1
|
Herrera A, Menendez A, Ochoa A, Bardia L, Colombelli J, Pons S. Neurogenesis redirects β-catenin from adherens junctions to the nucleus to promote axonal growth. Development 2023; 150:dev201651. [PMID: 37519286 PMCID: PMC10482005 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Here, we show that, in the developing spinal cord, after the early Wnt-mediated Tcf transcription activation that confers dorsal identity to neural stem cells, neurogenesis redirects β-catenin from the adherens junctions to the nucleus to stimulate Tcf-dependent transcription in a Wnt-independent manner. This new β-catenin activity regulates genes implicated in several aspects of contralateral axon growth, including axon guidance and adhesion. Using live imaging of ex-vivo chick neural tube, we showed that the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and the rise in Tcf-dependent transcription both initiate before the dismantling of the adherens junctions and remain during the axon elongation process. Notably, we demonstrated that β-catenin activity in post-mitotic cells depends on TCF7L2 and is central to spinal commissural axon growth. Together, our results reveal Wnt-independent Tcf/β-catenin regulation of genes that control the growth and guidance of commissural axons in chick spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Herrera
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Anghara Menendez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Andrea Ochoa
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Lídia Bardia
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Julien Colombelli
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Sebastian Pons
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhai J, Xu Y, Wan H, Yan R, Guo J, Skory R, Yan L, Wu X, Sun F, Chen G, Zhao W, Yu K, Li W, Guo F, Plachta N, Wang H. Neurulation of the cynomolgus monkey embryo achieved from 3D blastocyst culture. Cell 2023; 186:2078-2091.e18. [PMID: 37172562 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Neural tube (NT) defects arise from abnormal neurulation and result in the most common birth defects worldwide. Yet, mechanisms of primate neurulation remain largely unknown due to prohibitions on human embryo research and limitations of available model systems. Here, we establish a three-dimensional (3D) prolonged in vitro culture (pIVC) system supporting cynomolgus monkey embryo development from 7 to 25 days post-fertilization. Through single-cell multi-omics analyses, we demonstrate that pIVC embryos form three germ layers, including primordial germ cells, and establish proper DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility through advanced gastrulation stages. In addition, pIVC embryo immunofluorescence confirms neural crest formation, NT closure, and neural progenitor regionalization. Finally, we demonstrate that the transcriptional profiles and morphogenetics of pIVC embryos resemble key features of similarly staged in vivo cynomolgus and human embryos. This work therefore describes a system to study non-human primate embryogenesis through advanced gastrulation and early neurulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinglei Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yanhong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haifeng Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rui Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Robin Skory
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Long Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xulun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fengyuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Gang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wentao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Kunyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Fan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Nicolas Plachta
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Hongmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Developmental cell fate choice in neural tube progenitors employs two distinct cis-regulatory strategies. Dev Cell 2023; 58:3-17.e8. [PMID: 36516856 PMCID: PMC7614300 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2022.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In many developing tissues, the patterns of gene expression that assign cell fate are organized by graded secreted signals. Cis-regulatory elements (CREs) interpret these signals to control gene expression, but how this is accomplished remains poorly understood. In the neural tube, a gradient of the morphogen sonic hedgehog (Shh) patterns neural progenitors. We identify two distinct ways in which CREs translate graded Shh into differential gene expression in mouse neural progenitors. In most progenitors, a common set of CREs control gene activity by integrating cell-type-specific inputs. By contrast, the most ventral progenitors use a unique set of CREs, established by the pioneer factor FOXA2. This parallels the role of FOXA2 in endoderm, where FOXA2 binds some of the same sites. Together, the data identify distinct cis-regulatory strategies for the interpretation of morphogen signaling and raise the possibility of an evolutionarily conserved role for FOXA2 across tissues.
Collapse
|
4
|
Robust Generation of Ready-to-Use Cryopreserved Motor Neurons from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells for Disease Modeling. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113462. [PMID: 36362259 PMCID: PMC9657726 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived motor neurons (MNs) act as models for motor neuron diseases (MNDs), such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or spinal muscular atrophy. However, the MN differentiation efficiency and viability following cryopreservation require further development for application in large-scale studies and drug screening. Here, we developed a robust protocol to convert hPSCs into MN cryopreservation stocks (hPSCs were converted into >92% motor neural progenitors and >91% MNs). Near-mature MNs were cryopreserved at a high thawing survival rate and 89% MN marker expression on day 32. Moreover, these MNs exhibited classical electrophysiological properties and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) formation ability within only 4−6 days after thawing. To apply this platform as an MND model, MN stocks were generated from SOD1G85R, SOD1G85G isogenic control, and sporadic ALS hPSC lines. The thawed ALS MNs expressed ALS-specific cytopathies, including SOD1 protein aggregation and TDP-43 redistribution. Thus, a stable and robust protocol was developed to generate ready-to-use cryopreserved MNs without further neuronal maturation processes for application in MND mechanistic studies, NMJ model establishment, and large-scale drug screening.
