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Martins-Costa C, Wiegers A, Pham VA, Sidhaye J, Doleschall B, Novatchkova M, Lendl T, Piber M, Peer A, Möseneder P, Stuempflen M, Chow SYA, Seidl R, Prayer D, Höftberger R, Kasprian G, Ikeuchi Y, Corsini NS, Knoblich JA. ARID1B controls transcriptional programs of axon projection in an organoid model of the human corpus callosum. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:866-885.e14. [PMID: 38718796 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in ARID1B, a member of the mSWI/SNF complex, cause severe neurodevelopmental phenotypes with elusive mechanisms in humans. The most common structural abnormality in the brain of ARID1B patients is agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC), characterized by the absence of an interhemispheric white matter tract that connects distant cortical regions. Here, we find that neurons expressing SATB2, a determinant of callosal projection neuron (CPN) identity, show impaired maturation in ARID1B+/- neural organoids. Molecularly, a reduction in chromatin accessibility of genomic regions targeted by TCF-like, NFI-like, and ARID-like transcription factors drives the differential expression of genes required for corpus callosum (CC) development. Through an in vitro model of the CC tract, we demonstrate that this transcriptional dysregulation impairs the formation of long-range axonal projections, causing structural underconnectivity. Our study uncovers new functions of the mSWI/SNF during human corticogenesis, identifying cell-autonomous axonogenesis defects in SATB2+ neurons as a cause of ACC in ARID1B patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Martins-Costa
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Wiegers
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Vincent A Pham
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jaydeep Sidhaye
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Balint Doleschall
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; Vienna BioCenter PhD Program, Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Novatchkova
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Lendl
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marielle Piber
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Angela Peer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul Möseneder
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marlene Stuempflen
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Siu Yu A Chow
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 153-8505 Tokyo, Japan; Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, 113-0032 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rainer Seidl
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela Prayer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Romana Höftberger
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Kasprian
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Yoshiho Ikeuchi
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 153-8505 Tokyo, Japan; Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, 113-0032 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nina S Corsini
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Jürgen A Knoblich
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Seigfried FA, Britsch S. The Role of Bcl11 Transcription Factors in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:126. [PMID: 38392344 PMCID: PMC10886639 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) comprise a diverse group of diseases, including developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). NDDs are caused by aberrant brain development due to genetic and environmental factors. To establish specific and curative therapeutic approaches, it is indispensable to gain precise mechanistic insight into the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of NDDs. Mutations of BCL11A and BCL11B, two closely related, ultra-conserved zinc-finger transcription factors, were recently reported to be associated with NDDs, including developmental delay, ASD, and ID, as well as morphogenic defects such as cerebellar hypoplasia. In mice, Bcl11 transcription factors are well known to orchestrate various cellular processes during brain development, for example, neural progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal migration, and the differentiation as well as integration of neurons into functional circuits. Developmental defects observed in both, mice and humans display striking similarities, suggesting Bcl11 knockout mice provide excellent models for analyzing human disease. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the cellular and molecular functions of Bcl11a and b and links experimental research to the corresponding NDDs observed in humans. Moreover, it outlines trajectories for future translational research that may help to better understand the molecular basis of Bcl11-dependent NDDs as well as to conceive disease-specific therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Anna Seigfried
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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3
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Yamaguchi M, Huynh MA, Chiyonobu T, Yoshida H. Knockdown of Chronophage in the nervous system mimics features of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by BCL11A/B variants. Exp Cell Res 2023; 433:113827. [PMID: 37926342 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) are a group of disorders that include intellectual disability. Although several genes have been implicated in NDD, the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis remain unclear. Therefore, it is important to develop novel models to analyze the functions of NDD-causing genes in vivo. Recently, rare pathogenic variants of the B-cell lymphoma/leukemia11A/B (BCL11A/B) gene have been identified in several patients with NDD. Drosophila carries the Chronophage (Cph) gene, which has been predicted to be a homolog of BCL11A/B based on the conservation of the amino acid sequence. In the present study, we investigated whether nervous system-specific knockdown of Cph mimics NDD phenotypes in Drosophila. Nervous system-specific knockdown of Cph induced learning and locomotor defects in larvae and epilepsy-like behaviors in adults. The number of synaptic branches was also elevated in the larval neuromuscular junction without a corresponding increase in the number of boutons. Furthermore, the expression levels of putative target genes that are Drosophila homologs of the mammalian BCL11 target genes were decreased in Cph knockdown flies. These results suggest that Cph knockdown flies are a promising model for investigating the pathology of NDD-induced BCL11A/B dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mizuki Yamaguchi
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan.
| | - Man Anh Huynh
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Chiyonobu
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kawaramachi-hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan
| | - Hideki Yoshida
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan; Advanced Insect Research Promotion Center, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Matsugasaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan.
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4
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Wiegreffe C, Ehricke S, Schmid L, Andratschke J, Britsch S. Using i-GONAD for Cell-Type-Specific and Systematic Analysis of Developmental Transcription Factors In Vivo. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1236. [PMID: 37759634 PMCID: PMC10526018 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression via direct DNA binding together with cofactors and in chromatin remodeling complexes. Their function is thus regulated in a spatiotemporal and cell-type-specific manner. To analyze the functions of TFs in a cell-type-specific context, genome-wide DNA binding, as well as the identification of interacting proteins, is required. We used i-GONAD (improved genome editing via oviductal nucleic acids delivery) in mice to genetically modify TFs by adding fluorescent reporter and affinity tags that can be exploited for the imaging and enrichment of target cells as well as chromatin immunoprecipitation and pull-down assays. As proof-of-principle, we showed the functional genetic modification of the closely related developmental TFs, Bcl11a and Bcl11b, in defined cell types of newborn mice. i-GONAD is a highly efficient procedure for modifying TF-encoding genes via the integration of small insertions, such as reporter and affinity tags. The novel Bcl11a and Bcl11b mouse lines, described in this study, will be used to improve our understanding of the Bcl11 family's function in neurodevelopment and associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Wiegreffe
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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5
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Zhang Y, Shen Y, Zhao L, Zhao Q, Zhao L, Yi S. Transcription Factor BCL11A Regulates Schwann Cell Behavior During Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5352-5365. [PMID: 37316757 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03432-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nerve injury-induced Schwann cell dedifferentiation helps to construct a favorable microenvironment for axon growth. Transcription factors regulate cell reprogramming and thus may be critical for Schwann cell phenotype switch during peripheral nerve regeneration. Here, we show that transcription factor B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A (BCL11A) is up-regulated in Schwann cells of injured peripheral nerves. Bcl11a silencing suppresses Schwann cell viability, decreases Schwann cell proliferation and migration rates, and impairs the debris clearance ability of Schwann cells. Reduced Bcl11a in injured peripheral nerves results in restricted axon elongation and myelin wrapping, leading to recovery failure. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that BCL11A may mediate Schwann cell activity through binding to the promoter of nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 2 (Nr2f2) and regulating Nr2f2 expression. Collectively, we conclude that BCL11A is essential for Schwann cell activation and peripheral nerve regeneration, providing a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of peripheral nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunsong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yinying Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lili Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Sheng Yi
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
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6
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Keefe F, Monzón-Sandoval J, Rosser AE, Webber C, Li M. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals Conserved Regulatory Networks in Human and Mouse Interneuron Development. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:8122. [PMID: 37175835 PMCID: PMC10179417 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory GABAergic interneurons originate in the embryonic medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) and control network activity in the neocortex. Dysfunction of these cells is believed to lead to runaway excitation underlying seizure-based neurological disorders such as epilepsy, autism, and schizophrenia. Despite their importance in heath and disease, our knowledge about the development of this diverse neuronal population remains incomplete. Here we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of human foetal MGE from 10 to 15 weeks post conception. These MGE tissues are composed of largely cycling progenitors and immature post-mitotic interneurons with characteristic regional marker expression. Analysis of integrated human and mouse MGE data revealed species-conserved transcriptomic profiles and regulatory programs. Moreover, we identified novel candidate transcription regulators for human interneuron differentiation. These findings provide a framework for in vitro modelling of interneuron development and a strategy for potentially enhancing interneuron production from human pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Keefe
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | | | - Anne E. Rosser
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Caleb Webber
- UK Dementia Research Institute Cardiff, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Meng Li
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
- Division of Neuroscience, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
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7
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Patel MA, Knauer MJ, Nicholson M, Daley M, Van Nynatten LR, Cepinskas G, Fraser DD. Organ and cell-specific biomarkers of Long-COVID identified with targeted proteomics and machine learning. Mol Med 2023; 29:26. [PMID: 36809921 PMCID: PMC9942653 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00610-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survivors of acute COVID-19 often suffer prolonged, diffuse symptoms post-infection, referred to as "Long-COVID". A lack of Long-COVID biomarkers and pathophysiological mechanisms limits effective diagnosis, treatment and disease surveillance. We performed targeted proteomics and machine learning analyses to identify novel blood biomarkers of Long-COVID. METHODS A case-control study comparing the expression of 2925 unique blood proteins in Long-COVID outpatients versus COVID-19 inpatients and healthy control subjects. Targeted proteomics was accomplished with proximity extension assays, and machine learning was used to identify the most important proteins for identifying Long-COVID patients. Organ system and cell type expression patterns were identified with Natural Language Processing (NLP) of the UniProt Knowledgebase. RESULTS Machine learning analysis identified 119 relevant proteins for differentiating Long-COVID outpatients (Bonferonni corrected P < 0.01). Protein combinations were narrowed down to two optimal models, with nine and five proteins each, and with both having excellent sensitivity and specificity for Long-COVID status (AUC = 1.00, F1 = 1.00). NLP expression analysis highlighted the diffuse organ system involvement in Long-COVID, as well as the involved cell types, including leukocytes and platelets, as key components associated with Long-COVID. CONCLUSIONS Proteomic analysis of plasma from Long-COVID patients identified 119 highly relevant proteins and two optimal models with nine and five proteins, respectively. The identified proteins reflected widespread organ and cell type expression. Optimal protein models, as well as individual proteins, hold the potential for accurate diagnosis of Long-COVID and targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitray A Patel
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Michael J Knauer
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | | | - Mark Daley
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.,Computer Science, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | | | - Gediminas Cepinskas
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, N6C 2R5, Canada.,Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Douglas D Fraser
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, N6C 2R5, Canada. .,Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, N6C 4V3, Canada. .,Pediatrics, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada. .,Clinical Neurological Sciences, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada. .,Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada. .,Room C2-C82, London Health Sciences Centre, 800 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, N6A 5W9, Canada.
