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Wang S, Wang H, Lu P, Gong L, Gu X, Li M. Mechanisms underlying the cell-matrixed nerve grafts repairing peripheral nerve defects. Bioact Mater 2024; 31:563-577. [PMID: 37753326 PMCID: PMC10518682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM), with its distinct biological properties, has gained significant attention as a natural biomaterial. Leveraging its potentials, we successfully developed a three-dimensional matrix-based oriented nerve graft by encapsulating a fibrous scaffold with multilayered conformationally intact and biologically active human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived decellularized extracellular matrix (hBMSC-dECM). Convincingly, the hBMSC-dECM group exhibited comparable functional recoveries to the autograft group by postoperative week 12. In the comprehensive analysis, the molecular regulations in the hBMSC-dECM group were more intricate and nuanced compared to the autograft group. Nevertheless, both groups displayed similar molecular regulatory processes in terms of vascularization and extracellular matrix. Notably, the hBMSC-dECM group demonstrated sustained high levels of regulation in axon and myelin regeneration at week 12, while the immunomodulation returned to the normal levels after peaking at week 2. Collectively, our findings illustrated the satisfactory construction of a cell-matrixed nerve graft that established a microenvironment conducive to nerve regeneration, and elucidated the distinct molecular regulation patterns and characteristics associated with different repair modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- 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, 226001, PR China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, 226001, PR China
| | - Hongkui Wang
- 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, 226001, PR China
| | - Panjian Lu
- 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, 226001, PR China
| | - Leilei Gong
- 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, 226001, PR China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- 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, 226001, PR China
| | - Meiyuan Li
- 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, 226001, PR China
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Kerstein PC, Agreda YS, Curran BM, Ma L, Wright KM. Gbx2 controls amacrine cell dendrite stratification through Robo1/2 receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.03.551861. [PMID: 37577554 PMCID: PMC10418232 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.03.551861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Within the neuronal classes of the retina, amacrine cells (ACs) exhibit the greatest neuronal diversity in morphology and function. We show that the selective expression of the transcription factor Gbx2 is required for cell fate specification and dendritic stratification of an individual AC subtype in the mouse retina. We identify Robo1 and Robo2 as downstream effectors that when deleted, phenocopy the dendritic misprojections seen in Gbx2 mutants. Slit1 and Slit2, the ligands of Robo receptors, are localized to the OFF layers of the inner plexiform layer where we observe the dendritic misprojections in both Gbx2 and Robo1/2 mutants. We show that Robo receptors also are required for the proper dendritic stratification of additional AC subtypes, such as Vglut3+ ACs. These results show both that Gbx2 functions as a terminal selector in a single AC subtype and identify Slit-Robo signaling as a developmental mechanism for ON-OFF pathway segregation in the retina.
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3
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Formation of the Mouse Internal Capsule and Cerebral Peduncle: A Pioneering Role for Striatonigral Axons as Revealed in Isl1 Conditional Mutants. J Neurosci 2022; 42:3344-3364. [PMID: 35273083 PMCID: PMC9034787 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2291-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The projection neurons of the striatum, the principal nucleus of the basal ganglia, belong to one of the following two major pathways: the striatopallidal (indirect) pathway or the striatonigral (direct) pathway. Striatonigral axons project long distances and encounter ascending tracts (thalamocortical) while coursing alongside descending tracts (corticofugal) as they extend through the internal capsule and cerebral peduncle. These observations suggest that striatal circuitry may help to guide their trajectories. To investigate the developmental contributions of striatonigral axons to internal capsule formation, we have made use of Sox8-EGFP (striatal direct pathway) and Fezf2-TdTomato (corticofugal pathway) BAC transgenic reporter mice in combination with immunohistochemical markers to trace these axonal pathways throughout development. We show that striatonigral axons pioneer the internal capsule and cerebral peduncle and are temporally and spatially well positioned to provide guidance for corticofugal and thalamocortical axons. Using Isl1 conditional knock-out (cKO) mice, which exhibit disrupted striatonigral axon outgrowth, we observe both corticofugal and thalamocortical axon defects with either ventral forebrain- or telencephalon-specific Isl1 inactivation, despite Isl1 not being expressed in either cortical or thalamic projection neurons. Striatonigral axon defects can thus disrupt internal capsule formation. Our genome-wide transcriptomic analysis in Isl1 cKOs reveals changes in gene expression relevant to cell adhesion, growth cone dynamics, and extracellular matrix composition, suggesting potential mechanisms by which the striatonigral pathway exerts this guidance role. Together, our data support a novel pioneering role for the striatal direct pathway in the correct assembly of the ascending and descending axon tracts within the internal capsule and cerebral peduncle.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The basal ganglia are a group of subcortical nuclei with established roles in the coordination of voluntary motor programs, aspects of cognition, and the selection of appropriate social behaviors. Hence, disruptions in basal ganglia connectivity have been implicated in the motor, cognitive, and social dysfunction characterizing common neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and tic disorder. Here, we identified a novel role for the striatonigral (direct) pathway in pioneering the internal capsule and cerebral peduncle, and in guiding axons extending to and from the cortex. Our findings suggest that the abnormal development of basal ganglia circuits can drive secondary internal capsule defects and thereby may contribute to the pathology of these disorders.
