expression of cell cycle-related genes such as CDK2 and CDK6, CyclinB2 and CyclinD2. Conclusion: HHEX over expression induced by HCMV infection closely associated with vascular proliferative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfang Li
- Department of Vasculocardiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha, China
| | - Meitong Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University Changsha, China
| | - Leitao Kang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University Changsha, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University Changsha, China
| | - Ziyu Dai
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University Changsha, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University Changsha, China
| | - Shuiping Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University Changsha, China
| | - Liyu Chen
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University Changsha, China
| | - Yurong Tan
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University Changsha, China
| | - Guojun Wu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University Changsha, China
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27
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Wilsbacher L, McNally EM. Genetics of Cardiac Developmental Disorders: Cardiomyocyte Proliferation and Growth and Relevance to Heart Failure. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2016; 11:395-419. [PMID: 26925501 PMCID: PMC8978617 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-012615-044336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac developmental disorders represent the most common of human birth defects, and anomalies in cardiomyocyte proliferation drive many of these disorders. This review highlights the molecular mechanisms of prenatal cardiac growth. Trabeculation represents the initial ventricular growth phase and is necessary for embryonic survival. Later in development, the bulk of the ventricular wall derives from the compaction process, yet the arrest of this process can still be compatible with life. Cardiomyocyte proliferation and growth form the basis of both trabeculation and compaction, and mouse models indicate that cardiomyocyte interactions with the surrounding environment are critical for these proliferative processes. The human genetics of left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy suggest that cardiomyocyte cell-autonomous mechanisms contribute to the compaction process. Understanding the determinants of prenatal or early postnatal cardiomyocyte proliferation and growth provides critical information that identifies risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including heart failure and its associated complications of arrhythmias and thromboembolic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Wilsbacher
- Department of Medicine, Center for Genetic Medicine, and Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611; ,
| | - Elizabeth M McNally
- Department of Medicine, Center for Genetic Medicine, and Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611; ,
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28
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Saulle E, Petronelli A, Pelosi E, Coppotelli E, Pasquini L, Ilari R, Lo-Coco F, Testa U. PML-RAR alpha induces the downmodulation of HHEX: a key event responsible for the induction of an angiogenetic response. J Hematol Oncol 2016; 9:33. [PMID: 27052408 PMCID: PMC4823896 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-016-0262-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies indicate that angiogenesis is important in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemias (AMLs). Among the various AMLs, the bone marrow angiogenetic response is particularly pronounced in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for this angiogenetic response are largely unknown. In the present study, we have explored the role of HHEX, a homeodomain transcription factor, as a possible mediator of the pro-angiogenetic response observed in APL. This transcription factor seems to represent an ideal candidate for this biologic function because it is targeted by PML-RARα, is capable of interaction with PML and PML-RARα, and acts as a regulator of the angiogenetic response. Methods We used various cellular systems of APL, including primary APL cells and leukemic cells engineered to express PML-RARα, to explore the role of the PML-RARα fusion protein on HHEX expression. Molecular and biochemical techniques have been used to investigate the mechanisms through which PML-RARα downmodulates HHEX and the functional consequences of this downmodulation at the level of the expression of various angiogenetic genes, cell proliferation and differentiation. Results Our results show that HHEX expression is clearly downmodulated in APL and that this effect is directly mediated by a repressive targeting of the HHEX gene promoter by PML-RARα. Studies carried out in primary APL cells and in a cell line model of APL with inducible PML-RARα expression directly support the view that this fusion protein through HHEX downmodulation stimulates the expression of various genes involved in angiogenesis and inhibits cell differentiation. Conclusions Our data suggest that HHEX downmodulation by PML-RARα is a key event during APL pathogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13045-016-0262-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernestina Saulle
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Petronelli
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elvira Pelosi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Coppotelli
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Pasquini
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Ramona Ilari
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lo-Coco
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" and Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Testa
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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29