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8
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Mahmoud Ahmed NH, Lai MI. The Novel Role of the B-Cell Lymphoma/Leukemia 11A (BCL11A) Gene in β-Thalassaemia Treatment. Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets 2023; 22:226-236. [PMID: 36734897 DOI: 10.2174/1871529x23666230123140926] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
β-thalassaemia is a genetic disorder resulting in a reduction or absence of β-globin gene expression. Due to the high prevalence of β-thalassaemia and the lack of available treatment other than blood transfusion and haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation, the disease represents a considerable burden to clinical and economic systems. Foetal haemoglobin has an appreciated ameliorating effect in β-haemoglobinopathy, as the γ-globin chain substitutes the β-globin chain reduction by pairing with the excess α-globin chain in β-thalassaemia and reduces sickling in sickle cell disease (SCD). BCL11A is a critical regulator and repressor of foetal haemoglobin. Downregulation of BCL11A in adult erythroblasts and cell lines expressing adult haemoglobin led to a significant increase in foetal haemoglobin levels. Disruption of BCL11A erythroid enhancer resulted in disruption of the BCL11A gene solely in the erythroid lineages and increased γ-globin expression in adult erythroid cells. Autologous haematopoietic stem cell gene therapy represents an attractive treatment option to overcome the immune complications and donor availability associated with allogeneic transplantation. Using genome editing technologies, the disruption of BCL11A to induce γ- globin expression in HSCs has emerged as an alternative approach to treat β-thalassaemia. Targeting the +58 BCL11A erythroid enhancer or BCL11A binding motif at the γ-gene promoter with CRISPR-Cas9 or base editors has successfully disrupted the gene and the binding motif with a subsequent increment in HbF levels. This review outlines the critical role of BCL11A in γ-globin gene silencing and discusses the different genome editing approaches to downregulate BCL11A as a means for ameliorating β-thalassaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahil Hassan Mahmoud Ahmed
- Haematology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mei I Lai
- Haematology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.,Genetics and Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
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9
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Fox PM, Tang JLY, Brand AH. The Drosophila homologue of CTIP1 (Bcl11a) and CTIP2 (Bcl11b) regulates neural stem cell temporal patterning. Development 2022; 149:dev200677. [PMID: 36069896 PMCID: PMC9482335 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
In the developing nervous system, neural stem cells (NSCs) use temporal patterning to generate a wide variety of different neuronal subtypes. In Drosophila, the temporal transcription factors, Hunchback, Kruppel, Pdm and Castor, are sequentially expressed by NSCs to regulate temporal identity during neurogenesis. Here, we identify a new temporal transcription factor that regulates the transition from the Pdm to Castor temporal windows. This factor, which we call Chronophage (or 'time-eater'), is homologous to mammalian CTIP1 (Bcl11a) and CTIP2 (Bcl11b). We show that Chronophage binds upstream of the castor gene and regulates its expression. Consistent with Chronophage promoting a temporal switch, chronophage mutants generate an excess of Pdm-specified neurons and are delayed in generating neurons associated with the Castor temporal window. In addition to promoting the Pdm to Castor transition, Chronophage also represses the production of neurons generated during the earlier Hunchback and Kruppel temporal windows. Genetic interactions with Hunchback and Kruppel indicate that Chronophage regulates NSC competence to generate Hunchback- and Kruppel-specified neurons. Taken together, our results suggest that Chronophage has a conserved role in temporal patterning and neuronal subtype specification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea H. Brand
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
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10
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Downes DJ, Hughes JR. Natural and Experimental Rewiring of Gene Regulatory Regions. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2022; 23:73-97. [PMID: 35472292 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-112921-010715] [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] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The successful development and ongoing functioning of complex organisms depend on the faithful execution of the genetic code. A critical step in this process is the correct spatial and temporal expression of genes. The highly orchestrated transcription of genes is controlled primarily by cis-regulatory elements: promoters, enhancers, and insulators. The medical importance of this key biological process can be seen by the frequency with which mutations and inherited variants that alter cis-regulatory elements lead to monogenic and complex diseases and cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the methods available to characterize and perturb gene regulatory circuits. We then highlight mechanisms through which regulatory rewiring contributes to disease, and conclude with a perspective on how our understanding of gene regulation can be used to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien J Downes
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;
| | - Jim R Hughes
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;
- MRC WIMM Centre for Computational Biology, MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;
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11
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Wiegreffe C, Wahl T, Joos NS, Bonnefont J, Liu P, Britsch S. Developmental cell death of cortical projection neurons is controlled by a Bcl11a/Bcl6‐dependent pathway. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54104. [PMID: 35766181 PMCID: PMC9346488 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202154104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental neuron death plays a pivotal role in refining organization and wiring during neocortex formation. Aberrant regulation of this process results in neurodevelopmental disorders including impaired learning and memory. Underlying molecular pathways are incompletely determined. Loss of Bcl11a in cortical projection neurons induces pronounced cell death in upper‐layer cortical projection neurons during postnatal corticogenesis. We use this genetic model to explore genetic mechanisms by which developmental neuron death is controlled. Unexpectedly, we find Bcl6, previously shown to be involved in the transition of cortical neurons from progenitor to postmitotic differentiation state to provide a major checkpoint regulating neuron survival during late cortical development. We show that Bcl11a is a direct transcriptional regulator of Bcl6. Deletion of Bcl6 exerts death of cortical projection neurons. In turn, reintroduction of Bcl6 into Bcl11a mutants prevents induction of cell death in these neurons. Together, our data identify a novel Bcl11a/Bcl6‐dependent molecular pathway in regulation of developmental cell death during corticogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias Wahl
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy Ulm University Ulm Germany
| | | | - Jerome Bonnefont
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), and ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI) Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) Brussels Belgium
- VIB‐KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, KU Leuven Department of Neuroscience Leuven Brain Institute Leuven Belgium
| | - Pentao Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
| | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy Ulm University Ulm Germany
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12
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Abstract
Immunity could be viewed as the common factor in neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. The immune and nervous systems coevolve as the embryo develops. Immunity can release cytokines that activate MAPK signaling in neural cells. In specific embryonic brain cell types, dysregulated signaling that results from germline or embryonic mutations can promote changes in chromatin organization and gene accessibility, and thus expression levels of essential genes in neurodevelopment. In cancer, dysregulated signaling can emerge from sporadic somatic mutations during human life. Neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer share similarities. In neurodevelopmental disorders, immunity, and cancer, there appears an almost invariable involvement of small GTPases (e.g., Ras, RhoA, and Rac) and their pathways. TLRs, IL-1, GIT1, and FGFR signaling pathways, all can be dysregulated in neurodevelopmental disorders and cancer. Although there are signaling similarities, decisive differentiating factors are timing windows, and cell type specific perturbation levels, pointing to chromatin reorganization. Finally, we discuss drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Corresponding author
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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13
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Neurobiology of ARID1B haploinsufficiency related to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:476-489. [PMID: 33686214 PMCID: PMC8423853 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01060-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
ARID1B haploinsufficiency is a frequent cause of intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and also leads to emotional disturbances. In this review, we examine past and present clinical and preclinical research into the neurobiological function of ARID1B. The presentation of ARID1B-related disorders (ARID1B-RD) is highly heterogeneous, including varying degrees of ID, ASD, and physical features. Recent research includes the development of suitable clinical readiness assessments for the treatment of ARID1B-RD, as well as similar neurodevelopmental disorders. Recently developed mouse models of Arid1b haploinsufficiency successfully mirror many of the behavioral phenotypes of ASD and ID. These animal models have helped to solidify the molecular mechanisms by which ARID1B regulates brain development and function, including epigenetic regulation of the Pvalb gene and promotion of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in neural progenitors in the ventral telencephalon. Finally, preclinical studies have identified the use of a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor as an effective treatment for some Arid1b haploinsufficiency-related behavioral phenotypes, and there is potential for the refinement of this therapy in order to translate it into clinical use.