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4
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Dutrow EV, Emera D, Yim K, Uebbing S, Kocher AA, Krenzer M, Nottoli T, Burkhardt DB, Krishnaswamy S, Louvi A, Noonan JP. Modeling uniquely human gene regulatory function via targeted humanization of the mouse genome. Nat Commun 2022; 13:304. [PMID: 35027568 PMCID: PMC8758698 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27899-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of uniquely human traits likely entailed changes in developmental gene regulation. Human Accelerated Regions (HARs), which include transcriptional enhancers harboring a significant excess of human-specific sequence changes, are leading candidates for driving gene regulatory modifications in human development. However, insight into whether HARs alter the level, distribution, and timing of endogenous gene expression remains limited. We examined the role of the HAR HACNS1 (HAR2) in human evolution by interrogating its molecular functions in a genetically humanized mouse model. We find that HACNS1 maintains its human-specific enhancer activity in the mouse embryo and modifies expression of Gbx2, which encodes a transcription factor, during limb development. Using single-cell RNA-sequencing, we demonstrate that Gbx2 is upregulated in the limb chondrogenic mesenchyme of HACNS1 homozygous embryos, supporting that HACNS1 alters gene expression in cell types involved in skeletal patterning. Our findings illustrate that humanized mouse models provide mechanistic insight into how HARs modified gene expression in human evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily V Dutrow
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Deena Emera
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Center for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Kristina Yim
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Severin Uebbing
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Acadia A Kocher
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Martina Krenzer
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Neuroscience Research Training Program, Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Timothy Nottoli
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Yale Genome Editing Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Daniel B Burkhardt
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Cellarity, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Smita Krishnaswamy
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Angeliki Louvi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - James P Noonan
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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5
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Hirsch D, Kohl A, Wang Y, Sela-Donenfeld D. Axonal Projection Patterns of the Dorsal Interneuron Populations in the Embryonic Hindbrain. Front Neuroanat 2022; 15:793161. [PMID: 35002640 PMCID: PMC8738170 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.793161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Unraveling the inner workings of neural circuits entails understanding the cellular origin and axonal pathfinding of various neuronal groups during development. In the embryonic hindbrain, different subtypes of dorsal interneurons (dINs) evolve along the dorsal-ventral (DV) axis of rhombomeres and are imperative for the assembly of central brainstem circuits. dINs are divided into two classes, class A and class B, each containing four neuronal subgroups (dA1-4 and dB1-4) that are born in well-defined DV positions. While all interneurons belonging to class A express the transcription factor Olig3 and become excitatory, all class B interneurons express the transcription factor Lbx1 but are diverse in their excitatory or inhibitory fate. Moreover, within every class, each interneuron subtype displays its own specification genes and axonal projection patterns which are required to govern the stage-by-stage assembly of their connectivity toward their target sites. Remarkably, despite the similar genetic landmark of each dINs subgroup along the anterior-posterior (AP) axis of the hindbrain, genetic fate maps of some dA/dB neuronal subtypes uncovered their contribution to different nuclei centers in relation to their rhombomeric origin. Thus, DV and AP positional information has to be orchestrated in each dA/dB subpopulation to form distinct neuronal circuits in the hindbrain. Over the span of several decades, different axonal routes have been well-documented to dynamically emerge and grow throughout the hindbrain DV and AP positions. Yet, the genetic link between these distinct axonal bundles and their neuronal origin is not fully clear. In this study, we reviewed the available data regarding the association between the specification of early-born dorsal interneuron subpopulations in the hindbrain and their axonal circuitry development and fate, as well as the present existing knowledge on molecular effectors underlying the process of axonal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Hirsch
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.,Department of Veterinary Resources, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ayelet Kohl
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Dalit Sela-Donenfeld
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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6
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Kerstein PC, Leffler J, Sivyer B, Taylor WR, Wright KM. Gbx2 Identifies Two Amacrine Cell Subtypes with Distinct Molecular, Morphological, and Physiological Properties. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108382. [PMID: 33207201 PMCID: PMC7713908 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of nervous system function is limited by our ability to identify and manipulate neuronal subtypes within intact circuits. We show that the Gbx2CreERT2-IRES-EGFP mouse line labels two amacrine cell (AC) subtypes in the mouse retina that have distinct morphological, physiological, and molecular properties. Using a combination of RNA-seq, genetic labeling, and patch clamp recordings, we show that one subtype is GABAergic that receives excitatory input from On bipolar cells. The other population is a non-GABAergic, non-glycinergic (nGnG) AC subtype that lacks the expression of standard neurotransmitter markers. Gbx2+ nGnG ACs have smaller, asymmetric dendritic arbors that receive excitatory input from both On and Off bipolar cells. Gbx2+ nGnG ACs also exhibit spatially restricted tracer coupling to bipolar cells (BCs) through gap junctions. This study identifies a genetic tool for investigating the two distinct AC subtypes, and it provides a model for studying synaptic communication and visual circuit function. Investigations into neural circuit development and function are limited by the lack of genetic tools to label and perturb individual neuronal subtypes. Using the Gbx2CreERT2 mouse line, Kerstein et al. identify two amacrine cell subtypes in the mouse retina and explore their distinct molecular, morphological, and physiological characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick C Kerstein
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Joseph Leffler
- School of Optometry and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Benjamin Sivyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - W Rowland Taylor
- School of Optometry and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Kevin M Wright
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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7
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Lipiec MA, Bem J, Koziński K, Chakraborty C, Urban-Ciećko J, Zajkowski T, Dąbrowski M, Szewczyk ŁM, Toval A, Ferran JL, Nagalski A, Wiśniewska MB. TCF7L2 regulates postmitotic differentiation programmes and excitability patterns in the thalamus. Development 2020; 147:dev.190181. [PMID: 32675279 PMCID: PMC7473649 DOI: 10.1242/dev.190181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal phenotypes are controlled by terminal selector transcription factors in invertebrates, but only a few examples of such regulators have been provided in vertebrates. We hypothesised that TCF7L2 regulates different stages of postmitotic differentiation in the thalamus, and functions as a thalamic terminal selector. To investigate this hypothesis, we used complete and conditional knockouts of Tcf7l2 in mice. The connectivity and clustering of neurons were disrupted in the thalamo-habenular region in Tcf7l2-/- embryos. The expression of subregional thalamic and habenular transcription factors was lost and region-specific cell migration and axon guidance genes were downregulated. In mice with a postnatal Tcf7l2 knockout, the induction of genes that confer thalamic terminal electrophysiological features was impaired. Many of these genes proved to be direct targets of TCF7L2. The role of TCF7L2 in terminal selection was functionally confirmed by impaired firing modes in thalamic neurons in the mutant mice. These data corroborate the existence of master regulators in the vertebrate brain that control stage-specific genetic programmes and regional subroutines, maintain regional transcriptional network during embryonic development, and induce terminal selection postnatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Andrzej Lipiec
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland.,Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Bem
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Koziński
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Chaitali Chakraborty
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Tomasz Zajkowski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Dąbrowski
- Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Pasteur 3, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Angel Toval
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca Institute, Campus de la Salud, 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Luis Ferran
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia and IMIB-Arrixaca Institute, Campus de la Salud, 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Andrzej Nagalski
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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8
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Lhx2/9 and Etv1 Transcription Factors have Complementary roles in Regulating the Expression of Guidance Genes slit1 and sema3a. Neuroscience 2020; 434:66-82. [PMID: 32200077 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
During neural network development, growing axons read a map of guidance cues expressed in the surrounding tissue that lead the axons toward their targets. In particular, Xenopus retinal ganglion axons use the cues Slit1 and Semaphorin 3a (Sema3a) at a key guidance decision point in the mid-diencephalon in order to continue on to their midbrain target, the optic tectum. The mechanisms that control the expression of these cues, however, are poorly understood. Extrinsic Fibroblast Growth Factor (Fgf) signals are known to help coordinate the development of the brain by regulating gene expression. Here, we propose Lhx2/9 and Etv1 as potential downstream effectors of Fgf signalling to regulate slit1 and sema3a expression in the Xenopus forebrain. We find that lhx2/9 and etv1 mRNAs are expressed complementary to and within slit1/sema3a expression domains, respectively. Our data indicate that Lhx2 functions as an indirect repressor in that lhx2 overexpression within the forebrain downregulates the mRNA expression of both guidance genes, and in vitro lhx2/9 overexpression decreases the activity of slit1 and sema3a promoters. The Lhx2-VP16 constitutive activator fusion reduces sema3a promoter function, and the Lhx2-En constitutive repressor fusion increases slit1 induction. In contrast, etv1 gain of function transactivates both guidance genes in vitro and in the forebrain. Based on these data, together with our previous work, we hypothesize that Fgf signalling promotes both slit1 and sema3a expression in the forebrain through Etv1, while using Lhx2/9 to limit the extent of expression, thereby establishing the proper boundaries of guidance cue expression.
