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Zhang K, Cai W, Xin Y, He Q, Chen C, Zeng M, Chen S. Retinal Ganglion Cell Fate Induction by Ngn-Family Transcription Factors. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:32. [PMID: 38133504 PMCID: PMC10746927 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.32] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are the projection neurons of the retina. Loss of RGCs is the cellular basis for vision loss in patients with glaucoma. Finding ways to regenerate RGCs will aid in the development of regenerative therapies for patients with glaucoma. The aim of this study was to examine the ability of Ngn-family transcription factors (TFs) to induce RGC regeneration through reprogramming in vitro and in vivo. Methods In vitro, lentiviruses were used to deliver Ngn-TFs into mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). In vivo, mouse pup retina electroporation was used to deliver Ngn-TFs into late-stage retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). Immunofluorescence staining and RNA sequencing were used to examine cell fate reprogramming; patch-clamp recording was used to examine neuronal electrophysiologic functions. Results In vitro, all three Ngn-TFs, Ngn1, Ngn2, and Ngn3, were able to work alone to reprogram MEFs into RGC-like neurons that resembled RGCs at the transcriptome level, exhibited typical neuronal membrane electrophysiologic properties, and formed functional synaptic communications with retinal neurons. In vivo, Ngn-TFs reprogrammed the differentiation-competent state of late-stage RPCs to generate RGCs. Conclusions Ngn-TFs are effective in inducing an RGC-like fate both in vitro and in vivo and might be explored further in the future for glaucoma translational applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanling Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinghai He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Canbin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingbing Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Fritzsch B, Elliott KL, Yamoah EN. Neurosensory development of the four brainstem-projecting sensory systems and their integration in the telencephalon. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:913480. [PMID: 36213204 PMCID: PMC9539932 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.913480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatosensory, taste, vestibular, and auditory information is first processed in the brainstem. From the brainstem, the respective information is relayed to specific regions within the cortex, where these inputs are further processed and integrated with other sensory systems to provide a comprehensive sensory experience. We provide the organization, genetics, and various neuronal connections of four sensory systems: trigeminal, taste, vestibular, and auditory systems. The development of trigeminal fibers is comparable to many sensory systems, for they project mostly contralaterally from the brainstem or spinal cord to the telencephalon. Taste bud information is primarily projected ipsilaterally through the thalamus to reach the insula. The vestibular fibers develop bilateral connections that eventually reach multiple areas of the cortex to provide a complex map. The auditory fibers project in a tonotopic contour to the auditory cortex. The spatial and tonotopic organization of trigeminal and auditory neuron projections are distinct from the taste and vestibular systems. The individual sensory projections within the cortex provide multi-sensory integration in the telencephalon that depends on context-dependent tertiary connections to integrate other cortical sensory systems across the four modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
- *Correspondence: Bernd Fritzsch,
| | - Karen L. Elliott
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Ebenezer N. Yamoah
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV, United States
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3
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Petridou E, Godinho L. Cellular and Molecular Determinants of Retinal Cell Fate. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2022; 8:79-99. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-100820-103154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate retina is regarded as a simple part of the central nervous system (CNS) and thus amenable to investigations of the determinants of cell fate. Its five neuronal cell classes and one glial cell class all derive from a common pool of progenitors. Here we review how each cell class is generated. Retinal progenitors progress through different competence states, in each of which they generate only a small repertoire of cell classes. The intrinsic state of the progenitor is determined by the complement of transcription factors it expresses. Thus, although progenitors are multipotent, there is a bias in the types of fates they generate during any particular time window. Overlying these competence states are stochastic mechanisms that influence fate decisions. These mechanisms are determined by a weighted set of probabilities based on the abundance of a cell class in the retina. Deterministic mechanisms also operate, especially late in development, when preprogrammed progenitors solely generate specific fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Petridou
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany;,
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Leanne Godinho
- Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany;,
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4
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Self-Organization of the Retina during Eye Development, Retinal Regeneration In Vivo, and in Retinal 3D Organoids In Vitro. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061458. [PMID: 35740479 PMCID: PMC9221005 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-organization is a process that ensures histogenesis of the eye retina. This highly intricate phenomenon is not sufficiently studied due to its biological complexity and genetic heterogeneity. The review aims to summarize the existing central theories and ideas for a better understanding of retinal self-organization, as well as to address various practical problems of retinal biomedicine. The phenomenon of self-organization is discussed in the spatiotemporal context and illustrated by key findings during vertebrate retina development in vivo and retinal regeneration in amphibians in situ. Described also are histotypic 3D structures obtained from the disaggregated retinal progenitor cells of birds and retinal 3D organoids derived from the mouse and human pluripotent stem cells. The review highlights integral parts of retinal development in these conditions. On the cellular level, these include competence, differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, cooperative movements, and migration. On the physical level, the focus is on the mechanical properties of cell- and cell layer-derived forces and on the molecular level on factors responsible for gene regulation, such as transcription factors, signaling molecules, and epigenetic changes. Finally, the self-organization phenomenon is discussed as a basis for the production of retinal organoids, a promising model for a wide range of basic scientific and medical applications.
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5
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Zhang X, Mandric I, Nguyen KH, Nguyen TTT, Pellegrini M, Grove JCR, Barnes S, Yang XJ. Single Cell Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Impact of bHLH Factors on Human Retinal Organoid Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:653305. [PMID: 34055784 PMCID: PMC8155690 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.653305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The developing retina expresses multiple bHLH transcription factors. Their precise functions and interactions in uncommitted retinal progenitors remain to be fully elucidated. Here, we investigate the roles of bHLH factors ATOH7 and Neurog2 in human ES cell-derived retinal organoids. Single cell transcriptome analyses identify three states of proliferating retinal progenitors: pre-neurogenic, neurogenic, and cell cycle-exiting progenitors. Each shows different expression profile of bHLH factors. The cell cycle-exiting progenitors feed into a postmitotic heterozygous neuroblast pool that gives rise to early born neuronal lineages. Elevating ATOH7 or Neurog2 expression accelerates the transition from the pre-neurogenic to the neurogenic state, and expands the exiting progenitor and neuroblast populations. In addition, ATOH7 and Neurog2 significantly, yet differentially, enhance retinal ganglion cell and cone photoreceptor production. Moreover, single cell transcriptome analyses reveal that ATOH7 and Neurog2 each assert positive autoregulation, and both suppress key bHLH factors associated with the pre-neurogenic and states and elevate bHLH factors expressed by exiting progenitors and differentiating neuroblasts. This study thus provides novel insight regarding how ATOH7 and Neurog2 impact human retinal progenitor behaviors and neuroblast fate choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangmei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Igor Mandric
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kevin H Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Thao T T Nguyen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Matteo Pellegrini
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - James C R Grove
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Steven Barnes
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Doheny Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xian-Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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6
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Advances in Regeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells and Optic Nerves. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094616. [PMID: 33924833 PMCID: PMC8125313 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder due to the dysfunction of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). RGCs function as the only output neurons conveying the detected light information from the retina to the brain, which is a bottleneck of vision formation. RGCs in mammals cannot regenerate if injured, and RGC subtypes differ dramatically in their ability to survive and regenerate after injury. Recently, novel RGC subtypes and markers have been uncovered in succession. Meanwhile, apart from great advances in RGC axon regeneration, some degree of experimental RGC regeneration has been achieved by the in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells or in vivo somatic cell reprogramming, which provides insights into the future therapy of myriad neurodegenerative disorders. Further approaches to the combination of different factors will be necessary to develop efficacious future therapeutic strategies to promote ultimate axon and RGC regeneration and functional vision recovery following injury.