Collapse
|
5
|
Mukaigasa K, Sakuma C, Yaginuma H. The developmental hourglass model is applicable to the spinal cord based on single-cell transcriptomes and non-conserved cis-regulatory elements. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:372-391. [PMID: 34473348 PMCID: PMC9293469 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The developmental hourglass model predicts that embryonic morphology is most conserved at the mid‐embryonic stage and diverges at the early and late stages. To date, this model has been verified by examining the anatomical features or gene expression profiles at the whole embryonic level. Here, by data mining approach utilizing multiple genomic and transcriptomic datasets from different species in combination, and by experimental validation, we demonstrate that the hourglass model is also applicable to a reduced element, the spinal cord. In the middle of spinal cord development, dorsoventrally arrayed neuronal progenitor domains are established, which are conserved among vertebrates. By comparing the publicly available single‐cell transcriptome datasets of mice and zebrafish, we found that ventral subpopulations of post‐mitotic spinal neurons display divergent molecular profiles. We also detected the non‐conservation of cis‐regulatory elements located around the progenitor fate determinants, indicating that the cis‐regulatory elements contributing to the progenitor specification are evolvable. These results demonstrate that, despite the conservation of the progenitor domains, the processes before and after the progenitor domain specification diverged. This study will be helpful to understand the molecular basis of the developmental hourglass model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuki Mukaigasa
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Chie Sakuma
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yaginuma
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Embryology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alzate-Correa D, Mei-Ling Liu J, Jones M, Silva TM, Alves MJ, Burke E, Zuñiga J, Kaya B, Zaza G, Aslan MT, Blackburn J, Shimada MY, Fernandes-Junior SA, Baer LA, Stanford KI, Kempton A, Smith S, Szujewski CC, Silbaugh A, Viemari JC, Takakura AC, Garcia AJ, Moreira TS, Czeisler CM, Otero JJ. Neonatal apneic phenotype in a murine congenital central hypoventilation syndrome model is induced through non-cell autonomous developmental mechanisms. Brain Pathol 2020; 31:84-102. [PMID: 32654284 PMCID: PMC7881415 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) represents a rare genetic disorder usually caused by mutations in the homeodomain transcription factor PHOX2B. Some CCHS patients suffer mainly from deficiencies in CO2 and/or O2 respiratory chemoreflex, whereas other patients present with full apnea shortly after birth. Our goal was to identify the neuropathological mechanisms of apneic presentations in CCHS. In the developing murine neuroepithelium, Phox2b is expressed in three discrete progenitor domains across the dorsal-ventral axis, with different domains responsible for producing unique autonomic or visceral motor neurons. Restricting the expression of mutant Phox2b to the ventral visceral motor neuron domain induces marked newborn apnea together with a significant loss of visceral motor neurons, RTN ablation, and preBötzinger complex dysfunction. This finding suggests that the observed apnea develops through non-cell autonomous developmental mechanisms. Mutant Phox2b expression in dorsal rhombencephalic neurons did not generate significant respiratory dysfunction, but did result in subtle metabolic thermoregulatory deficiencies. We confirm the expression of a novel murine Phox2b splice variant which shares exons 1 and 2 with the more widely studied Phox2b splice variant, but which differs in exon 3 where most CCHS mutations occur. We also show that mutant Phox2b expression in the visceral motor neuron progenitor domain increases cell proliferation at the expense of visceral motor neuron development. We propose that visceral motor neurons may function as organizers of brainstem respiratory neuron development, and that disruptions in their development result in secondary/non-cell autonomous maldevelopment of key brainstem respiratory neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Alzate-Correa
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jillian Mei-Ling Liu
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mikayla Jones
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Talita M Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michele Joana Alves
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth Burke
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jessica Zuñiga
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Behiye Kaya
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Giuliana Zaza
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mehmet Tahir Aslan
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jessica Blackburn
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Marina Y Shimada
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvio A Fernandes-Junior
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lisa A Baer
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kristin I Stanford
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amber Kempton
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sakima Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Caroline C Szujewski
- Institute for Integrative Physiology, Grossman Institute for Neuroscience Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, The Committee on Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Abby Silbaugh
- Institute for Integrative Physiology, Grossman Institute for Neuroscience Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, The Committee on Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jean-Charles Viemari
- P3M Team, Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone, UMR 7289 AMU-CNRS, Marseille, France
| | - Ana C Takakura
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alfredo J Garcia
- Institute for Integrative Physiology, Grossman Institute for Neuroscience Quantitative Biology and Human Behavior, The Committee on Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Thiago S Moreira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Catherine M Czeisler
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - José J Otero
- Division of Neuropathology, Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mei-Ling Liu J, Fair SR, Kaya B, Zuniga JN, Mostafa HR, Alves MJ, Stephens JA, Jones M, Aslan MT, Czeisler C, Otero JJ. Development of a Novel FIJI-Based Method to Investigate Neuronal Circuitry in Neonatal Mice. Dev Neurobiol 2018; 78:1146-1167. [PMID: 30136762 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of systems neuroscience tools requires parallel generation of objective analytical workflows for experimental neuropathology. We developed an objective analytical workflow that we used to determine how specific autonomic neural lineages change during postnatal development. While a wealth of knowledge exists regarding postnatal alterations in respiratory neural function, how these neural circuits change and develop in the weeks following birth remains less clear. In this study, we developed our workflow by combining genetic mouse modeling and quantitative immunofluorescent confocal microscopy and used this to examine the postnatal development of neural circuits derived from the transcription factors NKX2.2 and OLIG3 into three medullary respiratory nuclei. Our automated FIJI-based image analysis workflow rapidly and objectively quantified synaptic puncta in user-defined anatomic regions. Using our objective workflow, we found that the density and estimated total number of Nkx2.2-derived afferents into the pre-Bötzinger Complex significantly decreased with postnatal age during the first three weeks of postnatal life. These data indicate that Nkx2.2-derived structures differentially influence pre-Bötzinger Complex respiratory oscillations at different stages of postnatal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Mei-Ling Liu
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Summer Rose Fair
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Behiye Kaya
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jessica Nabile Zuniga
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Hasnaa Rashad Mostafa
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Michele Joana Alves
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Julie A Stephens
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Mikayla Jones
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - M Tahir Aslan
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Catherine Czeisler
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - José Javier Otero
- Department of Pathology, Division of Neuropathology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Bipolar disease (BD) is one of the major public health burdens worldwide and more people are affected every year. Comprehensive genetic studies have associated thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with BD risk; yet, very little is known about their functional roles. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are powerful tools for investigating the relationship between genotype and phenotype in disease-relevant tissues and cell types. Neural cells generated from BD-specific iPSCs are thought to capture associated genetic risk factors, known and unknown, and to allow the analysis of their effects on cellular and molecular phenotypes. Interestingly, an increasing number of studies on BD-derived iPSCs report distinct alterations in neural patterning, postmitotic calcium signaling, and neuronal excitability. Importantly, these alterations are partly normalized by lithium, a first line treatment in BD. In light of these exciting findings, we discuss current challenges to the field of iPSC-based disease modelling and future steps to be taken in order to fully exploit the potential of this approach for the investigation of BD and the development of new therapies.