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9
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Nakagawa Y. Development of the thalamus: From early patterning to regulation of cortical functions. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 8:e345. [PMID: 31034163 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The thalamus is a brain structure of the vertebrate diencephalon that plays a central role in regulating diverse functions of the cerebral cortex. In traditional view of vertebrate neuroanatomy, the thalamus includes three regions, dorsal thalamus, ventral thalamus, and epithalamus. Recent molecular embryological studies have redefined the thalamus and the associated axial nomenclature of the diencephalon in the context of forebrain patterning. This new view has provided a useful conceptual framework for studies on molecular mechanisms of patterning, neurogenesis and fate specification in the thalamus as well as the guidance mechanisms for thalamocortical axons. Additionally, the availability of genetic tools in mice has led to important findings on how thalamic development is linked to the development of other brain regions, particularly the cerebral cortex. This article will give an overview of the organization of the embryonic thalamus and how progenitor cells in the thalamus generate neurons that are organized into discrete nuclei. I will then discuss how thalamic development is orchestrated with the development of the cerebral cortex and other brain regions. This article is categorized under: Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: Regional Development Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Nakagawa
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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10
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Alzu’bi A, Homman-Ludiye J, Bourne JA, Clowry GJ. Thalamocortical Afferents Innervate the Cortical Subplate much Earlier in Development in Primate than in Rodent. Cereb Cortex 2019; 29:1706-1718. [PMID: 30668846 PMCID: PMC6418397 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The current model, based on rodent data, proposes that thalamocortical afferents (TCA) innervate the subplate towards the end of cortical neurogenesis. This implies that the laminar identity of cortical neurons is specified by intrinsic instructions rather than information of thalamic origin. In order to determine whether this mechanism is conserved in the primates, we examined the growth of thalamocortical (TCA) and corticofugal afferents in early human and monkey fetal development. In the human, TCA, identified by secretagogin, calbindin, and ROBO1 immunoreactivity, were observed in the internal capsule of the ventral telencephalon as early as 7-7.5 PCW, crossing the pallial/subpallial boundary (PSB) by 8 PCW before the calretinin immunoreactive corticofugal fibers do. Furthermore, TCA were observed to be passing through the intermediate zone and innervating the presubplate of the dorsolateral cortex, and already by 10-12 PCW TCAs were occupying much of the cortex. Observations at equivalent stages in the marmoset confirmed that this pattern is conserved across primates. Therefore, our results demonstrate that in primates, TCAs innervate the cortical presubplate at earlier stages than previously demonstrated by acetylcholinesterase histochemistry, suggesting that pioneer thalamic afferents may contribute to early cortical circuitry that can participate in defining cortical neuron phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Alzu’bi
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Jihane Homman-Ludiye
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - James A Bourne
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gavin J Clowry
- Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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11
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Guo Q, Li JYH. Defining developmental diversification of diencephalon neurons through single cell gene expression profiling. Development 2019; 146:dev.174284. [PMID: 30872278 DOI: 10.1242/dev.174284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The embryonic diencephalon forms integration centers and relay stations in the forebrain. Anecdotal expression studies suggest that the diencephalon contains multiple developmental compartments and subdivisions. Here, we utilized single cell RNA sequencing to profile transcriptomes of dissociated cells from the diencephalon of E12.5 mouse embryos. We identified the divergence of different progenitors, intermediate progenitors, and emerging neurons. By mapping the identified cell groups to their spatial origins, we characterized the molecular features of cell types and cell states arising from various diencephalic domains. Furthermore, we reconstructed the developmental trajectory of distinct cell lineages, and thereby identified the genetic cascades and gene regulatory networks underlying the progression of the cell cycle, neurogenesis and cellular diversification. The analysis provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the amplification of intermediate progenitor cells in the thalamus. The single cell-resolved trajectories not only confirm a close relationship between the rostral thalamus and prethalamus, but also uncover an unexpected close relationship between the caudal thalamus, epithalamus and rostral pretectum. Our data provide a useful resource for systematic studies of cell heterogeneity and differentiation kinetics within the diencephalon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuxia Guo
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, USA
| | - James Y H Li
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, USA .,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, USA
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12
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4D imaging identifies dynamic migration and the fate of gbx2-expressing cells in the brain primordium of zebrafish. Neurosci Lett 2019; 690:112-119. [PMID: 30222999 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
One of the pivotal events in neural development is compartmentalization, wherein the neural tissue divides into domains and undergoes functional differentiation. For example, midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) formation and subsequent isthmus development are key steps in cerebellar development. Although several regulatory mechanisms are known to underlie this event, little is known about cellular behaviors. In this study, to examine the cellular dynamics around the MHB region, we performed confocal time-lapse imaging in zebrafish embryos to track cell populations in the neural tube via 4D analysis. We used a transgenic line wherein enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression is driven by the gastrulation brain homeobox 2 (gbx2) enhancer, which is involved in MHB maintenance. 4D time-lapse imaging of 5-20 h revealed a novel pattern in cell migration: a dynamic ventrocaudally directed migration from the MHB region toward the hindbrain. Furthermore, in the hindbrain region, these EGFP-positive cells altered their shapes and extended the axons. Immunohistochemical analysis and retrograde labeling showed that these cells in the hindbrain were in the process of neuronal differentiation, including reticulospinal neurons. These results revealed the dynamic and two-step behavior and possible fate of the cell population, which are linked to brain compartmentalization, leading to a deeper understanding of brain development and formation of neuronal circuits.