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7
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Brodie-Kommit J, Clark BS, Shi Q, Shiau F, Kim DW, Langel J, Sheely C, Ruzycki PA, Fries M, Javed A, Cayouette M, Schmidt T, Badea T, Glaser T, Zhao H, Singer J, Blackshaw S, Hattar S. Atoh7-independent specification of retinal ganglion cell identity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/11/eabe4983. [PMID: 33712461 PMCID: PMC7954457 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe4983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) relay visual information from the eye to the brain. RGCs are the first cell type generated during retinal neurogenesis. Loss of function of the transcription factor Atoh7, expressed in multipotent early neurogenic retinal progenitors leads to a selective and essentially complete loss of RGCs. Therefore, Atoh7 is considered essential for conferring competence on progenitors to generate RGCs. Despite the importance of Atoh7 in RGC specification, we find that inhibiting apoptosis in Atoh7-deficient mice by loss of function of Bax only modestly reduces RGC numbers. Single-cell RNA sequencing of Atoh7;Bax-deficient retinas shows that RGC differentiation is delayed but that the gene expression profile of RGC precursors is grossly normal. Atoh7;Bax-deficient RGCs eventually mature, fire action potentials, and incorporate into retinal circuitry but exhibit severe axonal guidance defects. This study reveals an essential role for Atoh7 in RGC survival and demonstrates Atoh7-dependent and Atoh7-independent mechanisms for RGC specification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian S Clark
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Qing Shi
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Fion Shiau
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dong Won Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer Langel
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Catherine Sheely
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Philip A Ruzycki
- John F. Hardesty, MD, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michel Fries
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
- Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Awais Javed
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
- Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Michel Cayouette
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada
- Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Tiffany Schmidt
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Tudor Badea
- National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Research and Development Institute, Transylvania University of Brasov, School of Medicine, Brasov, Romania
| | - Tom Glaser
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Haiqing Zhao
- Department of Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua Singer
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Samer Hattar
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA.
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8
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Wang J, He Q, Zhang K, Sun H, Zhang G, Liang H, Guo J, Hao L, Ke J, Chen S. Quick Commitment and Efficient Reprogramming Route of Direct Induction of Retinal Ganglion Cell-like Neurons. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:1095-1110. [PMID: 33096050 PMCID: PMC7663790 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct reprogramming has been widely explored to generate various types of neurons for neurobiological research and translational medicine applications, but there is still no efficient reprogramming method to generate retinal ganglion cell (RGC)-like neurons, which are the sole projection neurons in the retina. Here, we show that three transcription factors, Ascl1, Brn3b, and Isl1, efficiently convert fibroblasts into RGC-like neurons (iRGCs). Furthermore, we show that the competence of cells to enter iRGC reprogramming route is determined by the cell-cycle status at a very early stage of the process. The iRGC reprogramming route involves intermediate states that are characterized by a transient inflammatory-like response followed by active epigenomic and transcriptional modifications. Our study provides an efficient method to generate iRGCs, which would be a valuable cell source for potential glaucoma cell replacement therapy and drug screening studies, and reveals the key cellular events that govern successful neuronal fate reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Qinghai He
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Huilin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Jingyi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Lili Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Jiangbin Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Shuyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510623, China.
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9
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Lee TY, Cho IS, Bashyal N, Naya FJ, Tsai MJ, Yoon JS, Choi JM, Park CH, Kim SS, Suh-Kim H. ERK Regulates NeuroD1-mediated Neurite Outgrowth via Proteasomal Degradation. Exp Neurobiol 2020; 29:189-206. [PMID: 32606250 PMCID: PMC7344372 DOI: 10.5607/en20021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurogenic differentiation 1 (NeuroD1) is a class B basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor and regulates differentiation and survival of neuronal and endocrine cells by means of several protein kinases, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). However, the effect of phosphorylation on the functions of NeuroD1 by ERK has sparked controversy based on context-dependent differences across diverse species and cell types. Here, we evidenced that ERK-dependent phosphorylation controlled the stability of NeuroD1 and consequently, regulated proneural activity in neuronal cells. A null mutation at the ERK-dependent phosphorylation site, S274A, increased the half-life of NeuroD1 by blocking its ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation. The S274A mutation did not interfere with either the nuclear translocation of NeuroD1 or its heterodimerization with E47, its ubiquitous partner and class A bHLH transcription factor. However, the S274A mutant increased transactivation of the E-box-mediated gene and neurite outgrowth in F11 neuroblastoma cells, compared to the wild-type NeuroD1. Transcriptome and Gene Ontology enrichment analyses indicated that genes involved in axonogenesis and dendrite development were downregulated in NeuroD1 knockout (KO) mice. Overexpression of the S274A mutant salvaged neurite outgrowth in NeuroD1-deficient mice, whereas neurite outgrowth was minimal with S274D, a phosphomimicking mutant. Our data indicated that a longer protein half-life enhanced the overall activity of NeuroD1 in stimulating downstream genes and neuronal differentiation. We propose that blocking ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation may serve as a strategy to promote neuronal activity by stimulating the expression of neuron-specific genes in differentiating neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Young Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea.,Research Center, CelleBrain Ltd., Jeonju 54871, Korea
| | - In-Su Cho
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Narayan Bashyal
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Francisco J Naya
- Department of Biology, Life Science and Engineering Building, Boston University, Boston, MA 00215, USA
| | - Ming-Jer Tsai
- Department of Medicine and Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jeong Seon Yoon
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Jung-Mi Choi
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Chang-Hwan Park
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Sung-Soo Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea
| | - Haeyoung Suh-Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon 16499, Korea.,Research Center, CelleBrain Ltd., Jeonju 54871, Korea
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10
