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Shinsato RN, Correa CG, Herai RH. Genetic network analysis indicate that individuals affected by neurodevelopmental conditions have genetic variations associated with ophthalmologic alterations: A critical review of literature. Gene 2024; 908:148246. [PMID: 38325665 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Changes in the nervous system are related to a wide range of mental disorders, which include neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) that are characterized by early onset mental conditions, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders and correlated conditions (ASD). Previous studies have shown distinct genetic components associated with diverse schizophrenia and ASD phenotypes, with mostly focused on rescuing neural phenotypes and brain activity, but alterations related to vision are overlooked. Thus, as the vision is composed by the eyes that itself represents a part of the brain, with the retina being formed by neurons and cells originating from the glia, genetic variations affecting the brain can also affect the vision. Here, we performed a critical systematic literature review to screen for all genetic variations in individuals presenting NDD with reported alterations in vision. Using these restricting criteria, we found 20 genes with distinct types of genetic variations, inherited or de novo, that includes SNP, SNV, deletion, insertion, duplication or indel. The variations occurring within protein coding regions have different impact on protein formation, such as missense, nonsense or frameshift. Moreover, a molecular analysis of the 20 genes found revealed that 17 shared a common protein-protein or genetic interaction network. Moreover, gene expression analysis in samples from the brain and other tissues indicates that 18 of the genes found are highly expressed in the brain and retina, indicating their potential role in adult vision phenotype. Finally, we only found 3 genes from our study described in standard public databanks of ophthalmogenetics, suggesting that the other 17 genes could be novel target for vision diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogério N Shinsato
- Unisalesiano, Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil; Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Neurogenetics (LaBiN/LEM), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, 80215-901, Brazil.
| | - Camila Graczyk Correa
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Neurogenetics (LaBiN/LEM), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, 80215-901, Brazil
| | - Roberto H Herai
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Neurogenetics (LaBiN/LEM), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Paraná, 80215-901, Brazil; Research Division, Buko Kaesemodel Institute (IBK), Curitiba, Paraná 80240-000, Brazil; Research Division, 9p Brazil Association (A9pB), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul 97060-580, Brazil.
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Lin YC, Wuputra K, Kato K, Ku CC, Saito S, Noguchi M, Nakamura Y, Hsiao M, Lin CS, Wu DC, Kawaguchi A, Yu HS, Yokoyama KK. Di-n-butyl phthalate promotes the neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells through neurogenic differentiation 1. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123722. [PMID: 38460589 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
An understanding of the risk of gene deletion and mutation posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is necessary for the identification of etiological reagents for many human diseases. Therefore, the characterization of the genetic traits caused by developmental exposure to EDCs is an important research subject. A new regenerative approach using embryonic stem cells (ESCs) holds promise for the development of stem-cell-based therapies and the identification of novel therapeutic agents against human diseases. Here, we focused on the characterization of the genetic traits and alterations in pluripotency/stemness triggered by phthalate ester derivatives. Regarding their in vitro effects, we reported the abilities of ESCs regarding proliferation, cell-cycle control, and neural ectoderm differentiation. The expression of their stemness-related genes and their genetic changes toward neural differentiation were examined, which led to the observation that the tumor suppressor gene product p53/retinoblastoma protein 1 and its related cascades play critical functions in cell-cycle progression, cell death, and neural differentiation. In addition, the expression of neurogenic differentiation 1 was affected by exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate in the context of cell differentiation into neural lineages. The nervous system is one of the most sensitive tissues to exposure to phthalate ester derivatives. The present screening system provides a good tool for studying the mechanisms underlying the effects of EDCs on the developmental regulation of humans and rodents, especially on the neuronal development of ESCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Chu Lin
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Kenly Wuputra
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 807, Taiwan; Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan; Cell Therapy and Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Kohsuke Kato
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Chia-Chen Ku
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 807, Taiwan; Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan; Cell Therapy and Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Shigeo Saito
- Saito Laboratory of Cell Technology, Yaita, Tochigi, 329-1571, Japan
| | - Michiya Noguchi
- Cell Engineering Division, BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, BioResource Research Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0074, Japan
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genome Research Center, Academia Sinica, Nangan, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Shen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 807, Taiwan; Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yan-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Deng-Chyang Wu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 807, Taiwan; Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan; Cell Therapy and Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan; Department of Gastroenterology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Atsushi Kawaguchi
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Hsin-Su Yu
- Emeritus Professor in College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Kazunari K Yokoyama
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, 807, Taiwan; Regenerative Medicine and Cell Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan.
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3
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Meka DP, Richter M, Rücker T, Voss H, Rissiek A, Krisp C, Kumar NH, Schwanke B, Fornasiero EF, Schlüter H, Calderon de Anda F. Protocol for differential multi-omic analyses of distinct cell types in the mouse cerebral cortex. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102793. [PMID: 38157295 PMCID: PMC10792265 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we present a protocol for differential multi-omic analyses of distinct cell types in the developing mouse cerebral cortex. We describe steps for in utero electroporation, subsequent flow-cytometry-based isolation of developing mouse cortical cells, bulk RNA sequencing or quantitative liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and bioinformatic analyses. This protocol can be applied to compare the proteomes and transcriptomes of developing mouse cortical cell populations after various manipulations (e.g., epigenetic). For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Meka et al. (2022).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durga Praveen Meka
- RG Neuronal Development, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Richter
- RG Neuronal Development, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tabitha Rücker
- RG Neuronal Development, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Hannah Voss
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Mass Spectrometric Proteomics Group, Campus Forschung, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne Rissiek
- Cytometry und Cell Sorting Core Unit, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Krisp
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Mass Spectrometric Proteomics Group, Campus Forschung, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nisha Hemandhar Kumar
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Birgit Schwanke
- RG Neuronal Development, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eugenio F Fornasiero
- Department of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Hartmut Schlüter
- Diagnostic Center, Section Mass Spectrometric Proteomics Group, Campus Forschung, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Froylan Calderon de Anda
- RG Neuronal Development, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany.