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13
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Liu H, Peng L, So J, Tsang KH, Chong CH, Mak PHS, Chan KM, Chan SY. TSPYL2 Regulates the Expression of EZH2 Target Genes in Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:2640-2652. [PMID: 30051352 PMCID: PMC6459796 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1238-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Testis-specific protein, Y-encoded-like 2 (TSPYL2) is an X-linked gene in the locus for several neurodevelopmental disorders. We have previously shown that Tspyl2 knockout mice had impaired learning and sensorimotor gating, and TSPYL2 facilitates the expression of Grin2a and Grin2b through interaction with CREB-binding protein. To identify other genes regulated by TSPYL2, here, we showed that Tspyl2 knockout mice had an increased level of H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) in the hippocampus, and TSPYL2 interacted with the H3K27 methyltransferase enhancer of zeste 2 (EZH2). We performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing in primary hippocampal neurons and divided all Refseq genes by k-mean clustering into four clusters from highest level of H3K27me3 to unmarked. We confirmed that mutant neurons had an increased level of H3K27me3 in cluster 1 genes, which consist of known EZH2 target genes important in development. We detected significantly reduced expression of genes including Gbx2 and Prss16 from cluster 1 and Acvrl1, Bdnf, Egr3, Grin2c, and Igf1 from cluster 2 in the mutant. In support of a dynamic role of EZH2 in repressing marked synaptic genes, the specific EZH2 inhibitor GSK126 significantly upregulated, while the demethylase inhibitor GSKJ4 downregulated the expression of Egr3 and Grin2c. GSK126 also upregulated the expression of Bdnf in mutant primary neurons. Finally, ChIP showed that hemagglutinin-tagged TSPYL2 co-existed with EZH2 in target promoters in neuroblastoma cells. Taken together, our data suggest that TSPYL2 is recruited to promoters of specific EZH2 target genes in neurons, and enhances their expression for proper neuronal maturation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Liu
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,University Research Facility in Chemical and Environmental Analysis, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lei Peng
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Joan So
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ka Hing Tsang
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Research and Development, Clinical Projects and Development, New B Innovation, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Ho Chong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Priscilla Hoi Shan Mak
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kui Ming Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, the City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Key Laboratory of Biochip Technology, Biotech and Health Centre, Shenzhen Research Institute of City University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Siu Yuen Chan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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14
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Abstract
A hundred years after Lhx2 ortholog apterous was identified as a critical regulator of wing development in Drosophila, LIM-HD gene family members have proved to be versatile and powerful components of the molecular machinery that executes the blueprint of embryogenesis across vertebrate and invertebrate species. Here, we focus on the spatio-temporally varied functions of LIM-homeodomain transcription factor LHX2 in the developing mouse forebrain. Right from its earliest known role in telencephalic and eye field patterning, to the control of the neuron-glia cell fate switch, and the regulation of axon pathfinding and dendritic arborization in late embryonic stages, LHX2 has been identified as a fundamental, temporally dynamic, always necessary, and often sufficient factor in a range of critical developmental phenomena. While Lhx2 mutant phenotypes have been characterized in detail in multiple brain structures, only recently have we advanced in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which this factor acts. Common themes emerge from how this multifunctional molecule controls a range of developmental steps in distinct forebrain structures. Examining these shared features, and noting unique aspects of LHX2 function is likely to inform our understanding of how a single factor can bring about a diversity of effects and play central and critical roles across systems and stages. The parallels in LHX2 and APTEROUS functions, and the protein complexes they participate in, offer insights into evolutionary strategies that conserve tool kits and deploy them to play new, yet familiar roles in species separated by hundreds of millions of years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen-Ju Chou
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shubha Tole
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai 400005, India.
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15
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Eom TY, Bayazitov IT, Anderson K, Yu J, Zakharenko SS. Schizophrenia-Related Microdeletion Impairs Emotional Memory through MicroRNA-Dependent Disruption of Thalamic Inputs to the Amygdala. Cell Rep 2018; 19:1532-1544. [PMID: 28538174 PMCID: PMC5457478 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) are at high risk of developing psychiatric diseases such as schizophrenia. Individuals with 22q11DS and schizophrenia are impaired in emotional memory, anticipating, recalling, and assigning a correct context to emotions. The neuronal circuits responsible for these emotional memory deficits are unknown. Here, we show that 22q11DS mouse models have disrupted synaptic transmission at thalamic inputs to the lateral amygdala (thalamo-LA projections). This synaptic deficit is caused by haploinsufficiency of the 22q11DS gene Dgcr8, which is involved in microRNA processing, and is mediated by the increased dopamine receptor Drd2 levels in the thalamus and by reduced probability of glutamate release from thalamic inputs. This deficit in thalamo-LA synaptic transmission is sufficient to cause fear memory deficits. Our results suggest that dysregulation of the Dgcr8–Drd2 mechanism at thalamic inputs to the amygdala underlies emotional memory deficits in 22q11DS. Thalamic inputs to the lateral amygdala (LA) are impaired in 22q11DS mice Thalamo-LA disruption is sufficient to cause associative fear memory deficits Deficiency in microRNA-processing Dgcr8 causes thalamo-LA and fear memory deficits Fear memory deficits in 22q11DS mice are rescued by thalamic Drd2 inhibition
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Yeon Eom
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ildar T Bayazitov
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Kara Anderson
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stanislav S Zakharenko
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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16
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Comprehensive analysis of target genes in zebrafish embryos reveals gbx2 involvement in neurogenesis. Dev Biol 2017; 430:237-248. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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17
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The molecular mechanisms controlling morphogenesis and wiring of the habenula. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 162:29-37. [PMID: 28843424 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The habenula is an evolutionarily conserved brain region comprising bilaterally paired nuclei that plays a key role in processing reward information and mediating aversive responses to negative stimuli. An important aspect underlying habenula function is relaying information between forebrain and mid- and hindbrain areas. This is mediated by its complex organization into multiple subdomains and corresponding complexity in circuit organization. Additionally, in many species habenular nuclei display left-right differences at the anatomical and functional level. In order to ensure proper functional organization of habenular circuitry, sophisticated molecular programs control the morphogenesis and wiring of the habenula during development. Knowledge of how these mechanisms shape the habenula is crucial for obtaining a complete understanding of this brain region and can provide invaluable tools to study habenula evolution and function. In this review we will discuss how these molecular mechanisms pattern the early embryonic nervous system and control the formation of the habenula, how they shape its asymmetric organization, and how these mechanisms ensure proper wiring of the habenular circuit. Finally, we will address unexplored aspects of habenula development and how these may direct future research.