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Patoori S, Jean-Charles N, Gopal A, Sulaiman S, Gopal S, Wang B, Souferi B, Emerson MM. Cis-regulatory analysis of Onecut1 expression in fate-restricted retinal progenitor cells. Neural Dev 2020; 15:5. [PMID: 32192535 PMCID: PMC7082998 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-020-00142-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The vertebrate retina consists of six major classes of neuronal cells. During development, these cells are generated from a pool of multipotent retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) that express the gene Vsx2. Fate-restricted RPCs have recently been identified, with limited mitotic potential and cell fate possibilities compared to multipotent RPCs. One population of fate-restricted RPCs, marked by activity of the regulatory element ThrbCRM1, gives rise to both cone photoreceptors and horizontal cells. These cells do not express Vsx2, but co-express the transcription factors (TFs) Onecut1 and Otx2, which bind to ThrbCRM1. The components of the gene regulatory networks that control the transition from multipotent to fate-restricted gene expression are not known. This work aims to identify and evaluate cis-regulatory elements proximal to Onecut1 to identify the gene regulatory networks involved in RPC fate-restriction. Method We identified regulatory elements through ATAC-seq and conservation, followed by reporter assays to screen for activity based on temporal and spatial criteria. The regulatory elements of interest were subject to deletion and mutation analysis to identify functional sequences and evaluated by quantitative flow cytometry assays. Finally, we combined the enhancer::reporter assays with candidate TF overexpression to evaluate the relationship between the TFs, the enhancers, and early vertebrate retinal development. Statistical tests included ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis, or unpaired t-tests. Results Two regulatory elements, ECR9 and ECR65, were identified to be active in ThrbCRM1(+) restricted RPCs. Candidate bHLH binding sites were identified as critical sequences in both elements. Overexpression of candidate bHLH TFs revealed specific enhancer-bHLH interactions. Nhlh1 overexpression expanded ECR65 activity into the Vsx2(+) RPC population, and overexpression of NeuroD1/NeuroG2/NeuroD4 had a similar effect on ECR9. Furthermore, bHLHs that were able to activate ectopic ECR9 reporter were able to induce endogenous Otx2 expression. Conclusions This work reports a large-scale screen to identify spatiotemporally specific regulatory elements near the Onecut1 locus. These elements were used to identify distinct populations in the developing retina. In addition, fate-restricted regulatory elements responded differentially to bHLH factors, and suggest a role for retinal bHLHs upstream of the Otx2 and Onecut1 genes during the formation of restricted RPCs from multipotent RPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruti Patoori
- Biology PhD Program, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, USA.,Department of Biology, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Nathalie Jean-Charles
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Ariana Gopal
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Sacha Sulaiman
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Sneha Gopal
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA.,Present Address: Doctoral program in Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, USA
| | - Brian Wang
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA
| | - Benjamin Souferi
- Department of Biology, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA.,Present Address: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Mark M Emerson
- Biology PhD Program, The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, USA. .,Department of Biology, The City College of New York, The City University of New York, New York, NY, 10031, USA. .,Biochemistry PhD Program, Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
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11
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Leyva-Díaz E, Masoudi N, Serrano-Saiz E, Glenwinkel L, Hobert O. Brn3/POU-IV-type POU homeobox genes-Paradigmatic regulators of neuronal identity across phylogeny. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2020; 9:e374. [PMID: 32012462 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
One approach to understand the construction of complex systems is to investigate whether there are simple design principles that are commonly used in building such a system. In the context of nervous system development, one may ask whether the generation of its highly diverse sets of constituents, that is, distinct neuronal cell types, relies on genetic mechanisms that share specific common features. Specifically, are there common patterns in the function of regulatory genes across different neuron types and are those regulatory mechanisms not only used in different parts of one nervous system, but are they conserved across animal phylogeny? We address these questions here by focusing on one specific, highly conserved and well-studied regulatory factor, the POU homeodomain transcription factor UNC-86. Work over the last 30 years has revealed a common and paradigmatic theme of unc-86 function throughout most of the neuron types in which Caenorhabditis elegans unc-86 is expressed. Apart from its role in preventing lineage reiterations during development, UNC-86 operates in combination with distinct partner proteins to initiate and maintain terminal differentiation programs, by coregulating a vast array of functionally distinct identity determinants of specific neuron types. Mouse orthologs of unc-86, the Brn3 genes, have been shown to fulfill a similar function in initiating and maintaining neuronal identity in specific parts of the mouse brain and similar functions appear to be carried out by the sole Drosophila ortholog, Acj6. The terminal selector function of UNC-86 in many different neuron types provides a paradigm for neuronal identity regulation across phylogeny. This article is categorized under: Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory Mechanisms Invertebrate Organogenesis > Worms Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Leyva-Díaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Neda Masoudi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Lori Glenwinkel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Oliver Hobert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York
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12
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Singh RK, Occelli LM, Binette F, Petersen-Jones SM, Nasonkin IO. Transplantation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Tissue in the Subretinal Space of the Cat Eye. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:1151-1166. [PMID: 31210100 PMCID: PMC6708274 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
To develop biological approaches to restore vision, we developed a method of transplanting stem cell-derived retinal tissue into the subretinal space of a large-eye animal model (cat). Human embryonic stem cells (hESC) were differentiated to retinal organoids in a dish. hESC-derived retinal tissue was introduced into the subretinal space of wild-type cats following a pars plana vitrectomy. The cats were systemically immunosuppressed with either prednisolone or prednisolone plus cyclosporine A. The eyes were examined by fundoscopy and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging for adverse effects due to the presence of the subretinal grafts. Immunohistochemistry was done with antibodies to retinal and human markers to delineate graft survival, differentiation, and integration into cat retina. We successfully delivered hESC-derived retinal tissue into the subretinal space of the cat eye. We observed strong infiltration of immune cells in the graft and surrounding tissue in the cats treated with prednisolone. In contrast, we showed better survival and low immune response to the graft in cats treated with prednisolone plus cyclosporine A. Immunohistochemistry with antibodies (STEM121, CALB2, DCX, and SMI-312) revealed large number of graft-derived fibers connecting the graft and the host. We also show presence of human-specific synaptophysin puncta in the cat retina. This work demonstrates feasibility of engrafting hESC-derived retinal tissue into the subretinal space of large-eye animal models. Transplanting retinal tissue in degenerating cat retina will enable rapid development of preclinical in vivo work focused on vision restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnesh K Singh
- Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly BioTime Inc.), Carlsbad, California
| | - Laurence M Occelli
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lasing, Michigan
| | - Francois Binette
- Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly BioTime Inc.), Carlsbad, California
| | - Simon M Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lasing, Michigan
| | - Igor O Nasonkin
- Lineage Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (formerly BioTime Inc.), Carlsbad, California
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13