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Lim Y. Transcription factors in microcephaly. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1302033. [PMID: 38094004 PMCID: PMC10716367 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1302033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Higher cognition in humans, compared to other primates, is often attributed to an increased brain size, especially forebrain cortical surface area. Brain size is determined through highly orchestrated developmental processes, including neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, lamination, arborization, and apoptosis. Disruption in these processes often results in either a small (microcephaly) or large (megalencephaly) brain. One of the key mechanisms controlling these developmental processes is the spatial and temporal transcriptional regulation of critical genes. In humans, microcephaly is defined as a condition with a significantly smaller head circumference compared to the average head size of a given age and sex group. A growing number of genes are identified as associated with microcephaly, and among them are those involved in transcriptional regulation. In this review, a subset of genes encoding transcription factors (e.g., homeobox-, basic helix-loop-helix-, forkhead box-, high mobility group box-, and zinc finger domain-containing transcription factors), whose functions are important for cortical development and implicated in microcephaly, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngshin Lim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Science Education, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Honnell V, Sweeney S, Norrie J, Ramirez C, Xu B, Teubner B, Lee AY, Bell C, Dyer MA. Identification of Evolutionarily Conserved VSX2 Enhancers in Retinal Development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.17.562742. [PMID: 37905144 PMCID: PMC10614883 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.17.562742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Super-enhancers (SEs) are expansive regions of genomic DNA that regulate the expression of genes involved in cell identity and cell fate. Recently, we found that distinct modules within a murine SE regulate gene expression of master regulatory transcription factor Vsx2 in a developmental stage- and cell-type specific manner. Vsx2 is expressed in retinal progenitor cells as well as differentiated bipolar neurons and Müller glia. Mutations in VSX2 in humans and mice lead to microphthalmia due to a defect in retinal progenitor cell proliferation. Deletion of a single module within the Vsx2 SE leads to microphthalmia. Deletion of a separate module within the SE leads to a complete loss of bipolar neurons, yet the remainder of the retina develops normally. Furthermore, the Vsx2 SE is evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates, suggesting that these modules are important for retinal development across species. In the present study, we examine the ability of these modules to drive retinal development between species. By inserting the human build of one Vsx2 SE module into a mouse with microphthalmia, eye size was rescued. To understand the implications of these SE modules in a model of human development, we generated human retinal organoids. Deleting one module results in small organoids, recapitulating the small-eyed phenotype of mice with microphthalmia, while deletion of the other module leads to a complete loss of ON cone bipolar neurons. This prototypical SE serves as a model for uncoupling developmental stage- and cell-type specific effects of neurogenic transcription factors with complex expression patterns. Moreover, by elucidating the gene regulatory mechanisms, we can begin to examine how dysregulation of these mechanisms contributes to phenotypic diversity and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Honnell
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Shannon Sweeney
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Jackie Norrie
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Cody Ramirez
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Beisi Xu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Brett Teubner
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
| | - Ah Young Lee
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Claire Bell
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21231, USA
| | - Michael A. Dyer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA
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Singh N, Siebzehnrubl FA, Martinez-Garay I. Transcriptional control of embryonic and adult neural progenitor activity. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1217596. [PMID: 37588515 PMCID: PMC10426504 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1217596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural precursors generate neurons in the embryonic brain and in restricted niches of the adult brain in a process called neurogenesis. The precise control of cell proliferation and differentiation in time and space required for neurogenesis depends on sophisticated orchestration of gene transcription in neural precursor cells. Much progress has been made in understanding the transcriptional regulation of neurogenesis, which relies on dose- and context-dependent expression of specific transcription factors that regulate the maintenance and proliferation of neural progenitors, followed by their differentiation into lineage-specified cells. Here, we review some of the most widely studied neurogenic transcription factors in the embryonic cortex and neurogenic niches in the adult brain. We compare functions of these transcription factors in embryonic and adult neurogenesis, highlighting biochemical, developmental, and cell biological properties. Our goal is to present an overview of transcriptional regulation underlying neurogenesis in the developing cerebral cortex and in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niharika Singh
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Florian A. Siebzehnrubl
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Isabel Martinez-Garay
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Arancibia-Opazo S, Contreras-Riquelme JS, Sánchez M, Cisternas-Olmedo M, Vidal RL, Martin AJM, Sáez MA. Transcriptional and Histone Acetylation Changes Associated with CRE Elements Expose Key Factors Governing the Regulatory Circuit in the Early Stage of Huntington's Disease Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10848. [PMID: 37446028 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a disorder caused by an abnormal expansion of trinucleotide CAG repeats within the huntingtin (Htt) gene. Under normal conditions, the CREB Binding Protein interacts with CREB elements and acetylates Lysine 27 of Histone 3 to direct the expression of several genes. However, mutant Htt causes depletion of CBP, which in turn induces altered histone acetylation patterns and transcriptional deregulation. Here, we have studied a differential expression analysis and H3K27ac variation in 4- and 6-week-old R6/2 mice as a model of juvenile HD. The analysis of differential gene expression and acetylation levels were integrated into Gene Regulatory Networks revealing key regulators involved in the altered transcription cascade. Our results show changes in acetylation and gene expression levels that are related to impaired neuronal development, and key regulators clearly defined in 6-week-old mice are proposed to drive the downstream regulatory cascade in HD. Here, we describe the first approach to determine the relationship among epigenetic changes in the early stages of HD. We determined the existence of changes in pre-symptomatic stages of HD as a starting point for early onset indicators of the progression of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Arancibia-Opazo
- Chromatin, Epigenetic, and Neuroscience Laboratory, Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Genómica Integrativa, Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
- Laboratorio de Redes Biológicas, Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 8580704, Chile
| | - J Sebastián Contreras-Riquelme
- Plant Genome Regulation Lab, Centro de Biotecnología Vegetal, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Mario Sánchez
- Chromatin, Epigenetic, and Neuroscience Laboratory, Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
| | - Marisol Cisternas-Olmedo
- Centro de Biología Integrativa, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, University of Chile, Santiago 8380455, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - René L Vidal
- Centro de Biología Integrativa, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, University of Chile, Santiago 8380455, Chile
- Center for Geroscience, Brain Health, and Metabolism, Santiago 8380453, Chile
- Escuela de Biotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
| | - Alberto J M Martin
- Laboratorio de Redes Biológicas, Centro Científico y Tecnológico de Excelencia Ciencia & Vida, Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 8580704, Chile
- Escuela de Ingeniería, Facultad de Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Diseño, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 7500000, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Sáez
- Chromatin, Epigenetic, and Neuroscience Laboratory, Centro de Genómica y Bioinformática, Facultad de Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología, Universidad Mayor, Santiago 8580745, Chile
- Centro de Oncología de Precisión, Facultad de Medicina Universidad Mayor, Santiago 7560908, Chile
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Salud de Precisión, Departamento de Procesos Diagnósticos y Evaluación, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Temuco, Temuco 4813302, Chile
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Jalilian E, Shin SR. Novel model of cortical-meningeal organoid co-culture system improves human cortical brain organoid cytoarchitecture. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7809. [PMID: 37183210 PMCID: PMC10183460 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cortical organoids (hCOs), derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), provide a platform to interrogate mechanisms of human brain development and diseases in complex three- dimensional tissues. However, current hCO development methods lack important non-neural tissues, such as the surrounding meningeal layer, that have been shown to be essential for normal corticogenesis and brain development. Here, we first generated hCOs from a single rosette to create more homogenous organoids with consistent size around 250 µm by day 5. We then took advantage of a 3D co-culture system to encapsulate brain organoids with a thin layer of meningeal cells from the very early stages of cortical development. Immunostaining analysis was performed to display different cortical layer markers during different stages of development. Real-time monitoring of organoid development using IncuCyte displayed enhanced morphology and increased growth rate over time. We found that meningeal-encapsulated organoids illustrated better laminar organization by exhibiting higher expression of REELIN by Cajal-Retzius neurons. Presence of meningeal cells resulted in a greater expansion of TBR2 intermediate progenitor cells (IPCs), the deep cortical layer (CTIP2) and upper cortical layer (BRN2). Finally, meningeal-encapsulated organoids enhanced outer radial glial and astrocyte formation illustrated by stronger expression of HOPX and GFAP markers, respectively. This study presents a novel 3D co-culture platform to more closely mimic the in vivo cortical brain structure and enable us to better investigating mechanisms underlying the neurodevelopmental disorders during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elmira Jalilian
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Richard and Loan Hill Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
| | - Su Ryon Shin
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
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Baklaushev VP, Yusubalieva GM, Samoilova EM, Belopasov VV. Resident Neural Stem Cell Niches and Regeneration: The Splendors and Miseries of Adult Neurogenesis. Russ J Dev Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360422030080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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10
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Ochi S, Manabe S, Kikkawa T, Osumi N. Thirty Years' History since the Discovery of Pax6: From Central Nervous System Development to Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116115. [PMID: 35682795 PMCID: PMC9181425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pax6 is a sequence-specific DNA binding transcription factor that positively and negatively regulates transcription and is expressed in multiple cell types in the developing and adult central nervous system (CNS). As indicated by the morphological and functional abnormalities in spontaneous Pax6 mutant rodents, Pax6 plays pivotal roles in various biological processes in the CNS. At the initial stage of CNS development, Pax6 is responsible for brain patterning along the anteroposterior and dorsoventral axes of the telencephalon. Regarding the anteroposterior axis, Pax6 is expressed inversely to Emx2 and Coup-TF1, and Pax6 mutant mice exhibit a rostral shift, resulting in an alteration of the size of certain cortical areas. Pax6 and its downstream genes play important roles in balancing the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells. The Pax6 gene was originally identified in mice and humans 30 years ago via genetic analyses of the eye phenotypes. The human PAX6 gene was discovered in patients who suffer from WAGR syndrome (i.e., Wilms tumor, aniridia, genital ridge defects, mental retardation). Mutations of the human PAX6 gene have also been reported to be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. Rodents that lack the Pax6 gene exhibit diverse neural phenotypes, which might lead to a better understanding of human pathology and neurodevelopmental disorders. This review describes the expression and function of Pax6 during brain development, and their implications for neuropathology.