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14
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Tolve M, Ulusoy A, Patikas N, Islam KUS, Bodea GO, Öztürk E, Broske B, Mentani A, Wagener A, van Loo KMJ, Britsch S, Liu P, Khaled WT, Metzakopian E, Baader SL, Di Monte DA, Blaess S. The transcription factor BCL11A defines distinct subsets of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109697. [PMID: 34525371 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons are diverse in their projection targets, effect on behavior, and susceptibility to neurodegeneration. Little is known about the molecular mechanisms establishing this diversity during development. We show that the transcription factor BCL11A is expressed in a subset of mDA neurons in the developing and adult murine brain and in a subpopulation of pluripotent-stem-cell-derived human mDA neurons. By combining intersectional labeling and viral-mediated tracing, we demonstrate that Bcl11a-expressing mDA neurons form a highly specific subcircuit within the murine dopaminergic system. In the substantia nigra, the Bcl11a-expressing mDA subset is particularly vulnerable to neurodegeneration upon α-synuclein overexpression or oxidative stress. Inactivation of Bcl11a in murine mDA neurons increases this susceptibility further, alters the distribution of mDA neurons, and results in deficits in skilled motor behavior. In summary, BCL11A defines mDA subpopulations with highly distinctive characteristics and is required for establishing and maintaining their normal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Tolve
- Neurodevelopmental Genetics, Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ayse Ulusoy
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Patikas
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK
| | - K Ushna S Islam
- Neurodevelopmental Genetics, Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Gabriela O Bodea
- Neurodevelopmental Genetics, Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ece Öztürk
- Neurodevelopmental Genetics, Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Bianca Broske
- Neurodevelopmental Genetics, Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Astrid Mentani
- Neurodevelopmental Genetics, Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Antonia Wagener
- Neurodevelopmental Genetics, Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Karen M J van Loo
- Section for Translational Epilepsy Research, Department of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Pengtao Liu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Walid T Khaled
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB 21PD, UK; Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Emmanouil Metzakopian
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Stephan L Baader
- Institute of Anatomy, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Donato A Di Monte
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sandra Blaess
- Neurodevelopmental Genetics, Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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15
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Wessels MW, Cnossen MH, van Dijk TB, Gillemans N, Schmidt KLJ, van Lom K, Vinjamur DS, Coyne S, Kurita R, Nakamura Y, de Man SA, Pfundt R, Azmani Z, Brouwer RWW, Bauer DE, van den Hout MCGN, van IJcken WFJ, Philipsen S. Molecular analysis of the erythroid phenotype of a patient with BCL11A haploinsufficiency. Blood Adv 2021; 5:2339-2349. [PMID: 33938942 PMCID: PMC8114548 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020003753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The BCL11A gene encodes a transcriptional repressor with essential functions in multiple tissues during human development. Haploinsufficiency for BCL11A causes Dias-Logan syndrome (OMIM 617101), an intellectual developmental disorder with hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH). Due to the severe phenotype, disease-causing variants in BCL11A occur de novo. We describe a patient with a de novo heterozygous variant, c.1453G>T, in the BCL11A gene, resulting in truncation of the BCL11A-XL protein (p.Glu485X). The truncated protein lacks the 3 C-terminal DNA-binding zinc fingers and the nuclear localization signal, rendering it inactive. The patient displayed high fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels (12.1-18.7% of total hemoglobin), in contrast to the parents who had HbF levels of 0.3%. We used cultures of patient-derived erythroid progenitors to determine changes in gene expression and chromatin accessibility. In addition, we investigated DNA methylation of the promoters of the γ-globin genes HBG1 and HBG2. HUDEP1 and HUDEP2 cells were used as models for fetal and adult human erythropoiesis, respectively. Similar to HUDEP1 cells, the patient's cells displayed Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin (ATAC) peaks at the HBG1/2 promoters and significant expression of HBG1/2 genes. In contrast, HBG1/2 promoter methylation and genome-wide gene expression profiling were consistent with normal adult erythropoiesis. We conclude that HPFH is the major erythroid phenotype of constitutive BCL11A haploinsufficiency. Given the essential functions of BCL11A in other hematopoietic lineages and the neuronal system, erythroid-specific targeting of the BCL11A gene has been proposed for reactivation of γ-globin expression in β-hemoglobinopathy patients. Our data strongly support this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marjon H Cnossen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
| | - Thamar B van Dijk
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Cell Biology, and
| | - Nynke Gillemans
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Cell Biology, and
| | - K L Juliëtte Schmidt
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Cell Biology, and
| | - Kirsten van Lom
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Divya S Vinjamur
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Steven Coyne
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ryo Kurita
- Department of Research and Development, Central Blood Institute, Blood Service Headquarters, Japanese Red Cross Society, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN, BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Stella A de Man
- Department of Pediatrics, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands
| | - Rolph Pfundt
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; and
| | - Zakia Azmani
- Department of Cell Biology, and
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rutger W W Brouwer
- Department of Cell Biology, and
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Wilfred F J van IJcken
- Department of Cell Biology, and
- Center for Biomics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sjaak Philipsen
- Academic Center for Hemoglobinopathies and Rare Anemias
- Department of Cell Biology, and
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16
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BCL11A: a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in human diseases. Biosci Rep 2020; 39:220893. [PMID: 31654056 PMCID: PMC6851505 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A (BCL11A) gene encodes a zinc-finger protein that is predominantly expressed in brain and hematopoietic tissue. BCL11A functions mainly as a transcriptional repressor that is crucial in brain, hematopoietic system development, as well as fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switching. The expression of this gene is regulated by microRNAs, transcription factors and genetic variations. A number of studies have recently shown that BCL11A is involved in β-hemoglobinopathies, hematological malignancies, malignant solid tumors, 2p15-p16.1 microdeletion syndrome, and Type II diabetes. It has been suggested that BCL11A may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for some diseases. In this review, we summarize the current research state of BCL11A, including its biochemistry, expression, regulation, function, and its possible clinical application in human diseases.