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Gaston K, Tsitsilianos MA, Wadey K, Jayaraman PS. Misregulation of the proline rich homeodomain (PRH/HHEX) protein in cancer cells and its consequences for tumour growth and invasion. Cell Biosci 2016; 6:12. [PMID: 26877867 PMCID: PMC4752775 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-016-0077-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The proline rich homeodomain protein (PRH), also known as haematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX), is an essential transcription factor in embryonic development and in the adult. The PRH protein forms oligomeric complexes that bind to tandemly repeated PRH recognition sequences within or at a distance from PRH-target genes and recruit a variety of PRH-interacting proteins. PRH can also bind to other transcription factors and co-regulate specific target genes either directly through DNA binding, or indirectly through effects on the activity of its partner proteins. In addition, like some other homeodomain proteins, PRH can regulate the translation of specific mRNAs. Altered PRH expression and altered PRH intracellular localisation, are associated with breast cancer, liver cancer and thyroid cancer and some subtypes of leukaemia. This is consistent with the involvement of multiple PRH-interacting proteins, including the oncoprotein c-Myc, translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), and the promyelocytic leukaemia protein (PML), in the control of cell proliferation and cell survival. Similarly, multiple PRH target genes, including the genes encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptors, Endoglin, and Goosecoid, are known to be important in the control of cell proliferation and cell survival and/or the regulation of cell migration and invasion. In this review, we summarise the evidence that implicates PRH in tumourigenesis and we review the data that suggests PRH levels could be useful in cancer prognosis and in the choice of treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Gaston
- School of Biochemistry, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD UK
| | | | - Kerry Wadey
- School of Biochemistry, University Walk, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD UK
| | - Padma-Sheela Jayaraman
- Division of Immunity and Infection, School of Medicine, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
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30
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Hhex Is Necessary for the Hepatic Differentiation of Mouse ES Cells and Acts via Vegf Signaling. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146806. [PMID: 26784346 PMCID: PMC4718667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidating the molecular mechanisms involved in the differentiation of stem cells to hepatic cells is critical for both understanding normal developmental processes as well as for optimizing the generation of functional hepatic cells for therapy. We performed in vitro differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) with a null mutation in the homeobox gene Hhex and show that Hhex-/- mESCs fail to differentiate from definitive endoderm (Sox17+/Foxa2+) to hepatic endoderm (Alb+/Dlk+). In addition, hepatic culture elicited a >7-fold increase in Vegfa mRNA expression in Hhex-/- cells compared to Hhex+/+ cells. Furthermore, we identified VEGFR2+/ALB+/CD34- in early Hhex+/+ hepatic cultures. These cells were absent in Hhex-/- cultures. Finally, through manipulation of Hhex and Vegfa expression, gain and loss of expression experiments revealed that Hhex shares an inverse relationship with the activity of the Vegf signaling pathway in supporting hepatic differentiation. In summary, our results suggest that Hhex represses Vegf signaling during hepatic differentiation of mouse ESCs allowing for cell-type autonomous regulation of Vegfr2 activity independent of endothelial cells.
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31
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Ferreira MJ, McKenna LB, Zhang J, Reichert M, Bakir B, Buza EL, Furth EE, Bogue CW, Rustgi AK, Kaestner KH. Spontaneous Pancreatitis Caused by Tissue-Specific Gene Ablation of Hhex in Mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 1:550-569. [PMID: 26740970 PMCID: PMC4698881 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2015.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Perturbations in pancreatic ductal bicarbonate secretion cause chronic pancreatitis. The physiologic mechanism of ductal secretion is known, but its transcriptional control is not. We determine the role of the transcription factor hematopoietically expressed homeobox protein (Hhex) in ductal secretion and pancreatitis. METHODS We derived mice with pancreas-specific, Cremediated Hhex gene ablation to determine the requirement of Hhex in the pancreatic duct in early life and in adult stages. Histologic and immunostaining analyses were used to detect the presence of pathology. Pancreatic primary ductal cells were isolated to discover differentially expressed transcripts upon acute Hhex ablation on a cell autonomous level. RESULTS Hhex protein was detected throughout the embryonic and adult ductal trees. Ablation of Hhex in pancreatic progenitors resulted in postnatal ductal ectasia associated with acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, a progressive phenotype that ultimately resulted in chronic pancreatitis. Hhex ablation in adult mice, however, did not cause any detectable pathology. Ductal ectasia in young mice did not result from perturbation of expression of Hnf6, Hnf1β, or the primary cilia genes. RNA-seq analysis of Hhex-ablated pancreatic primary ductal cells showed mRNA levels of the G-protein coupled receptor natriuretic peptide receptor 3 (Npr3), implicated in paracrine signaling, up-regulated by 4.70-fold. CONCLUSIONS Although Hhex is dispensable for ductal cell function in the adult, ablation of Hhex in pancreatic progenitors results in pancreatitis. Our data highlight the critical role of Hhex in maintaining ductal homeostasis in early life and support ductal hypersecretion as a novel etiology of pediatric chronic pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J. Ferreira
- Department of Genetics and Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Lindsay B. McKenna
- Department of Genetics and Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jia Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Maximilian Reichert
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Basil Bakir
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth L. Buza
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Emma E. Furth
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Clifford W. Bogue
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Anil K. Rustgi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Klaus H. Kaestner
- Department of Genetics and Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Klaus H. Kaestner, PhD, Department of Genetics, Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 12–126 Translational Research Center, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104. fax: 215-573-5892.