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11
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Leung RF, George AM, Roussel EM, Faux MC, Wigle JT, Eisenstat DD. Genetic Regulation of Vertebrate Forebrain Development by Homeobox Genes. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:843794. [PMID: 35546872 PMCID: PMC9081933 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.843794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Forebrain development in vertebrates is regulated by transcription factors encoded by homeobox, bHLH and forkhead gene families throughout the progressive and overlapping stages of neural induction and patterning, regional specification and generation of neurons and glia from central nervous system (CNS) progenitor cells. Moreover, cell fate decisions, differentiation and migration of these committed CNS progenitors are controlled by the gene regulatory networks that are regulated by various homeodomain-containing transcription factors, including but not limited to those of the Pax (paired), Nkx, Otx (orthodenticle), Gsx/Gsh (genetic screened), and Dlx (distal-less) homeobox gene families. This comprehensive review outlines the integral role of key homeobox transcription factors and their target genes on forebrain development, focused primarily on the telencephalon. Furthermore, links of these transcription factors to human diseases, such as neurodevelopmental disorders and brain tumors are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan F. Leung
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ankita M. George
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Enola M. Roussel
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Maree C. Faux
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffrey T. Wigle
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - David D. Eisenstat
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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12
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Ghrelin Regulates Expression of the Transcription Factor Pax6 in Hypoxic Brain Progenitor Cells and Neurons. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050782. [PMID: 35269403 PMCID: PMC8909042 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The nature of brain impairment after hypoxia is complex and recovery harnesses different mechanisms, including neuroprotection and neurogenesis. Experimental evidence suggests that hypoxia may trigger neurogenesis postnatally by influencing the expression of a variety of transcription factors. However, the existing data are controversial. As a proof-of-principle, we subjected cultured cerebral cortex neurons, cerebellar granule neurons and organotypic cerebral cortex slices from rat brains to hypoxia and treated these cultures with the hormone ghrelin, which is well-known for its neuroprotective functions. We found that hypoxia elevated the expression levels and stimulated nuclear translocation of ghrelin’s receptor GHSR1 in the cultured neurons and the acute organotypic slices, whereas ghrelin treatment reduced the receptor expression to normoxic levels. GHSR1 expression was also increased in cerebral cortex neurons of mice with induced experimental stroke. Additional quantitative analyses of immunostainings for neuronal proliferation and differentiation markers revealed that hypoxia stimulated the proliferation of neuronal progenitors, whereas ghrelin application during the phase of recovery from hypoxia counteracted these effects. At the mechanistic level, we provide a link between the described post-ischemic phenomena and the expression of the transcription factor Pax6, an important regulator of neural progenitor cell fate. In contrast to the neurogenic niches in the brain where hypoxia is known to increase Pax6 expression, the levels of the transcription factor in cultured hypoxic cerebral cortex cells were downregulated. Moreover, the application of ghrelin to hypoxic neurons normalised the expression levels of these factors. Our findings suggest that ghrelin stimulates neurogenic factors for the protection of neurons in a GHSR1-dependent manner in non-neurogenic brain areas such as the cerebral cortex after exposure to hypoxia.
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13
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Regulation of Eye Determination and Regionalization in the Spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040631. [PMID: 35203282 PMCID: PMC8870698 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal visual systems are enormously diverse, but their development appears to be controlled by a set of conserved retinal determination genes (RDGs). Spiders are particular masters of visual system innovation, and offer an excellent opportunity to study the evolution of animal eyes. Several RDGs have been identified in spider eye primordia, but their interactions and regulation remain unclear. From our knowledge of RDG network regulation in Drosophila melanogaster, we hypothesize that orthologs of Pax6, eyegone, Wnt genes, hh, dpp, and atonal could play important roles in controlling eye development in spiders. We analyzed the expression of these genes in developing embryos of the spider Parasteatodatepidariorum, both independently and in relation to the eye primordia, marked using probes for the RDG sine oculis. Our results support conserved roles for Wnt genes in restricting the size and position of the eye field, as well as for atonal initiating photoreceptor differentiation. However, we found no strong evidence for an upstream role of Pax6 in eye development, despite its label as a master regulator of animal eye development; nor do eyg, hh or dpp compensate for the absence of Pax6. Conversely, our results indicate that hh may work with Wnt signaling to restrict eye growth, a role similar to that of Sonichedgehog (Shh) in vertebrates.
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14
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Honnell V, Norrie JL, Patel AG, Ramirez C, Zhang J, Lai YH, Wan S, Dyer MA. Identification of a modular super-enhancer in murine retinal development. Nat Commun 2022; 13:253. [PMID: 35017532 PMCID: PMC8752785 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27924-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Super-enhancers are expansive regions of genomic DNA comprised of multiple putative enhancers that contribute to the dynamic gene expression patterns during development. This is particularly important in neurogenesis because many essential transcription factors have complex developmental stage- and cell-type specific expression patterns across the central nervous system. In the developing retina, Vsx2 is expressed in retinal progenitor cells and is maintained in differentiated bipolar neurons and Müller glia. A single super-enhancer controls this complex and dynamic pattern of expression. Here we show that deletion of one region disrupts retinal progenitor cell proliferation but does not affect cell fate specification. The deletion of another region has no effect on retinal progenitor cell proliferation but instead leads to a complete loss of bipolar neurons. This prototypical super-enhancer may serve as a model for dissecting the complex gene expression patterns for neurogenic transcription factors during development. Moreover, it provides a unique opportunity to alter expression of individual transcription factors in particular cell types at specific stages of development. This provides a deeper understanding of function that cannot be achieved with traditional knockout mouse approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Honnell
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jackie L Norrie
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Anand G Patel
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Cody Ramirez
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Jiakun Zhang
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Yu-Hsuan Lai
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Shibiao Wan
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Michael A Dyer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA.
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15
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Samoilova EM, Belopasov VV, Baklaushev VP. Transcription Factors of Direct Neuronal Reprogramming in Ontogenesis and Ex Vivo. Mol Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893321040087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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16
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Lan HC, Du TH, Yao YL, Yang WM. Ocular disease-associated mutations diminish the mitotic chromosome retention ability of PAX6. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2021; 1864:194751. [PMID: 34500082 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2021.194751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors play a key role in maintaining cell identity. One mechanism of such cell memory after multiple rounds of cell division cycles is through persistent mitotic chromosome binding, although how individual transcription factors achieve mitotic chromosome retention is not completely understood. Here we show that PAX6, a lineage-determining transcription factor, coats mitotic chromosomes. Using deletion and point mutants associated with human ocular diseases in live-cell imaging analysis, we identified two regions, MCR-D1 and MCR-D2, that were responsible for mitotic chromosome retention of PAX6. We also identified three nuclear localization signals (NLSs) that contributed to mitotic chromosome retention independent of their nuclear import functions. Full mitotic chromosome retention required the presence of DNA-binding domains as well as NLSs within MCR-Ds. Furthermore, disease-associated mutations and NLS mutations changed the distribution of intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in PAX6. Our findings not only identify PAX6 as a novel mitotic chromosome retention factor but also demonstrate that the mechanism of mitotic chromosome retention involves sequence-specific DNA binding, NLSs, and molecular conformation determined by IDRs. These findings link mitotic chromosome retention with PAX6-related pathogenesis and imply similar mechanisms for other lineage-determining factors in the PAX family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Chi Lan
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Huei Du
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Li Yao
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Ming Yang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan.
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17
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Grant MK, Bobilev AM, Branch A, Lauderdale JD. Structural and functional consequences of PAX6 mutations in the brain: Implications for aniridia. Brain Res 2021; 1756:147283. [PMID: 33515537 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The paired-box 6 (PAX6) gene encodes a highly conserved transcription factor essential for the proper development of the eye and brain. Heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in PAX6 are causal for a condition known as aniridia in humans and the Small eye phenotype in mice. Aniridia is characterized by iris hypoplasia and other ocular abnormalities, but recent evidence of neuroanatomical, sensory, and cognitive impairments in this population has emerged, indicating brain-related phenotypes as a prevalent feature of the disorder. Determining the neurophysiological origins of brain-related phenotypes in this disorder presents a substantial challenge, as the majority of extra-ocular traits in aniridia demonstrate a high degree of heterogeneity. Here, we summarize and integrate findings from human and rodent model studies, which have focused on neuroanatomical and functional consequences of PAX6 mutations. We highlight novel findings from PAX6 central nervous system studies in adult mammals, and integrate these findings into what we know about PAX6's role in development of the central nervous system. This review presents the current literature in the field in order to inform clinical application, discusses what is needed in future studies, and highlights PAX6 as a lens through which to understand genetic disorders affecting the human nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison K Grant
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
| | - Anastasia M Bobilev
- Neuroscience Division of the Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Audrey Branch
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
| | - James D Lauderdale
- Department of Cellular Biology, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA; Neuroscience Division of the Biomedical and Health Sciences Institute, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.