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17
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Seachrist DD, Hannigan MM, Ingles NN, Webb BM, Weber-Bonk KL, Yu P, Bebek G, Singh S, Sizemore ST, Varadan V, Licatalosi DD, Keri RA. The transcriptional repressor BCL11A promotes breast cancer metastasis. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:11707-11719. [PMID: 32576660 PMCID: PMC7450125 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.014018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The phenotypes of each breast cancer subtype are defined by their transcriptomes. However, the transcription factors that regulate differential patterns of gene expression that contribute to specific disease outcomes are not well understood. Here, using gene silencing and overexpression approaches, RNA-Seq, and splicing analysis, we report that the transcription factor B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 11A (BCL11A) is highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and drives metastatic disease. Moreover, BCL11A promotes cancer cell invasion by suppressing the expression of muscleblind-like splicing regulator 1 (MBNL1), a splicing regulator that suppresses metastasis. This ultimately increases the levels of an alternatively spliced isoform of integrin-α6 (ITGA6), which is associated with worse patient outcomes. These results suggest that BCL11A sustains TNBC cell invasion and metastatic growth by repressing MBNL1-directed splicing of ITGA6 Our findings also indicate that BCL11A lies at the interface of transcription and splicing and promotes aggressive TNBC phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcie D Seachrist
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Molly M Hannigan
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Natasha N Ingles
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Bryan M Webb
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Kristen L Weber-Bonk
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Peng Yu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Gurkan Bebek
- Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Salendra Singh
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Steven T Sizemore
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center and Richard L. Solove Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Vinay Varadan
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Donny D Licatalosi
- Center for RNA Science and Therapeutics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ruth A Keri
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Division of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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18
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Simon R, Wiegreffe C, Britsch S. Bcl11 Transcription Factors Regulate Cortical Development and Function. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:51. [PMID: 32322190 PMCID: PMC7158892 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors regulate multiple processes during brain development and in the adult brain, from brain patterning to differentiation and maturation of highly specialized neurons as well as establishing and maintaining the functional neuronal connectivity. The members of the zinc-finger transcription factor family Bcl11 are mainly expressed in the hematopoietic and central nervous systems regulating the expression of numerous genes involved in a wide range of pathways. In the brain Bcl11 proteins are required to regulate progenitor cell proliferation as well as differentiation, migration, and functional integration of neural cells. Mutations of the human Bcl11 genes lead to anomalies in multiple systems including neurodevelopmental impairments like intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Simon
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Germany
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19
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Masgutova G, Harris A, Jacob B, Corcoran LM, Clotman F. Pou2f2 Regulates the Distribution of Dorsal Interneurons in the Mouse Developing Spinal Cord. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:263. [PMID: 31787878 PMCID: PMC6853997 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal dorsal interneurons, which are generated during embryonic development, relay and process sensory inputs from the periphery to the central nervous system. Proper integration of these cells into neuronal circuitry depends on their correct positioning within the spinal parenchyma. Molecular cues that control neuronal migration have been extensively characterized but the genetic programs that regulate their production remain poorly investigated. Onecut (OC) transcription factors have been shown to control the migration of the dorsal interneurons (dINs) during spinal cord development. Here, we report that the OC factors moderate the expression of Pou2f2, a transcription factor essential for B-cell differentiation, in spinal dINs. Overexpression or inactivation of Pou2f2 leads to alterations in the differentiation of dI2, dI3 and Phox2a-positive dI5 populations and to defects in the distribution of dI2-dI6 interneurons. Thus, an OC-Pou2f2 genetic cascade regulates adequate diversification and distribution of dINs during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauhar Masgutova
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Audrey Harris
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benvenuto Jacob
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, System and Cognition Division, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lynn M Corcoran
- Molecular Immunology Division and Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Frédéric Clotman
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Brussels, Belgium
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20
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Alfert A, Moreno N, Kerl K. The BAF complex in development and disease. Epigenetics Chromatin 2019; 12:19. [PMID: 30898143 PMCID: PMC6427853 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-019-0264-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling complex BAF (= mammalian SWI/SNF complex) is crucial for the regulation of gene expression and differentiation. In the course of evolution from yeast to mammals, the BAF complex evolved an immense complexity with a high number of subunits encoded by gene families. In this way, tissue-specific BAF function and regulation of development begin with the combinatorial assembly of distinct BAF complexes such as esBAF, npBAF and nBAF. Furthermore, whole-genome sequencing reveals the tremendous role BAF complex mutations have in both neurodevelopmental disorders and human malignancies. Therefore, gaining a more elaborate insight into how BAF complex assembly influences its function and which role distinct subunits play, will hopefully give rise to a better understanding of disease pathogenesis and ultimately to new treatments for many human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie Alfert
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Domagkstraße 24, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Natalia Moreno
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Domagkstraße 24, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Kornelius Kerl
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Muenster, Domagkstraße 24, 48149 Muenster, Germany
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21
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Freidin M, Kraatari M, Skarp S, Määttä J, Kettunen J, Niinimäki J, Karppinen J, Williams F, Männikkö M. Genome-wide meta-analysis identifies genetic locus on chromosome 9 associated with Modic changes. J Med Genet 2019; 56:420-426. [PMID: 30808802 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2018-105726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is a common disabling condition. Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) may be a contributing factor for LBP. Modic change (MC), a distinct phenotype of LDD, is presented as a pathological bone marrow signal change adjacent to vertebral endplate on MRI. It is strongly associated with LBP and has heritability around 30%. Our objective was to identify genetic loci associated with MC using a genome-wide meta-analysis. METHODS Presence of MC was evaluated in lumbar MRI in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 (n=1182) and TwinsUK (n=647). Genome-wide association analyses were carried out using linear regression model. Inverse-variance weighting approach was used in the meta-analysis. RESULTS A locus associated with MC (p<5e-8) was found on chromosome 9 with the lead SNP rs1934268 in an intron of the PTPRD gene. It is located in the binding region of BCL11A, SPI1 and PBX3 transcription factors. The SNP was nominally associated with LBP in TwinsUK (p=0.001) but not associated in the UK Biobank (p=0.914). Suggestive signals (p<1e-5) were identified near XKR4, SCIN, MGMT, DLG2, ZNF184 and OPRK1. CONCLUSION PTPRD is a novel candidate gene for MC that may act via the development of cartilage or nervous system; further work is needed to define the mechanisms underlying the pathways leading to development of MC. This is the first genome-wide meta-analysis of MC, and the results pave the way for further studies on the genetic factors underlying the various features of spine degeneration and LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Freidin
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Minna Kraatari
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sini Skarp
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juhani Määttä
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Johannes Kettunen
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Computational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu and Biocenter Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaakko Niinimäki
- Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jaro Karppinen
- Center for Life Course Health Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Oulu, Finland
| | - Frances Williams
- Department of Twin Research and Genetic Epidemiology, School of Life Course Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Minna Männikkö
- Northern Finland Birth Cohorts, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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22
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Si J, Zhou R, Zhao B, Xie Y, Gan L, Zhang J, Wang Y, Zhou X, Ren X, Zhang H. Effects of ionizing radiation and HLY78 on the zebrafish embryonic developmental toxicity. Toxicology 2019; 411:143-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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23
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Rich CA, Perera SN, Andratschke J, Stolt CC, Buehler DP, Southard-Smith EM, Wegner M, Britsch S, Baker CVH. Olfactory ensheathing cells abutting the embryonic olfactory bulb express Frzb, whose deletion disrupts olfactory axon targeting. Glia 2018; 66:2617-2631. [PMID: 30256452 PMCID: PMC6517278 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We and others previously showed that in mouse embryos lacking the transcription factor Sox10, olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) differentiation is disrupted, resulting in defective olfactory axon targeting and fewer gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons entering the embryonic forebrain. The underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we report that OECs in the olfactory nerve layer express Frzb—encoding a secreted Wnt inhibitor with roles in axon targeting and basement membrane breakdown—from embryonic day (E)12.5, when GnRH neurons first enter the forebrain, until E16.5, the latest stage examined. The highest levels of Frzb expression are seen in OECs in the inner olfactory nerve layer, abutting the embryonic olfactory bulb. We find that Sox10 is required for Frzb expression in OECs, suggesting that loss of Frzb could explain the olfactory axon targeting and/or GnRH neuron migration defects seen in Sox10‐null mice. At E16.5, Frzb‐null embryos show significant reductions in both the volume of the olfactory nerve layer expressing the maturation marker Omp and the number of Omp‐positive olfactory receptor neurons in the olfactory epithelium. As Omp upregulation correlates with synapse formation, this suggests that Frzb deletion indeed disrupts olfactory axon targeting. In contrast, GnRH neuron entry into the forebrain is not significantly affected. Hence, loss of Frzb may contribute to the olfactory axon targeting phenotype, but not the GnRH neuron phenotype, of Sox10‐null mice. Overall, our results suggest that Frzb secreted from OECs in the olfactory nerve layer is important for olfactory axon targeting. Frzb is expressed by olfactory ensheathing cells abutting the embryonic mouse olfactory bulb. Frzb expression requires Sox10. Deletion of Frzb disrupts olfactory receptor neuron maturation, likely reflecting a defect in olfactory axon targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance A Rich
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Surangi N Perera
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - C Claus Stolt
- Institut für Biochemie, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dennis P Buehler
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - E Michelle Southard-Smith
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Michael Wegner
- Institut für Biochemie, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Clare V H Baker
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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24
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Demirci S, Uchida N, Tisdale JF. Gene therapy for sickle cell disease: An update. Cytotherapy 2018; 20:899-910. [PMID: 29859773 PMCID: PMC6123269 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is one of the most common life-threatening monogenic diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. Allogenic hematopietic stem cell transplantation is the only known cure for the disease with high success rates, but the limited availability of matched sibling donors and the high risk of transplantation-related side effects force the scientific community to envision additional therapies. Ex vivo gene therapy through globin gene addition has been investigated extensively and is currently being tested in clinical trials that have begun reporting encouraging data. Recent improvements in our understanding of the molecular pathways controlling mammalian erythropoiesis and globin switching offer new and exciting therapeutic options. Rapid and substantial advances in genome engineering tools, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, have raised the possibility of genetic correction in induced pluripotent stem cells as well as patient-derived hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. However, these techniques are still in their infancy, and safety/efficacy issues remain that must be addressed before translating these promising techniques into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selami Demirci