Collapse
|
9
|
Laussu J, Audouard C, Kischel A, Assis-Nascimento P, Escalas N, Liebl DJ, Soula C, Davy A. Eph/Ephrin Signaling Controls Progenitor Identities In The Ventral Spinal Cord. Neural Dev 2017; 12:10. [PMID: 28595615 PMCID: PMC5463316 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-017-0087-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In the vertebrate spinal cord, motor neurons (MN) are generated in stereotypical numbers from a pool of dedicated progenitors (pMN) whose number depends on signals that control their specification but also their proliferation and differentiation rates. Although the initial steps of pMN specification have been extensively studied, how pMN numbers are regulated over time is less well characterized. Results Here, we show that ephrinB2 and ephrinB3 are differentially expressed in progenitor domains in the ventral spinal cord with several Eph receptors more broadly expressed. Genetic loss-of-function analyses show that ephrinB2 and ephrinB3 inversely control pMN numbers and that these changes in progenitor numbers correlate with changes in motor neuron numbers. Detailed phenotypic analyses by immunostaining and genetic interaction studies between ephrinB2 and Shh indicate that changes in pMN numbers in ephrin mutants are due to alteration in progenitor identity at late stages of development. Conclusions Altogether our data reveal that Eph:ephrin signaling is required to control progenitor identities in the ventral spinal cord. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13064-017-0087-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julien Laussu
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France.,Present address: CRBM, 1919 route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier, France
| | - Christophe Audouard
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Anthony Kischel
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Poincyane Assis-Nascimento
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL, R-48, USA
| | - Nathalie Escalas
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Daniel J Liebl
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL, R-48, USA
| | - Cathy Soula
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France
| | - Alice Davy
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 118 Route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Danesin C, Soula C. Moving the Shh Source over Time: What Impact on Neural Cell Diversification in the Developing Spinal Cord? J Dev Biol 2017; 5:jdb5020004. [PMID: 29615562 PMCID: PMC5831764 DOI: 10.3390/jdb5020004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A substantial amount of data has highlighted the crucial influence of Shh signalling on the generation of diverse classes of neurons and glial cells throughout the developing central nervous system. A critical step leading to this diversity is the establishment of distinct neural progenitor cell domains during the process of pattern formation. The forming spinal cord, in particular, has served as an excellent model to unravel how progenitor cells respond to Shh to produce the appropriate pattern. In recent years, considerable advances have been made in our understanding of important parameters that control the temporal and spatial interpretation of the morphogen signal at the level of Shh-receiving progenitor cells. Although less studied, the identity and position of Shh source cells also undergo significant changes over time, raising the question of how moving the Shh source contributes to cell diversification in response to the morphogen. Here, we focus on the dynamics of Shh-producing cells and discuss specific roles for these time-variant Shh sources with regard to the temporal events occurring in the receiving field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cathy Danesin
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD) CNRS/UPS, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, 31520 Toulouse, France.
| | - Cathy Soula
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD) CNRS/UPS, Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, 31520 Toulouse, France.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang H, Gui H, Rallo MS, Xu Z, Matise MP. Atrophin protein RERE positively regulates Notch targets in the developing vertebrate spinal cord. J Neurochem 2017; 141:347-357. [PMID: 28144959 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway controls cell fate decision, proliferation, and other biological functions in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Precise regulation of the canonical Notch pathway ensures robustness of the signal throughout development and adult tissue homeostasis. Aberrant Notch signaling results in profound developmental defects and is linked to many human diseases. In this study, we identified the Atrophin family protein RERE (also called Atro2) as a positive regulator of Notch target Hes genes in the developing vertebrate spinal cord. Prior studies have shown that during early embryogenesis in mouse and zebrafish, deficit of RERE causes various patterning defects in multiple organs including the neural tube. Here, we detected the expression of RERE in the developing chick spinal cord, and found that normal RERE activity is needed for proper neural progenitor proliferation and neuronal differentiation possibly by affecting Notch-mediated Hes expression. In mammalian cells, RERE co-immunoprecipitates with CBF1 and Notch intracellular domain (NICD), and is recruited to nuclear foci formed by over-expressed NICD1. RERE is also necessary for NICD to activate the expression of Notch target genes. Our findings suggest that RERE stimulates Notch target gene expression by preventing degradation of NICD protein, thereby facilitating the assembly of a transcriptional activating complex containing NICD, CBF1/RBPjκ in vertebrate, Su(H) in Drosophila melanogaster, Lag1 in C. elegans, and other coactivators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Hongxing Gui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Michael S Rallo
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Zhiyan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Michael P Matise
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School of Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The Many Hats of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Nervous System Development and Disease. J Dev Biol 2016; 4:jdb4040035. [PMID: 29615598 PMCID: PMC5831807 DOI: 10.3390/jdb4040035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling occurs concurrently with the many processes that constitute nervous system development. Although Shh is mostly known for its proliferative and morphogenic action through its effects on neural stem cells and progenitors, it also contributes to neuronal differentiation, axonal pathfinding and synapse formation and function. To participate in these diverse events, Shh signaling manifests differently depending on the maturational state of the responsive cell, on the other signaling pathways regulating neural cell function and the environmental cues that surround target cells. Shh signaling is particularly dynamic in the nervous system, ranging from canonical transcription-dependent, to non-canonical and localized to axonal growth cones. Here, we review the variety of Shh functions in the developing nervous system and their consequences for neurodevelopmental diseases and neural regeneration, with particular emphasis on the signaling mechanisms underlying Shh action.
Collapse
|
13
|
Hernandez-Miranda LR, Müller T, Birchmeier C. The dorsal spinal cord and hindbrain: From developmental mechanisms to functional circuits. Dev Biol 2016; 432:34-42. [PMID: 27742210 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neurons of the dorsal hindbrain and spinal cord are central in receiving, processing and relaying sensory perception and participate in the coordination of sensory-motor output. Numerous cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie neuronal development in both regions of the nervous system are shared. We discuss here the mechanisms that generate neuronal diversity in the dorsal spinal cord and hindbrain, and emphasize similarities in patterning and neuronal specification. Insight into the developmental mechanisms has provided tools that can help to assign functions to small subpopulations of neurons. Hence, novel information on how mechanosensory or pain sensation is encoded under normal and neuropathic conditions has already emerged. Such studies show that the complex neuronal circuits that control perception of somatosensory and viscerosensory stimuli are becoming amenable to investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis R Hernandez-Miranda
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz-Association, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Thomas Müller
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz-Association, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Birchmeier
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz-Association, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang H, Matise MP. Tcf7l2/Tcf4 Transcriptional Repressor Function Requires HDAC Activity in the Developing Vertebrate CNS. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163267. [PMID: 27668865 PMCID: PMC5036887 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The generation of functionally distinct neuronal subtypes within the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) requires the precise regulation of progenitor gene expression in specific neuronal territories during early embryogenesis. Accumulating evidence has implicated histone deacetylase (HDAC) proteins in cell specification, proliferation, and differentiation in diverse embryonic and adult tissues. However, although HDAC proteins have shown to be expressed in the developing vertebrate neural tube, their specific role in CNS neural progenitor fate specification remains unclear. Prior work from our lab showed that the Tcf7l2/Tcf4 transcription factor plays a key role in ventral progenitor lineage segregation by differential repression of two key specification factors, Nkx2.2 and Olig2. In this study, we found that administration of HDAC inhibitors (Valproic Acid (VPA), Trichostatin-A (TSA), or sodium butyrate) in chick embryos in ovo disrupted normal progenitor gene segregation in the developing neural tube, indicating that HDAC activity is required for this process. Further, using functional and pharmacological approaches in vivo, we found that HDAC activity is required for the differential repression of Nkx2.2 and Olig2 by Tcf7l2/Tcf4. Finally, using dominant-negative functional assays, we provide evidence that Tcf7l2/Tcf4 repression also requires Gro/TLE/Grg co-repressor factors. Together, our data support a model where the transcriptional repressor activity of Tcf7l2/Tcf4 involves functional interactions with both HDAC and Gro/TLE/Grg co-factors at specific target gene regulatory elements in the developing neural tube, and that this activity is required for the proper segregation of the Nkx2.2 (p3) and Olig2 (pMN) expressing cells from a common progenitor pool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