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18
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Abstract
The mammalian cerebral cortex is the pinnacle of brain evolution, reaching its maximum complexity in terms of neuron number, diversity and functional circuitry. The emergence of this outstanding complexity begins during embryonic development, when a limited number of neural stem and progenitor cells manage to generate myriads of neurons in the appropriate numbers, types and proportions, in a process called neurogenesis. Here we review the current knowledge on the regulation of cortical neurogenesis, beginning with a description of the types of progenitor cells and their lineage relationships. This is followed by a review of the determinants of neuron fate, the molecular and genetic regulatory mechanisms, and considerations on the evolution of cortical neurogenesis in vertebrates leading to humans. We finish with an overview on how dysregulation of neurogenesis is a leading cause of human brain malformations and functional disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Villalba
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Institute for Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München & Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians Universitaet, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Víctor Borrell
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain.
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19
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Berntsson SG, Kristoffersson A, Daniilidou M, Dahl N, Ekström C, Semnic R, Markström A, Niemelä V, Partinen M, Hallböök F, Landtblom AM. Aniridia with PAX6 mutations and narcolepsy. J Sleep Res 2020; 29:e12982. [PMID: 31943460 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12982] [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: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
PAX6 gene mutations cause a variety of eye and central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. Aniridia is often accompanied by CNS abnormalities such as pineal gland atrophy or hypoplasia, leading to disturbed circadian rhythm and sleep disorders. Less is known on the coincidence of narcolepsy in this patient group. We aimed to find out whether the circadian rhythm or sleep-wake structure was affected in patients with aniridia. Four members of a family segregating with congenital aniridia in two generations were included in the study. The patients were subjected to genetic testing for a PAX6 mutation, multiple sleep latency test, whole-brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hypocretin-1 in cerebrospinal fluid, and Human Leukocyte Antigen DQ beta1*06:02. All four members were heterozygous for the pathogenic c.959-1G>A mutation in the PAX6 gene. Sleep disturbance was observed in all family members. The index patient was diagnosed with narcolepsy. MRI showed a hypoplastic pineal gland in all members. We describe the first case of a patient with PAX6 haploinsufficiency, aniridia and pineal gland hypoplasia diagnosed with narcolepsy type-1, suggesting a complex sleep disorder pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Kristoffersson
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology, Medical Faculty, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Makrina Daniilidou
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Niklas Dahl
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Curt Ekström
- Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert Semnic
- Section of Neuroradiology, Department of Radiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Agneta Markström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy, and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Valter Niemelä
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Markku Partinen
- Vitalmed Research Center, Helsinki Sleep Clinic, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Finn Hallböök
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anne-Marie Landtblom
- Department of Neuroscience, Neurology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology, Medical Faculty, University of Linköping, Linköping, Sweden
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20
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Chhabra NF, Amarie OV, Wu M, Amend AL, Rubey M, Gradinger D, Irmler M, Beckers J, Rathkolb B, Wolf E, Feuchtinger A, Huypens P, Teperino R, Rozman J, Przemeck GKH, Hrabě de Angelis M. PAX6 mutation alters circadian rhythm and β cell function in mice without affecting glucose tolerance. Commun Biol 2020; 3:628. [PMID: 33127955 PMCID: PMC7599253 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01337-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor PAX6 is involved in the development of the eye and pancreatic islets, besides being associated with sleep–wake cycles. Here, we investigated a point mutation in the RED subdomain of PAX6, previously described in a human patient, to present a comprehensive study of a homozygous Pax6 mutation in the context of adult mammalian metabolism and circadian rhythm. Pax6Leca2 mice lack appropriate retinal structures for light perception and do not display normal daily rhythmic changes in energy metabolism. Despite β cell dysfunction and decreased insulin secretion, mutant mice have normal glucose tolerance. This is associated with reduced hepatic glucose production possibly due to altered circadian variation in expression of clock and metabolic genes, thereby evading hyperglycemia. Hence, our findings show that while the RED subdomain is important for β cell functional maturity, the Leca2 mutation impacts peripheral metabolism via loss of circadian rhythm, thus revealing pleiotropic effects of PAX6. Nirav Chhabra et al. characterize adult mice carrying a homozygous mutation in Pax6 that was identified in a patient with foveal hypoplasia. They find that the Pax6 point mutation has pleiotropic effects, including defects in the mouse retinal structures, loss of the optic nerve, changes in energy metabolism and circadian rhythms, and dysregulation of genes expressed in the pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirav Florian Chhabra
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Oana Veronica Amarie
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Moya Wu
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Amend
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marina Rubey
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Gradinger
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Irmler
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Johannes Beckers
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Chair of Experimental Genetics, Center of Life and Food Sciences, Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Birgit Rathkolb
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Gene Center, Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Munich, Germany
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany.,Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Gene Center, Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Munich, Germany
| | - Annette Feuchtinger
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Peter Huypens
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Raffaele Teperino
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jan Rozman
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Gerhard K H Przemeck
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Hrabě de Angelis
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Experimental Genetics and German Mouse Clinic, Neuherberg, Germany. .,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany. .,Chair of Experimental Genetics, Center of Life and Food Sciences, Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany.
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21
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Nesan D, Kurrasch DM. Gestational Exposure to Common Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Their Impact on Neurodevelopment and Behavior. Annu Rev Physiol 2019; 82:177-202. [PMID: 31738670 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-021119-034555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are common in our environment and act on hormone systems and signaling pathways to alter physiological homeostasis. Gestational exposure can disrupt developmental programs, permanently altering tissues with impacts lasting into adulthood. The brain is a critical target for developmental endocrine disruption, resulting in altered neuroendocrine control of hormonal signaling, altered neurotransmitter control of nervous system function, and fundamental changes in behaviors such as learning, memory, and social interactions. Human cohort studies reveal correlations between maternal/fetal exposure to endocrine disruptors and incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we summarize the major literature findings of endocrine disruption of neurodevelopment and concomitant changes in behavior by four major endocrine disruptor classes:bisphenol A, polychlorinated biphenyls, organophosphates, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. We specifically review studies of gestational and/or lactational exposure to understand the effects of early life exposure to these compounds and summarize animal studies that help explain human correlative data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinushan Nesan
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada; , .,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Deborah M Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada; , .,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada.,Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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22
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Klann M, Seaver EC. Functional role of pax6 during eye and nervous system development in the annelid Capitella teleta. Dev Biol 2019; 456:86-103. [PMID: 31445008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor Pax6 is an important regulator of early animal development. Loss of function mutations of pax6 in a range of animals result in a reduction or complete loss of the eye, a reduction of a subset of neurons, and defects in axon growth. There are no studies focusing on the role of pax6 during development of any lophotrochozoan representative, however, expression of pax6 in the developing eye and nervous system in a number of species suggest that pax6 plays a highly conserved role in eye and nervous system formation. We investigated the functional role of pax6 during development of the marine annelid Capitella teleta. Expression of pax6 transcripts in C. teleta larvae is similar to patterns found in other animals, with distinct subdomains in the brain and ventral nerve cord as well as in the larval and juvenile eye. To perturb pax6 function, two different splice-blocking morpholinos and a translation-blocking morpholino were used. Larvae resulting from microinjections with either splice-blocking morpholino show a reduction of the pax6 transcript. Development of both the larval eyes and the central nervous system architecture are highly disrupted following microinjection of each of the three morpholinos. The less severe phenotype observed when only the homeodomain is disrupted suggests that presence of the paired domain is sufficient for partial function of the Pax6 protein. Preliminary downstream target analysis confirms disruption in expression of some components of the retinal gene regulatory network, as well as disruption of genes involved in nervous system development. Results from this study, taken together with studies from other species, reveal an evolutionarily conserved role for pax6 in eye and neural specification and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen Klann
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, Fl, 32080, USA
| | - Elaine C Seaver
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, 9505 Ocean Shore Blvd, St. Augustine, Fl, 32080, USA.
