1
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Maimaitili M, Chen M, Febbraro F, Ucuncu E, Kelly R, Niclis JC, Christiansen JR, Mermet-Joret N, Niculescu D, Lauritsen J, Iannielli A, Klæstrup IH, Jensen UB, Qvist P, Nabavi S, Broccoli V, Nykjær A, Romero-Ramos M, Denham M. Enhanced production of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons from lineage-restricted human undifferentiated stem cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7871. [PMID: 38052784 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43471-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Current differentiation protocols for generating mesencephalic dopaminergic (mesDA) neurons from human pluripotent stem cells result in grafts containing only a small proportion of mesDA neurons when transplanted in vivo. In this study, we develop lineage-restricted undifferentiated stem cells (LR-USCs) from pluripotent stem cells, which enhances their potential for differentiating into caudal midbrain floor plate progenitors and mesDA neurons. Using a ventral midbrain protocol, 69% of LR-USCs become bona fide caudal midbrain floor plate progenitors, compared to only 25% of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Importantly, LR-USCs generate significantly more mesDA neurons under midbrain and hindbrain conditions in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that midbrain-patterned LR-USC progenitors transplanted into 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats restore function in a clinically relevant non-pharmacological behavioral test, whereas midbrain-patterned hESC-derived progenitors do not. This strategy demonstrates how lineage restriction can prevent the development of undesirable lineages and enhance the conditions necessary for mesDA neuron generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muyesier Maimaitili
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Muwan Chen
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fabia Febbraro
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ekin Ucuncu
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rachel Kelly
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Noëmie Mermet-Joret
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center of Excellence PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Dragos Niculescu
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center of Excellence PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Johanne Lauritsen
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Angelo Iannielli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Ida H Klæstrup
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Uffe Birk Jensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Per Qvist
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Integrative Sequencing, iSEQ, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, CGPM, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sadegh Nabavi
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center of Excellence PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Anders Nykjær
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center of Excellence PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marina Romero-Ramos
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mark Denham
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE), Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark.
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000C, Aarhus, Denmark.
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2
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Terrinoni A, Micheloni G, Moretti V, Caporali S, Bernardini S, Minieri M, Pieri M, Giaroni C, Acquati F, Costantino L, Ferrara F, Valli R, Porta G. OTX Genes in Adult Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16962. [PMID: 38069286 PMCID: PMC10707059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OTX homeobox genes have been extensively studied for their role in development, especially in neuroectoderm formation. Recently, their expression has also been reported in adult physiological and pathological tissues, including retina, mammary and pituitary glands, sinonasal mucosa, in several types of cancer, and in response to inflammatory, ischemic, and hypoxic stimuli. Reactivation of OTX genes in adult tissues supports the notion of the evolutionary amplification of functions of genes by varying their temporal expression, with the selection of homeobox genes from the "toolbox" to drive or contribute to different processes at different stages of life. OTX involvement in pathologies points toward these genes as potential diagnostic and/or prognostic markers as well as possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Terrinoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Micheloni
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Vittoria Moretti
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Sabrina Caporali
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via del Politecnico 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marilena Minieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Pieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Giaroni
- Department of Medicina e Innovazione Tecnologica, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Francesco Acquati
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Lucy Costantino
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Centro Diagnostico Italiano, Via Saint Bon 20, 20147 Milano, Italy
| | - Fulvio Ferrara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Centro Diagnostico Italiano, Via Saint Bon 20, 20147 Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Valli
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Giovanni Porta
- Genomic Medicine Research Center, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Via JH Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy
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3
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Lim Y. Transcription factors in microcephaly. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1302033. [PMID: 38094004 PMCID: PMC10716367 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1302033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Higher cognition in humans, compared to other primates, is often attributed to an increased brain size, especially forebrain cortical surface area. Brain size is determined through highly orchestrated developmental processes, including neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, lamination, arborization, and apoptosis. Disruption in these processes often results in either a small (microcephaly) or large (megalencephaly) brain. One of the key mechanisms controlling these developmental processes is the spatial and temporal transcriptional regulation of critical genes. In humans, microcephaly is defined as a condition with a significantly smaller head circumference compared to the average head size of a given age and sex group. A growing number of genes are identified as associated with microcephaly, and among them are those involved in transcriptional regulation. In this review, a subset of genes encoding transcription factors (e.g., homeobox-, basic helix-loop-helix-, forkhead box-, high mobility group box-, and zinc finger domain-containing transcription factors), whose functions are important for cortical development and implicated in microcephaly, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngshin Lim
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Science Education, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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4
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Ovadia S, Cui G, Elkon R, Cohen-Gulkar M, Zuk-Bar N, Tuoc T, Jing N, Ashery-Padan R. SWI/SNF complexes are required for retinal pigmented epithelium differentiation and for the inhibition of cell proliferation and neural differentiation programs. Development 2023; 150:dev201488. [PMID: 37522516 PMCID: PMC10482007 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
During embryonic development, tissue-specific transcription factors and chromatin remodelers function together to ensure gradual, coordinated differentiation of multiple lineages. Here, we define this regulatory interplay in the developing retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), a neuroectodermal lineage essential for the development, function and maintenance of the adjacent retina. We present a high-resolution spatial transcriptomic atlas of the developing mouse RPE and the adjacent ocular mesenchyme obtained by geographical position sequencing (Geo-seq) of a single developmental stage of the eye that encompasses young and more mature ocular progenitors. These transcriptomic data, available online, reveal the key transcription factors and their gene regulatory networks during RPE and ocular mesenchyme differentiation. Moreover, conditional inactivation followed by Geo-seq revealed that this differentiation program is dependent on the activity of SWI/SNF complexes, shown here to control the expression and activity of RPE transcription factors and, at the same time, inhibit neural progenitor and cell proliferation genes. The findings reveal the roles of the SWI/SNF complexes in controlling the intersection between RPE and neural cell fates and the coupling of cell-cycle exit and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shai Ovadia
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Guizhong Cui
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Ran Elkon
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Mazal Cohen-Gulkar
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Nitay Zuk-Bar
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Tran Tuoc
- Department of Human Genetics, Ruhr University of Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Naihe Jing
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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5
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Suppinger S, Zinner M, Aizarani N, Lukonin I, Ortiz R, Azzi C, Stadler MB, Vianello S, Palla G, Kohler H, Mayran A, Lutolf MP, Liberali P. Multimodal characterization of murine gastruloid development. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:867-884.e11. [PMID: 37209681 PMCID: PMC10241222 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Gastruloids are 3D structures generated from pluripotent stem cells recapitulating fundamental principles of embryonic pattern formation. Using single-cell genomic analysis, we provide a resource mapping cell states and types during gastruloid development and compare them with the in vivo embryo. We developed a high-throughput handling and imaging pipeline to spatially monitor symmetry breaking during gastruloid development and report an early spatial variability in pluripotency determining a binary response to Wnt activation. Although cells in the gastruloid-core revert to pluripotency, peripheral cells become primitive streak-like. These two populations subsequently break radial symmetry and initiate axial elongation. By performing a compound screen, perturbing thousands of gastruloids, we derive a phenotypic landscape and infer networks of genetic interactions. Finally, using a dual Wnt modulation, we improve the formation of anterior structures in the existing gastruloid model. This work provides a resource to understand how gastruloids develop and generate complex patterns in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Suppinger
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), 4058 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marietta Zinner
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nadim Aizarani
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ilya Lukonin
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Roche Institute of Human Biology, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raphael Ortiz
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Azzi
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), 4058 Basel, Switzerland; Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Michael B Stadler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), 4058 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland; Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Vianello
- School of Life Sciences, Federal Institute of Technology EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Palla
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, 85764 Munich, Germany; TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Hubertus Kohler
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandre Mayran
- School of Life Sciences, Federal Institute of Technology EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Matthias P Lutolf
- Roche Institute of Human Biology, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; School of Life Sciences, Federal Institute of Technology EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Prisca Liberali
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research (FMI), 4058 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland.