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32
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Goodings C, Smith E, Mathias E, Elliott N, Cleveland SM, Tripathi RM, Layer JH, Chen X, Guo Y, Shyr Y, Hamid R, Du Y, Davé UP. Hhex is Required at Multiple Stages of Adult Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell Differentiation. Stem Cells 2015; 33:2628-41. [PMID: 25968920 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Hhex encodes a homeodomain transcription factor that is widely expressed in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell populations. Its enforced expression induces T-cell leukemia and we have implicated it as an important oncogene in early T-cell precursor leukemias where it is immediately downstream of an LMO2-associated protein complex. Conventional Hhex knockouts cause embryonic lethality precluding analysis of adult hematopoiesis. Thus, we induced highly efficient conditional knockout (cKO) using vav-Cre transgenic mice. Hhex cKO mice were viable and born at normal litter sizes. At steady state, we observed a defect in B-cell development that we localized to the earliest B-cell precursor, the pro-B-cell stage. Most remarkably, bone marrow transplantation using Hhex cKO donor cells revealed a more profound defect in all hematopoietic lineages. In contrast, sublethal irradiation resulted in normal myeloid cell repopulation of the bone marrow but markedly impaired repopulation of T- and B-cell compartments. We noted that Hhex cKO stem and progenitor cell populations were skewed in their distribution and showed enhanced proliferation compared to WT cells. Our results implicate Hhex in the maintenance of LT-HSCs and in lineage allocation from multipotent progenitors especially in stress hematopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Natalina Elliott
- MRC Molecular Hematology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Xi Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Quantitative Sciences
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Quantitative Sciences
| | - Yu Shyr
- Department of Biostatistics, Center for Quantitative Sciences
| | - Rizwan Hamid
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yang Du
- Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Utpal P Davé
- Department of Cancer Biology.,Division of Hematology/Oncology.,Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville VA, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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33
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Liu Y, Kaneda R, Leja TW, Subkhankulova T, Tolmachov O, Minchiotti G, Schwartz RJ, Barahona M, Schneider MD. Hhex and Cer1 mediate the Sox17 pathway for cardiac mesoderm formation in embryonic stem cells. Stem Cells 2015; 32:1515-26. [PMID: 24585688 PMCID: PMC4260090 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac muscle differentiation in vivo is guided by sequential growth factor signals, including endoderm-derived diffusible factors, impinging on cardiogenic genes in the developing mesoderm. Previously, by RNA interference in AB2.2 mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), we identified the endodermal transcription factor Sox17 as essential for Mesp1 induction in primitive mesoderm and subsequent cardiac muscle differentiation. However, downstream effectors of Sox17 remained to be proven functionally. In this study, we used genome-wide profiling of Sox17-dependent genes in AB2.2 cells, RNA interference, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter genes to dissect this pathway. Sox17 was required not only for Hhex (a second endodermal transcription factor) but also for Cer1, a growth factor inhibitor from endoderm that, like Hhex, controls mesoderm patterning in Xenopus toward a cardiac fate. Suppressing Hhex or Cer1 blocked cardiac myogenesis, although at a later stage than induction of Mesp1/2. Hhex was required but not sufficient for Cer1 expression. Over-expression of Sox17 induced endogenous Cer1 and sequence-specific transcription of a Cer1 reporter gene. Forced expression of Cer1 was sufficient to rescue cardiac differentiation in Hhex-deficient cells. Thus, Hhex and Cer1 are indispensable components of the Sox17 pathway for cardiopoiesis in mESCs, acting at a stage downstream from Mesp1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Center for Cardiovascular Development, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA; Institute for Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Fernández LP, López-Márquez A, Santisteban P. Thyroid transcription factors in development, differentiation and disease. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2015; 11:29-42. [PMID: 25350068 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2014.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Identification of the thyroid transcription factors (TTFs), NKX2-1, FOXE1, PAX8 and HHEX, has considerably advanced our understanding of thyroid development, congenital thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer. The TTFs are fundamental to proper formation of the thyroid gland and for maintaining the functional differentiated state of the adult thyroid; however, they are not individually required for precursor cell commitment to a thyroid fate. Although knowledge of the mechanisms involved in thyroid development has increased, the full complement of genes involved in thyroid gland specification and the signals that trigger expression of the genes that encode the TTFs remain unknown. The mechanisms involved in thyroid organogenesis and differentiation have provided clues to identifying the genes that are involved in human congenital thyroid disorders and thyroid cancer. Mutations in the genes that encode the TTFs, as well as polymorphisms and epigenetic modifications, have been associated with thyroid pathologies. Here, we summarize the roles of the TTFs in thyroid development and the mechanisms by which they regulate expression of the genes involved in thyroid differentiation. We also address the implications of mutations in TTFs in thyroid diseases and in diseases not related to the thyroid gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara P Fernández
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arturo Duperier 4, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Arístides López-Márquez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arturo Duperier 4, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Pilar Santisteban
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, and Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arturo Duperier 4, Madrid 28029, Spain
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Hhex regulates Kit to promote radioresistance of self-renewing thymocytes in Lmo2-transgenic mice. Leukemia 2014; 29:927-38. [PMID: 25283843 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2014.292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Lmo2 is an oncogenic transcription factor that is frequently overexpressed in T-cell acute leukemias, in particular poor prognosis early T-cell precursor-like (ETP-) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The primary effect of Lmo2 is to cause self-renewal of developing CD4(-)CD8(-) (double negative, DN) T cells in the thymus, leading to serially transplantable thymocytes that eventually give rise to leukemia. These self-renewing thymocytes are intrinsically radioresistant implying that they may be a source of leukemia relapse after therapy. The homeobox transcription factor, Hhex, is highly upregulated in Lmo2-transgenic thymocytes and can phenocopy Lmo2 in inducing thymocyte self-renewal, implying that Hhex may be a key component of the Lmo2-induced self-renewal program. To test this, we conditionally deleted Hhex in the thymi of Lmo2-transgenic mice. Surprisingly, this did not prevent accumulation of DN thymocytes, nor alter the rate of overt leukemia development. However, deletion of Hhex abolished the transplantation capacity of Lmo2-transgenic thymocytes and overcame their radioresistance. We found that Hhex regulates Kit expression in Lmo2-transgenic thymocytes and that abrogation of Kit signaling phenocopied loss of Hhex in abolishing the transplantation capacity and radioresistance of these cells. Thus, targeting the Kit signaling pathway may facilitate the eradication of leukemia-initiating cells in immature T-cell leukemias in which it is expressed.
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The HHEX gene is not related to congenital heart disease in 296 Chinese patients. World J Pediatr 2013; 9:278-80. [PMID: 23929257 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-013-0430-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hematopoietically expressed homeobox (HHEX) gene is an important determinant of mammalian heart development. This study aimed to identify the potential mutations of the gene in Chinese patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). METHODS We collected 296 CHD patients and 200 controls, and classified the cardiac deformities. Then we conducted sequence analyses of the HHEX gene in those patients. RESULTS In all the CHD patients, we did not find any causative mutations in the coding region of the HHEX gene. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the HHEX gene in non-symptomatic CHD cases, and this has expanded our knowledge about its etiology.