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23
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Babich R, Van Beneden RJ. Effect of arsenic exposure on early eye development in zebrafish (Danio rerio). J Appl Toxicol 2019; 39:824-831. [PMID: 30671985 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic is a metalloid that contaminates drinking water supplies worldwide. Owing to concerns for human health, the World Health Organization and the US Environmental Protection Agency have established a safe level in drinking water of ≤10 ppb. Recently, arsenic exposure has also been linked to lower IQ values in children. The effect of arsenic on neurogenesis, specifically eye development, has not been widely explored. This study aimed to examine the effect of environmentally relevant concentrations of arsenic on early eye development by morphological and molecular analysis. The zebrafish, Danio rerio, was chosen to model the impact of arsenic on retinogenesis because of similarities to human eye development. Arsenic exposure to zebrafish embryos resulted in a significant increase in eye diameter at 14 days postfertilization. This was coupled with a trend in thinning of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) layer in embryos exposed to 500 ppb arsenic. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of genes associated with eye development revealed differential expression of Pax6a, Pax2a, Ngn1, Sox2 and Shha relative to control. Pax6a, Pax2a and Sox2 are important in the formation of the RPE. Proper formation of the RPE is necessary for growth of the sclera, which, in turn, is responsible for maintaining the shape of the eye. This could potentially be explained by the disruption of gene expression under arsenic exposure during critical time points in early eye development. These results provide insight into the effects arsenic may be having on early eye development in children exposed to contaminated drinking water supplies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remy Babich
- School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
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24
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Mouse models for microphthalmia, anophthalmia and cataracts. Hum Genet 2019; 138:1007-1018. [PMID: 30919050 PMCID: PMC6710221 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-019-01995-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mouse mutants are a long-lasting, valuable tool to identify genes underlying eye diseases, because the absence of eyes, very small eyes and severely affected, cataractous eyes are easily to detect without major technical equipment. In mice, actually 145 genes or loci are known for anophthalmia, 269 for microphthalmia, and 180 for cataracts. Approximately, 25% of the loci are not yet characterized; however, some of the ancient lines are extinct and not available for future research. The phenotypes of the mutants represent a continuous spectrum either in anophthalmia and microphthalmia, or in microphthalmia and cataracts. On the other side, mouse models are still missing for some genes, which have been identified in human families to be causative for anophthalmia, microphthalmia, or cataracts. Finally, the mouse offers the possibility to genetically test the roles of modifiers and the role of SNPs; these aspects open new avenues for ophthalmogenetics in the mouse.
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25
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Quintana-Urzainqui I, Kozić Z, Mitra S, Tian T, Manuel M, Mason JO, Price DJ. Tissue-Specific Actions of Pax6 on Proliferation and Differentiation Balance in Developing Forebrain Are Foxg1 Dependent. iScience 2018; 10:171-191. [PMID: 30529950 PMCID: PMC6287089 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Differences in the growth and maturation of diverse forebrain tissues depend on region-specific transcriptional regulation. Individual transcription factors act simultaneously in multiple regions that develop very differently, raising questions about the extent to which their actions vary regionally. We found that the transcription factor Pax6 affects the transcriptomes and the balance between proliferation and differentiation in opposite directions in the diencephalon versus cerebral cortex. We tested several possible mechanisms to explain Pax6's tissue-specific actions and found that the presence of the transcription factor Foxg1 in the cortex but not in the diencephalon was most influential. We found that Foxg1 is responsible for many of the differences in cell cycle gene expression between the diencephalon and cortex and, in cortex lacking Foxg1, Pax6's action on the balance of proliferation versus differentiation becomes diencephalon like. Our findings reveal a mechanism for generating regional forebrain diversity in which one transcription factor completely reverses the actions of another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idoia Quintana-Urzainqui
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Zrinko Kozić
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Soham Mitra
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Tian Tian
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Martine Manuel
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - John O Mason
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - David J Price
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
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Mi D, Manuel M, Huang YT, Mason JO, Price DJ. Pax6 Lengthens G1 Phase and Decreases Oscillating Cdk6 Levels in Murine Embryonic Cortical Progenitors. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:419. [PMID: 30498434 PMCID: PMC6249377 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pax6 is a key regulator of the rates of progenitor cell division in cerebral corticogenesis. Previous work has suggested that this action is mediated at least in part by regulation of the cell cycle gene Cdk6, which acts largely on the transition from G1 to S phase. We began the present study by investigating whether, in addition to Cdk6, other Pax6-regulated cell cycle genes are likely to be primary mediators of Pax6’s actions on cortical progenitor cell cycles. Following acute cortex-specific deletion of Pax6, Cdk6 showed changes in expression a day earlier than any other Pax6-regulated cell cycle gene suggesting that it is the primary mediator of Pax6’s actions. We then used flow cytometry to show that progenitors lacking Pax6 have a shortened G1 phase and that their Cdk6 levels are increased in all phases. We found that Cdk6 levels oscillate during the cell cycle, increasing from G1 to M phase. We propose a model in which loss of Pax6 shortens G1 phase by raising overall Cdk6 levels, thereby shortening the time taken for Cdk6 levels to cross a threshold triggering transition to S phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Mi
- Biomedical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Martine Manuel
- Biomedical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Yu-Ting Huang
- Biomedical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - John O Mason
- Biomedical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - David J Price
- Biomedical Sciences, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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27
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Yin N, Liang S, Liang S, Hu B, Yang R, Zhou Q, Jiang G, Faiola F. DEP and DBP induce cytotoxicity in mouse embryonic stem cells and abnormally enhance neural ectoderm development. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 236:21-32. [PMID: 29414342 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) are two typical small phthalate esters, extensively used in personal care and consumer products. Although previous studies have linked phthalate esters to several health issues, it is still unclear whether they can affects the early stages of embryonic development. In this study, we evaluated the early developmental neurotoxicity as well as the cytotoxicity of DEP and DBP, using mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Our results showed that both DEP and DBP could decrease mESC viability in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, while DBP could activate the caspase-3/7 enzymes and cause cell membrane damage as well as intracellular ROS accumulation, interestingly DEP treatment only showed stimulation of ROS production. In addition, DEP and DBP treatment at non-cytotoxic concentrations, abnormally altered the expression levels of several vitally important regulators of embryo development. For instance, neural ectoderm markers, such as Pax6, Nestin, Sox1 and Sox3, were significantly up-regulated upon DEP and DBP exposure. In conclusion, our work suggests a potential developmental toxicity of DEP and DBP on mammals, especially for neural ectoderm specification. Our findings help better understand the association between health problems and DEP/DBP exposure and most significantly remind us of the importance of additional health risk tests for these two largely used chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuoya Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shengxian Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Shaojun Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Bowen Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Renjun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qunfang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guibin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Francesco Faiola
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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28
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Nesan D, Sewell LC, Kurrasch DM. Opening the black box of endocrine disruption of brain development: Lessons from the characterization of Bisphenol A. Horm Behav 2018; 101:50-58. [PMID: 29241697 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is among the best-studied endocrine disrupting chemicals, known to act via multiple steroid hormone receptors to mediate a myriad of cellular effects. Pre-, peri-, and postnatal BPA exposure have been linked to a variety of altered behaviors in multiple model organisms, ranging from zebrafish to frogs to mammalian models. Given that BPA can cross the human placental barrier and has been found in the serum of human fetuses during gestation, BPA has been postulated to adversely affect ongoing neurodevelopment, ultimately leading to behavioral disorders later in life. Indeed, the brain has been identified as a key developmental target for BPA disruption. Despite these known associations between gestational BPA exposure and adverse developmental outcomes, as well as an extensive body of evidence existing in the literature, the mechanisms by which BPA induces its cellular- and tissue-specific effects on neurodevelopmental processes still remains poorly understood at a mechanistic level. In this review we will briefly summarize the effects of gestational BPA exposure on neural developmental mechanisms and resulting behaviors, and then present suggestions for how we might address gaps in our knowledge to develop a fuller understanding of endocrine neurodevelopmental disruption to better inform governmental policy against the use of BPA or other endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinushan Nesan