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Naoya Uchida
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John F Tisdale
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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25
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Gudmundsdottir B, Gudmundsson KO, Klarmann KD, Singh SK, Sun L, Singh S, Du Y, Coppola V, Stockwin L, Nguyen N, Tessarollo L, Thorsteinsson L, Sigurjonsson OE, Gudmundsson S, Rafnar T, Tisdale JF, Keller JR. POGZ Is Required for Silencing Mouse Embryonic β-like Hemoglobin and Human Fetal Hemoglobin Expression. Cell Rep 2018; 23:3236-3248. [PMID: 29898395 PMCID: PMC7301966 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal globin genes are transcriptionally silenced during embryogenesis through hemoglobin switching. Strategies to derepress fetal globin expression in the adult could alleviate symptoms in sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia. We identified a zinc-finger protein, pogo transposable element with zinc-finger domain (POGZ), expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells. Targeted deletion of Pogz in adult hematopoietic cells in vivo results in persistence of embryonic β-like globin expression without affecting erythroid development. POGZ binds to the Bcl11a promoter and erythroid-specific intragenic regulatory regions. Pogz+/- mice show elevated embryonic β-like globin expression, suggesting that partial reduction of Pogz expression results in persistence of embryonic β-like globin expression. Knockdown of POGZ in primary human CD34+ progenitor cell-derived erythroblasts reduces BCL11A expression, a known repressor of embryonic β-like globin expression, and increases fetal hemoglobin expression. These findings are significant, since new therapeutic targets and strategies are needed to treat β-globin disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjorg Gudmundsdottir
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Bldg. 560/12-70, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kristbjorn O Gudmundsson
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Bldg. 560/12-70, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Kimberly D Klarmann
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Bldg. 560/12-70, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Basic Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bldg. 560/32-31D, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Satyendra K Singh
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Bldg. 560/12-70, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Lei Sun
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Bldg. 560/12-70, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Shweta Singh
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Bldg. 560/12-70, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Yang Du
- Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Vincenzo Coppola
- Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, 460 West 12(th)Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Luke Stockwin
- Drug Mechanisms Group, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Nhu Nguyen
- Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Lino Tessarollo
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Bldg. 560/12-70, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Leifur Thorsteinsson
- The Blood Bank, Landspitali University Hospital, Snorrabraut 60, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Olafur E Sigurjonsson
- The Blood Bank, Landspitali University Hospital, Snorrabraut 60, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Sveinn Gudmundsson
- The Blood Bank, Landspitali University Hospital, Snorrabraut 60, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Thorunn Rafnar
- Iceland Genomics Corporation, Snorrabraut 60, 105 Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - John F Tisdale
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, NHLBI/NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Jonathan R Keller
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Bldg. 560/12-70, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Basic Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bldg. 560/32-31D, 1050 Boyles Street, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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26
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Humbert O, Peterson CW, Norgaard ZK, Radtke S, Kiem HP. A Nonhuman Primate Transplantation Model to Evaluate Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Editing Strategies for β-Hemoglobinopathies. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2017; 8:75-86. [PMID: 29276718 PMCID: PMC5738324 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Reactivation of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is a promising approach for the treatment of β-hemoglobinopathies and the targeting of genes involved in HbF regulation is under intensive investigation. Here, we established a nonhuman primate (NHP) transplantation model to evaluate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-based gene editing strategies aimed at reactivating HbF. We first characterized the transient HbF induction to autologous HSC transplantation in pigtailed macaques, which was comparable in duration and amplitude to that of human patients. After validating function of the HbF repressor BCL11A in NHPs, we transplanted a pigtailed macaque with CD34+ cells electroporated with TALE nuclease mRNA targeting the BCL11A coding sequence. In vivo gene editing levels were low, but some BCL11A deletions were detected as late as 200 days post-transplantation. HbF production, as determined by F-cell staining and γ-globin expression, was slightly increased in this animal as compared to transplant controls. We also provided proof-of-concept results for the selection of edited NHP CD34+ cells in culture following integration of the P140K/MGMT cassette at the BCL11A locus. In summary, the NHP model described here will allow the testing of novel therapeutic approaches for hemoglobinopathies and should facilitate clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Humbert
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Zachary K. Norgaard
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stefan Radtke
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Kiem
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Corresponding author: Hans-Peter Kiem, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, P.O. Box 19024, Mail Stop D1-100, Seattle, WA 98109-1024, USA.
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27
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Abstract
Fetal haemoglobin (HbF, α2γ2) induction has long been an area of investigation, as it is known to ameliorate the clinical complications of sickle cell disease (SCD). Progress in identifying novel HbF-inducing strategies has been stymied by limited understanding of gamma (γ)-globin regulation. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified variants in BCL11A and HBS1L-MYB that are associated with HbF levels. Functional studies have established the roles of BCL11A, MYB, and KLF1 in γ-globin regulation, but this information has not yielded new pharmacological agents. Several drugs are under investigation in clinical trials as HbF-inducing agents, but hydroxycarbamide remains the only widely used pharmacologic therapy for SCD. Autologous transplant of edited haematopoietic stem cells holds promise as a cure for SCD, either through HbF induction or correction of the causative mutation, but several technical and safety hurdles must be overcome before this therapy can be offered widely, and pharmacological therapies are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Paikari
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vivien A Sheehan
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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28
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Sokpor G, Xie Y, Rosenbusch J, Tuoc T. Chromatin Remodeling BAF (SWI/SNF) Complexes in Neural Development and Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:243. [PMID: 28824374 PMCID: PMC5540894 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The ATP-dependent BRG1/BRM associated factor (BAF) chromatin remodeling complexes are crucial in regulating gene expression by controlling chromatin dynamics. Over the last decade, it has become increasingly clear that during neural development in mammals, distinct ontogenetic stage-specific BAF complexes derived from combinatorial assembly of their subunits are formed in neural progenitors and post-mitotic neural cells. Proper functioning of the BAF complexes plays critical roles in neural development, including the establishment and maintenance of neural fates and functionality. Indeed, recent human exome sequencing and genome-wide association studies have revealed that mutations in BAF complex subunits are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders such as Coffin-Siris syndrome, Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome, Kleefstra's syndrome spectrum, Hirschsprung's disease, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia. In this review, we focus on the latest insights into the functions of BAF complexes during neural development and the plausible mechanistic basis of how mutations in known BAF subunits are associated with certain neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godwin Sokpor
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University GoettingenGoettingen, Germany
| | - Yuanbin Xie
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University GoettingenGoettingen, Germany
| | - Joachim Rosenbusch
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University GoettingenGoettingen, Germany
| | - Tran Tuoc
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center, Georg-August-University GoettingenGoettingen, Germany.,DFG Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the BrainGoettingen, Germany
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29
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Wiegreffe C, Feldmann S, Gaessler S, Britsch S. Time-lapse Confocal Imaging of Migrating Neurons in Organotypic Slice Culture of Embryonic Mouse Brain Using In Utero Electroporation. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28784978 DOI: 10.3791/55886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In utero electroporation is a rapid and powerful approach to study the process of radial migration in the cerebral cortex of developing mouse embryos. It has helped to describe the different steps of radial migration and characterize the molecular mechanisms controlling this process. To directly and dynamically analyze migrating neurons they have to be traced over time. This protocol describes a workflow that combines in utero electroporation with organotypic slice culture and time-lapse confocal imaging, which allows for a direct examination and dynamic analysis of radially migrating cortical neurons. Furthermore, detailed characterization of migrating neurons, such as migration speed, speed profiles, as well as radial orientation changes, is possible. The method can easily be adapted to perform functional analyses of genes of interest in radially migrating cortical neurons by loss and gain of function as well as rescue experiments. Time-lapse imaging of migrating neurons is a state-of-the-art technique that once established is a potent tool to study the development of the cerebral cortex in mouse models of neuronal migration disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University
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30
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Greig LC, Woodworth MB, Greppi C, Macklis JD. Ctip1 Controls Acquisition of Sensory Area Identity and Establishment of Sensory Input Fields in the Developing Neocortex. Neuron 2017; 90:261-77. [PMID: 27100196 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
While transcriptional controls over the size and relative position of cortical areas have been identified, less is known about regulators that direct acquisition of area-specific characteristics. Here, we report that the transcription factor Ctip1 functions in primary sensory areas to repress motor and activate sensory programs of gene expression, enabling establishment of sharp molecular boundaries defining functional areas. In Ctip1 mutants, abnormal gene expression leads to aberrantly motorized corticocortical and corticofugal output connectivity. Ctip1 critically regulates differentiation of layer IV neurons, and selective loss of Ctip1 in cortex deprives thalamocortical axons of their receptive "sensory field" in layer IV, which normally provides a tangentially and radially defined compartment of dedicated synaptic territory. Therefore, although thalamocortical axons invade appropriate cortical regions, they are unable to organize into properly configured sensory maps. Together, these data identify Ctip1 as a critical control over sensory area development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano C Greig
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mollie B Woodworth
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Chloé Greppi
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jeffrey D Macklis
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Center for Brain Science and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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31