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6
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Cohen-Gulkar M, David A, Messika-Gold N, Eshel M, Ovadia S, Zuk-Bar N, Idelson M, Cohen-Tayar Y, Reubinoff B, Ziv T, Shamay M, Elkon R, Ashery-Padan R. The LHX2-OTX2 transcriptional regulatory module controls retinal pigmented epithelium differentiation and underlies genetic risk for age-related macular degeneration. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3001924. [PMID: 36649236 PMCID: PMC9844853 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue-specific transcription factors (TFs) control the transcriptome through an association with noncoding regulatory regions (cistromes). Identifying the combination of TFs that dictate specific cell fate, their specific cistromes and examining their involvement in complex human traits remain a major challenge. Here, we focus on the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), an essential lineage for retinal development and function and the primary tissue affected in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness. By combining mechanistic findings in stem-cell-derived human RPE, in vivo functional studies in mice and global transcriptomic and proteomic analyses, we revealed that the key developmental TFs LHX2 and OTX2 function together in transcriptional module containing LDB1 and SWI/SNF (BAF) to regulate the RPE transcriptome. Importantly, the intersection between the identified LHX2-OTX2 cistrome with published expression quantitative trait loci, ATAC-seq data from human RPE, and AMD genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, followed by functional validation using a reporter assay, revealed a causal genetic variant that affects AMD risk by altering TRPM1 expression in the RPE through modulation of LHX2 transcriptional activity on its promoter. Taken together, the reported cistrome of LHX2 and OTX2, the identified downstream genes and interacting co-factors reveal the RPE transcription module and uncover a causal regulatory risk single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the multifactorial common blinding disease AMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazal Cohen-Gulkar
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ahuvit David
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Naama Messika-Gold
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mai Eshel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shai Ovadia
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Nitay Zuk-Bar
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maria Idelson
- The Hadassah Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center, The Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy and Department of Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yamit Cohen-Tayar
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Benjamin Reubinoff
- The Hadassah Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center, The Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy and Department of Gynecology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tamar Ziv
- Smoler Proteomics Center, Lorry I. Lokey Interdisciplinary Center for Life Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Meir Shamay
- Daniella Lee Casper Laboratory in Viral Oncology, Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Ran Elkon
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail: (RE); (RAP)
| | - Ruth Ashery-Padan
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine and Sagol School of Neurosciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail: (RE); (RAP)
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7
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Regionalization of the Early Nervous System. Neurogenetics 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-07793-7_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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8
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Sun C, Chen S. Disease-causing mutations in genes encoding transcription factors critical for photoreceptor development. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1134839. [PMID: 37181651 PMCID: PMC10172487 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1134839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoreceptor development of the vertebrate visual system is controlled by a complex transcription regulatory network. OTX2 is expressed in the mitotic retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) and controls photoreceptor genesis. CRX that is activated by OTX2 is expressed in photoreceptor precursors after cell cycle exit. NEUROD1 is also present in photoreceptor precursors that are ready to specify into rod and cone photoreceptor subtypes. NRL is required for the rod fate and regulates downstream rod-specific genes including the orphan nuclear receptor NR2E3 which further activates rod-specific genes and simultaneously represses cone-specific genes. Cone subtype specification is also regulated by the interplay of several transcription factors such as THRB and RXRG. Mutations in these key transcription factors are responsible for ocular defects at birth such as microphthalmia and inherited photoreceptor diseases such as Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and allied dystrophies. In particular, many mutations are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, including the majority of missense mutations in CRX and NRL. In this review, we describe the spectrum of photoreceptor defects that are associated with mutations in the above-mentioned transcription factors, and summarize the current knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenic mutations. At last, we deliberate the outstanding gaps in our understanding of the genotype-phenotype correlations and outline avenues for future research of the treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Chi Sun,
| | - Shiming Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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9
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Schnirman RE, Kuo SJ, Kelly RC, Yamaguchi TP. The role of Wnt signaling in the development of the epiblast and axial progenitors. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 153:145-180. [PMID: 36967193 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how the body plan is established during embryogenesis remains a fundamental biological question. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial and highly conserved role in body plan formation, functioning to polarize the primary anterior-posterior (AP) or head-to-tail body axis in most metazoans. In this chapter, we focus on the roles that the mammalian Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays to prepare the pluripotent epiblast for gastrulation, and to elicit the emergence of multipotent axial progenitors from the caudal epiblast. Interactions between Wnt and retinoic acid (RA), another powerful family of developmental signaling molecules, in axial progenitors will also be discussed. Gastrulation movements and somitogenesis result in the anterior displacement of the RA source (the rostral somites and lateral plate mesoderm (LPM)), from the posterior Wnt source (the primitive streak (PS)), leading to the establishment of antiparallel gradients of RA and Wnt that control the self-renewal and successive differentiation of neck, trunk and tail progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Samuel J Kuo
- NCI-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ryan C Kelly
- NCI-Frederick, NIH, Frederick, MD, United States
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10
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Endoh M, Niwa H. Stepwise pluripotency transitions in mouse stem cells. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e55010. [PMID: 35903955 PMCID: PMC9442314 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202255010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent cells in mouse embryos, which first emerge in the inner cell mass of the blastocyst, undergo gradual transition marked by changes in gene expression, developmental potential, polarity, and morphology as they develop from the pre-implantation until post-implantation gastrula stage. Recent studies of cultured mouse pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have clarified the presence of intermediate pluripotent stages between the naïve pluripotent state represented by embryonic stem cells (ESCs-equivalent to the pre-implantation epiblast) and the primed pluripotent state represented by epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs-equivalent to the late post-implantation gastrula epiblast). In this review, we discuss these recent findings in light of our knowledge on peri-implantation mouse development and consider the implications of these new PSCs to understand their temporal sequence and the feasibility of using them as model system for pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhiro Endoh
- Department of Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG)Kumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
| | - Hitoshi Niwa
- Department of Pluripotent Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics (IMEG)Kumamoto UniversityKumamotoJapan
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11
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Leung RF, George AM, Roussel EM, Faux MC, Wigle JT, Eisenstat DD. Genetic Regulation of Vertebrate Forebrain Development by Homeobox Genes. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:843794. [PMID: 35546872 PMCID: PMC9081933 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.843794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Forebrain development in vertebrates is regulated by transcription factors encoded by homeobox, bHLH and forkhead gene families throughout the progressive and overlapping stages of neural induction and patterning, regional specification and generation of neurons and glia from central nervous system (CNS) progenitor cells. Moreover, cell fate decisions, differentiation and migration of these committed CNS progenitors are controlled by the gene regulatory networks that are regulated by various homeodomain-containing transcription factors, including but not limited to those of the Pax (paired), Nkx, Otx (orthodenticle), Gsx/Gsh (genetic screened), and Dlx (distal-less) homeobox gene families. This comprehensive review outlines the integral role of key homeobox transcription factors and their target genes on forebrain development, focused primarily on the telencephalon. Furthermore, links of these transcription factors to human diseases, such as neurodevelopmental disorders and brain tumors are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan F. Leung
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ankita M. George
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Enola M. Roussel
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Maree C. Faux
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffrey T. Wigle
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - David D. Eisenstat
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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12
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Hidalgo-Sánchez M, Andreu-Cervera A, Villa-Carballar S, Echevarria D. An Update on the Molecular Mechanism of the Vertebrate Isthmic Organizer Development in the Context of the Neuromeric Model. Front Neuroanat 2022; 16:826976. [PMID: 35401126 PMCID: PMC8987131 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2022.826976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A crucial event during the development of the central nervous system (CNS) is the early subdivision of the neural tube along its anterior-to-posterior axis to form neuromeres, morphogenetic units separated by transversal constrictions and programed for particular genetic cascades. The narrower portions observed in the developing neural tube are responsible for relevant cellular and molecular processes, such as clonal restrictions, expression of specific regulatory genes, and differential fate specification, as well as inductive activities. In this developmental context, the gradual formation of the midbrain-hindbrain (MH) constriction has been an excellent model to study the specification of two major subdivisions of the CNS containing the mesencephalic and isthmo-cerebellar primordia. This MH boundary is coincident with the common Otx2-(midbrain)/Gbx2-(hindbrain) expressing border. The early interactions between these two pre-specified areas confer positional identities and induce the generation of specific diffusible morphogenes at this interface, in particular FGF8 and WNT1. These signaling pathways are responsible for the gradual histogenetic specifications and cellular identity acquisitions with in the MH domain. This review is focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the specification of the midbrain/hindbrain territory and the formation of the isthmic organizer. Emphasis will be placed on the chick/quail chimeric experiments leading to the acquisition of the first fate mapping and experimental data to, in this way, better understand pioneering morphological studies and innovative gain/loss-of-function analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Hidalgo-Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
- *Correspondence: Matías Hidalgo-Sánchez Diego Echevarria
| | - Abraham Andreu-Cervera
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain
| | - Sergio Villa-Carballar
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Diego Echevarria
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain
- *Correspondence: Matías Hidalgo-Sánchez Diego Echevarria
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13
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Lohoff T, Ghazanfar S, Missarova A, Koulena N, Pierson N, Griffiths JA, Bardot ES, Eng CHL, Tyser RCV, Argelaguet R, Guibentif C, Srinivas S, Briscoe J, Simons BD, Hadjantonakis AK, Göttgens B, Reik W, Nichols J, Cai L, Marioni JC. Integration of spatial and single-cell transcriptomic data elucidates mouse organogenesis. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:74-85. [PMID: 34489600 PMCID: PMC8763645 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-021-01006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Molecular profiling of single cells has advanced our knowledge of the molecular basis of development. However, current approaches mostly rely on dissociating cells from tissues, thereby losing the crucial spatial context of regulatory processes. Here, we apply an image-based single-cell transcriptomics method, sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization (seqFISH), to detect mRNAs for 387 target genes in tissue sections of mouse embryos at the 8-12 somite stage. By integrating spatial context and multiplexed transcriptional measurements with two single-cell transcriptome atlases, we characterize cell types across the embryo and demonstrate that spatially resolved expression of genes not profiled by seqFISH can be imputed. We use this high-resolution spatial map to characterize fundamental steps in the patterning of the midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) and the developing gut tube. We uncover axes of cell differentiation that are not apparent from single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, such as early dorsal-ventral separation of esophageal and tracheal progenitor populations in the gut tube. Our method provides an approach for studying cell fate decisions in complex tissues and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Lohoff
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - S Ghazanfar
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Missarova
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - N Koulena
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - N Pierson
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - J A Griffiths
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Genomics Plc, Cambridge, UK
| | - E S Bardot
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - C-H L Eng
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - R C V Tyser
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - R Argelaguet
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - C Guibentif
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - S Srinivas
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - J Briscoe
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - B D Simons
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- The Wellcome/Cancer Research UK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - A-K Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - B Göttgens
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - W Reik
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK.