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotckhiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Laronna C Sewell
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotckhiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Deborah M Kurrasch
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotckhiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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29
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Abstract
Paired box protein 6 (PAX6) is a master regulator of the eye development. Over the last past two decades, our understanding of eye development, especially the molecular function of PAX6, has focused on transcriptional control of the Pax6 expression. However, other regulatory mechanisms for gene expression, including alternative splicing (AS), have been understudied in the eye development. Recent findings suggest that two PAX6 isoforms generated by AS of Pax6 pre-mRNA may play previously underappreciated role(s) during eye development, especially, the corneal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Woo Park
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau , Macau, China
| | - Juan Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau , Macau, China
| | - Ren-He Xu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau , Macau, China
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30
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Govindan S, Jabaudon D. Coupling progenitor and neuronal diversity in the developing neocortex. FEBS Lett 2017; 591:3960-3977. [PMID: 28895133 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The adult neocortex is composed of several types of glutamatergic neurons, which are sequentially born from progenitors during development. The extent and nature of progenitor diversity, and how it relates to neuronal diversity, is still poorly understood. In this review, we discuss key features of neocortical progenitors across several species, including their morphological properties, cell cycling behaviour and molecular signatures, and how these features relate to the competence of these cells to generate distinct types of progenies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Denis Jabaudon
- Department of Basic Neuroscience, University of Geneva, Switzerland
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31
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Remez LA, Onishi A, Menuchin-Lasowski Y, Biran A, Blackshaw S, Wahlin KJ, Zack DJ, Ashery-Padan R. Pax6 is essential for the generation of late-born retinal neurons and for inhibition of photoreceptor-fate during late stages of retinogenesis. Dev Biol 2017; 432:140-150. [PMID: 28993200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the developing retina, as in other regions of the CNS, neural progenitors give rise to individual cell types during discrete temporal windows. Pax6 is expressed in retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) throughout the course of retinogenesis, and has been shown to be required during early retinogenesis for generation of most early-born cell types. In this study, we examined the function of Pax6 in postnatal mouse retinal development. We found that Pax6 is essential for the generation of late-born interneurons, while inhibiting photoreceptor differentiation. Generation of bipolar interneurons requires Pax6 expression in RPCs, while Pax6 is required for the generation of glycinergic, but not for GABAergic or non-GABAergic-non-glycinergic (nGnG) amacrine cell subtypes. In contrast, overexpression of either full-length Pax6 or its 5a isoform in RPCs induces formation of cells with nGnG amacrine features, and suppresses generation of other inner retinal cell types. Moreover, overexpression of both Pax6 variants prevents photoreceptor differentiation, most likely by inhibiting Crx expression. Taken together, these data show that Pax6 acts in RPCs to control differentiation of multiple late-born neuronal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liv Aleen Remez
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Akishi Onishi
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | - Yotam Menuchin-Lasowski
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Assaf Biran
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | - Karl J Wahlin
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Donlad J Zack
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States; Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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32
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Shin Yim Y, Park A, Berrios J, Lafourcade M, Pascual LM, Soares N, Yeon Kim J, Kim S, Kim H, Waisman A, Littman DR, Wickersham IR, Harnett MT, Huh JR, Choi GB. Reversing behavioural abnormalities in mice exposed to maternal inflammation. Nature 2017; 549:482-487. [PMID: 28902835 PMCID: PMC5796433 DOI: 10.1038/nature23909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Viral infection during pregnancy is correlated with increased frequency of neurodevelopmental disorders, and this is studied in mice prenatally subjected to maternal immune activation (MIA). We previously showed that maternal T helper 17 cells promote the development of cortical and behavioural abnormalities in MIA-affected offspring. Here we show that cortical abnormalities are preferentially localized to a region encompassing the dysgranular zone of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1DZ). Moreover, activation of pyramidal neurons in this cortical region was sufficient to induce MIA-associated behavioural phenotypes in wild-type animals, whereas reduction in neural activity rescued the behavioural abnormalities in MIA-affected offspring. Sociability and repetitive behavioural phenotypes could be selectively modulated according to the efferent targets of S1DZ. Our work identifies a cortical region primarily, if not exclusively, centred on the S1DZ as the major node of a neural network that mediates behavioural abnormalities observed in offspring exposed to maternal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong Shin Yim
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Ashley Park
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Janet Berrios
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Mathieu Lafourcade
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Leila M Pascual
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Natalie Soares
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Joo Yeon Kim
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Sangdoo Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Program in Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Hyunju Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Program in Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Ari Waisman
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dan R Littman
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine of the Skirball Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Ian R Wickersham
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Mark T Harnett
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Jun R Huh
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology and Program in Innate Immunity, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, USA
| | - Gloria B Choi
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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33
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Loss of Usp9x disrupts cell adhesion, and components of the Wnt and Notch signaling pathways in neural progenitors. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8109. [PMID: 28808228 PMCID: PMC5556043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05451-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of neural progenitors depends upon the coordination of appropriate intrinsic responses to extrinsic signalling pathways. Here we show the deubiquitylating enzyme, Usp9x regulates components of both intrinsic and extrinsic fate determinants. Nestin-cre mediated ablation of Usp9x from embryonic neural progenitors in vivo resulted in a transient disruption of cell adhesion and apical-basal polarity and, an increased number and ectopic localisation of intermediate neural progenitors. In contrast to other adhesion and polarity proteins, levels of β-catenin protein, especially S33/S37/T41 phospho-β-catenin, were markedly increased in Usp9x−/Y embryonic cortices. Loss of Usp9x altered composition of the β-catenin destruction complex possibly impeding degradation of S33/S37/T41 phospho-β-catenin. Pathway analysis of transcriptomic data identified Wnt signalling as significantly affected in Usp9x−/Y embryonic brains. Depletion of Usp9x in cultured human neural progenitors resulted in Wnt-reporter activation. Usp9x also regulated components of the Notch signalling pathway. Usp9x co-localized and associated with both Itch and Numb in embryonic neocortices. Loss of Usp9x led to decreased Itch and Numb levels, and a concomitant increase in levels of the Notch intracellular domain as well as, increased expression of the Notch target gene Hes5. Therefore Usp9x modulates and potentially coordinates multiple fate determinants in neural progenitors.
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34
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Chen T, Cavari B, Schartl M, Hong Y. Identification and Expression of Conserved and Novel RNA Variants of Medakapax6bGene. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2017; 328:412-422. [PMID: 28547909 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tiansheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding; Ministry of Agriculture and College of Fisheries; Huazhong Agricultural University; Wuhan Hubei China
| | - Benzion Cavari
- Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research; Tel Shikmona; Halfa Israel
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Department of Physiological Chemistry I, Biocenter; University of Würzburg; Würzburg Germany
| | - Yunhan Hong
- Department of Biological Sciences; National University of Singapore; Singapore
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35
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Chen CA, Yin J, Lewis RA, Schaaf CP. Genetic causes of optic nerve hypoplasia. J Med Genet 2017; 54:441-449. [PMID: 28501829 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-104626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) is the most common congenital optic nerve anomaly and a leading cause of blindness in the USA. Although most cases of ONH occur as isolated cases within their respective families, the advancement in molecular diagnostic technology has made us realise that a substantial fraction of cases has identifiable genetic causes, typically de novo mutations. An increasing number of genes has been reported, mutations of which can cause ONH. Many of the genes involved serve as transcription factors, participating in an intricate multistep process critical to eye development and neurogenesis in the neural retina. This review will discuss the respective genes and mutations, human phenotypes, and animal models that have been created to gain a deeper understanding of the disorders. The identification of the underlying gene and mutation provides an important step in diagnosis, medical care and counselling for the affected individuals and their families. We envision that future research will lead to further disease gene identification, but will also teach us about gene-gene and gene-environment interactions relevant to optic nerve development. How much of the functional impairment of the various forms of ONH is a reflection of altered morphogenesis versus neuronal homeostasis will determine the prospect of therapeutic intervention, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life of the individuals affected with ONH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-An Chen