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Pendse J, Ramachandran PV, Na J, Narisu N, Fink JL, Cagan RL, Collins FS, Baranski TJ. A Drosophila functional evaluation of candidates from human genome-wide association studies of type 2 diabetes and related metabolic traits identifies tissue-specific roles for dHHEX. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:136. [PMID: 23445342 PMCID: PMC3608171 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identify regions of the genome that are associated with particular traits, but do not typically identify specific causative genetic elements. For example, while a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and related traits have been identified by human GWAS, only a few genes have functional evidence to support or to rule out a role in cellular metabolism or dietary interactions. Here, we use a recently developed Drosophila model in which high-sucrose feeding induces phenotypes similar to T2D to assess orthologs of human GWAS-identified candidate genes for risk of T2D and related traits. Results Disrupting orthologs of certain T2D candidate genes (HHEX, THADA, PPARG, KCNJ11) led to sucrose-dependent toxicity. Tissue-specific knockdown of the HHEX ortholog dHHEX (CG7056) directed metabolic defects and enhanced lethality; for example, fat-body-specific loss of dHHEX led to increased hemolymph glucose and reduced insulin sensitivity. Conclusion Candidate genes identified in human genetic studies of metabolic traits can be prioritized and functionally characterized using a simple Drosophila approach. To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale effort to study the functional interaction between GWAS-identified candidate genes and an environmental risk factor such as diet in a model organism system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Pendse
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Mount SinaiSchool of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Kachgal S, Mace KA, Boudreau NJ. The dual roles of homeobox genes in vascularization and wound healing. Cell Adh Migr 2012; 6:457-70. [PMID: 23076135 PMCID: PMC3547888 DOI: 10.4161/cam.22164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes represent a family of highly conserved transcription factors originally discovered to regulate organ patterning during development. More recently, several homeobox genes were shown to affect processes in adult tissue, including angiogenesis and wound healing. Whereas a subset of members of the Hox-family of homeobox genes activate growth and migration to promote angiogenesis or wound healing, other Hox genes function to restore or maintain quiescent, differentiated tissue function. Pathological tissue remodeling is linked to differential expression of activating or stabilizing Hox genes and dysregulation of Hox expression can contribute to disease progression. Studies aimed at understanding the role and regulation of Hox genes have provided insight into how these potent morphoregulatory genes can be applied to enhance tissue engineering or limit cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suraj Kachgal
- Surgical Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
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Ackerman C, Locke A, Feingold E, Reshey B, Espana K, Thusberg J, Mooney S, Bean L, Dooley K, Cua C, Reeves R, Sherman S, Maslen C. An excess of deleterious variants in VEGF-A pathway genes in Down-syndrome-associated atrioventricular septal defects. Am J Hum Genet 2012; 91:646-59. [PMID: 23040494 PMCID: PMC3484504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Revised: 06/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
About half of people with trisomy 21 have a congenital heart defect (CHD), whereas the remainder have a structurally normal heart, demonstrating that trisomy 21 is a significant risk factor but is not causal for abnormal heart development. Atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) are the most commonly occurring heart defects in Down syndrome (DS), and ∼65% of all AVSD is associated with DS. We used a candidate-gene approach among individuals with DS and complete AVSD (cases = 141) and DS with no CHD (controls = 141) to determine whether rare genetic variants in genes involved in atrioventricular valvuloseptal morphogenesis contribute to AVSD in this sensitized population. We found a significant excess (p < 0.0001) of variants predicted to be deleterious in cases compared to controls. At the most stringent level of filtering, we found potentially damaging variants in nearly 20% of cases but fewer than 3% of controls. The variants with the highest probability of being damaging in cases only were found in six genes: COL6A1, COL6A2, CRELD1, FBLN2, FRZB, and GATA5. Several of the case-specific variants were recurrent in unrelated individuals, occurring in 10% of cases studied. No variants with an equal probability of being damaging were found in controls, demonstrating a highly specific association with AVSD. Of note, all of these genes are in the VEGF-A pathway, even though the candidate genes analyzed in this study represented numerous biochemical and developmental pathways, suggesting that rare variants in the VEGF-A pathway might contribute to the genetic underpinnings of AVSD in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Ackerman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Heart Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Adam E. Locke
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA
| | - Eleanor Feingold
- Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Benjamin Reshey
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Heart Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Karina Espana
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Heart Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | | | - Sean Mooney
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Lora J.H. Bean
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA
| | - Kenneth J. Dooley
- Sibley Heart Center Cardiology and Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30033, USA
| | - Clifford L. Cua
- Heart Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Roger H. Reeves
- Department of Physiology and the Institute for Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Cheryl L. Maslen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and the Heart Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Herriges JC, Yi L, Hines EA, Harvey JF, Xu G, Gray P, Ma Q, Sun X. Genome-scale study of transcription factor expression in the branching mouse lung. Dev Dyn 2012; 241:1432-53. [PMID: 22711520 PMCID: PMC3529173 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian lung development consists of a series of precisely choreographed events that drive the progression from simple lung buds to the elaborately branched organ that fulfills the vital function of gas exchange. Strict transcriptional control is essential for lung development. Among the large number of transcription factors encoded in the mouse genome, only a small portion of them are known to be expressed and function in the developing lung. Thus a systematic investigation of transcription factors expressed in the lung is warranted. RESULTS To enrich for genes that may be responsible for regional growth and patterning, we performed a screen using RNA in situ hybridization to identify genes that show restricted expression patterns in the embryonic lung. We focused on the pseudoglandular stage during which the lung undergoes branching morphogenesis, a cardinal event of lung development. Using a genome-scale probe set that represents over 90% of the transcription factors encoded in the mouse genome, we identified 62 transcription factor genes with localized expression in the epithelium, mesenchyme, or both. Many of these genes have not been previously implicated in lung development. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide new starting points for the elucidation of the transcriptional circuitry that controls lung development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. Herriges