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK.
| | - J Nichols
- Wellcome-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - L Cai
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
| | - J C Marioni
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK.
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, UK.
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14
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Guo SM, Mei NH, Yang J, Zhou LQ. Transcription factor OTX2 silences the expression of cleavage embryo genes and transposable elements. J Reprod Dev 2021; 67:223-228. [PMID: 33896883 PMCID: PMC8238675 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2021-007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Upon mammalian fertilization, zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and activation of transposable elements (TEs) occur in early embryos to establish totipotency and support embryogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling the expression of these genes in mammals remain poorly understood. The 2-cell-like population of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) mimics cleavage-stage embryos with transient Dux activation. In this study, we demonstrated that deficiency of the transcription factor OTX2 stimulates the expression of ZGA genes in mESCs. Further analysis revealed that OTX2 is incorporated at the Dux locus with corepressors for transcriptional inhibition. We also found that OTX2 associates with TEs and silences the subtypes of TEs. Therefore, OTX2 protein plays an important role in ZGA and TE expression in mESCs to orchestrate the transcriptional network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Meng Guo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Ning-Hua Mei
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University & Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, China
| | - Li-Quan Zhou
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hubei 430030, China
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15
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Gregory LC, Gergics P, Nakaguma M, Bando H, Patti G, McCabe MJ, Fang Q, Ma Q, Ozel AB, Li JZ, Poina MM, Jorge AAL, Benedetti AFF, Lerario AM, Arnhold IJP, Mendonca BB, Maghnie M, Camper SA, Carvalho LRS, Dattani MT. The phenotypic spectrum associated with OTX2 mutations in humans. Eur J Endocrinol 2021; 185:121-135. [PMID: 33950863 PMCID: PMC8437083 DOI: 10.1530/eje-20-1453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective The transcription factor OTX2 is implicated in ocular, craniofacial, and pituitary development. Design We aimed to establish the contribution of OTX2 mutations in congenital hypopituitarism patients with/without eye abnormalities, study functional consequences, and establish OTX2 expression in the human brain, with a view to investigate the mechanism of action. Methods We screened patients from the UK (n = 103), international centres (n = 24), and Brazil (n = 282); 145 were within the septo-optic dysplasia spectrum, and 264 had no eye phenotype. Transactivation ability of OTX2 variants was analysed in murine hypothalamic GT1-7 neurons. In situ hybridization was performed on human embryonic brain sections. Genetically engineered mice were generated with a series of C-terminal OTX2 variants. Results Two chromosomal deletions and six haploinsufficient mutations were identified in individuals with eye abnormalities; an affected relative of one patient harboured the same mutation without an ocular phenotype. OTX2 truncations led to significant transactivation reduction. A missense variant was identified in another patient without eye abnormalities; however, studies revealed it was most likely not causative. In the mouse, truncations proximal to aa219 caused anophthalmia, while distal truncations and the missense variant were tolerated. During human embryogenesis, OTX2 was expressed in the posterior pituitary, retina, ear, thalamus, choroid plexus, and partially in the hypothalamus, but not in the anterior pituitary. Conclusions OTX2 mutations are rarely associated with hypopituitarism in isolation without eye abnormalities, and may be variably penetrant, even within the same pedigree. Our data suggest that the endocrine phenotypes in patients with OTX2 mutations are of hypothalamic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise C Gregory
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Peter Gergics
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Marilena Nakaguma
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hironori Bando
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Giuseppa Patti
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Mark J McCabe
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Qing Fang
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Qianyi Ma
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ayse Bilge Ozel
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jun Z Li
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michele Moreira Poina
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexander A L Jorge
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna F Figueredo Benedetti
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio M Lerario
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ivo J P Arnhold
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Berenice B Mendonca
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mohamad Maghnie
- Department of Pediatrics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Sally A Camper
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Luciani R S Carvalho
- Developmental Endocrinology Unit, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mehul T Dattani
- Section of Molecular Basis of Rare Disease, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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16
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Kinoshita M, Barber M, Mansfield W, Cui Y, Spindlow D, Stirparo GG, Dietmann S, Nichols J, Smith A. Capture of Mouse and Human Stem Cells with Features of Formative Pluripotency. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:453-471.e8. [PMID: 33271069 PMCID: PMC7939546 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pluripotent cells emerge as a naive founder population in the blastocyst, acquire capacity for germline and soma formation, and then undergo lineage priming. Mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and epiblast-derived stem cells (EpiSCs) represent the initial naive and final primed phases of pluripotency, respectively. Here, we investigate the intermediate formative stage. Using minimal exposure to specification cues, we derive stem cells from formative mouse epiblast. Unlike ESCs or EpiSCs, formative stem (FS) cells respond directly to germ cell induction. They colonize somatic tissues and germline in chimeras. Whole-transcriptome analyses show similarity to pre-gastrulation formative epiblast. Signal responsiveness and chromatin accessibility features reflect lineage capacitation. Furthermore, FS cells show distinct transcription factor dependencies, relying critically on Otx2. Finally, FS cell culture conditions applied to human naive cells or embryos support expansion of similar stem cells, consistent with a conserved staging post on the trajectory of mammalian pluripotency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Kinoshita
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK.
| | - Michael Barber
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - William Mansfield
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Yingzhi Cui
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Daniel Spindlow
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Giuliano Giuseppe Stirparo
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Sabine Dietmann
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Austin Smith
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AW, UK; Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK; Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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17
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Liu X, Fang Z, Wen J, Tang F, Liao B, Jing N, Lai D, Jin Y. SOX1 Is Required for the Specification of Rostral Hindbrain Neural Progenitor Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells. iScience 2020; 23:101475. [PMID: 32905879 PMCID: PMC7486433 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Region-specific neural progenitor cells (NPCs) can be generated from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) by modulating signaling pathways. However, how intrinsic transcriptional factors contribute to the neural regionalization is not well characterized. Here, we generate region-specific NPCs from hESCs and find that SOX1 is highly expressed in NPCs with the rostral hindbrain identity. Moreover, we find that OTX2 inhibits SOX1 expression, displaying exclusive expression between the two factors. Furthermore, SOX1 knockout (KO) leads to the upregulation of midbrain genes and downregulation of rostral hindbrain genes, indicating that SOX1 is required for specification of rostral hindbrain NPCs. Our SOX1 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis reveals that SOX1 binds to the distal region of GBX2 to activate its expression. Overexpression of GBX2 largely abrogates SOX1-KO-induced aberrant gene expression. Taken together, this study uncovers previously unappreciated role of SOX1 in early neural regionalization and provides new information for the precise control of the OTX2/GBX2 interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyuan Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Zhuoqing Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jing Wen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Fan Tang
- Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 225 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Bing Liao
- Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 225 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Naihe Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yue Yang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Dongmei Lai
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ying Jin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
- Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 225 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
- Basic Clinical Research Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai 200127, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 100 Haike Road, Shanghai 201210, China
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18
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An OTX2-PAX3 signaling axis regulates Group 3 medulloblastoma cell fate. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3627. [PMID: 32686664 PMCID: PMC7371715 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17357-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OTX2 is a potent oncogene that promotes tumor growth in Group 3 medulloblastoma. However, the mechanisms by which OTX2 represses neural differentiation are not well characterized. Here, we perform extensive multiomic analyses to identify an OTX2 regulatory network that controls Group 3 medulloblastoma cell fate. OTX2 silencing modulates the repressive chromatin landscape, decreases levels of PRC2 complex genes and increases the expression of neurodevelopmental transcription factors including PAX3 and PAX6. Expression of PAX3 and PAX6 is significantly lower in Group 3 medulloblastoma patients and is correlated with reduced survival, yet only PAX3 inhibits self-renewal in vitro and increases survival in vivo. Single cell RNA sequencing of Group 3 medulloblastoma tumorspheres demonstrates expression of an undifferentiated progenitor program observed in primary tumors and characterized by translation/elongation factor genes. Identification of mTORC1 signaling as a downstream effector of OTX2-PAX3 reveals roles for protein synthesis pathways in regulating Group 3 medulloblastoma pathogenesis. OTX2 promotes tumour growth in Group 3 medulloblastoma. Here, the authors show that OTX2 regulates PAX3 to induce neural de-differentiation and promote tumourigenesis in Group 3 medulloblastoma.