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jiani Yin
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Richard Alan Lewis
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christian P Schaaf
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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36
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Navet S, Buresi A, Baratte S, Andouche A, Bonnaud-Ponticelli L, Bassaglia Y. The Pax gene family: Highlights from cephalopods. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172719. [PMID: 28253300 PMCID: PMC5333810 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pax genes play important roles in Metazoan development. Their evolution has been extensively studied but Lophotrochozoa are usually omitted. We addressed the question of Pax paralog diversity in Lophotrochozoa by a thorough review of available databases. The existence of six Pax families (Pax1/9, Pax2/5/8, Pax3/7, Pax4/6, Paxβ, PoxNeuro) was confirmed and the lophotrochozoan Paxβ subfamily was further characterized. Contrary to the pattern reported in chordates, the Pax2/5/8 family is devoid of homeodomain in Lophotrochozoa. Expression patterns of the three main pax classes (pax2/5/8, pax3/7, pax4/6) during Sepia officinalis development showed that Pax roles taken as ancestral and common in metazoans are modified in S. officinalis, most likely due to either the morphological specificities of cephalopods or to their direct development. Some expected expression patterns were missing (e.g. pax6 in the developing retina), and some expressions in unexpected tissues have been found (e.g. pax2/5/8 in dermal tissue and in gills). This study underlines the diversity and functional plasticity of Pax genes and illustrates the difficulty of using probable gene homology as strict indicator of homology between biological structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Navet
- UMR BOREA MNHN/CNRS7208/IRD207/UPMC/UCN/UA, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Auxane Buresi
- UMR BOREA MNHN/CNRS7208/IRD207/UPMC/UCN/UA, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Baratte
- UMR BOREA MNHN/CNRS7208/IRD207/UPMC/UCN/UA, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
- Univ. Paris Sorbonne-ESPE, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Aude Andouche
- UMR BOREA MNHN/CNRS7208/IRD207/UPMC/UCN/UA, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Laure Bonnaud-Ponticelli
- UMR BOREA MNHN/CNRS7208/IRD207/UPMC/UCN/UA, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Yann Bassaglia
- UMR BOREA MNHN/CNRS7208/IRD207/UPMC/UCN/UA, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
- Univ. Paris Est Créteil-Val de Marne, Créteil, France
- * E-mail:
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37
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Pavlakis E, Tonchev AB, Kaprelyan A, Enchev Y, Stoykova A. Interaction between transcription factors PAX6/PAX6-5a and specific members of miR-183-96-182 cluster, may contribute to glioma progression in glioblastoma cell lines. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:1579-1592. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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38
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Engel M, Do-Ha D, Muñoz SS, Ooi L. Common pitfalls of stem cell differentiation: a guide to improving protocols for neurodegenerative disease models and research. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:3693-709. [PMID: 27154043 PMCID: PMC5002043 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2265-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells have revolutionized cellular neuroscience, providing the opportunity to model neurological diseases and test potential therapeutics in a pre-clinical setting. The power of these models has been widely discussed, but the potential pitfalls of stem cell differentiation in this research are less well described. We have analyzed the literature that describes differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into three neural cell types that are commonly used to study diseases, including forebrain cholinergic neurons for Alzheimer's disease, midbrain dopaminergic neurons for Parkinson's disease and cortical astrocytes for neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. Published protocols for differentiation vary widely in the reported efficiency of target cell generation. Additionally, characterization of the cells by expression profile and functionality differs between studies and is often insufficient, leading to highly variable protocol outcomes. We have synthesized this information into a simple methodology that can be followed when performing or assessing differentiation techniques. Finally we propose three considerations for future research, including the use of physiological O2 conditions, three-dimensional co-culture systems and microfluidics to control feeding cycles and growth factor gradients. Following these guidelines will help researchers to ensure that robust and meaningful data is generated, enabling the full potential of stem cell differentiation for disease modeling and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Engel
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Dzung Do-Ha
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonia Sanz Muñoz
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Lezanne Ooi
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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Götz M, Nakafuku M, Petrik D. Neurogenesis in the Developing and Adult Brain-Similarities and Key Differences. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2016; 8:cshperspect.a018853. [PMID: 27235475 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a018853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis in the mammalian brain is often viewed as a continuation of neurogenesis at earlier, developmental stages. Here, we will critically review the extent to which this is the case highlighting similarities as well as key differences. Although many transcriptional regulators are shared in neurogenesis at embryonic and adult stages, recent findings on the molecular mechanisms by which these neuronal fate determinants control fate acquisition and maintenance have revealed profound differences between development and adulthood. Importantly, adult neurogenesis occurs in a gliogenic environment, hence requiring adult-specific additional and unique mechanisms of neuronal fate specification and maintenance. Thus, a better understanding of the molecular logic for continuous adult neurogenesis provides important clues to develop strategies to manipulate endogenous stem cells for the purpose of repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Götz
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Munich, Germany Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80336 Munich, Germany Synergy, Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Masato Nakafuku
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45140 Departments of Pediatrics and Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
| | - David Petrik
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Munich, Germany Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, 80336 Munich, Germany
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40
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Cvekl A, Callaerts P. PAX6: 25th anniversary and more to learn. Exp Eye Res 2016; 156:10-21. [PMID: 27126352 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The DNA-binding transcription factor PAX6 was cloned 25 years ago by multiple teams pursuing identification of human and mouse eye disease causing genes, cloning vertebrate homologues of pattern-forming regulatory genes identified in Drosophila, or abundant eye-specific transcripts. Since its discovery in 1991, genetic, cellular, molecular and evolutionary studies on Pax6 mushroomed in the mid 1990s leading to the transformative thinking regarding the genetic program orchestrating both early and late stages of eye morphogenesis as well as the origin and evolution of diverse visual systems. Since Pax6 is also expressed outside of the eye, namely in the central nervous system and pancreas, a number of important insights into the development and function of these organs have been amassed. In most recent years, genome-wide technologies utilizing massively parallel DNA sequencing have begun to provide unbiased insights into the regulatory hierarchies of specification, determination and differentiation of ocular cells and neurogenesis in general. This review is focused on major advancements in studies on mammalian eye development driven by studies of Pax6 genes in model organisms and future challenges to harness the technology-driven opportunities to reconstruct, step-by-step, the transition from naïve ectoderm, neuroepithelium and periocular mesenchyme/neural crest cells into the three-dimensional architecture of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ales Cvekl
- The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA; The Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Patrick Callaerts
- Laboratory of Behavioral and Developmental Genetics, K.U. Leuven, VIB, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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41
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Genotype-phenotype correlation of PAX6 gene mutations in aniridia. Hum Genome Var 2016; 3:15052. [PMID: 27081561 PMCID: PMC4760117 DOI: 10.1038/hgv.2015.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the genotype-phenotype correlation of the PAX6 gene in aniridia. We clinically examined 5 families and 16 sporadic patients with aniridia. We performed chromosomal analysis and PCR analysis of the PAX6 gene using patient genomic DNA. Chromosomal analysis demonstrated deletions at 11p13 in one allele in four sporadic patients. Seven nonsense mutations, two frameshifts (two insertions), four splice junction errors and two missense mutations were found, and all were heterozygous. The iris phenotype ranged from total to normal in each patient, and the characteristic phenotypes, including cataract, glaucoma or optic nerve hypoplasia, varied widely even among members of the same family. Foveal hypoplasia was detected in all patients except for one. No obvious genotype-phenotype correlation was identified; however, the aniridia phenotype between the two eyes in each patient was quite similar in all patients. Because PAX6 regulates numerous downstream genes and its expression is regulated by several factors during eye development, the aniridia phenotype may be complex even in family members. However, because PAX6 regulation, resulting from both paternal and maternal alleles associated with PAX6, is considered to be roughly similar in both eyes of each patient, the aniridia phenotype may be similar in both eyes of each patient.