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18
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Blundon JA, Roy NC, Teubner BJW, Yu J, Eom TY, Sample KJ, Pani A, Smeyne RJ, Han SB, Kerekes RA, Rose DC, Hackett TA, Vuppala PK, Freeman BB, Zakharenko SS. Restoring auditory cortex plasticity in adult mice by restricting thalamic adenosine signaling. Science 2017; 356:1352-1356. [PMID: 28663494 PMCID: PMC5523828 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf4612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Circuits in the auditory cortex are highly susceptible to acoustic influences during an early postnatal critical period. The auditory cortex selectively expands neural representations of enriched acoustic stimuli, a process important for human language acquisition. Adults lack this plasticity. Here we show in the murine auditory cortex that juvenile plasticity can be reestablished in adulthood if acoustic stimuli are paired with disruption of ecto-5'-nucleotidase-dependent adenosine production or A1-adenosine receptor signaling in the auditory thalamus. This plasticity occurs at the level of cortical maps and individual neurons in the auditory cortex of awake adult mice and is associated with long-term improvement of tone-discrimination abilities. We conclude that, in adult mice, disrupting adenosine signaling in the thalamus rejuvenates plasticity in the auditory cortex and improves auditory perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay A. Blundon
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Noah C. Roy
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Brett J. W. Teubner
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Tae-Yeon Eom
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - K. Jake Sample
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Amar Pani
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Richard J. Smeyne
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Seung Baek Han
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Ryan A Kerekes
- Electrical and Electronics Systems Research Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Derek C. Rose
- Electrical and Electronics Systems Research Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Troy A. Hackett
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Pradeep K. Vuppala
- Preclinical Pharmacokinetics Shared Resource, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Burgess B. Freeman
- Preclinical Pharmacokinetics Shared Resource, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Stanislav S. Zakharenko
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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19
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Abstract
Regardless of how a nervous system is genetically built, natural selection is acting on the functional outcome of its activity. To understand how nervous systems evolve, it is essential to analyze how their functional units - the neural circuits - change and adapt over time. A neural circuit can evolve in many different ways, and the underlying developmental and genetic mechanisms involve different sets of genes. Therefore, the comparison of gene expression can help reconstructing circuit evolution, as demonstrated by several examples in sensory systems. Functional constraints on neural circuit evolution suggest that in nervous systems developmental and genetic variants do not appear randomly, and that the evolution of neuroanatomy might be biased. Sensory systems, in particular, seem to evolve along trajectories that enhance their evolvability, ensuring adaptation to different environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonietta Tosches
- Max Planck Institute for Brain Research, Max-von-Laue Strasse 4, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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20
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Liu A, Yu Q, Peng Z, Huang Y, Diao S, Cheng J, Wang W, Hong M. miR-200b inhibits CD133 + glioma cells by targeting the AKT pathway. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:4701-4707. [PMID: 28599471 PMCID: PMC5452950 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6055] [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: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-200b (miR-200b) is a tumor suppressor in multiple tumor types, including gastric cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and glioma. The biological significance of a known normal and cancer stem cell marker, CD133, remains elusive. The aim of the present study was to identify the function and mechinism of miR-200b in suppressing CD133+ glioma cells. CD133+ glioma cells were sorted by flow cytometry. The expression of miR-200b, Ki67, GAP43, GFAP and CD133 were tested by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The binding of miR-200b to prominin 1 (PROM1) was certificated by luciferase reporter assay. Cell proliferation was analyzed by bromodeoxyuridine staining. The protein level of CD133, p-AKT, AKT and Notch1 was detected by western blot analysis. Analysis of glioma samples revealed that CD133 expression is negatively associated with miR-200b. PROM1, which is the gene that codes CD133, was certified to be a target of miR-200b. miR-200b expression inhibited the stemness properties and division of the CD133+ glioma cells. Our results identified a miR-200b/CD133/PI3K/Akt signaling axis, exploring the fundamental role of miR-200b and CD133 in glioma stem cell behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiqun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, P.R. China
- Department of Neurology, School of Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Qingyun Yu
- Department of Neurology, School of Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Zhongxing Peng
- Department of Neurology, School of Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Yeqing Huang
- Department of Neurology, School of Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Shengpeng Diao
- Department of Neurology, School of Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Neurology, School of Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Wentao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Mingfan Hong
- Department of Neurology, School of Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Mingfan Hong, Department of Neurology, School of Clinical Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 16 Jichang Load, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China, E-mail:
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21
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Balasubramanian R, Bui A, Dong X, Gan L. Lhx9 Is Required for the Development of Retinal Nitric Oxide-Synthesizing Amacrine Cell Subtype. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:2922-2933. [PMID: 28456934 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0554-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Amacrine cells are the most diverse group of retinal neurons. Various subtypes of amacrine interneurons mediate a vast majority of image forming and non-image forming visual functions. The transcriptional regulation governing the development of individual amacrine cell subtypes is not well understood. One such amacrine cell subtype comprises neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS/bNOS/NOS1)-expressing amacrine cells (NOACs) that regulate the release of nitric oxide (NO), a neurotransmitter with physiological and clinical implications in the retina. We have identified the LIM-homeodomain transcription factor LHX9 to be necessary for the genesis of NOACs. During retinal development, NOACs express Lhx9, and Lhx9-null retinas lack NOACs. Lhx9-null retinas also display aberrations in dendritic stratification at the inner plexiform layer. Our cell lineage-tracing studies show that Lhx9-expressing cells give rise to both the GAD65 and GAD67 expressing sub-populations of GABAergic amacrine cells. As development proceeds, Lhx9 is downregulated in the GAD65 sub-population of GABAergic cells and is largely restricted to the GAD67 sub-population of amacrine cells that NOACs are a part of. Taken together, we have uncovered Lhx9 as a new molecular marker that defines a subset of amacrine cells and show that it is necessary for the development of the NOAC subtype of amacrine cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revathi Balasubramanian
- Department of Ophthalmology and Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.,Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.,Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Andrew Bui
- Department of Ophthalmology and Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Xuhui Dong
- Institute of Life Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310036, China
| | - Lin Gan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Flaum Eye Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA. .,Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
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22
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Lee M, Yoon J, Song H, Lee B, Lam DT, Yoon J, Baek K, Clevers H, Jeong Y. Tcf7l2 plays crucial roles in forebrain development through regulation of thalamic and habenular neuron identity and connectivity. Dev Biol 2017; 424:62-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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23
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Gezelius H, López-Bendito G. Thalamic neuronal specification and early circuit formation. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 77:830-843. [PMID: 27739248 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The thalamus is a central structure of the brain, primarily recognized for the relay of incoming sensory and motor information to the cerebral cortex but also key in high order intracortical communication. It consists of glutamatergic projection neurons organized in several distinct nuclei, each having a stereotype connectivity pattern and functional roles. In the adult, these nuclei can be appreciated by architectural boundaries, although their developmental origin and specification is only recently beginning to be revealed. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the specification of the distinct thalamic neurons and nuclei, starting from early embryonic patterning until the postnatal days when active sensory experience is initiated and the overall system connectivity is already established. We also include an overview of the guidance processes important for establishing thalamocortical connections, with emphasis on the early topographical specification. The extensively studied thalamocortical axon branching in the cortex is briefly mentioned; however, the maturation and plasticity of this connection are beyond the scope of this review. In separate chapters, additional mechanisms and/or features that influence the specification and development of thalamic neurons and their circuits are also discussed. Finally, an outlook of future directions is given. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 830-843, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Gezelius