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Schlosser G. A Short History of Nearly Every Sense-The Evolutionary History of Vertebrate Sensory Cell Types. Integr Comp Biol 2019; 58:301-316. [PMID: 29741623 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icy024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolving from filter feeding chordate ancestors, vertebrates adopted a more active life style. These ecological and behavioral changes went along with an elaboration of the vertebrate head including novel complex paired sense organs such as the eyes, inner ears, and olfactory epithelia. However, the photoreceptors, mechanoreceptors, and chemoreceptors used in these sense organs have a long evolutionary history and homologous cell types can be recognized in many other bilaterians or even cnidarians. After briefly introducing some of the major sensory cell types found in vertebrates, this review summarizes the phylogenetic distribution of sensory cell types in metazoans and presents a scenario for the evolutionary history of various sensory cell types involving several cell type diversification and fusion events. It is proposed that the evolution of novel cranial sense organs in vertebrates involved the redeployment of evolutionarily ancient sensory cell types for building larger and more complex sense organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Schlosser
- School of Natural Sciences and Regenerative Medicine Institute (REMEDI), National University of Ireland, Biomedical Sciences Building, Newcastle Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
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14
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Taylor SM, Giuffre E, Moseley P, Hitchcock PF. The MicroRNA, miR-18a, Regulates NeuroD and Photoreceptor Differentiation in the Retina of Zebrafish. Dev Neurobiol 2019; 79:202-219. [PMID: 30615274 PMCID: PMC6351175 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
During embryonic retinal development, six types of retinal neurons are generated from multipotent progenitors in a strict spatiotemporal pattern. This pattern requires cell cycle exit (i.e. neurogenesis) and differentiation to be precisely regulated in a lineage‐specific manner. In zebrafish, the bHLH transcription factor NeuroD governs photoreceptor genesis through Notch signaling but also governs photoreceptor differentiation though distinct mechanisms that are currently unknown. Also unknown are the mechanisms that regulate NeuroD and the spatiotemporal pattern of photoreceptor development. Members of the miR‐17‐92 microRNA cluster regulate CNS neurogenesis, and a member of this cluster, miR‐18a, is predicted to target neuroD mRNA. The purpose of this study was to determine if, in the developing zebrafish retina, miR‐18a regulates NeuroD and if it plays a role in photoreceptor development. Quantitative RT‐PCR showed that, of the three miR‐18 family members (miR‐18a, b, and c), miR‐18a expression most closely parallels neuroD expression. Morpholino oligonucleotides and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing were used for miR‐18a loss‐of‐function (LOF) and both resulted in larvae with more mature photoreceptors at 70 hpf without affecting cell proliferation. Western blot showed that miR‐18a LOF increases NeuroD protein levels and in vitro dual luciferase assay showed that miR‐18a directly interacts with the 3′ UTR of neuroD. Finally, tgif1 mutants have increased miR‐18a expression, less NeuroD protein and fewer mature photoreceptors, and the photoreceptor deficiency is rescued by miR‐18a knockdown. Together, these results show that, independent of neurogenesis, miR‐18a regulates the timing of photoreceptor differentiation and indicate that this occurs through post‐transcriptional regulation of NeuroD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Taylor
- Department of Biology, University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, Florida, 32514
| | - Emily Giuffre
- Department of Biology, University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, Florida, 32514
| | - Patience Moseley
- Department of Biology, University of West Florida, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola, Florida, 32514
| | - Peter F Hitchcock
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, W. K. Kellogg Eye Center, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48105
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15
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Maurer KA, Kowalchuk A, Shoja-Taheri F, Brown NL. Integral bHLH factor regulation of cell cycle exit and RGC differentiation. Dev Dyn 2018; 247:965-975. [PMID: 29770538 PMCID: PMC6105502 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the developing mouse embryo, the bHLH transcription factor Neurog2 is transiently expressed by retinal progenitor cells and required for the initial wave of neurogenesis. Remarkably, another bHLH factor, Ascl1, normally not present in the embryonic Neurog2 retinal lineage, can rescue the temporal phenotypes of Neurog2 mutants. RESULTS Here we show that Neurog2 simultaneously promotes terminal cell cycle exit and retinal ganglion cell differentiation, using mitotic window labeling and integrating these results with retinal marker quantifications. We also analyzed the transcriptomes of E12.5 GFP-expressing cells from Neurog2GFP/+ , Neurog2GFP/GFP , and Neurog2Ascl1KI/GFP eyes, and validated the most significantly affected genes using qPCR assays. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the hypothesis that Neurog2 acts at the top of a retinal bHLH transcription factor hierarchy. The combined expression levels of these downstream factors are sufficiently induced by ectopic Ascl1 to restore RGC genesis, highlighting the robustness of this gene network during retinal ganglion cell neurogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 247:965-975, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate A. Maurer
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, 45229
| | - Angelica Kowalchuk
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Farnaz Shoja-Taheri
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Nadean L. Brown
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, 45229
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California Davis, School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616
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16
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Baker NE, Brown NL. All in the family: proneural bHLH genes and neuronal diversity. Development 2018; 145:145/9/dev159426. [PMID: 29720483 DOI: 10.1242/dev.159426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Proneural basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) proteins are required for neuronal determination and the differentiation of most neural precursor cells. These transcription factors are expressed in vastly divergent organisms, ranging from sponges to primates. Here, we review proneural bHLH gene evolution and function in the Drosophila and vertebrate nervous systems, arguing that the Drosophila gene atonal provides a useful platform for understanding proneural gene structure and regulation. We also discuss how functional equivalency experiments using distinct proneural genes can reveal how proneural gene duplication and divergence are interwoven with neuronal complexity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Baker
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 USA
| | - Nadean L Brown
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616 USA
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17
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Zhang XM, Hashimoto T, Tang R, Yang XJ. Elevated expression of human bHLH factor ATOH7 accelerates cell cycle progression of progenitors and enhances production of avian retinal ganglion cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6823. [PMID: 29717171 PMCID: PMC5931526 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25188-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The production of vertebrate retinal projection neurons, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), is regulated by cell-intrinsic determinants and cell-to-cell signaling events. The basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein Atoh7 is a key neurogenic transcription factor required for RGC development. Here, we investigate whether manipulating human ATOH7 expression among uncommitted progenitors can promote RGC fate specification and thus be used as a strategy to enhance RGC genesis. Using the chicken retina as a model, we show that cell autonomous expression of ATOH7 is sufficient to induce precocious RGC formation and expansion of the neurogenic territory. ATOH7 overexpression among neurogenic progenitors significantly enhances RGC production at the expense of reducing the progenitor pool. Furthermore, forced expression of ATOH7 leads to a minor increase of cone photoreceptors. We provide evidence that elevating ATOH7 levels accelerates cell cycle progression from S to M phase and promotes cell cycle exit. We also show that ATOH7-induced ectopic RGCs often exhibit aberrant axonal projection patterns and are correlated with increased cell death during the period of retinotectal connections. These results demonstrate the high potency of human ATOH7 in promoting early retinogenesis and specifying the RGC differentiation program, thus providing insight for manipulating RGC production from stem cell-derived retinal organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Mei Zhang