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19
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Ashokkumar D, Zhang Q, Much C, Bledau AS, Naumann R, Alexopoulou D, Dahl A, Goveas N, Fu J, Anastassiadis K, Stewart AF, Kranz A. MLL4 is required after implantation, whereas MLL3 becomes essential during late gestation. Development 2020; 147:dev186999. [PMID: 32439762 DOI: 10.1242/dev.186999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Methylation of histone 3 lysine 4 (H3K4) is a major epigenetic system associated with gene expression. In mammals there are six H3K4 methyltransferases related to yeast Set1 and fly Trithorax, including two orthologs of fly Trithorax-related: MLL3 and MLL4. Exome sequencing has documented high frequencies of MLL3 and MLL4 mutations in many types of human cancer. Despite this emerging importance, the requirements of these paralogs in mammalian development have only been incompletely reported. Here, we examined the null phenotypes to establish that MLL3 is first required for lung maturation, whereas MLL4 is first required for migration of the anterior visceral endoderm that initiates gastrulation in the mouse. This collective cell migration is preceded by a columnar-to-squamous transition in visceral endoderm cells that depends on MLL4. Furthermore, Mll4 mutants display incompletely penetrant, sex-distorted, embryonic haploinsufficiency and adult heterozygous mutants show aspects of Kabuki syndrome, indicating that MLL4 action, unlike MLL3, is dosage dependent. The highly specific and discordant functions of these paralogs in mouse development argues against their action as general enhancer factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepthi Ashokkumar
- Genomics, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Qinyu Zhang
- Genomics, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Much
- Genomics, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anita S Bledau
- Stem Cell Engineering, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Ronald Naumann
- Transgenic Core Facility, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstr. 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dimitra Alexopoulou
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Dahl
- DRESDEN-concept Genome Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Neha Goveas
- Genomics, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jun Fu
- Genomics, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Konstantinos Anastassiadis
- Stem Cell Engineering, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - A Francis Stewart
- Genomics, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47, 01307 Dresden, Germany
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Pfotenhauerstr. 108, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andrea Kranz
- Genomics, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Biotechnology Center, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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20
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Neagu A, van Genderen E, Escudero I, Verwegen L, Kurek D, Lehmann J, Stel J, Dirks RAM, van Mierlo G, Maas A, Eleveld C, Ge Y, den Dekker AT, Brouwer RWW, van IJcken WFJ, Modic M, Drukker M, Jansen JH, Rivron NC, Baart EB, Marks H, ten Berge D. In vitro capture and characterization of embryonic rosette-stage pluripotency between naive and primed states. Nat Cell Biol 2020; 22:534-545. [DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-0508-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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21
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Senft AD, Costello I, King HW, Mould AW, Bikoff EK, Robertson EJ. Combinatorial Smad2/3 Activities Downstream of Nodal Signaling Maintain Embryonic/Extra-Embryonic Cell Identities during Lineage Priming. Cell Rep 2020; 24:1977-1985.e7. [PMID: 30134160 PMCID: PMC6113931 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.07.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Epiblast cells in the early post-implantation stage mammalian embryo undergo a transition described as lineage priming before cell fate allocation, but signaling pathways acting upstream remain ill defined. Genetic studies demonstrate that Smad2/3 double-mutant mouse embryos die shortly after implantation. To learn more about the molecular disturbances underlying this abrupt failure, here we characterized Smad2/3-deficient embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We found that Smad2/3 double-knockout ESCs induced to form epiblast-like cells (EpiLCs) display changes in naive and primed pluripotency marker gene expression, associated with the disruption of Oct4-bound distal regulatory elements. In the absence of Smad2/3, we observed enhanced Bmp target gene expression and de-repression of extra-embryonic gene expression. Cell fate allocation into all three embryonic germ layers is disrupted. Collectively, these experiments demonstrate that combinatorial Smad2/3 functional activities are required to maintain distinct embryonic and/or extra-embryonic cell identity during lineage priming in the epiblast before gastrulation. Smad2/3 alters the transcriptome and activity of distal regulatory elements in EpiLCs Smad2 prevents expression of extra-embryonic genes during priming and differentiation Smad2/3 is essential for mesoderm and definitive endoderm cell fate allocation Smad2/3 signaling balances Bmp signaling during neural precursor differentiation
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna D Senft
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Ita Costello
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Hamish W King
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QU, UK
| | - Arne W Mould
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Elizabeth K Bikoff
- Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
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22
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Abstract
Mouse primordial germ cells (PGCs), originate from the early post-implantation epiblast in response to BMP4 secreted by the extraembryonic ectoderm. However, how BMP4 acts here has remained unclear. Recent work has identified the transcription factor (TF), OTX2 as a key determinant of the segregation of the germline from the soma. OTX2 is expressed ubiquitously in the early post-implantation epiblast, decreasing rapidly in cells that initiate the PGC programme. Otx2 mRNA is also rapidly repressed by BMP4 in vitro, in germline competent cells. Supporting a model in which BMP4 represses Otx2, enforcing sustained OTX2 expression in competent cells blocks germline entry. In contrast, Otx2-null epiblast cells enter the germline with increased efficiency in vitro and in vivo and can do so independently of BMP4. Also, Otx2-null cells can initiate germline entry even without the crucial PGC TF, BLIMP1. In this review, we survey recent advances and propose hypotheses concerning germline entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Zhang
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh , Scotland
| | - Ian Chambers
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh , Scotland
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23
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Harding P, Moosajee M. The Molecular Basis of Human Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia. J Dev Biol 2019; 7:jdb7030016. [PMID: 31416264 PMCID: PMC6787759 DOI: 10.3390/jdb7030016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human eye development is coordinated through an extensive network of genetic signalling pathways. Disruption of key regulatory genes in the early stages of eye development can result in aborted eye formation, resulting in an absent eye (anophthalmia) or a small underdeveloped eye (microphthalmia) phenotype. Anophthalmia and microphthalmia (AM) are part of the same clinical spectrum and have high genetic heterogeneity, with >90 identified associated genes. By understanding the roles of these genes in development, including their temporal expression, the phenotypic variation associated with AM can be better understood, improving diagnosis and management. This review describes the genetic and structural basis of eye development, focusing on the function of key genes known to be associated with AM. In addition, we highlight some promising avenues of research involving multiomic approaches and disease modelling with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, which will aid in developing novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London EC1V 9EL, UK.
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London EC1V 2PD, UK.
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London WC1N 3JH, UK.
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24
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Rohde K, Hertz H, Rath MF. Homeobox genes in melatonin-producing pinealocytes: Otx2 and Crx act to promote hormone synthesis in the mature rat pineal gland. J Pineal Res 2019; 66:e12567. [PMID: 30803008 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox genes encode transcription factors that regulate developmental processes; however, in the pineal gland, a neuroendocrine organ responsible for nocturnal melatonin synthesis, expression of the homeobox genes Otx2 (orthodenticle homeobox 2) and Crx (cone-rod homeobox) persists postnatally. We here show that OTX2 and CRX are exclusively present in melatonin-producing pinealocytes of the rat pineal gland. To understand the roles of Otx2 and Crx in the mature pineal gland, we used siRNA technology in cultured rat pinealocytes with the nocturnal situation mimicked by adding norepinephrine to the culture media. siRNA-induced knockdown of Otx2 was found to reduce expression levels of the enzymes involved in melatonin synthesis at both transcript and protein levels. Similar results were obtained when knocking down Crx. Knocking down Otx2 and Crx simultaneously produced an even larger reduction in both transcript and protein levels of the melatonin-producing enzymes and also reduced the levels of melatonin released to the culture media. These results suggest that Otx2 and Crx, both alone and in combination, act to control pineal melatonin synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian Rohde
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hertz
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin F Rath
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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25
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Langer LF, Ward JM, Archer TK. Tumor suppressor SMARCB1 suppresses super-enhancers to govern hESC lineage determination. eLife 2019; 8:45672. [PMID: 31033435 PMCID: PMC6538374 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The SWI/SNF complex is a critical regulator of pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and individual subunits have varied and specific roles during development and in diseases. The core subunit SMARCB1 is required for early embryonic survival, and mutations can give rise to atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) in the pediatric central nervous system. We report that in contrast to other studied systems, SMARCB1 represses bivalent genes in hESCs and antagonizes chromatin accessibility at super-enhancers. Moreover, and consistent with its established role as a CNS tumor suppressor, we find that SMARCB1 is essential for neural induction but dispensable for mesodermal or endodermal differentiation. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that SMARCB1 is essential for hESC super-enhancer silencing in neural differentiation conditions. This genomic assessment of hESC chromatin regulation by SMARCB1 reveals a novel positive regulatory function at super-enhancers and a unique lineage-specific role in regulating hESC differentiation. Our bodies contain trillions of cells that play a wide variety of roles. Despite looking and behaving very differently to one another, all of these ‘mature’ cells somehow descend from a single fertilized egg that contains just one set of genes. This process is partially controlled by how ‘accessible’ genetic material is to the cell machinery that switches genes on or off. For example, in immature brain cells, genes required for memory are accessible, but genes needed to produce bone are not. The developing embryo needs to control gene accessibility carefully to ensure that the right genes become available at the right time, and that crucial genes are not incorrectly ‘hidden’. In humans, the protein SMARCB1 plays an important role in this process: if damaged or deleted, development will be severely disrupted, sometimes causing brain cancer early in life. However, it remains unclear how exactly SMARCB1 regulates the accessibility of its ‘target’ genes. Now, Langer et al. set out to answer this question, and also to determine which parts of the body need SMARCB1 to develop properly. Human stem cells can develop into multiple mature cell types if given the right signals. Langer et al. found reducing levels of SMARCB1 prevented stem cells from maturing into brain cells, but not other kinds of cells. This suggests that SMARCB1 has a specific role in brain development, which is consistent with its devastating effect on brain health when damaged. A detailed analysis of genetic activity and DNA accessibility showed that SMARCB1 was doing this by switching off specific regions of DNA, called stem cell super-enhancers. These regions normally enhance the activity of genes that maintain stem cells in their immature state: when certain super-enhancers are turned off by SMARCB1, this allows stem cells to progress towards a brain cell fate. These results help us understand why damage to SMARCB1 during development causes brain cancer more often than other kinds of cancer. In the future, they could also help explain how certain types of cancer form, which would be the first step towards knowing how to treat them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee F Langer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, United States.,Postdoctoral Research Associate Program, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - James M Ward
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, United States.,Integrative Bioinformatics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, United States
| | - Trevor K Archer
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Stem Cell Biology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Durham, United States
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26
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Petrelli B, Bendelac L, Hicks GG, Fainsod A. Insights into retinoic acid deficiency and the induction of craniofacial malformations and microcephaly in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Genesis 2019; 57:e23278. [DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Berardino Petrelli
- Regenerative Medicine Program and the Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Liat Bendelac
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel‐CanadaFaculty of Medicine, Hebrew University Jerusalem Israel
| | - Geoffrey G. Hicks
- Regenerative Medicine Program and the Department of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Abraham Fainsod
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel‐CanadaFaculty of Medicine, Hebrew University Jerusalem Israel
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27
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Abstract
The successful segregation of germ cells from somatic lineages is vital for sexual reproduction and species survival. In the mouse, primordial germ cells (PGCs), precursors of all germ cells, are induced from the post-implantation epiblast1. Induction requires BMP4 signalling to prospective PGCs2 and the intrinsic action of PGC transcription factors (TFs)3–6. However, the molecular mechanisms connecting BMP4 to induction of the PGC TFs responsible for segregating PGCs from somatic lineages are unknown. Here we show that the transcription factor OTX2 is a key regulator of these processes. Down-regulation of Otx2 precedes the initiation of the PGC programme both in vitro and in vivo. Deletion of Otx2 in vitro dramatically increases PGCLC differentiation efficiency and prolongs the period of PGC competence. In the absence of Otx2 activity, PGCLC differentiation becomes independent of the otherwise essential cytokine signals, with germline entry initiating even in the absence of the PGC TF Blimp1. Deletion of Otx2 in vivo increases PGC numbers. These data demonstrate that OTX2 functions repressively upstream of PGC TFs, acting as a roadblock to limit entry of epiblast cells to the germline to a small window in space and time, thereby ensuring correct numerical segregation of germline cells from the soma.