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Lan Yi
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Elizabeth A. Hines
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Julie F. Harvey
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Guoliang Xu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China 200031
| | - Paul Gray
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Qiufu Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Xin Sun
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
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Bulla GA, Aylmer CM, Dust AL, Kurkewich JL, Mire LK, Estanda AB. Genome-wide analysis of hepatic gene silencing in hepatoma cell variants. Genomics 2012; 100:176-83. [PMID: 22659237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2012.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Revised: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide gene expression profiling was carried out on rat hepatoma cells and compared to profiles of hepatoma "variant" cell lines derived via a stringent selection protocol that enriches for rare cells (<1 in 100,000 cells) that fail to drive liver function. Results show 132 genes that are strongly (>5-fold) repressed in each of the four variant cell lines tested. An additional 68 genes were repressed in 3 of 4 variant cell lines. Importantly, several of the repressed genes are members of transcriptional activation pathways, suggesting that they may contribute to maintaining the hepatic phenotype. Ectopic expression of the HNF1A gene in a variant cell line resulted in activation of 56 genes, 37 of which were included in the repressed data set. These data suggest that a high level of reprogramming occurs when hepatoma cells convert to a non-differentiated phenotype, a process that can be partially reversed by the introduction of transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary A Bulla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920, USA.
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Zhang C, Tian L, Chi C, Wu X, Yang X, Han M, Xu T, Zhuang Y, Deng K. Adam10 is essential for early embryonic cardiovascular development. Dev Dyn 2011; 239:2594-602. [PMID: 20803506 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch pathway has been demonstrated to regulate cardiovascular development. One important step in Notch pathway is the cleavage of Notch receptor, during which an intracellular fragment of Notch protein is released to activate downstream genes. It is still uncertain whether Adam10, the mammalian homologue of Kuzbanian in Drosophila, is required to activate the Notch pathway during cardiovascular development. To further understand the physiological function of Adam10 in vascular and cardiac development, we generated mice lacking the Adam10 gene primarily in the endothelial compartment. We found that disruption of Adam10 in endothelial cells resulted in embryonic death after embryonic day 10.5 due to multiple cardiac and vascular defects similar to Notch1 mutants. We further showed that the expression of Notch target genes Snail and Bmp2 are impaired in Adam10-deficient cardiac tissues. Finally, we provide experimental evidence to support that Adam10 functions in a cell autonomous manner during mammalian cardiac development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- Institute of Developmental Biology and Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Yi J, Chen M, Wu X, Yang X, Xu T, Zhuang Y, Han M, Xu R. Endothelial SUR-8 acts in an ERK-independent pathway during atrioventricular cushion development. Dev Dyn 2010; 239:2005-13. [PMID: 20549726 PMCID: PMC3138404 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
SUR-8, a conserved leucine-rich repeats protein, was first identified as a positive regulator of Ras pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans. Biochemical studies indicated that SUR-8 interacts with Ras and Raf, leading to the elevated ERK activity. However, the physiological role of SUR-8 during mammalian development remains unclear. Here we found that germline deletion of SUR-8 in mice resulted in early embryonic lethality. Inactivated SUR-8 specifically in mouse endothelial cells (ECs) revealed that SUR-8 is essential for embryonic heart development. SUR-8 deficiency in ECs resulted in late embryonic lethality, and the mutant mice displayed multiple cardiac defects. The reduced endothelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and the reduced mesenchyme proliferation phase were observed in the atrioventricular canal (AVC) within the mutant hearts, leading to the formation of hypoplastic endocardial cushions. However, ERK activation did not appear to be affected in mutant ECs, suggesting that SUR-8 may act in an ERK-independent pathway to regulate AVC development. Developmental Dynamics 239:2005–2013, 2010 © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yi
- Institute of Developmental Biology & Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
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Bulla GA, Luong Q, Shrestha S, Reeb S, Hickman S. Genome-wide analysis of hepatic gene silencing in mammalian cell hybrids. Genomics 2010; 96:323-32. [PMID: 20801210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2010.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2010] [Revised: 08/13/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Silencing of tissue-specific gene expression in mammalian somatic cell hybrids is a well-documented epigenetic phenomenon which is both profound (involving a large number of genes) and enigmatic. Our aim was to utilize whole-genome microarray analyses to determine the true extent of gene silencing on a genomic level. By comparing gene expression profiles of hepatoma×fibroblast cell hybrids with those of parental cells, we have identified over 300 liver-enriched genes that are repressed at least 5-fold in the cell hybrids, the majority of which are repressed at least 10-fold. Also, we identify nearly 200 fibroblast-enriched genes that are repressed at least 5-fold. Silenced hepatic genes include several that encode transcription factors and proteins involved in signal transduction pathways. These data suggest that extensive reprogramming occurs in cell hybrids, leading to a nearly global (although not complete) loss of tissue-specific gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary A Bulla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 600 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920, USA.