- Department of Neuroscience & Cell Biology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey, 08854, United States of America
| | - Michael P. Matise
- Department of Neuroscience & Cell Biology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, New Jersey, 08854, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Uhde CW, Ericson J. Transcriptional interpretation of Shh morphogen signaling: computational modeling validates empirically established models. Development 2016; 143:1638-40. [PMID: 27190032 DOI: 10.1242/dev.120972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Uhde
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Johan Ericson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Malt EA, Juhasz K, Malt UF, Naumann T. A Role for the Transcription Factor Nk2 Homeobox 1 in Schizophrenia: Convergent Evidence from Animal and Human Studies. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:59. [PMID: 27064909 PMCID: PMC4811959 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a highly heritable disorder with diverse mental and somatic symptoms. The molecular mechanisms leading from genes to disease pathology in schizophrenia remain largely unknown. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have shown that common single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with specific diseases are enriched in the recognition sequences of transcription factors that regulate physiological processes relevant to the disease. We have used a “bottom-up” approach and tracked a developmental trajectory from embryology to physiological processes and behavior and recognized that the transcription factor NK2 homeobox 1 (NKX2-1) possesses properties of particular interest for schizophrenia. NKX2-1 is selectively expressed from prenatal development to adulthood in the brain, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, lungs, skin, and enteric ganglia, and has key functions at the interface of the brain, the endocrine-, and the immune system. In the developing brain, NKX2-1-expressing progenitor cells differentiate into distinct subclasses of forebrain GABAergic and cholinergic neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. The transcription factor is highly expressed in mature limbic circuits related to context-dependent goal-directed patterns of behavior, social interaction and reproduction, fear responses, responses to light, and other homeostatic processes. It is essential for development and mature function of the thyroid gland and the respiratory system, and is involved in calcium metabolism and immune responses. NKX2-1 interacts with a number of genes identified as susceptibility genes for schizophrenia. We suggest that NKX2-1 may lie at the core of several dose dependent pathways that are dysregulated in schizophrenia. We correlate the symptoms seen in schizophrenia with the temporal and spatial activities of NKX2-1 in order to highlight promising future research areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva A Malt
- Department of Adult Habilitation, Akershus University HospitalLørenskog, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Ahus Campus University of OsloOslo, Norway
| | - Katalin Juhasz
- Department of Adult Habilitation, Akershus University Hospital Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Ulrik F Malt
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of OsloOslo, Norway; Department of Research and Education, Institution of Oslo University HospitalOslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Naumann
- Centre of Anatomy, Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gurdziel K, Lorberbaum DS, Udager AM, Song JY, Richards N, Parker DS, Johnson LA, Allen BL, Barolo S, Gumucio DL. Identification and Validation of Novel Hedgehog-Responsive Enhancers Predicted by Computational Analysis of Ci/Gli Binding Site Density. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0145225. [PMID: 26710299 PMCID: PMC4692483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway directs a multitude of cellular responses during embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis. Stimulation of the pathway results in activation of Hh target genes by the transcription factor Ci/Gli, which binds to specific motifs in genomic enhancers. In Drosophila, only a few enhancers (patched, decapentaplegic, wingless, stripe, knot, hairy, orthodenticle) have been shown by in vivo functional assays to depend on direct Ci/Gli regulation. All but one (orthodenticle) contain more than one Ci/Gli site, prompting us to directly test whether homotypic clustering of Ci/Gli binding sites is sufficient to define a Hh-regulated enhancer. We therefore developed a computational algorithm to identify Ci/Gli clusters that are enriched over random expectation, within a given region of the genome. Candidate genomic regions containing Ci/Gli clusters were functionally tested in chicken neural tube electroporation assays and in transgenic flies. Of the 22 Ci/Gli clusters tested, seven novel enhancers (and the previously known patched enhancer) were identified as Hh-responsive and Ci/Gli-dependent in one or both of these assays, including: Cuticular protein 100A (Cpr100A); invected (inv), which encodes an engrailed-related transcription factor expressed at the anterior/posterior wing disc boundary; roadkill (rdx), the fly homolog of vertebrate Spop; the segment polarity gene gooseberry (gsb); and two previously untested regions of the Hh receptor-encoding patched (ptc) gene. We conclude that homotypic Ci/Gli clustering is not sufficient information to ensure Hh-responsiveness; however, it can provide a clue for enhancer recognition within putative Hedgehog target gene loci.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Gurdziel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
| | - David S. Lorberbaum
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
| | - Aaron M. Udager
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
| | - Jane Y. Song
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
| | - Neil Richards
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
| | - David S. Parker
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
| | - Lisa A. Johnson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
| | - Benjamin L. Allen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DLG); (SB); (BLA)
| | - Scott Barolo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DLG); (SB); (BLA)
| | - Deborah L. Gumucio
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DLG); (SB); (BLA)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nishi Y, Zhang X, Jeong J, Peterson KA, Vedenko A, Bulyk ML, Hide WA, McMahon AP. A direct fate exclusion mechanism by Sonic hedgehog-regulated transcriptional repressors. Development 2015; 142:3286-93. [PMID: 26293298 DOI: 10.1242/dev.124636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling patterns the vertebrate spinal cord by activating a group of transcriptional repressors in distinct neural progenitors of somatic motor neuron and interneuron subtypes. To identify the action of this network, we performed a genome-wide analysis of the regulatory actions of three key ventral determinants in mammalian neural tube patterning: Nkx2.2, Nkx6.1 and Olig2. Previous studies have demonstrated that each factor acts predominantly as a transcriptional repressor, at least in part, to inhibit alternative progenitor fate choices. Here, we reveal broad and direct repression of multiple alternative fates as a general mechanism of repressor action. Additionally, the repressor network targets multiple Shh signaling components providing negative feedback to ongoing Shh signaling. Analysis of chromatin organization around Nkx2.2-, Nkx6.1- and Olig2-bound regions, together with co-analysis of engagement of the transcriptional activator Sox2, indicate that repressors bind to, and probably modulate the action of, neural enhancers. Together, the data suggest a model for neural progenitor specification downstream of Shh signaling, in which Nkx2.2 and Olig2 direct repression of alternative neural progenitor fate determinants, an action augmented by the overlapping activity of Nkx6.1 in each cell type. Integration of repressor and activator inputs, notably activator inputs mediated by Sox2, is probably a key mechanism in achieving cell type-specific transcriptional outcomes in mammalian neural progenitor fate specification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Nishi
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Jieun Jeong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kevin A Peterson
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Anastasia Vedenko
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Martha L Bulyk
- Division of Genetics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Winston A Hide
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, UK
| | - Andrew P McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
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]
|
20
|
The Wnt effector transcription factor 7-like 2 positively regulates oligodendrocyte differentiation in a manner independent of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. J Neurosci 2015; 35:5007-22. [PMID: 25810530 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4787-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic or pharmacological activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibits oligodendrocyte differentiation. Transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7l2), also known as TCF4, is a Wnt effector induced transiently in the oligodendroglial lineage. A well accepted dogma is that TCF7l2 inhibits oligodendrocyte differentiation through activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We report that TCF7l2 is upregulated transiently in postmitotic, newly differentiated oligodendrocytes. Using in vivo gene conditional ablation, we found surprisingly that TCF7l2 positively regulates neonatal and postnatal mouse oligodendrocyte differentiation during developmental myelination and remyelination in a manner independent of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We also reveal a novel role of TCF7l2 in repressing a bone morphogenetic protein signaling pathway that is known to inhibit oligodendrocyte differentiation. Thus, our study provides novel data justifying therapeutic attempts to enhance, rather than inhibit, TCF7l2 signaling to overcome arrested oligodendroglial differentiation in multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases.