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28
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Sibbritt T, Ip CK, Khoo P, Wilkie E, Jones V, Sun JQJ, Shen JX, Peng G, Han JJ, Jing N, Osteil P, Ramialison M, Tam PPL, Fossat N. A gene regulatory network anchored by LIM homeobox 1 for embryonic head development. Genesis 2018; 56:e23246. [DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tennille Sibbritt
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Chi K. Ip
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Poh‐Lynn Khoo
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Emilie Wilkie
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Bioinformatics Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Vanessa Jones
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Jane Q. J. Sun
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Joanne X. Shen
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Guangdun Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
| | - Jing‐Dong J. Han
- Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences‐Max Planck Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
| | - Naihe Jing
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai China
- School of Life Science and Technology ShanghaiTech University Shanghai China
| | - Pierre Osteil
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Mirana Ramialison
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Patrick P. L. Tam
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Nicolas Fossat
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
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29
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Séguin CA, Chan D, Dahia CL, Gazit Z. Latest advances in intervertebral disc development and progenitor cells. JOR Spine 2018; 1:e1030. [PMID: 30687811 PMCID: PMC6338208 DOI: 10.1002/jsp2.1030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper is a concise review aiming to assemble the most relevant topics presented by the authors at ORS-Philadelphia Spine Research Society Fourth International Spine Research Symposium. It centers on the latest advances in disc development, its main structural entities, and the populating cells, with emphasis on the advances in pivotal molecular pathways responsible for forming the intervertebral discs (IVD). The objective of finding and emphasizing pathways and mechanisms that function to control tissue formation is to identify and to explore modifications occurring during normal aging, disease, and tissue repair. Thus, to comprehend that the cellular and molecular basis of tissue degeneration are crucial in the study of the dynamic interplay that includes cell-cell communication, gene regulation, and growth factors required to form a healthy and functional tissue during normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryle A Séguin
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry Bone and Joint Institute, The University of Western Ontario London ON Canada
| | - Danny Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong China
| | - Chitra L Dahia
- Hospital for Special Surgery Weill Cornell Medical College New York New York
| | - Zulma Gazit
- Department of Surgery Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles California
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30
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Verrier L, Davidson L, Gierliński M, Dady A, Storey KG. Neural differentiation, selection and transcriptomic profiling of human neuromesodermal progenitor-like cells in vitro. Development 2018; 145:dev166215. [PMID: 29899136 PMCID: PMC6124542 DOI: 10.1242/dev.166215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Robust protocols for directed differentiation of human pluripotent cells are required to determine whether mechanisms operating in model organisms are relevant to our own development. Recent work in vertebrate embryos has identified neuromesodermal progenitors as a bipotent cell population that contributes to paraxial mesoderm and spinal cord. However, precise protocols for in vitro differentiation of human spinal cord progenitors are lacking. Informed by signalling in amniote embryos, we show here that transient dual-SMAD inhibition, together with retinoic acid (dSMADi-RA), provides rapid and reproducible induction of human spinal cord progenitors from neuromesodermal progenitor-like cells. Using CRISPR-Cas9 to engineer human embryonic stem cells with a GFP-reporter for neuromesodermal progenitor-associated gene Nkx1.2 we facilitate selection of this cell population. RNA-sequencing was then used to identify human and conserved neuromesodermal progenitor transcriptional signatures, to validate this differentiation protocol and to reveal new pathways/processes in human neural differentiation. This optimised protocol, novel reporter line and transcriptomic data are useful resources with which to dissect molecular mechanisms regulating human spinal cord generation and allow the scaling-up of distinct cell populations for global analyses, including proteomic, biochemical and chromatin interrogation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laure Verrier
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Lindsay Davidson
- Human Pluripotent Cell Facility, Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Marek Gierliński
- Data analysis group, Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Alwyn Dady
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Kate G Storey
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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31
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Mulas C, Chia G, Jones KA, Hodgson AC, Stirparo GG, Nichols J. Oct4 regulates the embryonic axis and coordinates exit from pluripotency and germ layer specification in the mouse embryo. Development 2018; 145:dev159103. [PMID: 29915126 PMCID: PMC6031404 DOI: 10.1242/dev.159103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Lineage segregation in the mouse embryo is a finely controlled process dependent upon coordination of signalling pathways and transcriptional responses. Here we employ a conditional deletion system to investigate embryonic patterning and lineage specification in response to loss of Oct4. We first observe ectopic expression of Nanog in Oct4-negative postimplantation epiblast cells. The expression domains of lineage markers are subsequently disrupted. Definitive endoderm expands at the expense of mesoderm; the anterior-posterior axis is positioned more distally and an ectopic posterior-like domain appears anteriorly, suggesting a role for Oct4 in maintaining the embryonic axis. Although primitive streak forms in the presumptive proximal-posterior region, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is impeded by an increase of E-cadherin, leading to complete tissue disorganisation and failure to generate germ layers. In explant and in vitro differentiation assays, Oct4 mutants also show upregulation of E-cadherin and Foxa2, suggesting a cell-autonomous phenotype. We confirm requirement for Oct4 in self-renewal of postimplantation epiblast ex vivo Our results indicate a role for Oct4 in orchestrating multiple fates and enabling expansion, correct patterning and lineage choice in the postimplantation epiblast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Mulas
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Gloryn Chia
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Kenneth Alan Jones
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Andrew Christopher Hodgson
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Giuliano Giuseppe Stirparo
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Jennifer Nichols
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 4BG, UK
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32
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Eroshkin FM, Bayramov AV, Ermakova GV, Zaraisky AG, Martynova NY. Molecular Mechanisms of the Xanf1 Homeobox Gene Expression Regulation during the Early Development of the Forebrain Rudiment in the Clawed Frog. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162018030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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33
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Abstract
The circumventricular organs (CVOs) are specialised neuroepithelial structures found in the midline of the brain, grouped around the third and fourth ventricles. They mediate the communication between the brain and the periphery by performing sensory and secretory roles, facilitated by increased vascularisation and the absence of a blood-brain barrier. Surprisingly little is known about the origins of the CVOs (both developmental and evolutionary), but their functional and organisational similarities raise the question of the extent of their relationship. Here, I review our current knowledge of the embryonic development of the seven major CVOs (area postrema, median eminence, neurohypophysis, organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, pineal organ, subcommissural organ, subfornical organ) in embryos of different vertebrate species. Although there are conspicuous similarities between subsets of CVOs, no unifying feature characteristic of their development has been identified. Cross-species comparisons suggest that CVOs also display a high degree of evolutionary flexibility. Thus, the term 'CVO' is merely a functional definition, and features shared by multiple CVOs may be the result of homoplasy rather than ontogenetic or phylogenetic relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Kiecker
- Department of Developmental NeurobiologyKing's College LondonLondonUK
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34