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Liu Z, Habener JF. Wnt signaling in pancreatic islets. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2010; 654:391-419. [PMID: 20217507 DOI: 10.1007/978-90-481-3271-3_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is critically important not only for stem cell amplification, differentiation, and migration, but also is important for organogenesis and the development of the body plan. Beta-catenin/TCF7L2-dependent Wnt signaling (the canonical pathway) is involved in pancreas development, islet function, and insulin production and secretion. The glucoincretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 and the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 modulate canonical Wnt signaling in beta-cells which is obligatory for their mitogenic and cytoprotective actions. Genome-wide association studies have uncovered 19 gene loci that confer susceptibility for the development of type 2 diabetes. At least 14 of these diabetes risk alleles encode proteins that are implicated in islet growth and functioning. Seven of them are either components of, or known target genes for, Wnt signaling. The transcription factor TCF7L2 is particularly strongly associated with risk for diabetes and appears to be fundamentally important in both canonical Wnt signaling and beta-cell functioning. Experimental loss of TCF7L2 function in islets and polymorphisms in TCF7L2 alleles in humans impair glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, suggesting that perturbations in the Wnt signaling pathway may contribute substantially to the susceptibility for, and pathogenesis of, type 2 diabetes. This review focuses on considerations of the hormonal regulation of Wnt signaling in islets and implications for mutations in components of the Wnt signaling pathway as a source for risk-associated alleles for type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Abstract
The development and emergence of the hematopoietic stem cell involves a series of tightly regulated molecular events that are not well characterized. The hematopoietically expressed homeobox (Hhex) gene, a member of the homeobox gene family, is an essential regulator of embryogenesis and hematopoietic progenitor development. To investigate the role of Hhex in hematopoiesis we adapted a murine embryonic stem (ES) cell coculture system, in which ES cells can differentiate into CD41(+) and CD45(+) hematopoietic progenitors in vitro. Our results show that in addition to delayed hemangioblast development, Hhex(-/-) ES-derived progeny accumulate as CD41(+) and CD41(+)c-kit(+) cells, or the earliest definitive hematopoietic progenitors. In addition, Hhex(-/-) ES-derived progeny display a significantly reduced ability to develop into mature CD45(+) hematopoietic cells. The observed reduction in hematopoietic maturation was accompanied by reduced proliferation, because Hhex(-/-) CD41(+)CD45(-)c-kit(+) hematopoietic progenitors accumulated in the G(2) phase of the cell cycle. Thus, Hhex is a critical regulator of hematopoietic development and is necessary for the maturation and proliferation of the earliest definitive hematopoietic progenitors.
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PRH/Hhex controls cell survival through coordinate transcriptional regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. Mol Cell Biol 2010; 30:2120-34. [PMID: 20176809 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01511-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The proline-rich homeodomain protein (PRH) plays multiple roles in the control of gene expression during embryonic development and in the adult. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a mitogen that stimulates cell proliferation and survival via cell surface receptors including VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. VEGF signaling is of critical importance in angiogenesis and hematopoiesis and is elevated in many tumors. Here we show that PRH binds directly to the promoter regions of the Vegf, Vegfr-1, and Vegfr-2 genes and that in each case PRH represses transcription. We demonstrate that overexpression or knockdown of PRH directly impinges on the survival of both leukemic and tumor cells and that the modulation of VEGF and VEGF receptor signaling by PRH mediates these effects. Our findings demonstrate that PRH is a key regulator of the VEGF signaling pathway and describe a mechanism whereby PRH plays an important role in tumorigenesis and leukemogenesis.