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Shimbo H, Yokoi T, Aida N, Mizuno S, Suzumura H, Nagai J, Ida K, Enomoto Y, Hatano C, Kurosawa K. Haploinsufficiency of BCL11A associated with cerebellar abnormalities in 2p15p16.1 deletion syndrome. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2017; 5:429-437. [PMID: 28717667 PMCID: PMC5511803 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosome 2p15p16.1 deletion syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability (ID), neurodevelopmental delay, language delay, growth retardation, microcephaly, structural brain abnormalities, and dysmorphic features. More than 30 patients with 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome have been reported in the literature. METHODS Molecular analysis was performed using microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). Clinical characteristics and brain magnetic resonance imaging features of these patients were also reviewed. RESULTS We identified four patients with ID, neurodevelopmental delay, brain malformations, and dysmorphic features; two patients with 2p15p16.1 deletions (3.24 Mb, 5.04 Mb), one patient with 2p16.1 deletion (1.12 Mb), and one patient with 2p14p16.1 deletion (5.12 Mb). Three patients with 2p15p16.1 deletions or 2p16.1 deletions encompassing BCL11A,PAPOLG, and REL showed hypoplasia of the pons and cerebellum. The patient with 2p14p16.1 deletion, which did not include three genes showed normal size and shape of the cerebellar hemispheres and pons. CONCLUSION The zinc finger transcription factor BCL11A associated with the BAF chromatin remodeling complex has been identified to be critical for neural development and BCL11A haploinsufficiency is closely related to cerebellar abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Shimbo
- Clinical Research InstituteKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Takayuki Yokoi
- Division of Medical GeneticsKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Noriko Aida
- Division of RadiologyKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Seiji Mizuno
- Department of PediatricsAichi Human Service CenterCentral HospitalKasugaiJapan
| | - Hiroshi Suzumura
- Department of PediatricsDokkyo Medical University School of MedicineTochigiJapan
| | - Junichi Nagai
- Laboratory MedicineKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Kazumi Ida
- Division of Medical GeneticsKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Yumi Enomoto
- Clinical Research InstituteKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Chihiro Hatano
- Division of Medical GeneticsKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
| | - Kenji Kurosawa
- Division of Medical GeneticsKanagawa Children's Medical CenterYokohamaJapan
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32
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Tasan I, Jain S, Zhao H. Use of genome-editing tools to treat sickle cell disease. Hum Genet 2016; 135:1011-28. [PMID: 27250347 PMCID: PMC5002234 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-016-1688-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in genome-editing techniques have made it possible to modify any desired DNA sequence by employing programmable nucleases. These next-generation genome-modifying tools are the ideal candidates for therapeutic applications, especially for the treatment of genetic disorders like sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is an inheritable monogenic disorder which is caused by a point mutation in the β-globin gene. Substantial success has been achieved in the development of supportive therapeutic strategies for SCD, but unfortunately there is still a lack of long-term universal cure. The only existing curative treatment is based on allogeneic stem cell transplantation from healthy donors; however, this treatment is applicable to a limited number of patients only. Hence, a universally applicable therapy is highly desirable. In this review, we will discuss the three programmable nucleases that are commonly used for genome-editing purposes: zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9). We will continue by exemplifying uses of these methods to correct the sickle cell mutation. Additionally, we will present induction of fetal globin expression as an alternative approach to cure sickle cell disease. We will conclude by comparing the three methods and explaining the concerns about their use in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ipek Tasan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Surbhi Jain
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Huimin Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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33
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BCL11A Haploinsufficiency Causes an Intellectual Disability Syndrome and Dysregulates Transcription. Am J Hum Genet 2016; 99:253-74. [PMID: 27453576 PMCID: PMC4974071 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) is a common condition with considerable genetic heterogeneity. Next-generation sequencing of large cohorts has identified an increasing number of genes implicated in ID, but their roles in neurodevelopment remain largely unexplored. Here we report an ID syndrome caused by de novo heterozygous missense, nonsense, and frameshift mutations in BCL11A, encoding a transcription factor that is a putative member of the BAF swi/snf chromatin-remodeling complex. Using a comprehensive integrated approach to ID disease modeling, involving human cellular analyses coupled to mouse behavioral, neuroanatomical, and molecular phenotyping, we provide multiple lines of functional evidence for phenotypic effects. The etiological missense variants cluster in the amino-terminal region of human BCL11A, and we demonstrate that they all disrupt its localization, dimerization, and transcriptional regulatory activity, consistent with a loss of function. We show that Bcl11a haploinsufficiency in mice causes impaired cognition, abnormal social behavior, and microcephaly in accordance with the human phenotype. Furthermore, we identify shared aberrant transcriptional profiles in the cortex and hippocampus of these mouse models. Thus, our work implicates BCL11A haploinsufficiency in neurodevelopmental disorders and defines additional targets regulated by this gene, with broad relevance for our understanding of ID and related syndromes.
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34
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Abstract
Sickle-cell disease affects millions of individuals worldwide, but the global incidence is concentrated in Africa. The burden of sickle-cell disease is expected to continue to rise over the coming decades, adding to stress on the health infrastructures of many countries. Although the molecular cause of sickle-cell disease has been known for more than half a century, treatment options remain greatly limited. Allogeneic haemopoietic stem-cell transplantation is the only existing cure but is limited to specialised clinical centres and remains inaccessible for most patients. Induction of fetal haemoglobin production is a promising strategy for the treatment of sickle-cell disease. In this Series paper, we review scientific breakthroughs in epidemiology, genetics, and molecular biology that have brought reactivation of fetal haemoglobin to the forefront of sickle-cell disease research. Improved knowledge of the regulation of fetal haemoglobin production in human beings and the development of genome editing technology now support the design of innovative therapies for sickle-cell disease that are based on fetal haemoglobin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Lettre
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada; Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Boston Children's Hospital, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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35
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Ctip1 Regulates the Balance between Specification of Distinct Projection Neuron Subtypes in Deep Cortical Layers. Cell Rep 2016; 15:999-1012. [PMID: 27117402 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.03.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular linkage between neocortical projection neuron subtype and area development, which enables the establishment of functional areas by projection neuron populations appropriate for specific sensory and motor functions, is poorly understood. Here, we report that Ctip1 controls precision of neocortical development by regulating subtype identity in deep-layer projection neurons. Ctip1 is expressed by postmitotic callosal and corticothalamic projection neurons but is excluded over embryonic development from corticospinal motor neurons, which instead express its close relative, Ctip2. Loss of Ctip1 function results in a striking bias in favor of subcerebral projection neuron development in sensory cortex at the expense of corticothalamic and deep-layer callosal development, while misexpression of Ctip1 in vivo represses subcerebral gene expression and projections. As we report in a paired paper, Ctip1 also controls acquisition of sensory area identity. Therefore, Ctip1 couples subtype and area specification, enabling specific functional areas to organize precise ratios of appropriate output projections.
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36
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Customizing the genome as therapy for the β-hemoglobinopathies. Blood 2016; 127:2536-45. [PMID: 27053533 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-01-678128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite nearly complete understanding of the genetics of the β-hemoglobinopathies for several decades, definitive treatment options have lagged behind. Recent developments in technologies for facile manipulation of the genome (zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, or clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-based nucleases) raise prospects for their clinical application. The use of genome-editing technologies in autologous CD34(+) hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells represents a promising therapeutic avenue for the β-globin disorders. Genetic correction strategies relying on the homology-directed repair pathway may repair genetic defects, whereas genetic disruption strategies relying on the nonhomologous end joining pathway may induce compensatory fetal hemoglobin expression. Harnessing the power of genome editing may usher in a second-generation form of gene therapy for the β-globin disorders.
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37
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Canver MC, Smith EC, Sher F, Pinello L, Sanjana NE, Shalem O, Chen DD, Schupp PG, Vinjamur DS, Garcia SP, Luc S, Kurita R, Nakamura Y, Fujiwara Y, Maeda T, Yuan GC, Zhang F, Orkin SH, Bauer DE. BCL11A enhancer dissection by Cas9-mediated in situ saturating mutagenesis. Nature 2015; 527:192-7. [PMID: 26375006 PMCID: PMC4644101 DOI: 10.1038/nature15521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 605] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Enhancers, critical determinants of cellular identity, are commonly recognized by correlative chromatin marks and gain-of-function potential, although only loss-of-function studies can demonstrate their requirement in the native genomic context. Previously, we identified an erythroid enhancer of human BCL11A, subject to common genetic variation associated with the fetal haemoglobin level, the mouse orthologue of which is necessary for erythroid BCL11A expression. Here we develop pooled clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-Cas9 guide RNA libraries to perform in situ saturating mutagenesis of the human and mouse enhancers. This approach reveals critical minimal features and discrete vulnerabilities of these enhancers. Despite conserved function of the composite enhancers, their architecture diverges. The crucial human sequences appear to be primate-specific. Through editing of primary human progenitors and mouse transgenesis, we validate the BCL11A erythroid enhancer as a target for fetal haemoglobin reinduction. The detailed enhancer map will inform therapeutic genome editing, and the screening approach described here is generally applicable to functional interrogation of non-coding genomic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Canver
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Elenoe C Smith
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Falak Sher
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Luca Pinello
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Neville E Sanjana
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Ophir Shalem
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Diane D Chen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Patrick G Schupp
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Divya S Vinjamur
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Sara P Garcia
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Sidinh Luc
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Ryo Kurita
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Center, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
- Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Yuko Fujiwara
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Takahiro Maeda
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Guo-Cheng Yuan
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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38
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Bcl11a (Ctip1) Controls Migration of Cortical Projection Neurons through Regulation of Sema3c. Neuron 2015; 87:311-25. [PMID: 26182416 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
During neocortical development, neurons undergo polarization, oriented migration, and layer-type-specific differentiation. The transcriptional programs underlying these processes are not completely understood. Here, we show that the transcription factor Bcl11a regulates polarity and migration of upper layer neurons. Bcl11a-deficient late-born neurons fail to correctly switch from multipolar to bipolar morphology, resulting in impaired radial migration. We show that the expression of Sema3c is increased in migrating Bcl11a-deficient neurons and that Bcl11a is a direct negative regulator of Sema3c transcription. In vivo gain-of-function and rescue experiments demonstrate that Sema3c is a major downstream effector of Bcl11a required for the cell polarity switch and for the migration of upper layer neurons. Our data uncover a novel Bcl11a/Sema3c-dependent regulatory pathway used by migrating cortical neurons.