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Stromecki M, Tatari N, Morrison LC, Kaur R, Zagozewski J, Palidwor G, Ramaswamy V, Skowron P, Wölfl M, Milde T, Del Bigio MR, Taylor MD, Werbowetski-Ogilvie TE. Characterization of a novel OTX2-driven stem cell program in Group 3 and Group 4 medulloblastoma. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:495-513. [PMID: 29377567 PMCID: PMC5891039 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant primary pediatric brain cancer. Among the most aggressive subtypes, Group 3 and Group 4 originate from stem/progenitor cells, frequently metastasize, and often display the worst prognosis, yet we know the least about the molecular mechanisms driving their progression. Here, we show that the transcription factor orthodenticle homeobox 2 (OTX2) promotes self-renewal while inhibiting differentiation in vitro and increases tumor initiation from MB stem/progenitor cells in vivo. To determine how OTX2 contributes to these processes, we employed complementary bioinformatic approaches to characterize the OTX2 regulatory network and identified novel relationships between OTX2 and genes associated with neuronal differentiation and axon guidance signaling in Group 3 and Group 4 MB stem/progenitor cells. In particular, OTX2 levels were negatively correlated with semaphorin (SEMA) signaling, as expression of 9 SEMA pathway genes is upregulated following OTX2 knockdown with some being potential direct OTX2 targets. Importantly, this negative correlation was also observed in patient samples, with lower expression of SEMA4D associated with poor outcome specifically in Group 4 tumors. Functional proof-of-principle studies demonstrated that increased levels of select SEMA pathway genes are associated with decreased self-renewal and growth in vitro and in vivo and that RHO signaling, known to mediate the effects of SEMA genes, is contributing to the OTX2 KD phenotype. Our study provides mechanistic insight into the networks controlled by OTX2 in MB stem/progenitor cells and reveals novel roles for axon guidance genes and their downstream effectors as putative tumor suppressors in MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Stromecki
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Nazanin Tatari
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Ludivine Coudière Morrison
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Ravinder Kaur
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jamie Zagozewski
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Gareth Palidwor
- Ottawa Bioinformatics Core Facility, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Canada
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Center, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Haematology/Oncology, University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada.,Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health and Division of Neurology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Patryk Skowron
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre and Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Matthias Wölfl
- University Children's Hospital, Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Till Milde
- Center for Individualized Pediatric Oncology (ZIPO) and Brain Tumors, Translational Program, Hopp-Children's Cancer Center at the NCT (KiTZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,CCU Pediatric Oncology (G340), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marc R Del Bigio
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba and The Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Michael D Taylor
- Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre and Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tamra E Werbowetski-Ogilvie
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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35
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Farzanehfar P. Comparative review of adult midbrain and striatum neurogenesis with classical neurogenesis. Neurosci Res 2018; 134:1-9. [PMID: 29339103 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) motor symptoms are caused by loss of dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) of the midbrain. Dopamine cell replacement therapy (DA CRT), either by cell transplantation or endogenous repair, has been a potential treatment to replace dead cells and improve PD motor symptoms. Adult midbrain and striatum have been studied for many years to find evidence of neurogenesis. Although the literature is controversial, recent research has revived the possibility of neurogenesis here. This paper aims to review the process of neurogenesis (by focusing on gene expression patterns) in the adult midbrain/striatum and compare it with classical neurogenesis that occurs in developing midbrain, Sub Ventricular Zone (SVZ) and Sub Granular Zone (SGZ) of the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Farzanehfar
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience & Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia.
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36
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Huang X, Balmer S, Yang F, Fidalgo M, Li D, Guallar D, Hadjantonakis AK, Wang J. Zfp281 is essential for mouse epiblast maturation through transcriptional and epigenetic control of Nodal signaling. eLife 2017; 6:33333. [PMID: 29168693 PMCID: PMC5708896 DOI: 10.7554/elife.33333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotency is defined by a cell's potential to differentiate into any somatic cell type. How pluripotency is transited during embryo implantation, followed by cell lineage specification and establishment of the basic body plan, is poorly understood. Here we report the transcription factor Zfp281 functions in the exit from naive pluripotency occurring coincident with pre-to-post-implantation mouse embryonic development. By characterizing Zfp281 mutant phenotypes and identifying Zfp281 gene targets and protein partners in developing embryos and cultured pluripotent stem cells, we establish critical roles for Zfp281 in activating components of the Nodal signaling pathway and lineage-specific genes. Mechanistically, Zfp281 cooperates with histone acetylation and methylation complexes at target gene enhancers and promoters to exert transcriptional activation and repression, as well as epigenetic control of epiblast maturation leading up to anterior-posterior axis specification. Our study provides a comprehensive molecular model for understanding pluripotent state progressions in vivo during mammalian embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- The Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.,Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Sophie Balmer
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Fan Yang
- The Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.,Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.,Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Miguel Fidalgo
- The Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.,Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.,Departamento de Fisioloxia, Centro de Investigacion en Medicina Molecular e Enfermidades Cronicas, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago, Spain
| | - Dan Li
- The Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.,Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.,The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Diana Guallar
- The Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.,Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States
| | - Jianlong Wang
- The Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.,Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States.,The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, United States
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37
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Maheu ME, Ressler KJ. Developmental pathway genes and neural plasticity underlying emotional learning and stress-related disorders. Learn Mem 2017; 24:492-501. [PMID: 28814475 PMCID: PMC5580529 DOI: 10.1101/lm.044271.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The manipulation of neural plasticity as a means of intervening in the onset and progression of stress-related disorders retains its appeal for many researchers, despite our limited success in translating such interventions from the laboratory to the clinic. Given the challenges of identifying individual genetic variants that confer increased risk for illnesses like depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, some have turned their attention instead to focusing on so-called "master regulators" of plasticity that may provide a means of controlling these potentially impaired processes in psychiatric illnesses. The mammalian homolog of Tailless (TLX), Wnt, and the homeoprotein Otx2 have all been proposed to constitute master regulators of different forms of plasticity which have, in turn, each been implicated in learning and stress-related disorders. In the present review, we provide an overview of the changing distribution of these genes and their roles both during development and in the adult brain. We further discuss how their distinct expression profiles provide clues as to their function, and may inform their suitability as candidate drug targets in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa E Maheu
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts 02478, USA
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38
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Analysis of expression of transcription factors in early human retina. Int J Dev Neurosci 2017; 60:94-102. [PMID: 28377129 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina originates in the central nervous system. Due to its accessibility and simplicity, the retina has become an invaluable model for studying the basic mechanisms involved in development. To date, considerable knowledge regarding the interactions among genes that coordinate retinal development has been gained from extensive research in model animals. However, our understanding of retinal development in humans remains undeveloped. Here, we analyze the expression of transcription factors that are involved in the early development of the retina in human embryos at 6-12 weeks post-conception. Our work demonstrates that early developing neural retinas can be divided into two layers, the outer and inner neuroblast layers. Eye-field transcription factors and those related to the early development of the retina have distinct expression patterns in the two layers. Cell-type-specific transcription factors emerge at 8 weeks. These data provide clear and systemic structures for early retinal development in human.