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Jang GH, Park IS, Yang JH, Bischoff J, Lee YM. Differential functions of genes regulated by VEGF-NFATc1 signaling pathway in the migration of pulmonary valve endothelial cells. FEBS Lett 2010; 584:141-6. [PMID: 19914243 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2009.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Revised: 10/17/2009] [Accepted: 11/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have reported that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A induces the proliferation of human pulmonary valve endothelial cells (HPVECs) through nuclear factor in activated T cells (NFAT)c1 activation. Here we show that VEGF-A increases the migration of HPVECs through NFATc1 activation, suggesting that VEGF-A/NFATc1 regulates the migration of HPVECs. To learn how this pathway may be involved in post-natal valvular repair, HPVECs were treated with VEGF-A, with or without cyclosporine A to selectively block VEGF-NFATc1 signaling. Down Syndrome critical region 1 (DSCR1) and heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) are two genes identified by DNA microarray as being up-regulated by VEGF-A in a cyclosporine-A-sensitive manner. DSCR1 silencing increased the migration of ovine valve endothelial cells, whereas HB-EGF silencing inhibited migration. This differential effect suggests that VEGF-A/NFATc1 signaling might be a crucial coordinator of endothelial cell migration in post-natal valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gun Hyuk Jang
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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Marfil V, Moya M, Pierreux CE, Castell JV, Lemaigre FP, Real FX, Bort R. Interaction between Hhex and SOX13 modulates Wnt/TCF activity. J Biol Chem 2009; 285:5726-37. [PMID: 20028982 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.046649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Fine-tuning of the Wnt/TCF pathway is crucial for multiple embryological processes, including liver development. Here we describe how the interaction between Hhex (hematopoietically expressed homeobox) and SOX13 (SRY-related high mobility group box transcription factor 13), modulates Wnt/TCF pathway activity. Hhex is a homeodomain factor expressed in multiple endoderm-derived tissues, like the liver, where it is essential for proper development. The pleiotropic expression of Hhex during embryonic development and its dual role as a transcriptional repressor and activator suggest the presence of different tissue-specific partners capable of modulating its activity and function. While searching for developmentally regulated Hhex partners, we set up a yeast two-hybrid screening using an E9.5-10.5 mouse embryo library and the N-terminal domain of Hhex as bait. Among the putative protein interactors, we selected SOX13 for further characterization. We found that SOX13 interacts directly with full-length Hhex, and we delineated the interaction domains within the two proteins. SOX13 is known to repress Wnt/TCF signaling by interacting with TCF1. We show that Hhex is able to block the SOX13-dependent repression of Wnt/TCF activity by displacing SOX13 from the SOX13 x TCF1 complex. Moreover, Hhex de-repressed the Wnt/TCF pathway in the ventral foregut endoderm of cultured mouse embryos electroporated with a SOX13-expressing plasmid. We conclude that the interaction between Hhex and SOX13 may contribute to control Wnt/TCF signaling in the early embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Marfil
- Unitat de Biologia Cellular i Molecular, Institut Municipal d'Investigació Mèdica, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona 08003, Spain
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McCoy EL, Iwanaga R, Jedlicka P, Abbey NS, Chodosh LA, Heichman KA, Welm AL, Ford HL. Six1 expands the mouse mammary epithelial stem/progenitor cell pool and induces mammary tumors that undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J Clin Invest 2009; 119:2663-77. [PMID: 19726883 DOI: 10.1172/jci37691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2008] [Accepted: 06/15/2009] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Six1 is a developmentally regulated homeoprotein with limited expression in most normal adult tissues and frequent misexpression in a variety of malignancies. Here we demonstrate, using a bitransgenic mouse model, that misexpression of human Six1 in adult mouse mammary gland epithelium induces tumors of multiple histological subtypes in a dose-dependent manner. The neoplastic lesions induced by Six1 had an in situ origin, showed diverse differentiation, and exhibited progression to aggressive malignant neoplasms, as is often observed in human carcinoma of the breast. Strikingly, the vast majority of Six1-induced tumors underwent an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and expressed multiple targets of activated Wnt signaling, including cyclin D1. Interestingly, Six1 and cyclin D1 coexpression was found to frequently occur in human breast cancers and was strongly predictive of poor prognosis. We further show that Six1 promoted a stem/progenitor cell phenotype in the mouse mammary gland and in Six1-driven mammary tumors. Our data thus provide genetic evidence for a potent oncogenic role for Six1 in mammary epithelial neoplasia, including promotion of EMT and stem cell-like features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L McCoy
- Program in Molecular Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
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