Collapse
|
21
|
Du ZW, Chen H, Liu H, Lu J, Qian K, Huang CTL, Zhong X, Fan F, Zhang SC. Generation and expansion of highly pure motor neuron progenitors from human pluripotent stem cells. Nat Commun 2015; 6:6626. [PMID: 25806427 PMCID: PMC4375778 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have opened new opportunities for understanding human development, modelling disease processes and developing new therapeutics. However, these applications are hindered by the low efficiency and heterogeneity of cell types, such as motorneurons (MNs), differentiated from hPSCs as well as our inability to maintain the potency of lineage-committed progenitors. Here by using a combination of small molecules that regulate multiple signalling pathways, we develop a method to guide human embryonic stem cells to a near-pure population (>95%) of motor neuron progenitors (MNPs) in 12 days, and an enriched population (>90%) of functionally mature MNs in an additional 16 days. More importantly, the MNPs can be expanded for at least five passages so that a single MNP can be amplified to 1 × 10(4). This method is reproducible in human-induced pluripotent stem cells and is applied to model MN-degenerative diseases and in proof-of-principle drug-screening assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Wei Du
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Huisheng Liu
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Jianfeng Lu
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Kun Qian
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | | | - Xiaofen Zhong
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Frank Fan
- Promega Corporation, Madison, WI 53711, USA
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Francius C, Ravassard P, Hidalgo-Figueroa M, Mallet J, Clotman F, Nardelli J. Genetic dissection of Gata2 selective functions during specification of V2 interneurons in the developing spinal cord. Dev Neurobiol 2014; 75:721-37. [PMID: 25369423 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Motor activities are controlled by neural networks in the ventral spinal cord and consist in motor neurons and a set of distinct cardinal classes of spinal interneurons. These interneurons arise from distinct progenitor domains (p0-p3) delineated according to a transcriptional code. Neural progenitors of each domain express a unique combination of transcription factors (TFs) that largely contribute to determine the fate of four classes of interneurons (V0-V3) and motor neurons. In p2 domain, at least four subtypes of interneurons namely V2a, V2b, V2c, and Pax6(+) V2 are generated. Although genetic and molecular mechanisms that specify V2a and V2b are dependent on complex interplay between several TFs including Nkx6.1, Irx3, Gata2, Foxn4, and Ascl1, and signaling pathways such as Notch and TGF-β, the sequence order of the activation of these regulators and their respective contribution are not completely elucidated yet. Here, we provide evidence by loss- or gain-of-function experiments that Gata2 is necessary for the normal development of both V2a and V2b neurons. We demonstrate that Nkx6.1 and Dll4 positively regulate the activation of Gata2 and Foxn4 in p2 progenitors. Gata2 also participates in the maintenance of p2 domain by repressing motor neuron differentiation and exerting a feedback control on patterning genes. Finally, Gata2 promotes the selective activation of V2b program at the expense of V2a fate. Thus our results provide new insights on the hierarchy and complex interactions between regulators of V2 genetic program.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Francius
- CRICM, UPMC/Inserm UMR_S 975; CNRS UMR 7225, Laboratoire de Biotechnologie et Biotherapie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, CERVI, 83 bd de l'Hôpital, F-75013, Paris, France.,Laboratory of Neural Differentiation (NEDI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), box UCL-5511, 55 Avenue Hippocrate, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Ravassard
- CRICM, UPMC/Inserm UMR_S 975; CNRS UMR 7225, Laboratoire de Biotechnologie et Biotherapie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, CERVI, 83 bd de l'Hôpital, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - María Hidalgo-Figueroa
- Laboratory of Neural Differentiation (NEDI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), box UCL-5511, 55 Avenue Hippocrate, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques Mallet
- CRICM, UPMC/Inserm UMR_S 975; CNRS UMR 7225, Laboratoire de Biotechnologie et Biotherapie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, CERVI, 83 bd de l'Hôpital, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Frédéric Clotman
- Laboratory of Neural Differentiation (NEDI), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), box UCL-5511, 55 Avenue Hippocrate, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jeannette Nardelli
- CRICM, UPMC/Inserm UMR_S 975; CNRS UMR 7225, Laboratoire de Biotechnologie et Biotherapie, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, CERVI, 83 bd de l'Hôpital, F-75013, Paris, France.,Inserm U676, Hôpital Robert Debré, 48 bd Serurier, F-75019, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Li X, Liu Z, Qiu M, Yang Z. Sp8 plays a supplementary role to Pax6 in establishing the pMN/p3 domain boundary in the spinal cord. Development 2014; 141:2875-84. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.105387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Progenitor cells are segregated into multiple domains along the dorsoventral axis of the vertebrate neural tube, and each progenitor domain generates particular types of neurons. Selective cross-repressive interactions between pairs of class I and class II transcription factors play important roles in patterning neural progenitors into domains with clear boundaries. Here, we provide evidence that the zinc-finger protein Sp8 plays a supplementary role to Pax6 in establishing the pMN/p3 domain boundary through mutually repressive interactions with the class II protein Nkx2-2. The ventral limit of Sp8 expression is complementary to the dorsal limit of Nkx2-2 expression at the pMN/p3 boundary. Sp8 and Nkx2-2 exert cross-repressive interactions, and changing the expression of Sp8 and Nkx2-2 is coupled with pMN and p3 progenitor fate conversion. Sp8 exerts its neural patterning activities by acting as a transcriptional activator. The expression of a repressive form of Sp8 results in the selective inhibition of motor neuron generation and the ectopic induction of Nkx2-2 expression. Sp8 expression is positively regulated by, but not completely dependent on, Pax6. Furthermore, whereas loss of Pax6 function alone results in disruption of the pMN/p3 domain boundary only in the rostral levels of the spinal cord, loss of both Sp8 and Pax6 functions results in disruption of the pMN/p3 domain boundary along the whole rostrocaudal axis of the spinal cord. We conclude that Sp8 plays a supplementary role to Pax6 in specifying the pMN over p3 progenitor fate through cross-repressive interactions with Nkx2-2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaosu Li
- Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhidong Liu
- Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mengsheng Qiu
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310036, China
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY40392, USA
| | - Zhengang Yang
- Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Clark JK, O'keefe A, Mastracci TL, Sussel L, Matise MP, Kucenas S. Mammalian Nkx2.2+ perineurial glia are essential for motor nerve development. Dev Dyn 2014; 243:1116-29. [PMID: 24979729 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND All vertebrate peripheral nerves connect the central nervous system (CNS) with targets in the periphery and are composed of axons, layers of ensheathing glia and connective tissue. Although the structure of these conduits is well established, very little is known about the origin and developmental roles of some of their elements. One understudied component, the perineurium, ensheaths nerve fascicles and is a component of the blood-nerve-barrier. In zebrafish, the motor nerve perineurium is composed of CNS-derived nkx2.2a(+) perineurial glia, which establish the motor exit point (MEP) during development. To determine if mouse perineurial cells also originate within the CNS and perform a similar function, we created a Nkx2.2:EGFP transgenic reporter line. RESULTS In conjunction with RNA expression analysis and antibody labeling, we observed Nkx2.2(+) cells along peripheral motor nerves at all stages of development and in adult tissue. Additionally, in mice lacking Nkx2.2, we demonstrate that Nkx2.2(+) perineurial glia are essential for motor nerve development and Schwann cell differentiation. CONCLUSIONS Our studies reveal that a subset of mouse perineurial cells are CNS-derived, express Nkx2.2, and are essential for motor nerve development. This work highlights an under-appreciated but essential contribution of CNS-derived cells to the development of the mammalian peripheral nervous system (PNS).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K Clark
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Koso H, Tsuhako A, Lyons E, Ward JM, Rust AG, Adams DJ, Jenkins NA, Copeland NG, Watanabe S. Identification of FoxR2 as an oncogene in medulloblastoma. Cancer Res 2014; 74:2351-61. [PMID: 24599127 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-1523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is the most common pediatric brain tumor, and in ∼25% of cases, it is driven by aberrant activation of the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway in granule neuron precursor (GNP) cells. In this study, we identified novel medulloblastoma driver genes through a transposon mutagenesis screen in the developing brain of wild-type and Trp53 mutant mice. Twenty-six candidates were identified along with established driver genes such as Gli1 and Crebbp. The transcription factor FoxR2, the most frequent gene identified in the screen, is overexpressed in a small subset of human medulloblastoma of the SHH subtype. Tgif2 and Alx4, 2 new putative oncogenes identified in the screen, are strongly expressed in the SHH subtype of human medulloblastoma. Mutations in these two genes were mutually exclusive with mutations in Gli1 and tended to cooccur, consistent with involvement in the SHH pathway. Notably, Foxr2, Tgif2, and Alx4 activated Gli-binding sites in cooperation with Gli1, strengthening evidence that they function in SHH signaling. In support of an oncogenic function, Foxr2 overexpression transformed NIH3T3 cells and promoted proliferation of GNPs, the latter of which was also observed for Tgif2 and Alx4. These findings offer forward genetic and functional evidence associating Foxr2, Tgif2, and Alx4 with SHH subtype medulloblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideto Koso
- Authors' Affiliations: Division of Molecular and Developmental Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore; Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, United Kingdom; and Cancer Research Program, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chen HM, DeLong CJ, Bame M, Rajapakse I, Herron TJ, McInnis MG, O'Shea KS. Transcripts involved in calcium signaling and telencephalic neuronal fate are altered in induced pluripotent stem cells from bipolar disorder patients. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e375. [PMID: 25116795 PMCID: PMC3966040 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BP) is a chronic psychiatric condition characterized by dynamic, pathological mood fluctuations from mania to depression. To date, a major challenge in studying human neuropsychiatric conditions such as BP has been limited access to viable central nervous system tissue to examine disease progression. Patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) now offer an opportunity to analyze the full compliment of neural tissues and the prospect of identifying novel disease mechanisms. We have examined changes in gene expression as iPSC derived from well-characterized patients differentiate into neurons; there was little difference in the transcriptome of iPSC, but BP neurons were significantly different than controls in their transcriptional profile. Expression of transcripts for membrane bound receptors and ion channels was significantly increased in BP-derived neurons compared with controls, and we found that lithium pretreatment of BP neurons significantly altered their calcium transient and wave amplitude. The expression of transcription factors involved in the specification of telencephalic neuronal identity was also altered. Control neurons expressed transcripts that confer dorsal telencephalic fate, whereas BP neurons expressed genes involved in the differentiation of ventral (medial ganglionic eminence) regions. Cells were responsive to dorsal/ventral patterning cues, as addition of the Hedgehog (ventral) pathway activator purmorphamine or a dorsalizing agent (lithium) stimulated expression of NKX2-1 (ventral identity) or EMX2 (dorsal) in both groups. Cell-based models should have a significant impact on our understanding of the genesis and therefore treatment of BP; the iPSC cell lines themselves provide an important resource for comparison with other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - C J DeLong
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - M Bame
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - I Rajapakse
- Center for Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, Department of Mathematics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - T J Herron
- Department of Cardiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - M G McInnis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - K S O'Shea
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, 3051 BSRB, 109 Zina Pitcher Pl, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Arcila ML, Betizeau M, Cambronne XA, Guzman E, Doerflinger N, Bouhallier F, Zhou H, Wu B, Rani N, Bassett DS, Borello U, Huissoud C, Goodman RH, Dehay C, Kosik KS. Novel primate miRNAs coevolved with ancient target genes in germinal zone-specific expression patterns. Neuron 2014; 81:1255-1262. [PMID: 24583023 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Major nonprimate-primate differences in cortico-genesis include the dimensions, precursor lineages, and developmental timing of the germinal zones (GZs). microRNAs (miRNAs) of laser-dissected GZ compartments and cortical plate (CP) from embryonic E80 macaque visual cortex were deep sequenced. The CP and the GZ including ventricular zone (VZ) and outer and inner subcompartments of the outer subventricular zone (OSVZ) in area 17 displayed unique miRNA profiles. miRNAs present in primate, but absent in rodent, contributed disproportionately to the differential expression between GZ subregions. Prominent among the validated targets of these miRNAs were cell-cycle and neurogenesis regulators. Coevolution between the emergent miRNAs and their targets suggested that novel miRNAs became integrated into ancient gene circuitry to exert additional control over proliferation. We conclude that multiple cell-cycle regulatory events contribute to the emergence of primate-specific cortical features, including the OSVZ, generated enlarged supragranular layers, largely responsible for the increased primate cortex computational abilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Arcila