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39
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Harada H, Sato T, Nakamura H. Fgf8 signaling for development of the midbrain and hindbrain. Dev Growth Differ 2016; 58:437-45. [PMID: 27273073 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we review how midbrain and hindbrain are specified. Otx2 and Gbx2 are expressed from the early phase of development, and their expression abuts at the midbrain hindbrain boundary (MHB), where Fgf8 expression is induced, and functions as an organizing molecule for the midbrain and hindbrain. Fgf8 induces En1 and Pax2 expression at the region where Otx2 is expressed to specify midbrain. Fgf8 activates Ras-ERK pathway to specify hindbrain. Downstream of ERK, Pea3 specifies isthmus (rhombomere 0, r0), and Irx2 may specify r1, where the cerebellum is formed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekiyo Harada
- Genetics and Development Division, Toronto Krembil Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tatsuya Sato
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8575, Japan.,Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Harukazu Nakamura
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
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40
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Langer D, Martianov I, Alpern D, Rhinn M, Keime C, Dollé P, Mengus G, Davidson I. Essential role of the TFIID subunit TAF4 in murine embryogenesis and embryonic stem cell differentiation. Nat Commun 2016; 7:11063. [PMID: 27026076 PMCID: PMC4820908 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms11063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
TAF4 (TATA-binding protein-associated factor 4) and its paralogue TAF4b are components of the TFIID core module. We inactivated the murine Taf4a gene to address Taf4 function during embryogenesis. Here we show that Taf4a−/− embryos survive until E9.5 where primary germ layers and many embryonic structures are identified showing Taf4 is dispensable for their specification. In contrast, Taf4 is required for correct patterning of the trunk and anterior structures, ventral morphogenesis and proper heart positioning. Overlapping expression of Taf4a and Taf4b during embryogenesis suggests their redundancy at early stages. In agreement with this, Taf4a−/− embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are viable and comprise Taf4b-containing TFIID. Nevertheless, Taf4a−/− ESCs do not complete differentiation into glutamatergic neurons and cardiomyocytes in vitro due to impaired preinitiation complex formation at the promoters of critical differentiation genes. We define an essential role of a core TFIID TAF in differentiation events during mammalian embryogenesis. The role of TFIID core module TAFs (TATA-binding protein-associated factors) in embryogenesis is unknown. Here, the authors show that Taf4 is essential at mid-gestation and for complete neuronal differentiation of embryonic stem cells, but that Taf4a and Taf4b are redundant at early embryonic stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Langer
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Igor Martianov
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Daniel Alpern
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France.,L'École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Route Cantonale, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Muriel Rhinn
- Department of Development and Stem Cells, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Céline Keime
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Pascal Dollé
- Department of Development and Stem Cells, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Gabrielle Mengus
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Irwin Davidson
- Department of Functional Genomics and Cancer, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, 1 Rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
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41
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Costello I, Nowotschin S, Sun X, Mould AW, Hadjantonakis AK, Bikoff EK, Robertson EJ. Lhx1 functions together with Otx2, Foxa2, and Ldb1 to govern anterior mesendoderm, node, and midline development. Genes Dev 2016; 29:2108-22. [PMID: 26494787 PMCID: PMC4617976 DOI: 10.1101/gad.268979.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Costello et al. demonstrate that Smad4/Eomes-dependent Lhx1 expression in the epiblast marks the entire definitive endoderm lineage, the anterior mesendoderm, and midline progenitors. In proteomic experiments, they characterize a complex comprised of Lhx1, Otx2, and Foxa2 as well as the chromatin-looping protein Ldb1. Gene regulatory networks controlling functional activities of spatially and temporally distinct endodermal cell populations in the early mouse embryo remain ill defined. The T-box transcription factor Eomes, acting downstream from Nodal/Smad signals, directly activates the LIM domain homeobox transcription factor Lhx1 in the visceral endoderm. Here we demonstrate Smad4/Eomes-dependent Lhx1 expression in the epiblast marks the entire definitive endoderm lineage, the anterior mesendoderm, and midline progenitors. Conditional inactivation of Lhx1 disrupts anterior definitive endoderm development and impedes node and midline morphogenesis in part due to severe disturbances in visceral endoderm displacement. Transcriptional profiling and ChIP-seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation [ChIP] followed by high-throughput sequencing) experiments identified Lhx1 target genes, including numerous anterior definitive endoderm markers and components of the Wnt signaling pathway. Interestingly, Lhx1-binding sites were enriched at enhancers, including the Nodal-proximal epiblast enhancer element and enhancer regions controlling Otx2 and Foxa2 expression. Moreover, in proteomic experiments, we characterized a complex comprised of Lhx1, Otx2, and Foxa2 as well as the chromatin-looping protein Ldb1. These partnerships cooperatively regulate development of the anterior mesendoderm, node, and midline cell populations responsible for establishment of the left–right body axis and head formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ita Costello
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Sonja Nowotschin
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Xin Sun
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Arne W Mould
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | | | - Elizabeth K Bikoff
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth J Robertson
- The Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, United Kingdom
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42
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Kumar P, Kasiviswanathan D, Sundaresan L, Kathirvel P, Veeriah V, Dutta P, Sankaranarayanan K, Gupta R, Chatterjee S. Harvesting clues from genome wide transcriptome analysis for exploring thalidomide mediated anomalies in eye development of chick embryo: Nitric oxide rectifies the thalidomide mediated anomalies by swinging back the system to normal transcriptome pattern. Biochimie 2015; 121:253-67. [PMID: 26717904 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2015.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Thalidomide, the notorious teratogen is known to cause various developmental abnormalities, among which a range of eye deformations are very common. From the clinical point of view, it is necessary to pinpoint the mechanisms of teratogens that tune the gene expression. However, to our knowledge, the molecular basis of eye deformities under thalidomide treatmenthas not been reported so far. Present study focuses on the possible mechanism by which thalidomide affects eye development and the role of Nitric Oxide in recovering thalidomide-mediated anomalies of eye development using chick embryo and zebrafish models with transcriptome analysis. Transcriptome analysis showed that 403 genes were up-regulated and 223 genes were down-regulated significantly in thalidomide pre-treated embryos. 8% of the significantly modulated genes have been implicated in eye development including Pax6, OTX2, Dkk1 and Shh. A wide range of biological process and molecular function was affected by thalidomide exposure. Biological Processes including structural constituent of eye lens and Molecular functions such as visual perception and retinal metabolic process formed strong annotation clustersindicating the adverse effects of thalidomide on eye development and function. Here, we have discussed the whole embryo transcriptome with the expression of PAX6, SOX2, and CRYAAgenes from developing eyes. Our experimental data showing structural and functional aspects includingeye size, lens transparency and optic nerve activity and bioinformatics analyses of transcriptome suggest that NO could partially protect thalidomide treated embryos from its devastating effects on eye development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavitra Kumar
- Vascular Biology Lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Dharanibalan Kasiviswanathan
- Vascular Biology Lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Lakshmikirupa Sundaresan
- Vascular Biology Lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - Vimal Veeriah
- Vascular Biology Lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Priya Dutta
- Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | | | - Suvro Chatterjee
- Vascular Biology Lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
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43
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Kaur R, Aiken C, Morrison LC, Rao R, Del Bigio MR, Rampalli S, Werbowetski-Ogilvie T. OTX2 exhibits cell-context-dependent effects on cellular and molecular properties of human embryonic neural precursors and medulloblastoma cells. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:1295-309. [PMID: 26398939 PMCID: PMC4610233 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.020594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant primary pediatric brain tumor and is currently divided into four subtypes based on different genomic alterations, gene expression profiles and response to treatment: WNT, Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), Group 3 and Group 4. This extensive heterogeneity has made it difficult to assess the functional relevance of genes to malignant progression. For example, expression of the transcription factor Orthodenticle homeobox2 (OTX2) is frequently dysregulated in multiple MB variants; however, its role may be subtype specific. We recently demonstrated that neural precursors derived from transformed human embryonic stem cells (trans-hENs), but not their normal counterparts (hENs), resemble Groups 3 and 4 MB in vitro and in vivo. Here, we tested the utility of this model system as a means of dissecting the role of OTX2 in MB using gain- and loss-of-function studies in hENs and trans-hENs, respectively. Parallel experiments with MB cells revealed that OTX2 exerts inhibitory effects on hEN and SHH MB cells by regulating growth, self-renewal and migration in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. This was accompanied by decreased expression of pluripotent genes, such as SOX2, and was supported by overexpression of SOX2 in OTX2+ SHH MB and hENs that resulted in significant rescue of self-renewal and cell migration. By contrast, OTX2 is oncogenic and promotes self-renewal of trans-hENs and Groups 3 and 4 MB independent of pluripotent gene expression. Our results demonstrate a novel role for OTX2 in self-renewal and migration of hENs and MB cells and reveal a cell-context-dependent link between OTX2 and pluripotent genes. Our study underscores the value of human embryonic stem cell derivatives as alternatives to cell lines and heterogeneous patient samples for investigating the contribution of key developmental regulators to MB progression. Summary: Human embryonic stem cell neural derivatives can be used to model the molecular and cellular properties of medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder Kaur
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Departments of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics and Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3E 0J9
| | - Christopher Aiken
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Departments of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics and Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3E 0J9
| | - Ludivine Coudière Morrison
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Departments of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics and Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3E 0J9
| | - Radhika Rao
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), NCBS-TIFR Campus, GKVK PO, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Marc R Del Bigio
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, 401 Brodie Centre, 727 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3E 3P5 Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Shravanti Rampalli
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Homeostasis, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), NCBS-TIFR Campus, GKVK PO, Bellary Road, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Tamra Werbowetski-Ogilvie
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Departments of Biochemistry & Medical Genetics and Physiology & Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3E 0J9
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44