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Avenida Ramón y Cajal, s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Guillermina López-Bendito
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UMH-CSIC), Avenida Ramón y Cajal, s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
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24
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Liu X, Tang H, Chen J, Song C, Yang L, Liu P, Wang N, Xie X, Lin X, Xie X. MicroRNA-101 inhibits cell progression and increases paclitaxel sensitivity by suppressing MCL-1 expression in human triple-negative breast cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:20070-83. [PMID: 26036638 PMCID: PMC4652988 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype. The aim of our study was to investigate the functional role of both miR-101 and MCL-1 in the sensitivity of human triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to paclitaxel. We found that the expression of miR-101 was strongly decreased in triple-negative breast cancer tissues and cell lines. The expression of miR-101 was not associated with clinical stage or lymph node infiltration in TNBC. Ectopic overexpression of miR-101 inhibit growth and induced apoptosis in vitro and suppressed tumorigenicity in vivo. MCL-1 was significantly overexpressed in most of the TNBC tissues and cell lines. Luciferase assay results confirmed MCL-1 as a direct target gene of miR-101. MiR-101 inhibited MCL-1 expression in TNBC cells and transplanted tumors. There was a negative correlation between the level of expression of miR-101 and MCL-1 in TNBC tissues. Suppression of MCL-1 enhanced the sensitivity of MDA-MB-435 cells to paclitaxel. Furthermore, miR-101 increased paclitaxel sensitivity by inhibiting MCL-1 expression. Our findings provide significant insight into the molecular mechanisms of TNBC carcinogenesis and may have clinical relevance for the development of novel, targeted therapies for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Liu
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianping Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Cailu Song
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Neng Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xinhua Xie
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoti Lin
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoming Xie
- Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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25
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Clegg JM, Li Z, Molinek M, Caballero IM, Manuel MN, Price DJ. Pax6 is required intrinsically by thalamic progenitors for the normal molecular patterning of thalamic neurons but not the growth and guidance of their axons. Neural Dev 2015; 10:26. [PMID: 26520399 PMCID: PMC4628245 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-015-0053-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mouse embryos, the Pax6 transcription factor is expressed in the progenitors of thalamic neurons but not in thalamic neurons themselves. Its null-mutation causes early mis-patterning of thalamic progenitors. It is known that thalamic neurons generated by Pax6 (-/-) progenitors do not develop their normal connections with the cortex, but it is not clear why. We investigated the extent to which defects intrinsic to the thalamus are responsible. RESULTS We first confirmed that, in constitutive Pax6 (-/-) mutants, the axons of thalamic neurons fail to enter the telencephalon and, instead, many of them take an abnormal path to the hypothalamus, whose expression of Slits would normally repel them. We found that thalamic neurons show reduced expression of the Slit receptor Robo2 in Pax6 (-/-) mutants, which might enhance the ability of their axons to enter the hypothalamus. Remarkably, however, in chimeras comprising a mixture of Pax6 (-/-) and Pax6 (+/+) cells, Pax6 (-/-) thalamic neurons are able to generate axons that exit the diencephalon, take normal trajectories through the telencephalon and avoid the hypothalamus. This occurs despite abnormalities in their molecular patterning (they express Nkx2.2, unlike normal thalamic neurons) and their reduced expression of Robo2. In conditional mutants, acute deletion of Pax6 from the forebrain at the time when thalamic axons are starting to grow does not prevent the development of the thalamocortical tract, suggesting that earlier extra-thalamic patterning and /or morphological defects are the main cause of thalamocortical tract failure in Pax6 (-/-) constitutive mutants. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that Pax6 is required by thalamic progenitors for the normal molecular patterning of the thalamic neurons that they generate but thalamic neurons do not need normal Pax6-dependent patterning to become competent to grow axons that can be guided appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Clegg
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Ziwen Li
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Michael Molinek
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Isabel Martín Caballero
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
- Current address: Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Karolinska Institute, 17177, Scheeles Väg 1, Sweden.
| | - Martine N Manuel
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - David J Price
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
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Martinez-Ferre A, Lloret-Quesada C, Prakash N, Wurst W, Rubenstein JLR, Martinez S. Fgf15 regulates thalamic development by controlling the expression of proneural genes. Brain Struct Funct 2015; 221:3095-109. [PMID: 26311466 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-015-1089-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of the brain structural complexity requires a precisely orchestrated interplay between extrinsic and intrinsic signals modulating cellular mechanisms to guide neuronal differentiation. However, little is known about the nature of these signals in the diencephalon, a complex brain region that processes and relays sensory and motor information to and from the cerebral cortex and subcortical structures. Morphogenetic signals from brain organizers regulate histogenetic processes such as cellular proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in the key signal of the ZLI, identified as the diencephalic organizer. Fgf15, the mouse gene orthologous of human, chick, and zebrafish Fgf19, is induced by Shh signal and expressed in the diencephalic alar plate progenitors during histogenetic developmental stages. This work investigates the role of Fgf15 signal in diencephalic development. In the absence of Fgf15, the complementary expression pattern of proneural genes: Ascl1 and Nng2, is disrupted and the GABAergic thalamic cells do not differentiate; in addition dorsal thalamic progenitors failed to exit from the mitotic cycle and to differentiate into neurons. Therefore, our findings indicate that Fgf15 is the Shh downstream signal to control thalamic regionalization, neurogenesis, and neuronal differentiation by regulating the expression and mutual segregation of neurogenic and proneural regulatory genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Almudena Martinez-Ferre
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cosme Lloret-Quesada
- Institute of Neurosciences, Miguel Hernández University, Spanish National Research Council, San Juan Campus, 03550, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain
| | - Nilima Prakash
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health (GmbH), Technical University Munich, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health (GmbH), Technical University Munich, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - John L R Rubenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Nina Ireland Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Salvador Martinez
- Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB-Arrixaca), University of Murcia, 30120, El Palmar, Murcia, Spain. .,Institute of Neurosciences, Miguel Hernández University, Spanish National Research Council, San Juan Campus, 03550, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Alicante, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Valencia, Spain.
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Mallika C, Guo Q, Li JYH. Gbx2 is essential for maintaining thalamic neuron identity and repressing habenular characters in the developing thalamus. Dev Biol 2015; 407:26-39. [PMID: 26297811 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The thalamus and habenula, two important nodes of the forebrain circuitry, are derived from a single developmental compartment, called prosomere 2, in the diencephalon. Habenular and thalamic neurons display distinct molecular identity, neurochemistry, and connectivity. Furthermore, their progenitors exhibit distinctive neurogenic patterns with a marked delay in the onset of neurogenesis in the thalamus. However, the progenitors in prosomere 2 express many common developmental regulators and the mechanism underlying the specification and differentiation of these two populations of neurons remains unknown. Gbx2, coding for a homeodomain transcription factor, is initially expressed in thalamic neuronal precursors that have just exited the cell cycle, and its expression is maintained in many mature thalamic neurons in adults. Deletion of Gbx2 severely disrupts histogenesis of the thalamus and abolishes thalamocortical projections in mice. Here, by using genome-wide transcriptional profiling, we show that Gbx2 promotes thalamic but inhibits habenular molecular characters. Remarkably, although Gbx2 is expressed in postmitotic neuronal precursors, deletion of Gbx2 changes gene expression and cell proliferation in dividing progenitors in the developing thalamus. These defects are partially rescued by the mosaic presence of wild-type cells, demonstrating a cell non-autonomous role of Gbx2 in regulating the development of thalamic progenitors. Our results suggest that Gbx2 is essential for the acquisition of the thalamic neuronal identity by repressing habenular identity through a feedback signaling from postmitotic neurons to progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chatterjee Mallika
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, United States
| | - Qiuxia Guo
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, United States
| | - James Y H Li
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-6403, United States.