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department Cellular Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Marion Betizeau
- Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, INSERM U846, 18 Avenue Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France; Université de Lyon, Université Lyon I, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Xiaolu A Cambronne
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97068, USA
| | - Elmer Guzman
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department Cellular Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Nathalie Doerflinger
- Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, INSERM U846, 18 Avenue Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France; Université de Lyon, Université Lyon I, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Frantz Bouhallier
- Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, INSERM U846, 18 Avenue Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France; Université de Lyon, Université Lyon I, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Hongjun Zhou
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department Cellular Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Bian Wu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department Cellular Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Neha Rani
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department Cellular Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Danielle S Bassett
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department Cellular Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Ugo Borello
- Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, INSERM U846, 18 Avenue Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France; Université de Lyon, Université Lyon I, 69003 Lyon, France
| | - Cyril Huissoud
- Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, INSERM U846, 18 Avenue Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France; Université de Lyon, Université Lyon I, 69003 Lyon, France; Service de gynécologie-obstétrique, Hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, 69004 Lyon, France
| | - Richard H Goodman
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Sciences University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97068, USA
| | - Colette Dehay
- Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute, INSERM U846, 18 Avenue Doyen Lepine, 69500 Bron, France; Université de Lyon, Université Lyon I, 69003 Lyon, France.
| | - Kenneth S Kosik
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department Cellular Molecular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Balderes DA, Magnuson MA, Sussel L. Nkx2.2:Cre knock-in mouse line: a novel tool for pancreas- and CNS-specific gene deletion. Genesis 2013; 51:844-51. [PMID: 23996959 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.22715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Nkx2.2 is a homeodomain-containing transcriptional regulator necessary for the appropriate differentiation of ventral neuronal populations in the spinal cord and hindbrain, and endocrine cell populations in the pancreas and intestine. In each tissue, Nkx2.2 inactivation leads to reciprocal cell fate alterations. To confirm the cell fate changes are due to respecification of Nkx2.2-expressing progenitors and to provide a novel tool for lineage tracing in the pancreas and CNS, we generated an Nkx2.2:Cre mouse line by knocking in a Cre-EGFP cassette into the Nkx2.2 genomic locus and inactivating endogenous Nkx2.2. The R26R-CAG-LSL-tdTomato reporter was used to monitor the specificity and efficiency of Nkx2.2:Cre activity; the tomato reporter faithfully recapitulated endogenous Nkx2.2 expression and could be detected as early as embryonic day (e) 9.25 in the developing CNS and was initiated shortly thereafter at e9.5 in the pancreas. Lineage analyses in the CNS confirmed the cell populations thought to be derived from Nkx2.2-expressing progenitor domains. Furthermore, lineage studies verified Nkx2.2 expression in the earliest pancreatic progenitors that give rise to all cell types of the pancreas; however they also revealed more robust Cre activity in the dorsal versus ventral pancreas. Thus, the Nkx2.2:Cre line provides a novel tool for gene manipulations in the CNS and pancreas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dina A Balderes
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University, New York, New York, 10032
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
Cre/LoxP has broad utility for studying the function, development, and oncogenic transformation of pancreatic cells in mice. Here we provide an overview of the Cre driver lines that are available for such studies. We discuss how variegated expression, transgene silencing, and recombination in undesired cell types have conspired to limit the performance of these lines, sometimes leading to serious experimental concerns. We also discuss preferred strategies for achieving high-fidelity driver lines and remind investigators of the continuing need for caution when interpreting results obtained from any Cre/LoxP-based experiment performed in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Magnuson
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
GRG5/AES interacts with T-cell factor 4 (TCF4) and downregulates Wnt signaling in human cells and zebrafish embryos. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67694. [PMID: 23840876 PMCID: PMC3698143 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional control by TCF/LEF proteins is crucial in key developmental processes such as embryo polarity, tissue architecture and cell fate determination. TCFs associate with β-catenin to activate transcription in the presence of Wnt signaling, but in its absence act as repressors together with Groucho-family proteins (GRGs). TCF4 is critical in vertebrate intestinal epithelium, where TCF4-β-catenin complexes are necessary for the maintenance of a proliferative compartment, and their abnormal formation initiates tumorigenesis. However, the extent of TCF4-GRG complexes' roles in development and the mechanisms by which they repress transcription are not completely understood. Here we characterize the interaction between TCF4 and GRG5/AES, a Groucho family member whose functional relationship with TCFs has been controversial. We map the core GRG interaction region in TCF4 to a 111-amino acid fragment and show that, in contrast to other GRGs, GRG5/AES-binding specifically depends on a 4-amino acid motif (LVPQ) present only in TCF3 and some TCF4 isoforms. We further demonstrate that GRG5/AES represses Wnt-mediated transcription both in human cells and zebrafish embryos. Importantly, we provide the first evidence of an inherent repressive function of GRG5/AES in dorsal-ventral patterning during early zebrafish embryogenesis. These results improve our understanding of TCF-GRG interactions, have significant implications for models of transcriptional repression by TCF-GRG complexes, and lay the groundwork for in depth direct assessment of the potential role of Groucho-family proteins in both normal and abnormal development.