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Vendrell V, López-Hernández I, Durán Alonso MB, Feijoo-Redondo A, Abello G, Gálvez H, Giráldez F, Lamonerie T, Schimmang T. Otx2 is a target of N-myc and acts as a suppressor of sensory development in the mammalian cochlea. Development 2015; 142:2792-800. [PMID: 26160903 DOI: 10.1242/dev.122465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Transcriptional regulatory networks are essential during the formation and differentiation of organs. The transcription factor N-myc is required for proper morphogenesis of the cochlea and to control correct patterning of the organ of Corti. We show here that the Otx2 gene, a mammalian ortholog of the Drosophila orthodenticle homeobox gene, is a crucial target of N-myc during inner ear development. Otx2 expression is lost in N-myc mouse mutants, and N-myc misexpression in the chick inner ear leads to ectopic expression of Otx2. Furthermore, Otx2 enhancer activity is increased by N-myc misexpression, indicating that N-myc may directly regulate Otx2. Inactivation of Otx2 in the mouse inner ear leads to ectopic expression of prosensory markers in non-sensory regions of the cochlear duct. Upon further differentiation, these domains give rise to an ectopic organ of Corti, together with the re-specification of non-sensory areas into sensory epithelia, and the loss of Reissner's membrane. Therefore, the Otx2-positive domain of the cochlear duct shows a striking competence to develop into a mirror-image copy of the organ of Corti. Taken together, these data show that Otx2 acts downstream of N-myc and is essential for patterning and spatial restriction of the sensory domain of the mammalian cochlea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Vendrell
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Sanz y Forés 3, Valladolid E-47003, Spain
| | - Iris López-Hernández
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Sanz y Forés 3, Valladolid E-47003, Spain
| | - María Beatriz Durán Alonso
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Sanz y Forés 3, Valladolid E-47003, Spain
| | - Ana Feijoo-Redondo
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Sanz y Forés 3, Valladolid E-47003, Spain
| | - Gina Abello
- CEXS, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomédica de Barcelona, Barcelona E-08003, Spain
| | - Héctor Gálvez
- CEXS, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomédica de Barcelona, Barcelona E-08003, Spain
| | - Fernando Giráldez
- CEXS, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomédica de Barcelona, Barcelona E-08003, Spain
| | - Thomas Lamonerie
- Institut de Biologie Valrose, University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, UMR UNS/CNRS 7277/INSERM 1091, Nice F-06108, France
| | - Thomas Schimmang
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, C/Sanz y Forés 3, Valladolid E-47003, Spain
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45
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Hoch RV, Lindtner S, Price JD, Rubenstein JLR. OTX2 Transcription Factor Controls Regional Patterning within the Medial Ganglionic Eminence and Regional Identity of the Septum. Cell Rep 2015; 12:482-94. [PMID: 26166575 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Otx2 homeodomain transcription factor is essential for gastrulation and early neural development. We generated Otx2 conditional knockout (cKO) mice to investigate its roles in telencephalon development after neurulation (approximately embryonic day 9.0). We conducted transcriptional profiling and in situ hybridization to identify genes de-regulated in Otx2 cKO ventral forebrain. In parallel, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing to identify enhancer elements, the OTX2 binding motif, and de-regulated genes that are likely direct targets of OTX2 transcriptional regulation. We found that Otx2 was essential in septum specification, regulation of Fgf signaling in the rostral telencephalon, and medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) patterning, neurogenesis, and oligodendrogenesis. Within the MGE, Otx2 was required for ventral, but not dorsal, identity, thus controlling the production of specific MGE derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée V Hoch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Susan Lindtner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - James D Price
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - John L R Rubenstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Allan DW, Thor S. Transcriptional selectors, masters, and combinatorial codes: regulatory principles of neural subtype specification. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 4:505-28. [PMID: 25855098 PMCID: PMC4672696 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The broad range of tissue and cellular diversity of animals is generated to a large extent by the hierarchical deployment of sequence-specific transcription factors and co-factors (collectively referred to as TF's herein) during development. Our understanding of these developmental processes has been facilitated by the recognition that the activities of many TF's can be meaningfully described by a few functional categories that usefully convey a sense for how the TF's function, and also provides a sense for the regulatory organization of the developmental processes in which they participate. Here, we draw on examples from studies in Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and vertebrates to discuss how the terms spatial selector, temporal selector, tissue/cell type selector, terminal selector and combinatorial code may be usefully applied to categorize the activities of TF's at critical steps of nervous system construction. While we believe that these functional categories are useful for understanding the organizational principles by which TF's direct nervous system construction, we however caution against the assumption that a TF's function can be solely or fully defined by any single functional category. Indeed, most TF's play diverse roles within different functional categories, and their roles can blur the lines we draw between these categories. Regardless, it is our belief that the concepts discussed here are helpful in clarifying the regulatory complexities of nervous system development, and hope they prove useful when interpreting mutant phenotypes, designing future experiments, and programming specific neuronal cell types for use in therapies. WIREs Dev Biol 2015, 4:505–528. doi: 10.1002/wdev.191 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas W Allan
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Stefan Thor
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
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Wu Q, Fukuda K, Weinstein M, Graff JM, Saga Y. SMAD2 and p38 signaling pathways act in concert to determine XY primordial germ cell fate in mice. Development 2015; 142:575-86. [PMID: 25605784 DOI: 10.1242/dev.119446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The sex of primordial germ cells (PGCs) is determined in developing gonads on the basis of cues from somatic cells. In XY gonads, sex-determining region Y (SRY) triggers fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) expression in somatic cells. FGF signaling, together with downstream nodal/activin signaling, promotes male differentiation in XY germ cells by suppressing retinoic acid (RA)-dependent meiotic entry and inducing male-specific genes. However, the mechanism by which nodal/activin signaling regulates XY PGC fate is unknown. We uncovered the roles of SMAD2/3 and p38 MAPK, the putative downstream factors of nodal/activin signaling, in PGC sexual fate decision. We found that conditional deletion of Smad2, but not Smad3, from XY PGCs led to a loss of male-specific gene expression. Moreover, suppression of RA signaling did not rescue male-specific gene expression in Smad2-mutant testes, indicating that SMAD2 signaling promotes male differentiation in a RA-independent manner. By contrast, we found that p38 signaling has an important role in the suppression of RA signaling. The Smad2 deletion did not disrupt the p38 signaling pathway even though Nodal expression was significantly reduced, suggesting that p38 was not regulated by nodal signaling in XY PGCs. Additionally, the inhibition of p38 signaling in the Smad2-mutant testes severely impeded XY PGC differentiation and induced meiosis. In conclusion, we propose a model in which p38 and SMAD2 signaling coordinate to determine the sexual fate of XY PGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Wu
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima 411-8540, Japan Division of Mammalian Development, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima 411-8540, Japan
| | - Kurumi Fukuda
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima 411-8540, Japan Division of Mammalian Development, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima 411-8540, Japan
| | - Michael Weinstein
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Division of Human Cancer Genetics, Ohio State University, 484 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jonathan M Graff
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Boulevard, NB5.118, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yumiko Saga
- Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI, Yata 1111, Mishima 411-8540, Japan Division of Mammalian Development, National Institute of Genetics, Yata 1111, Mishima 411-8540, Japan
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48
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Omi M, Nakamura H. Engrailed and tectum development. Dev Growth Differ 2015; 57:135-45. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Minoru Omi
- Division of Cell Biology and Neuroscience; Department of Morphological and Physiological Sciences; Faculty of Medical Sciences; University of Fukui; Fukui 910-1193 Japan
| | - Harukazu Nakamura
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science (FRIS); Tohoku University; 6-3, Aramaki aza Aoba, Aoba-ku Sendai 980-8578 Japan
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Blaess S, Ang SL. Genetic control of midbrain dopaminergic neuron development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 4:113-34. [PMID: 25565353 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Midbrain dopaminergic neurons are involved in regulating motor control, reward behavior, and cognition. Degeneration or dysfunction of midbrain dopaminergic neurons is implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders such as Parkinson's disease, substance use disorders, depression, and schizophrenia. Understanding the developmental processes that generate midbrain dopaminergic neurons will facilitate the generation of dopaminergic neurons from stem cells for cell replacement therapies to substitute degenerating cells in Parkinson's disease patients and will forward our understanding on how functional diversity of dopaminergic neurons in the adult brain is established. Midbrain dopaminergic neurons develop in a multistep process. Following the induction of the ventral midbrain, a distinct dopaminergic progenitor domain is specified and dopaminergic progenitors undergo proliferation, neurogenesis, and differentiation. Subsequently, midbrain dopaminergic neurons acquire a mature dopaminergic phenotype, migrate to their final position and establish projections and connections to their forebrain targets. This review will discuss insights gained on the signaling network of secreted molecules, cell surface receptors, and transcription factors that regulate specification and differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic progenitors and neurons, from the induction of the ventral midbrain to the migration of dopaminergic neurons. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Blaess
- Institute of Reconstructive Neurobiology, Life and Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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50
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Ip CK, Fossat N, Jones V, Lamonerie T, Tam PPL. Head formation: OTX2 regulates Dkk1 and Lhx1 activity in the anterior mesendoderm. Development 2014; 141:3859-67. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.114900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The Otx2 gene encodes a paired-type homeobox transcription factor that is essential for the induction and the patterning of the anterior structures in the mouse embryo. Otx2 knockout embryos fail to form a head. Whereas previous studies have shown that Otx2 is required in the anterior visceral endoderm and the anterior neuroectoderm for head formation, its role in the anterior mesendoderm (AME) has not been assessed specifically. Here, we show that tissue-specific ablation of Otx2 in the AME phenocopies the truncation of the embryonic head of the Otx2 null mutant. Expression of Dkk1 and Lhx1, two genes that are also essential for head formation, is disrupted in the AME of the conditional Otx2-deficient embryos. Consistent with the fact that Dkk1 is a direct target of OTX2, we showed that OTX2 can interact with the H1 regulatory region of Dkk1 to activate its expression. Cross-species comparative analysis, RT-qPCR, ChIP-qPCR and luciferase assays have revealed two conserved regions in the Lhx1 locus to which OTX2 can bind to activate Lhx1 expression. Abnormal development of the embryonic head in Otx2;Lhx1 and Otx2;Dkk1 compound mutant embryos highlights the functional intersection of Otx2, Dkk1 and Lhx1 in the AME for head formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Kin Ip
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 23, Wentworthville, New South Wales 2145, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Nicolas Fossat
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 23, Wentworthville, New South Wales 2145, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
| | - Vanessa Jones
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 23, Wentworthville, New South Wales 2145, Australia
| | - Thomas Lamonerie
- Equipe Neurodéveloppement, Institut de Biologie Valrose, UMR UNS/CNRS 7277/INSERM 1091, Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice cedex 2, France
| | - Patrick P. L. Tam
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 23, Wentworthville, New South Wales 2145, Australia
- Discipline of Medicine, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia
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