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39
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Abstract
While microRNAs have emerged as an important component of gene regulatory networks, it remains unclear how microRNAs collaborate with transcription factors in the gene networks that determines neuronal cell fate. Here, we show that in the developing spinal cord, the expression of miR-218 is directly upregulated by the Isl1-Lhx3 complex, which drives motor neuron fate. Inhibition of miR-218 suppresses the generation of motor neurons in both chick neural tube and mouse embryonic stem cells, suggesting that miR-218 plays a crucial role in motor neuron differentiation. Results from unbiased RISC-trap screens, in vivo reporter assays, and overexpression studies indicated that miR-218 directly represses transcripts that promote developmental programs for interneurons. Additionally, we found that miR-218 activity is required for Isl1-Lhx3 to effectively induce motor neurons and suppress interneuron fates. Together, our results reveal an essential role of miR-218 as a downstream effector of the Isl1-Lhx3 complex in establishing motor neuron identity.
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40
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The Specification of Cortical Subcerebral Projection Neurons Depends on the Direct Repression of TBR1 by CTIP1/BCL11a. J Neurosci 2015; 35:7552-64. [PMID: 25972180 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0169-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of distinct neuronal fates is fundamental for the function of the cerebral cortex. We find that the development of subcerebral projections from layer 5 neurons in the mouse neocortex depends on the high levels of expression of the transcription factor CTIP1; CTIP1 is coexpressed with CTIP2 in neurons that project to subcerebral targets and with SATB2 in those that project to the contralateral cortex. CTIP1 directly represses Tbr1 in layer 5, which appears as a critical step for the acquisition of the subcerebral fate. In contrast, lower levels of CTIP1 in layer 6 are required for TBR1 expression, which directs the corticothalamic fate. CTIP1 does not appear to play a critical role in the acquisition of the callosal projection fate in layer 5. These findings unravel a key step in the acquisition of cell fate for closely related corticofugal neurons and indicate that differential dosages of transcriptions factors are critical to specify different neuronal identities.
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41
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Guda S, Brendel C, Renella R, Du P, Bauer DE, Canver MC, Grenier JK, Grimson AW, Kamran SC, Thornton J, de Boer H, Root DE, Milsom MD, Orkin SH, Gregory RI, Williams DA. miRNA-embedded shRNAs for Lineage-specific BCL11A Knockdown and Hemoglobin F Induction. Mol Ther 2015; 23:1465-74. [PMID: 26080908 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) technology using short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) expressed via RNA polymerase (pol) III promoters has been widely exploited to modulate gene expression in a variety of mammalian cell types. For certain applications, such as lineage-specific knockdown, embedding targeting sequences into pol II-driven microRNA (miRNA) architecture is required. Here, using the potential therapeutic target BCL11A, we demonstrate that pol III-driven shRNAs lead to significantly increased knockdown but also increased cytotoxcity in comparison to pol II-driven miRNA adapted shRNAs (shRNA(miR)) in multiple hematopoietic cell lines. We show that the two expression systems yield mature guide strand sequences that differ by a 4 bp shift. This results in alternate seed sequences and consequently influences the efficacy of target gene knockdown. Incorporating a corresponding 4 bp shift into the guide strand of shRNA(miR)s resulted in improved knockdown efficiency of BCL11A. This was associated with a significant de-repression of the hemoglobin target of BCL11A, human γ-globin or the murine homolog Hbb-y. Our results suggest the requirement for optimization of shRNA sequences upon incorporation into a miRNA backbone. These findings have important implications in future design of shRNA(miR)s for RNAi-based therapy in hemoglobinopathies and other diseases requiring lineage-specific expression of gene silencing sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swaroopa Guda
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christian Brendel
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Raffaele Renella
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peng Du
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel E Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Jennifer K Grenier
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew W Grimson
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, College of Arts and Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Sophia C Kamran
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - James Thornton
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Helen de Boer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David E Root
- Genetic Perturbation Platform, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael D Milsom
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stuart H Orkin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Richard I Gregory
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Stem Cell Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David A Williams
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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42
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Giorgio E, Robyr D, Spielmann M, Ferrero E, Di Gregorio E, Imperiale D, Vaula G, Stamoulis G, Santoni F, Atzori C, Gasparini L, Ferrera D, Canale C, Guipponi M, Pennacchio LA, Antonarakis SE, Brussino A, Brusco A. A large genomic deletion leads to enhancer adoption by the lamin B1 gene: a second path to autosomal dominant adult-onset demyelinating leukodystrophy (ADLD). Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:3143-54. [PMID: 25701871 PMCID: PMC4424952 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal rearrangements with duplication of the lamin B1 (LMNB1) gene underlie autosomal dominant adult-onset demyelinating leukodystrophy (ADLD), a rare neurological disorder in which overexpression of LMNB1 causes progressive central nervous system demyelination. However, we previously reported an ADLD family (ADLD-1-TO) without evidence of duplication or other mutation in LMNB1 despite linkage to the LMNB1 locus and lamin B1 overexpression. By custom array-CGH, we further investigated this family and report here that patients carry a large (∼660 kb) heterozygous deletion that begins 66 kb upstream of the LMNB1 promoter. Lamin B1 overexpression was confirmed in further ADLD-1-TO tissues and in a postmortem brain sample, where lamin B1 was increased in the frontal lobe. Through parallel studies, we investigated both loss of genetic material and chromosomal rearrangement as possible causes of LMNB1 overexpression, and found that ADLD-1-TO plausibly results from an enhancer adoption mechanism. The deletion eliminates a genome topological domain boundary, allowing normally forbidden interactions between at least three forebrain-directed enhancers and the LMNB1 promoter, in line with the observed mainly cerebral localization of lamin B1 overexpression and myelin degeneration. This second route to LMNB1 overexpression and ADLD is a new example of the relevance of regulatory landscape modifications in determining Mendelian phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Giorgio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, via Santena, 19, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Daniel Robyr
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Malte Spielmann
- Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestr. 63-73, Berlin 14195, Germany
| | - Enza Ferrero
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, via Santena, 19, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Eleonora Di Gregorio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, via Santena, 19, Torino 10126, Italy Medical Genetics Unit and
| | - Daniele Imperiale
- Centro Regionale Malattie Da Prioni - Domp (ASLTO2), Torino 10144, Italy
| | - Giovanna Vaula
- Department of Neurology, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Georgios Stamoulis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Federico Santoni
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Cristiana Atzori
- Centro Regionale Malattie Da Prioni - Domp (ASLTO2), Torino 10144, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudio Canale
- Department of Nanophysics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa 16163, Italy and
| | - Michel Guipponi
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Len A Pennacchio
- Genomics Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, MS 84-171, Berkeley, CA 9472, USA
| | - Stylianos E Antonarakis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Brussino
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, via Santena, 19, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Alfredo Brusco
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, via Santena, 19, Torino 10126, Italy Medical Genetics Unit and
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43
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Basak A, Hancarova M, Ulirsch JC, Balci TB, Trkova M, Pelisek M, Vlckova M, Muzikova K, Cermak J, Trka J, Dyment DA, Orkin SH, Daly MJ, Sedlacek Z, Sankaran VG. BCL11A deletions result in fetal hemoglobin persistence and neurodevelopmental alterations. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:2363-8. [PMID: 25938782 DOI: 10.1172/jci81163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A transition from fetal hemoglobin (HbF) to adult hemoglobin (HbA) normally occurs within a few months after birth. Increased production of HbF after this period of infancy ameliorates clinical symptoms of the major disorders of adult β-hemoglobin: β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease. The transcription factor BCL11A silences HbF and has been an attractive therapeutic target for increasing HbF levels; however, it is not clear to what extent BCL11A inhibits HbF production or mediates other developmental functions in humans. Here, we identified and characterized 3 patients with rare microdeletions of 2p15-p16.1 who presented with an autism spectrum disorder and developmental delay. Moreover, these patients all exhibited substantial persistence of HbF but otherwise retained apparently normal hematologic and immunologic function. Of the genes within 2p15-p16.1, only BCL11A was commonly deleted in all of the patients. Evaluation of gene expression data sets from developing and adult human brains revealed that BCL11A expression patterns are similar to other genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Additionally, common SNPs within the second intron of BCL11A are strongly associated with schizophrenia. Together, the study of these rare patients and orthogonal genetic data demonstrates that BCL11A plays a central role in silencing HbF in humans and implicates BCL11A as an important factor for neurodevelopment.