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Takao Hashimoto
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ronald Tang
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xian-Jie Yang
- Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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18
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Aparicio JG, Hopp H, Choi A, Mandayam Comar J, Liao VC, Harutyunyan N, Lee TC. Temporal expression of CD184(CXCR4) and CD171(L1CAM) identifies distinct early developmental stages of human retinal ganglion cells in embryonic stem cell derived retina. Exp Eye Res 2017; 154:177-189. [PMID: 27867005 PMCID: PMC5359064 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Human retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have anticipated value for human disease study, drug screening, and therapeutic applications; however, their full potential remains underdeveloped. To characterize RGCs in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) derived retinal organoids we examined RGC markers and surface antigen expression and made comparisons to human fetal retina. RGCs in both tissues exhibited CD184 and CD171 expression and distinct expression patterns of the RGC markers BRN3 and RBPMS. The retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) of retinal organoids expressed CD184, consistent with its expression in the neuroblastic layer in fetal retina. In retinal organoids CD184 expression was enhanced in RGC competent RPCs and high CD184 expression was retained on post-mitotic RGC precursors; CD171 was detected on maturing RGCs. The differential expression timing of CD184 and CD171 permits identification and enrichment of RGCs from retinal organoids at differing maturation states from committed progenitors to differentiating neurons. These observations will facilitate molecular characterization of PSC-derived RGCs during differentiation, critical knowledge for establishing the veracity of these in vitro produced cells. Furthermore, observations made in the retinal organoid model closely parallel those in human fetal retina further validating use of retinal organoid to model early retinal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Aparicio
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - H Hopp
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - A Choi
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - V C Liao
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - N Harutyunyan
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - T C Lee
- The Vision Center, Division of Ophthalmology, and Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Ophthalmology and USC Eye Institute, University of Southern California, USA
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19
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Wang J, Dong Y. Characterization of intraocular pressure pattern and changes of retinal ganglion cells in DBA2J glaucoma mice. Int J Ophthalmol 2016; 9:211-7. [PMID: 26949637 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2016.02.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To characterize the pattern of intraocular pressure (IOP) change and the deficit of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in DBA2J, which is most well-characterized chronic glaucoma mouse model and wild type (WT) C57bl/6 mice, and to study the relationship between IOP change and RGCs deficit. METHODS IOP was monitored with a rebound tonometer in WT C57bl/6 and DBA2J mice from 3 to 15-month-old. Retinal function was evaluated by dark-adapted electroretinogram (ERG) in DBA2J and WT mice of 15-month-old. A dye (Neurobiotin) was applied to optic nerve stump to retrograde label RGCs. TO-PRO-3 visualized all nuclei of cells in the RGC layer. RESULTS The IOP in WT mice was 9.03±0.6 mm Hg on average and did not increase significantly as aging. The IOP in DBA2J mice, arranging from 7.2 to 28 mm Hg, was increasing significantly as aging, and it was normal at 3-month-old compared with WT mice, slightly increased from 7-month-old and increased in 50% animals at 11-month-old and in 38% animals at 15-month-old. The RGCs density in DBA2J mice started reducing by 7-month-old, continuously decreased until reached about 20% of RGC in WT retina by 15-month-old. RGC density was not linearly correlated with IOP in 15-month-old DBA2J mice. The amplitude of positive scotopic threshold response, and negative scotopic threshold response of ERG were significantly reduced in DBA2J mice of 15-month-old than that in age-paired WT mice. CONCLUSION The present study found that DBA2J mice display pathological and functional deficits of the retina that was not linearly correlated with IOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yu Dong
- Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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20
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Poché RA, Zhang M, Rueda EM, Tong X, McElwee ML, Wong L, Hsu CW, Dejosez M, Burns AR, Fox DA, Martin JF, Zwaka TP, Dickinson ME. RONIN Is an Essential Transcriptional Regulator of Genes Required for Mitochondrial Function in the Developing Retina. Cell Rep 2016; 14:1684-1697. [PMID: 26876175 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental principle governing organ size and function is the fine balance between cell proliferation and cell differentiation. Here, we identify RONIN (THAP11) as a key transcriptional regulator of retinal progenitor cell (RPC) proliferation. RPC-specific loss of Ronin results in a phenotype strikingly similar to that resulting from the G1- to S-phase arrest and photoreceptor degeneration observed in the Cyclin D1 null mutants. However, we determined that, rather than regulating canonical cell-cycle genes, RONIN regulates a cohort of mitochondrial genes including components of the electron transport chain (ETC), which have been recently implicated as direct regulators of the cell cycle. Coincidentally, with premature cell-cycle exit, Ronin mutants exhibited deficient ETC activity, reduced ATP levels, and increased oxidative stress that we ascribe to specific loss of subunits within complexes I, III, and IV. These data implicate RONIN as a positive regulator of mitochondrial gene expression that coordinates mitochondrial activity and cell-cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross A Poché
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elda M Rueda
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA
| | - Xuefei Tong
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Melissa L McElwee
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Leeyean Wong
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Marion Dejosez
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Alan R Burns
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA
| | - Donald A Fox
- College of Optometry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA; Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Houston, Houston, TX 77004, USA
| | - James F Martin
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Texas Heart Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Thomas P Zwaka
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Mary E Dickinson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
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21