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42
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Abstract
Age-related cataracts are frequently associated with degenerative changes in the ocular lens including the aggregation of proteins - mainly crystallins, but also other proteins including amyloids (Aβ) leading to the hypothesis that cataracts could be used as "biomarkers" for Alzheimer disease. Even if this hypothesis was rejected by David Beebe's last paper (Bei et al., Exp. Eye Res., 2015), it is a fascinating aspect to look for commonalities between eye diseases and neurological disorders. In this review, I discuss such commonalities between eye and brain mainly from a developmental point of view. The finding of the functional homology of the Drosophila eyeless gene with the mammalian Pax6 gene marks a first highlight in the developmental genetics of the eye - this result destroyed the "dogma" of the different evolutionary routes of eye development in flies and mammals. The second highlight was the finding that Pax6 is also involved in the development of the forebrain supporting the pleiotropic role of many genes. These findings opened a new avenue for research showing that a broad variety of transcription factors, but also structural proteins are involved both, in eye and brain development as well as into the maintenance of the functional integrity of the corresponding tissue(s). In this review recent findings are summarized demonstrating that genes whose mutations have been identified first to be causative for congenital or juvenile eye disorders are also involved in regenerative processes and neurogenesis (Pax6), but also in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson (e.g. Pitx3) or in neurological disorders like Schizophrenia (e.g. Crybb1, Crybb2).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Graw
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Developmental Genetics, Ingolstaedter Landstr, 1, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
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43
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Expression of the Transcription Factor Pax6 in the Lobe of the Facial Nerve of the Carp Brain. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-015-9534-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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44
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Suslov O, Silver DJ, Siebzehnrubl FA, Orjalo A, Ptitsyn A, Steindler DA. Application of an RNA amplification method for reliable single-cell transcriptome analysis. Biotechniques 2015; 59:137-48. [PMID: 26345506 DOI: 10.2144/000114331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Diverse cell types have unique transcriptional signatures that are best interrogated at single-cell resolution. Here we describe a novel RNA amplification approach that allows for high fidelity gene profiling of individual cells. This technique significantly diminishes the problem of 3' bias, enabling detection of all regions of transcripts, including the recognition of mRNA with short or completely absent poly(A) tails, identification of noncoding RNAs, and discovery of the full array of splice isoforms from any given gene product. We assess this technique using statistical and bioinformatics analyses of microarray data to establish the limitations of the method. To demonstrate applicability, we profiled individual cells isolated from the mouse subventricular zone (SVZ)-a well-characterized, discrete yet highly heterogeneous neural structure involved in persistent neurogenesis. Importantly, this method revealed multiple splice variants of key germinal zone gene products within individual cells, as well as an unexpected coexpression of several mRNAs considered markers of distinct and separate SVZ cell types. These findings were independently confirmed using RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization (RNA-FISH), contributing to the utility of this new technology that offers genomic and transcriptomic analysis of small numbers of dynamic and clinically relevant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Suslov
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Daniel J Silver
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Florian A Siebzehnrubl
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Andrey Ptitsyn
- Whitney Laboratory for Marine Biosciences, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL.,Research Biomedical Informatics Division, Sidra Medical and Research Centre, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dennis A Steindler
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL.,Neuroscience and Aging Lab, Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA
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45
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Ypsilanti AR, Rubenstein JLR. Transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms of early cortical development: An examination of how Pax6 coordinates cortical development. J Comp Neurol 2015; 524:609-29. [PMID: 26304102 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The development of the cortex is an elaborate process that integrates a plethora of finely tuned molecular processes ranging from carefully regulated gradients of transcription factors, dynamic changes in the chromatin landscape, or formation of protein complexes to elicit and regulate transcription. Combined with cellular processes such as cell type specification, proliferation, differentiation, and migration, all of these developmental processes result in the establishment of an adult mammalian cortex with its typical lamination and regional patterning. By examining in-depth the role of one transcription factor, Pax6, on the regulation of cortical development, its integration in the regulation of chromatin state, and its regulation by cis-regulatory elements, we aim to demonstrate the importance of integrating each level of regulation in our understanding of cortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athéna R Ypsilanti
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Program, and the Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - John L R Rubenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Program, and the Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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46
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Curto GG, Gard C, Ribes V. Structures and properties of PAX linked regulatory networks architecting and pacing the emergence of neuronal diversity. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 44:75-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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47
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Mayran A, Pelletier A, Drouin J. Pax factors in transcription and epigenetic remodelling. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 44:135-44. [PMID: 26234816 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Revised: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The nine Pax transcription factors that constitute the mammalian family of paired domain (PD) factors play key roles in many developmental processes. As DNA binding transcription factors, they exhibit tremendous variability and complexity in their DNA recognition patterns. This is ascribed to the presence of multiple DNA binding structural domains, namely helix-turn-helix (HTH) domains. The PD contains two HTH subdomains and four of the nine Pax factors have an additional HTH domain, the homeodomain (HD). We now review these diverse DNA binding modalities together with their properties as transcriptional activators and repressors. The action of Pax factors on gene expression is also exerted through recruitment of chromatin remodelling complexes that introduce either activating or repressive chromatin marks. Interestingly, the recent demonstration that Pax7 has pioneer activity, the unique property to "open" chromatin, further underlines the mechanistic versatility and the developmental importance of these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Mayran
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Audrey Pelletier
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
| | - Jacques Drouin
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada.
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48
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Huettl RE, Eckstein S, Stahl T, Petricca S, Ninkovic J, Götz M, Huber AB. Functional dissection of the Pax6 paired domain: Roles in neural tube patterning and peripheral nervous system development. Dev Biol 2015; 413:86-103. [PMID: 26187199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
During development of the CNS, stem and progenitor cell proliferation, cell fate designation, and patterning decisions are tightly regulated by interdependent networks of key transcriptional regulators. In a genetic approach we analyzed divergent functionality of the PAI and RED sub-domains of the Pax6 Paired domain (PD) during progenitor zone formation, motor and interneuron development, and peripheral connectivity at distinct levels within the neural tube: within the hindbrain, mutation of the PAI sub-domain severely affected patterning of the p3 and pMN domains and establishment of the corresponding motor neurons. Exit point designation of hypoglossal axons was disturbed in embryos harboring either mutations in the PD sub-domains or containing a functional Pax6 Null allele. At brachial spinal levels, we propose a selective involvement of the PAI sub-domain during patterning of ventral p2 and pMN domains, critically disturbing generation of specific motor neuron subtypes and increasing V2 interneuron numbers. Our findings present a novel aspect of how Pax6 not only utilizes its modular structure to perform distinct functions via its paired and homeodomain. Individual sub-domains can exert distinct functions, generating a new level of complexity for transcriptional regulation by one single transcription factor not only in dorso-ventral, but also rostro-caudal neural tube patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa-Eva Huettl
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Simone Eckstein
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Tessa Stahl
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefania Petricca
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jovica Ninkovic
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Magdalena Götz
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Andrea B Huber
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
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49
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Miranda CC, Fernandes TG, Pascoal JF, Haupt S, Brüstle O, Cabral JMS, Diogo MM. Spatial and temporal control of cell aggregation efficiently directs human pluripotent stem cells towards neural commitment. Biotechnol J 2015; 10:1612-24. [PMID: 25866360 DOI: 10.1002/biot.201400846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
3D suspension culture is generally considered a promising method to achieve efficient expansion and controlled differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). In this work, we focused on developing an integrated culture platform for expansion and neural commitment of hPSCs into neural precursors using 3D suspension conditions and chemically-defined culture media. We evaluated different inoculation methodologies for hPSC expansion as 3D aggregates and characterized the resulting cultures in terms of aggregate size distribution. It was demonstrated that upon single-cell inoculation, after four days of culture, 3D aggregates were composed of homogenous populations of hPSC and were characterized by an average diameter of 139 ± 26 μm, which was determined to be the optimal size to initiate neural commitment. Temporal analysis revealed that upon neural specification it is possible to maximize the percentage of neural precursor cells expressing the neural markers Sox1 and Pax6 after nine days of culture. These results highlight our ability to define a robust method for production of hPSC-derived neural precursors that minimizes processing steps and that constitutes a promising alternative to the traditional planar adherent culture system due to a high potential for scaling-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia C Miranda
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tiago G Fernandes
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jorge F Pascoal
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Simone Haupt
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Bonn, Germany.,LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Bonn, Germany
| | - Oliver Brüstle
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, University of Bonn and Hertie Foundation, Bonn, Germany.,LIFE & BRAIN GmbH, Bonn, Germany
| | - Joaquim M S Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Margarida Diogo
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB - Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
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50
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Duan L, Peng CY, Pan L, Kessler JA. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived radial glia recapitulate developmental events and provide real-time access to cortical neurons and astrocytes. Stem Cells Transl Med 2015; 4:437-47. [PMID: 25834120 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies of human cerebral cortex development are limited by difficulties in accessing and manipulating human neural tissue at specific development stages. We have derived human radial glia (hRG), which are responsible for most cerebral cortex neurogenesis, from human pluripotent stem cells. These hRG display the hallmark morphological, cellular, and molecular features of radial glia in vitro. They can be passaged and generate layer-specific subtypes of cortical neurons in a temporal and passage-dependent fashion. In later passages, they adopt a distinct progenitor phenotype that gives rise to cortical astrocytes and GABAergic interneurons. These hRG are also capable of following developmental cues to engraft, differentiate, migrate, and integrate into the embryonic mouse cortex when injected into E14 lateral ventricles. Moreover, hRG-derived cells can be cryopreserved at specific stages and retain their stage-specific phenotypes and competence when revived. Our study demonstrates that cultured hRG maintain a cell-intrinsic clock that regulates the progressive generation of stage-specific neuronal and glial subtypes. It also describes an easily accessible cell source for studying hRG lineage specification and progression and an on-demand supply of specific cortical neuron subtypes and astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishu Duan
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Chian-Yu Peng
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Liuliu Pan
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - John A Kessler
- Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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