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44
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Fetal globin gene repressors as drug targets for molecular therapies to treat the β-globinopathies. Mol Cell Biol 2014; 34:3560-9. [PMID: 25022757 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00714-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The human β-globin locus is comprised of embryonic, fetal, and adult globin genes that are expressed in a developmental stage-specific manner. Mutations in the globin locus give rise to the β-globinopathies, β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease, which begin to manifest symptoms around the time of birth. Although the fetal globin genes are autonomously silenced in adult-stage erythroid cells, mutations lying both within and outside the locus lead to natural variations in the level of fetal globin gene expression, and some of these significantly ameliorate the clinical symptoms of the β-globinopathies. Multiple reports have now identified several transcription factors that are involved in fetal globin gene repression in definitive (adult)-stage erythroid cells (the TR2/TR4 heterodimer, MYB, KLFs, BCL11A, and SOX6). To carry out their repression functions, chromatin-modifying enzymes (such as DNA methyltransferase, histone deacetylases, and lysine-specific histone demethylase 1) are additionally involved as a consequence of forming large macromolecular complexes with the DNA-binding subunits of these cellular machines. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying fetal globin gene silencing and possible near-future molecularly targeted therapies for treating the β-globinopathies.
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45
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Bali KK, Kuner R. Noncoding RNAs: key molecules in understanding and treating pain. Trends Mol Med 2014; 20:437-48. [PMID: 24986063 PMCID: PMC4123187 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2014.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of diverse ncRNAs in modulating pain is lacking. Among ncRNAs, miRNAs have been relatively well studied in pain regulation. lncRNAs also hold large potential for pain regulation. ncRNAs offer potential therapeutic options for treating chronic pain.
Although noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) were initially considered to be transcriptional byproducts, recent technological advances have led to a steady increase in our understanding of their importance in gene regulation and disease pathogenesis. In keeping with these developments, pain research is also experiencing rapid growth in the investigation of links between ncRNAs and pathological pain. Although the initial focus was on analyzing expression and dysregulation of candidate miRNAs, elucidation of other ncRNAs and ncRNA-mediated functional mechanisms in pain modulation has just commenced. Here we review the major ncRNA literature available to date with respect to pain modulation and discuss tools and opportunities available for testing the impact of other types of ncRNA on pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Kumar Bali
- Institute for Pharmacology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit with European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Rohini Kuner
- Institute for Pharmacology, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, Medical Faculty Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit with European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, D-69117 Heidelberg, Germany.
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46
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Roles of chromatin remodeling BAF complex in neural differentiation and reprogramming. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 356:575-84. [PMID: 24496512 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1791-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
ATP-dependent BAF chromatin remodeling complexes play an essential role in the maintenance of the gene expression program by regulating the structure of chromatin. There is increasing evidence that BAF complexes based on the alternative ATPase subunits, Brg1 and Brm, control the differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) to generate distinct neural cell types and modulate trans-differentiation between cell types. The BAF complexes have dedicated functions at different stages of neural differentiation that appear to arise by combinatorial assembly of their subunits. Furthermore, the differentiation of NSCs is regulated by the tight interactions between the BAF chromatin remodeling complex and the transcriptional machinery. Here, we review recent insights into the functional interaction between BAF complexes and various transcription factors (TFs) in neural differentiation and cellular reprogramming.
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47
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Bauer DE, Kamran SC, Lessard S, Xu J, Fujiwara Y, Lin C, Shao Z, Canver MC, Smith EC, Pinello L, Sabo PJ, Vierstra J, Voit RA, Yuan GC, Porteus MH, Stamatoyannopoulos JA, Lettre G, Orkin SH. An erythroid enhancer of BCL11A subject to genetic variation determines fetal hemoglobin level. Science 2013; 342:253-7. [PMID: 24115442 PMCID: PMC4018826 DOI: 10.1126/science.1242088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 460] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have ascertained numerous trait-associated common genetic variants, frequently localized to regulatory DNA. We found that common genetic variation at BCL11A associated with fetal hemoglobin (HbF) level lies in noncoding sequences decorated by an erythroid enhancer chromatin signature. Fine-mapping uncovers a motif-disrupting common variant associated with reduced transcription factor (TF) binding, modestly diminished BCL11A expression, and elevated HbF. The surrounding sequences function in vivo as a developmental stage-specific, lineage-restricted enhancer. Genome engineering reveals the enhancer is required in erythroid but not B-lymphoid cells for BCL11A expression. These findings illustrate how GWASs may expose functional variants of modest impact within causal elements essential for appropriate gene expression. We propose the GWAS-marked BCL11A enhancer represents an attractive target for therapeutic genome engineering for the β-hemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E. Bauer
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Sophia C. Kamran
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Samuel Lessard
- Montreal Heart Institute and Université Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, H1T 1C8, Canada
| | - Jian Xu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Yuko Fujiwara
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Carrie Lin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Zhen Shao
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115
| | | | - Elenoe C. Smith
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Luca Pinello
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Peter J. Sabo
- Departments of Genome Sciences and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195
| | - Jeff Vierstra
- Departments of Genome Sciences and Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195
| | - Richard A. Voit
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94304
| | - Guo-Cheng Yuan
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02115
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115
| | | | | | - Guillaume Lettre
- Montreal Heart Institute and Université Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, H1T 1C8, Canada
| | - Stuart H. Orkin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, 02115
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, 02115
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48
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Zhao X, Huang H, Chen Y, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Ma Q, Qiu M. Dynamic expression of secreted Frizzled-related protein 3 (sFRP3) in the developing mouse spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. Neuroscience 2013; 248:594-601. [PMID: 23827310 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Wnt proteins have been implicated in regulating a variety of developmental processes in the CNS. Secreted Frizzled-related protein 3 (sFRP3) is a member of the sFRP family that can inhibit the Wnt signaling by binding directly to Wnts via their regions of homology to the Wnt-binding domain of Frizzleds. Recent studies suggested that sFRP3 plays an important role in cell proliferation and differentiation in various tissues. To understand the role of sFRP3 in neural development, we carried out detailed studies on the expression of sFRP3 in the developing nervous system. Our results revealed that sFRP3 is initially expressed in the ventricular zone of the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and later in the dorsal horn of spinal cord and subpopulation of DRG neurons. The spatiotemporally dynamic expression ofsFRP3 strongly suggests that sFRP3 has potential functions in the sensory neuron genesis and sensory circuitry formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Zhao
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310029, PR China
| | - H Huang
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310029, PR China
| | - Y Chen
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310029, PR China
| | - Y Liu
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310029, PR China
| | - Z Zhang
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310029, PR China
| | - Q Ma
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 1 Jimmy Fund Way, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - M Qiu
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310029, PR China; Department of Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
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49
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Yu Y, Wang J, Khaled W, Burke S, Li P, Chen X, Yang W, Jenkins NA, Copeland NG, Zhang S, Liu P. Bcl11a is essential for lymphoid development and negatively regulates p53. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 209:2467-83. [PMID: 23230003 PMCID: PMC3526365 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20121846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bcl11a regulates development of lymphoid cells in adult mice in part by inhibiting expression of p53. Transcription factors play important roles in lymphopoiesis. We have previously demonstrated that Bcl11a is essential for normal lymphocyte development in the mouse embryo. We report here that, in the adult mouse, Bcl11a is expressed in most hematopoietic cells and is highly enriched in B cells, early T cell progenitors, common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs), and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). In the adult mouse, Bcl11a deletion causes apoptosis in early B cells and CLPs and completely abolishes the lymphoid development potential of HSCs to B, T, and NK cells. Myeloid development, in contrast, is not obviously affected by the loss of Bcl11a. Bcl11a regulates expression of Bcl2, Bcl2-xL, and Mdm2, which inhibits p53 activities. Overexpression of Bcl2 and Mdm2, or p53 deficiency, rescues both lethality and proliferative defects in Bcl11a-deficient early B cells and enables the mutant CLPs to differentiate to lymphocytes. Bcl11a is therefore essential for lymphopoiesis and negatively regulates p53 activities. Deletion of Bcl11a may represent a new approach for generating a mouse model that completely lacks an adaptive immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding, and Reproduction of Ministry of Education, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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Li P, Xiao Y, Liu Z, Liu P. Using mouse models to study function of transcriptional factors in T cell development. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2012; 1:8. [PMID: 25408871 PMCID: PMC4230505 DOI: 10.1186/2045-9769-1-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory mice have widely been used as tools for basic biological research and models for studying human diseases. With the advances of genetic engineering and conditional knockout (CKO) mice, we now understand hematopoiesis is a dynamic stepwise process starting from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) which are responsible for replenishing all blood cells. Transcriptional factors play important role in hematopoiesis. In this review we compile several studies on using genetic modified mice and humanized mice to study function of transcriptional factors in lymphopoiesis, including T lymphocyte and Natural killer (NK) cell development. Finally, we focused on the key transcriptional factor Bcl11b and its function in regulating T cell specification and commitment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Li
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzchou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China ; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiren Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzchou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China ; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangzchou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China ; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pentao Liu
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, CB10 1HH UK
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