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Taylor SM, Alvarez-Delfin K, Saade CJ, Thomas JL, Thummel R, Fadool JM, Hitchcock PF. The bHLH Transcription Factor NeuroD Governs Photoreceptor Genesis and Regeneration Through Delta-Notch Signaling. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2015; 56:7496-515. [PMID: 26580854 PMCID: PMC4654396 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.15-17616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Photoreceptor genesis in the retina requires precise regulation of progenitor cell competence, cell cycle exit, and differentiation, although information around the mechanisms that govern these events currently is lacking. In zebrafish, the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor NeuroD governs photoreceptor genesis, but the signaling pathways through which NeuroD functions are unknown. The purpose of this study was to identify these pathways, and during photoreceptor genesis, Notch signaling was investigated as the putative mediator of NeuroD function. METHODS In embryos, genetic mosaic analysis was used to determine if NeuroD functions is cell- or non-cell-autonomous. Morpholino-induced NeuroD knockdown, CRISPR/Cas9 mutation, and pharmacologic and transgenic approaches were used, followed by in situ hybridization, immunocytochemistry, and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), to identify mechanisms through which NeuroD functions. In adults, following photoreceptor ablation and NeuroD knockdown, similar methods as above were used to identify NeuroD function during photoreceptor regeneration. RESULTS In embryos, NeuroD function is non-cell-autonomous, NeuroD knockdown increases Notch pathway gene expression, Notch inhibition rescues the NeuroD knockdown-induced deficiency in cell cycle exit but not photoreceptor maturation, and Notch activation and CRISPR/Cas9 mutation of neurod recapitulate NeuroD knockdown. In adults, NeuroD knockdown prevents cell cycle exit and photoreceptor regeneration and increases Notch pathway gene expression, and Notch inhibition rescues this phenotype. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that during embryonic development, NeuroD governs photoreceptor genesis via non-cell-autonomous mechanisms and that, during photoreceptor development and regeneration, Notch signaling is a mechanistic link between NeuroD and cell cycle exit. In contrast, during embryonic development, NeuroD governs photoreceptor maturation via mechanisms that are independent of Notch signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M. Taylor
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of Michigan, W. K. Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Karen Alvarez-Delfin
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
| | - Carole J. Saade
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Thomas
- Departments of Anatomy/Cell Biology and Ophthalmology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Ryan Thummel
- Departments of Anatomy/Cell Biology and Ophthalmology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - James M. Fadool
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States
| | - Peter F. Hitchcock
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences University of Michigan, W. K. Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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22
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Singh RK, Mallela RK, Cornuet PK, Reifler AN, Chervenak AP, West MD, Wong KY, Nasonkin IO. Characterization of Three-Dimensional Retinal Tissue Derived from Human Embryonic Stem Cells in Adherent Monolayer Cultures. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:2778-95. [PMID: 26283078 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cell-based therapy of retinal degenerative conditions is a promising modality to treat blindness, but requires new strategies to improve the number of functionally integrating cells. Grafting semidifferentiated retinal tissue rather than progenitors allows preservation of tissue structure and connectivity in retinal grafts, mandatory for vision restoration. Using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), we derived retinal tissue growing in adherent conditions consisting of conjoined neural retina and retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and evaluated cell fate determination and maturation in this tissue. We found that deriving such tissue in adherent conditions robustly induces all eye field genes (RX, PAX6, LHX2, SIX3, SIX6) and produces four layers of pure populations of retinal cells: RPE (expressing NHERF1, EZRIN, RPE65, DCT, TYR, TYRP, MITF, PMEL), early photoreceptors (PRs) (coexpressing CRX and RCVRN), inner nuclear layer neurons (expressing CALB2), and retinal ganglion cells [RGCs, expressing BRN3B and Neurofilament (NF) 200]. Furthermore, we found that retinal progenitors divide at the apical side of the hESC-derived retinal tissue (next to the RPE layer) and then migrate toward the basal side, similar to that found during embryonic retinogenesis. We detected synaptogenesis in hESC-derived retinal tissue, and found neurons containing many synaptophysin-positive boutons within the RGC and PR layers. We also observed long NF200-positive axons projected by RGCs toward the apical side. Whole-cell recordings demonstrated that putative amacrine and/or ganglion cells exhibited electrophysiological responses reminiscent of those in normal retinal neurons. These responses included voltage-gated Na(+) and K(+) currents, depolarization-induced spiking, and responses to neurotransmitter receptor agonists. Differentiation in adherent conditions allows generation of long and flexible pieces of 3D retinal tissue suitable for isolating transplantable slices of tissue for retinal replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnesh K Singh
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ramya K Mallela
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Pamela K Cornuet
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Aaron N Reifler
- 2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Andrew P Chervenak
- 2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | - Kwoon Y Wong
- 2 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Igor O Nasonkin
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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23
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Jahan I, Pan N, Kersigo J, Fritzsch B. Neurog1 can partially substitute for Atoh1 function in hair cell differentiation and maintenance during organ of Corti development. Development 2015. [PMID: 26209643 DOI: 10.1242/dev.123091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Atoh1, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor (TF), is essential for the differentiation of hair cells (HCs), mechanotransducers that convert sound into auditory signals in the mammalian organ of Corti (OC). Previous work demonstrated that replacing mouse Atoh1 with the fly ortholog atonal rescues HC differentiation, indicating functional replacement by other bHLH genes. However, replacing Atoh1 with Neurog1 resulted in reduced HC differentiation compared with transient Atoh1 expression in a 'self-terminating' Atoh1 conditional null mouse (Atoh1-Cre; Atoh1(f/f)). We now show that combining Neurog1 in one allele with removal of floxed Atoh1 in a self-terminating conditional mutant (Atoh1-Cre; Atoh1(f/kiNeurog1)) mouse results in significantly more differentiated inner HCs and outer HCs that have a prolonged longevity of 9 months compared with Atoh1 self-terminating littermates. Stereocilia bundles are partially disorganized, disoriented and not HC type specific. Replacement of Atoh1 with Neurog1 maintains limited expression of Pou4f3 and Barhl1 and rescues HCs quantitatively, but not qualitatively. OC patterning and supporting cell differentiation are also partially disrupted. Diffusible factors involved in patterning are reduced (Fgf8) and factors involved in cell-cell interactions are affected (Jag1, Hes5). Despite the presence of many HCs with stereocilia these mice are deaf, possibly owing to HC and OC patterning defects. This study provides a novel approach to disrupt OC development through modulating the HC-specific intracellular TF network. The resulting disorganized OC indicates that normally differentiated HCs act as 'self-organizers' for OC development and that Atoh1 plays a crucial role to initiate HC stereocilia differentiation independently of HC viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israt Jahan
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ning Pan
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jennifer Kersigo
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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24