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Heide M, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Zhao T, Miquelajáuregui A, Varela-Echavarría A, Alvarez-Bolado G. Lhx5 controls mamillary differentiation in the developing hypothalamus of the mouse. Front Neuroanat 2015; 9:113. [PMID: 26321924 PMCID: PMC4536661 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2015.00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acquisition of specific neuronal identity by individual brain nuclei is a key step in brain development. However, how the mechanisms that confer neuronal identity are integrated with upstream regional specification networks is still mysterious. Expression of Sonic hedgehog (Shh), is required for hypothalamic specification and is later downregulated by Tbx3 to allow for the differentiation of the tubero-mamillary region. In this region, the mamillary body (MBO), is a large neuronal aggregate essential for memory formation. To clarify how MBO identity is acquired after regional specification, we investigated Lhx5, a transcription factor with restricted MBO expression. We first generated a hypomorph allele of Lhx5—in homozygotes, the MBO disappears after initial specification. Intriguingly, in these mutants, Tbx3 was downregulated and the Shh expression domain abnormally extended. Microarray analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation indicated that Lhx5 appears to be involved in Shh downregulation through Tbx3 and activates several MBO-specific regulator and effector genes. Finally, by tracing the caudal hypothalamic cell lineage we show that, in the Lhx5 mutant, at least some MBO cells are present but lack characteristic marker expression. Our work shows how the Lhx5 locus contributes to integrate regional specification pathways with downstream acquisition of neuronal identity in the MBO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Heide
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yuanfeng Zhang
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xunlei Zhou
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Heidelberg Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tianyu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Oral Disease and Biomedical Sciences, Stomatological Hospital, Chongqing Medical University Chongqing, China
| | - Amaya Miquelajáuregui
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Varela-Echavarría
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Querétaro, Mexico
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Bandín S, Morona R, González A. Prepatterning and patterning of the thalamus along embryonic development of Xenopus laevis. Front Neuroanat 2015; 9:107. [PMID: 26321920 PMCID: PMC4530589 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2015.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous developmental studies of the thalamus (alar part of the diencephalic prosomere p2) have defined the molecular basis for the acquisition of the thalamic competence (preparttening), the subsequent formation of the secondary organizer in the zona limitans intrathalamica, and the early specification of two anteroposterior domains (rostral and caudal progenitor domains) in response to inducing activities and that are shared in birds and mammals. In the present study we have analyzed the embryonic development of the thalamus in the anuran Xenopus laevis to determine conserved or specific features in the amphibian diencephalon. From early embryonic stages to the beginning of the larval period, the expression patterns of 22 markers were analyzed by means of combined In situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemical techniques. The early genoarchitecture observed in the diencephalon allowed us to discern the boundaries of the thalamus with the prethalamus, pretectum, and epithalamus. Common molecular features were observed in the thalamic prepatterning among vertebrates in which Wnt3a, Fez, Pax6 and Xiro1 expression were of particular importance in Xenopus. The formation of the zona limitans intrathalamica was observed, as in other vertebrates, by the progressive expression of Shh. The largely conserved expressions of Nkx2.2 in the rostral thalamic domain vs. Gbx2 and Ngn2 (among others) in the caudal domain strongly suggest the role of Shh as morphogen in the amphibian thalamus. All these data showed that the molecular characteristics observed during preparttening and patterning in the thalamus of the anuran Xenopus (anamniote) share many features with those described during thalamic development in amniotes (common patterns in tetrapods) but also with zebrafish, strengthening the idea of a basic organization of this diencephalic region across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Bandín
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University Complutense Madrid, Spain
| | - Ruth Morona
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University Complutense Madrid, Spain
| | - Agustín González
- Faculty of Biology, Department of Cell Biology, University Complutense Madrid, Spain
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Control of axon guidance and neurotransmitter phenotype of dB1 hindbrain interneurons by Lim-HD code. J Neurosci 2015; 35:2596-611. [PMID: 25673852 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2699-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hindbrain dorsal interneurons (HDIs) are implicated in receiving, processing, integrating, and transmitting sensory inputs from the periphery and spinal cord, including the vestibular, auditory, and proprioceptive systems. During development, multiple molecularly defined HDI types are set in columns along the dorsoventral axis, before migrating along well-defined trajectories to generate various brainstem nuclei. Major brainstem functions rely on the precise assembly of different interneuron groups and higher brain domains into common circuitries. Yet, knowledge regarding interneuron axonal patterns, synaptic targets, and the transcriptional control that govern their connectivity is sparse. The dB1 class of HDIs is formed in a district dorsomedial position along the hindbrain and gives rise to the inferior olive nuclei, dorsal cochlear nuclei, and vestibular nuclei. dB1 interneurons express various transcription factors (TFs): the pancreatic transcription factor 1a (Ptf1a), the homeobox TF-Lbx1 and the Lim-homeodomain (Lim-HD), and TF Lhx1 and Lhx5. To decipher the axonal and synaptic connectivity of dB1 cells, we have used advanced enhancer tools combined with conditional expression systems and the PiggyBac-mediated DNA transposition system in avian embryos. Multiple ipsilateral and contralateral axonal projections were identified ascending toward higher brain centers, where they formed synapses in the Purkinje cerebellar layer as well as at discrete midbrain auditory and vestibular centers. Decoding the mechanisms that instruct dB1 circuit formation revealed a fundamental role for Lim-HD proteins in regulating their axonal patterns, synaptic targets, and neurotransmitter choice. Together, this study provides new insights into the assembly and heterogeneity of HDIs connectivity and its establishment through the central action of Lim-HD governed programs.