Collapse
|
31
|
In ovo electroporation in embryonic chick spinal cords. Methods Mol Biol 2013. [PMID: 23681624 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-444-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The developing spinal cord is a well-established model system widely used to study the signaling pathways and genetic programs that control neuronal/glial differentiation and neural circuit assembly. This is largely due to the relatively simple organization (compared to other CNS regions) and experimental accessibility of the neural tube, particularly in the chick embryo. In vivo transfection of cells within the developing chick neural tube using in ovo electroporation has emerged as a rapid and powerful experimental technique in that (1) transfected factors can be functionally tested in a spatially and temporally controlled manner and (2) the chick embryo provides a physiologically relevant in vivo environment to conduct biochemical studies such as dual-channel luciferase assay, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), and Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP). In this chapter, we will take an in-depth look at the in ovo electroporation system in embryonic chicken spinal cord. In the following chapter, we will continue by examining the use of in ovo electroporation in the dual-channel luciferase assay as an example of its biochemical application.
Collapse
|
32
|
Yu K, McGlynn S, Matise MP. Floor plate-derived sonic hedgehog regulates glial and ependymal cell fates in the developing spinal cord. Development 2013; 140:1594-604. [PMID: 23482494 DOI: 10.1242/dev.090845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cell fate specification in the CNS is controlled by the secreted morphogen sonic hedgehog (Shh). At spinal cord levels, Shh produced by both the notochord and floor plate (FP) diffuses dorsally to organize patterned gene expression in dividing neural and glial progenitors. Despite the fact that two discrete sources of Shh are involved in this process, the individual contribution of the FP, the only intrinsic source of Shh throughout both neurogenesis and gliogenesis, has not been clearly defined. Here, we have used conditional mutagenesis approaches in mice to selectively inactivate Shh in the FP (Shh(FP)) while allowing expression to persist in the notochord, which underlies the neural tube during neurogenesis but not gliogenesis. We also inactivated Smo, the common Hh receptor, in neural tube progenitors. Our findings confirm and extend prior studies suggesting an important requirement for Shh(FP) in specifying oligodendrocyte cell fates via repression of Gli3 in progenitors. Our studies also uncover a connection between embryonic Shh signaling and astrocyte-mediated reactive gliosis in adults, raising the possibility that this pathway is involved in the development of the most common cell type in the CNS. Finally, we find that intrinsic spinal cord Shh signaling is required for the proper formation of the ependymal zone, the epithelial cell lining of the central canal that is also an adult stem cell niche. Together, our studies identify a crucial late embryonic role for Shh(FP) in regulating the specification and differentiation of glial and epithelial cells in the mouse spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwanha Yu
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 675 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08840, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Peterson KA, Nishi Y, Ma W, Vedenko A, Shokri L, Zhang X, McFarlane M, Baizabal JM, Junker JP, van Oudenaarden A, Mikkelsen T, Bernstein BE, Bailey TL, Bulyk ML, Wong WH, McMahon AP. Neural-specific Sox2 input and differential Gli-binding affinity provide context and positional information in Shh-directed neural patterning. Genes Dev 2013; 26:2802-16. [PMID: 23249739 DOI: 10.1101/gad.207142.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In the vertebrate neural tube, regional Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling invokes a time- and concentration-dependent induction of six different cell populations mediated through Gli transcriptional regulators. Elsewhere in the embryo, Shh/Gli responses invoke different tissue-appropriate regulatory programs. A genome-scale analysis of DNA binding by Gli1 and Sox2, a pan-neural determinant, identified a set of shared regulatory regions associated with key factors central to cell fate determination and neural tube patterning. Functional analysis in transgenic mice validates core enhancers for each of these factors and demonstrates the dual requirement for Gli1 and Sox2 inputs for neural enhancer activity. Furthermore, through an unbiased determination of Gli-binding site preferences and analysis of binding site variants in the developing mammalian CNS, we demonstrate that differential Gli-binding affinity underlies threshold-level activator responses to Shh input. In summary, our results highlight Sox2 input as a context-specific determinant of the neural-specific Shh response and differential Gli-binding site affinity as an important cis-regulatory property critical for interpreting Shh morphogen action in the mammalian neural tube.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Peterson
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Wang H, Matise MP. In vivo dual luciferase reporter assay with chick neural tube in ovo electroporation system. Methods Mol Biol 2013; 1018:211-7. [PMID: 23681631 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-444-9_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Luciferase reporter systems are widely employed to provide a quantitative readout of gene expression for studies of transcriptional regulation, translation efficiency, and cell signaling. The most common application of luciferase involves transient transfections into cells in vitro or in vivo. In both cases, the normal variability inherent in transfection approaches can introduce significant errors into the data that makes comparison between separate experiments problematic. The dual luciferase reporter assay system (DLR, Promega, WI, USA) is designed to control for this technical issue by using a co-transfection approach with two separate reporter proteins that emit at distinct wavelengths: one from firefly (Photinus pyralis) and the second from Renilla (Renilla reniformis). By normalizing experimental luciferase readings to an internal control transfected under the same conditions, these problems can be largely negated. Here, we describe a method for applying this technique to an in vivo system, the developing chick embryo neural tube. This system provides a physiologically relevant context for functional studies in a spatially and/or temporally controlled manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Law KKL, Makino S, Mo R, Zhang X, Puviindran V, Hui CC. Antagonistic and cooperative actions of Kif7 and Sufu define graded intracellular Gli activities in Hedgehog signaling. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50193. [PMID: 23166838 PMCID: PMC3500354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Graded Hedgehog (Hh) signaling governs the balance of Gli transcriptional activators and repressors to specify diverse ventral cell fates in the spinal cord. It remains unclear how distinct intracellular Gli activity is generated. Here, we demonstrate that Sufu acts universally as a negative regulator of Hh signaling, whereas Kif7 inhibits Gli activity in cooperation with, and independent of, Sufu. Together, they deter naïve precursors from acquiring increasingly ventral identity. We show that Kif7 is also required to establish high intracellular Gli activity by antagonizing the Sufu-inhibition of Gli2. Strikingly, by abolishing the negative regulatory action of Sufu, diverse ventral cell fates can be specified in the absence of extracellular Hh signaling. These data suggest that Sufu is the primary regulator of graded Hh signaling and establish that the antagonistic and cooperative actions of Kif7 and Sufu are responsible for setting up distinct Gli activity in ventral cell fate specification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin King Lo Law
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shigeru Makino
- Mutagenesis and Genomics Team, RIKEN BioResource Center, Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Rong Mo
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaoyun Zhang
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vijitha Puviindran
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chi-chung Hui
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Matise MP. Molecular genetic control of cell patterning and fate determination in the developing ventral spinal cord. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 2:419-25. [DOI: 10.1002/wdev.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|