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Jahan I, Pan N, Elliott KL, Fritzsch B. The quest for restoring hearing: Understanding ear development more completely. Bioessays 2015. [PMID: 26208302 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201500044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neurosensory hearing loss is a growing problem of super-aged societies. Cochlear implants can restore some hearing, but rebuilding a lost hearing organ would be superior. Research has discovered many cellular and molecular steps to develop a hearing organ but translating those insights into hearing organ restoration remains unclear. For example, we cannot make various hair cell types and arrange them into their specific patterns surrounded by the right type of supporting cells in the right numbers. Our overview of the topologically highly organized and functionally diversified cellular mosaic of the mammalian hearing organ highlights what is known and unknown about its development. Following this analysis, we suggest critical steps to guide future attempts toward restoration of a functional organ of Corti. We argue that generating mutant mouse lines that mimic human pathology to fine-tune attempts toward long-term functional restoration are needed to go beyond the hope generated by restoring single hair cells in postnatal sensory epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israt Jahan
- Department of Biology, CLAS, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Ning Pan
- Department of Biology, CLAS, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Karen L Elliott
- Department of Biology, CLAS, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Bernd Fritzsch
- Department of Biology, CLAS, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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25
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Fritzsch B, Pan N, Jahan I, Elliott KL. Inner ear development: building a spiral ganglion and an organ of Corti out of unspecified ectoderm. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 361:7-24. [PMID: 25381571 PMCID: PMC4426086 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2031-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian inner ear develops from a placodal thickening into a complex labyrinth of ducts with five sensory organs specialized to detect position and movement in space. The mammalian ear also develops a spiraled cochlear duct containing the auditory organ, the organ of Corti (OC), specialized to translate sound into hearing. Development of the OC from a uniform sheet of ectoderm requires unparalleled precision in the topological developmental engineering of four different general cell types, namely sensory neurons, hair cells, supporting cells, and general otic epithelium, into a mosaic of ten distinctly recognizable cell types in and around the OC, each with a unique distribution. Moreover, the OC receives unique innervation by ear-derived spiral ganglion afferents and brainstem-derived motor neurons as efferents and requires neural-crest-derived Schwann cells to form myelin and neural-crest-derived cells to induce the stria vascularis. This transformation of a sheet of cells into a complicated interdigitating set of cells necessitates the orchestrated expression of multiple transcription factors that enable the cellular transformation from ectoderm into neurosensory cells forming the spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs), while simultaneously transforming the flat epithelium into a tube, the cochlear duct, housing the OC. In addition to the cellular and conformational changes forming the cochlear duct with the OC, changes in the surrounding periotic mesenchyme form passageways for sound to stimulate the OC. We review molecular developmental data, generated predominantly in mice, in order to integrate the well-described expression changes of transcription factors and their actions, as revealed in mutants, in the formation of SGNs and OC in the correct position and orientation with suitable innervation. Understanding the molecular basis of these developmental changes leading to the formation of the mammalian OC and highlighting the gaps in our knowledge might guide in vivo attempts to regenerate this most complicated cellular mosaic of the mammalian body for the reconstitution of hearing in a rapidly growing population of aging people suffering from hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Fritzsch
- College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Biology, University of Iowa, 143 BB, 123 Jefferson Avenue, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA,
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26
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Castro AE, Benitez SG, Farias Altamirano LE, Savastano LE, Patterson SI, Muñoz EM. Expression and cellular localization of the transcription factor NeuroD1 in the developing and adult rat pineal gland. J Pineal Res 2015; 58:439-51. [PMID: 25752781 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms govern many aspects of mammalian physiology. The daily pattern of melatonin synthesis and secretion is one of the classic examples of circadian oscillations. It is mediated by a class of neuroendocrine cells known as pinealocytes which are not yet fully defined. An established method to evaluate functional and cytological characters is through the expression of lineage-specific transcriptional regulators. NeuroD1 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor involved in the specification and maintenance of both endocrine and neuronal phenotypes. We have previously described developmental and adult regulation of NeuroD1 mRNA in the rodent pineal gland. However, the transcript levels were not influenced by the elimination of sympathetic input, suggesting that any rhythmicity of NeuroD1 might be found downstream of transcription. Here, we describe NeuroD1 protein expression and cellular localization in the rat pineal gland during development and the daily cycle. In embryonic and perinatal stages, protein expression follows the mRNA pattern and is predominantly nuclear. Thereafter, NeuroD1 is mostly found in pinealocyte nuclei in the early part of the night and in cytoplasm during the day, a rhythm maintained into adulthood. Additionally, nocturnal nuclear NeuroD1 levels are reduced after sympathetic disruption, an effect mimicked by the in vivo administration of α- and β-adrenoceptor blockers. NeuroD1 phosphorylation at two sites, Ser(274) and Ser(336) , associates with nuclear localization in pinealocytes. These data suggest that NeuroD1 influences pineal phenotype both during development and adulthood, in an autonomic and phosphorylation-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analía E Castro
- Laboratory of Neurobiology: Chronobiology Section, Institute of Histology and Embryology of Mendoza (IHEM-CONICET), School of Medicine, National University of Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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27
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Can the ‘neuron theory’ be complemented by a universal mechanism for generic neuronal differentiation. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 359:343-84. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2049-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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28
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Intrinsically different retinal progenitor cells produce specific types of progeny. Nat Rev Neurosci 2014; 15:615-27. [DOI: 10.1038/nrn3767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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29
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Sinn R, Peravali R, Heermann S, Wittbrodt J. Differential responsiveness of distinct retinal domains to Atoh7. Mech Dev 2014; 133:218-29. [PMID: 25151399 PMCID: PMC4232737 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2014.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
During vertebrate eye development retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) differentiate into all neural cell types of the retina. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) represent the first cell type to be generated. For their development, Atoh7, a basic Helix Loop Helix (bHLH) transcription factor is crucial. Atoh7 loss of function results in a massive reduction or even a total loss of RGCs. However, inconsistent results have been obtained in atoh7 gain of function experiments with respect to ganglion cell genesis, implying that the effect of Atoh7 is likely to be dependent on the competence state of the RPC. In this study we addressed the differential susceptibilities of early RPCs to Atoh7 in vivo, using medaka. Unexpectedly, we observed a largely normal development of the dorsal retina, although atoh7 was precociously expressed. However, the development of the retina close to the optic nerve head (part of the ventral retina) was disturbed severely. Photoreceptors were largely absent and the Müller glia cell number was reduced significantly. The majority of cells in this domain were ganglion cells and the abnormal development of this area affected the closure of the optic fissure resulting in coloboma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sinn