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31
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Liu X, Lei Q, Yu Z, Xu G, Tang H, Wang W, Wang Z, Li G, Wu M. MiR-101 reverses the hypomethylation of the LMO3 promoter in glioma cells. Oncotarget 2015; 6:7930-43. [PMID: 25829251 PMCID: PMC4480726 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
LIM-only protein 3 (LMO3), a member of the LIM-only protein group, is a new DNA methylation gene that was identified in gliomas via the MeDIP-Chip in our previous study. In this study, we found that LIM-only protein 3 (LMO3) is hypomethylated and overexpressed in glioma cells and tissues. The overexpression of LMO3 was correlated with a poor prognosis in glioma patients, and LMO3 was indirectly inhibited by the tumor suppressor miR-101, which is a potential prognosis marker of gliomas. MiR-101 decreased the expression of LMO3 by reversing the methylation status of the LMO3 promoter and by inhibiting the presence of the methylation-related histones H3K4me2 and H3K27me3 and increasing the presence of H3K9me3 and H4K20me3 on the promoter. It was determined that miR-101 decreases the occupancy of H3K27me3 by inhibiting EZH2, DNMT3A and EED and decreases the H3K9me3 occupancy on the LMO3 promoter via SUV39H1, SUV39H2, G9a and PHF8. Furthermore, miR-101 suppresses the expression of LMO3 by decreasing USF and MZF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Liu
- 1 Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China,2 Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Qianqian Lei
- 1 Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zhibin Yu
- 1 Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Gang Xu
- 1 Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China,4 Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- 2 Department of Breast Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Wang
- 1 Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zeyou Wang
- 1 Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- 1 Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China,3 School of Basic Medical Science, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Minghua Wu
- 1 Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital and the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan, China,3 School of Basic Medical Science, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Ministry of Health, Changsha 410078, Hunan, China
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32
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Boeckx C, Benítez-Burraco A. Globularity and language-readiness: generating new predictions by expanding the set of genes of interest. Front Psychol 2014; 5:1324. [PMID: 25505436 PMCID: PMC4243498 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This study builds on the hypothesis put forth in Boeckx and Benítez-Burraco (2014), according to which the developmental changes expressed at the levels of brain morphology and neural connectivity that resulted in a more globular braincase in our species were crucial to understand the origins of our language-ready brain. Specifically, this paper explores the links between two well-known 'language-related' genes like FOXP2 and ROBO1 implicated in vocal learning and the initial set of genes of interest put forth in Boeckx and Benítez-Burraco (2014), with RUNX2 as focal point. Relying on the existing literature, we uncover potential molecular links that could be of interest to future experimental inquiries into the biological foundations of language and the testing of our initial hypothesis. Our discussion could also be relevant for clinical linguistics and for the interpretation of results from paleogenomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Boeckx
- Catalan Institute for Advanced Studies and Research (ICREA)Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Linguistics, Universitat de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain
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Blockus H, Chédotal A. The multifaceted roles of Slits and Robos in cortical circuits: from proliferation to axon guidance and neurological diseases. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2014; 27:82-8. [PMID: 24698714 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Slit repulsion, mediated by Robo receptors, is known to play a major role in axon guidance in the nervous system. However, recent studies have revealed that in the mammalian cortex these molecules are highly versatile and that their function extends far beyond axon guidance. They act at all phases of development to control neurogenesis, neuronal migration, axon patterning, dendritic outgrowth and spinogenesis. The expression of Robo receptors in cortical and thalamocortical axons (TCAs) is tightly regulated by a combination of transcription factors (TFs), proteases and activity. These findings also suggest that Slit and Robos have influenced the evolution of cortical circuits. Last, novel genetic evidence associates various neurological disorders, such as autism, to abnormal Slit/Robo signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Blockus
- INSERM UMR_S968, Institut de la Vision, F-75012 Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S968, Institut de la vision, F-75012, France; CNRS, UMR7210, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Alain Chédotal
- INSERM UMR_S968, Institut de la Vision, F-75012 Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR_S968, Institut de la vision, F-75012, France; CNRS, UMR7210, F-75012 Paris, France.
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Chatterjee M, Guo Q, Weber S, Scholpp S, Li JY. Pax6 regulates the formation of the habenular nuclei by controlling the temporospatial expression of Shh in the diencephalon in vertebrates. BMC Biol 2014; 12:13. [PMID: 24528677 PMCID: PMC3996077 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-12-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The habenula and the thalamus are two critical nodes in the forebrain circuitry and they connect the midbrain and the cerebral cortex in vertebrates. The habenula is derived from the epithalamus and rests dorsally to the thalamus. Both epithalamus and thalamus arise from a single diencephalon segment called prosomere (p)2. Shh is expressed in the ventral midline of the neural tube and in the mid-diencephalic organizer (MDO) at the zona limitans intrathalamica between thalamus and prethalamus. Acting as a morphogen, Shh plays an important role in regulating cell proliferation and survival in the diencephalon and thalamic patterning. The molecular regulation of the MDO Shh expression and the potential role of Shh in development of the habenula remain largely unclear. Results We show that deleting paired-box and homeobox-containing gene Pax6 results in precocious and expanded expression of Shh in the prospective MDO in fish and mice, whereas gain-of-function of pax6 inhibits MDO shh expression in fish. Using gene expression and genetic fate mapping, we have characterized the expression of molecular markers that demarcate the progenitors and precursors of habenular neurons. We show that the thalamic domain is shifted dorsally and the epithalamus is missing in the alar plate of p2 in the Pax6 mutant mouse. Conversely, the epithalamus is expanded ventrally at the expense of the thalamus in mouse embryos with reduced Shh activity. Significantly, attenuating Shh signaling largely rescues the patterning of p2 and restores the epithalamus in Pax6 mouse mutants, suggesting that Shh acts downstream of Pax6 in controlling the formation of the habenula. Similar to that found in the mouse, we show that pax6 controls the formation of the epithalamus mostly via the regulation of MDO shh expression in zebrafish. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that Pax6 has an evolutionarily conserved function in establishing the temporospatial expression of Shh in the MDO in vertebrates. Furthermore, Shh mediates Pax6 function in regulating the partition of the p2 domain into the epithalamus and thalamus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Steffen Scholpp
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, 400 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT, 06030-6403, USA.
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Expression of LIM-homeodomain transcription factors in the developing and mature mouse retina. Gene Expr Patterns 2013; 14:1-8. [PMID: 24333658 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2013.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2013] [Revised: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
LIM-homeodomain (LIM-HD) transcription factors have been extensively studied for their role in the development of the central nervous system. Their function is key to several developmental events like cell proliferation, differentiation and subtype specification. However, their roles in retinal neurogenesis remain largely unknown. Here we report a detailed expression study of LIM-HD transcription factors LHX9 and LHX2, LHX3 and LHX4, and LHX6 in the developing and mature mouse retina using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization techniques. We show that LHX9 is expressed during the early stages of development in the retinal ganglion cell layer and the inner nuclear layer. We also show that LHX9 is expressed in a subset of amacrine cells in the adult retina. LHX2 is known to be expressed in retinal progenitor cells during development and in Müller glial cells and a subset of amacrine cells in the adult retina. We found that the LHX2 subset of amacrine cells is not cholinergic and that a very few of LHX2 amacrine cells express calretinin. LHX3 and LHX4 are expressed in a subset of bipolar cells in the adult retina. LHX6 is expressed in cells in the ganglion cell layer and the neuroblast layer starting at embryonic stage 13.5 (E13.5) and continues to be expressed in cells in the ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer, postnatally, suggesting its likely expression in amacrine cells or a subset thereof. Taken together, our comprehensive assay of expression patterns of LIM-HD transcription factors during mouse retinal development will help further studies elucidating their biological functions in the differentiation of retinal cell subtypes.
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