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Hartmut Hoffmann-Berling International Graduate School (HBIGS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ravindra Peravali
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics (ITG), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
| | - Stephan Heermann
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Dept. of Molecular Embryology, University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joachim Wittbrodt
- Centre for Organismal Studies, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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30
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Sluch VM, Zack DJ. Stem cells, retinal ganglion cells and glaucoma. DEVELOPMENTS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014; 53:111-21. [PMID: 24732765 DOI: 10.1159/000358409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) represent an essential neuronal cell type for vision. These cells receive inputs from light-sensing photoreceptors via retinal interneurons and then relay these signals to the brain for further processing. RGC diseases that result in cell death, e.g. glaucoma, often lead to permanent damage since mammalian nerves do not regenerate. Stem cell differentiation can generate cells needed for replacement or can be used to generate cells capable of secreting protective factors to promote survival. In addition, stem cell-derived cells can be used in drug screening research. Here, we discuss the current state of stem cell research potential for interference in glaucoma and other optic nerve diseases with a focus on stem cell differentiation to RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin M Sluch
- Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md., USA
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31
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Wang Y, Su DW, Gao L, Ding GL, Ni CR, Zhu MH. Effect of NeuroD gene silencing on the migration and invasion of human pancreatic cancer cells PANC-1. Cell Biochem Biophys 2014; 69:487-94. [PMID: 24464628 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-014-9822-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of Lenti-EGFP-NeuroD-miR, RNAi lentiviral expression vector, on the expression level of NeuroD and migration, and invasion of PANC-1 cell line. PANC-1 cells were cultured and cotransfected with Lenti-EGFP-NeuroD-miR and Lenti-GFP. The infection rate of lentivirus was determined by fluorescence. The interfering effection by the expression of NeuroD mRNA in PANC-1 cells was analyzed by real-time PCR after transfected. Biological behavior of PANC-1 cells transinfected was observed, and the migration and invasion were studied by transwell assay. Intrapancreatic allografts model in nude mice was established to observe the effects of NeuroD on tumorigenesis, tumor growth, and invasion in vivo. The expression of NeuroD mRNA decreased significantly after RNAi lentivirus transinfecting PANC-1 cell. The cell's migration and invasion ability decreased obviously as soon as down regulate of NeuroD in PANC-1 cells. Comparing with control group, the tumors were smaller in size and the invasiveness was inhibited after 8 weeks intrapancreatic allografts in nude mice. Lenti-EGFP-NeuroD-miR transfected into PANC-1 cells shows a stable, effective, and especial blocking expression of NeuroD in mRNA level. The RNAi of lentiviral vector target NeuroD can reduce the migration and invasion abilities of PANC-1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Changhai Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
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32
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Goetz JJ, Farris C, Chowdhury R, Trimarchi JM. Making of a retinal cell: insights into retinal cell-fate determination. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 308:273-321. [PMID: 24411174 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800097-7.00007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the process by which an uncommitted dividing cell produces particular specialized cells within a tissue remains a fundamental question in developmental biology. Many tissues are well suited for cell-fate studies, but perhaps none more so than the developing retina. Traditionally, experiments using the retina have been designed to elucidate the influence that individual environmental signals or transcription factors can have on cell-fate decisions. Despite a substantial amount of information gained through these studies, there is still much that we do not yet understand about how cell fate is controlled on a systems level. In addition, new factors such as noncoding RNAs and regulators of chromatin have been shown to play roles in cell-fate determination and with the advent of "omics" technology more factors will most likely be identified. In this chapter we summarize both the traditional view of retinal cell-fate determination and introduce some new ideas that are providing a challenge to the older way of thinking about the acquisition of cell fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian J Goetz
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Caitlin Farris
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Rebecca Chowdhury
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Trimarchi
- Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.
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33
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Iglesias AI, Springelkamp H, van der Linde H, Severijnen LA, Amin N, Oostra B, Kockx CEM, van den Hout MCGN, van IJcken WFJ, Hofman A, Uitterlinden AG, Verdijk RM, Klaver CCW, Willemsen R, van Duijn CM. Exome sequencing and functional analyses suggest that SIX6 is a gene involved in an altered proliferation–differentiation balance early in life and optic nerve degeneration at old age. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 23:1320-32. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
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34
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Karl MO. The potential of stem cell research for the treatment of neuronal damage in glaucoma. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 353:311-25. [PMID: 23708526 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1646-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell research offers a wide variety of approaches for the advancement of our understanding of basic mechanisms of neurodegeneration and tissue regeneration and for the discovery and development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent and restore neuronal cell loss. Similar to most other regions of our central nervous system, degenerative diseases of the retina lead to the loss of neurons, which are not replaced. Recent work in animals has provided proof-of-concept evidence for the restoration of photoreceptor cells by cell transplantation and neuronal cell replacement by regeneration from endogenous cell sources. However, efficient therapeutic prevention of neuronal cell loss has not been achieved. Moreover, successful cell replacement of retinal neurons in humans, including that of ganglion cells, remains a major challenge. Future successes in the discovery and translation of neuroprotective drug and gene therapies and of cell-based regenerative therapies will depend on a better understanding of the underlying disease pathomechanisms. Existing stem cell and cell-reprogramming technologies offer the potential to generate human retina cells, to develop specific human-cell-based retina disease models, and to open up novel therapeutic strategies. Further, we might glean substantial knowledge from species that can or cannot regenerate their neuronal retina, in the search for new therapeutic approaches. Thus, stem cell research will pave the way toward clinical translation. In this review, I address some of the major possibilities presently on offer and speculate about the power of stem cell research to gain further insights into the pathomechanisms of retinal neurodegeneration (with special emphasis on glaucoma) and to advance our therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike O Karl
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases e.V. (DZNE), Arnoldstrasse 18/18b, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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