1
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Hamazaki N, Yang W, Kubo CA, Qiu C, Martin BK, Garge RK, Regalado SG, Nichols EK, Pendyala S, Bradley N, Fowler DM, Lee C, Daza RM, Srivatsan S, Shendure J. Retinoic acid induces human gastruloids with posterior embryo-like structures. Nat Cell Biol 2024:10.1038/s41556-024-01487-8. [PMID: 39164488 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-024-01487-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Gastruloids are a powerful in vitro model of early human development. However, although elongated and composed of all three germ layers, human gastruloids do not morphologically resemble post-implantation human embryos. Here we show that an early pulse of retinoic acid (RA), together with later Matrigel, robustly induces human gastruloids with posterior embryo-like morphological structures, including a neural tube flanked by segmented somites and diverse cell types, including neural crest, neural progenitors, renal progenitors and myocytes. Through in silico staging based on single-cell RNA sequencing, we find that human RA-gastruloids progress further than other human or mouse embryo models, aligning to E9.5 mouse and CS11 cynomolgus monkey embryos. We leverage chemical and genetic perturbations of RA-gastruloids to confirm that WNT and BMP signalling regulate somite formation and neural tube length in the human context, while transcription factors TBX6 and PAX3 underpin presomitic mesoderm and neural crest, respectively. Looking forward, RA-gastruloids are a robust, scalable model for decoding early human embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Hamazaki
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Connor A Kubo
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chengxiang Qiu
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Beth K Martin
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Riddhiman K Garge
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Samuel G Regalado
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Eva K Nichols
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sriram Pendyala
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicholas Bradley
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Douglas M Fowler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Choli Lee
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Riza M Daza
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sanjay Srivatsan
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Institute for Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Seattle Hub for Synthetic Biology, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, Seattle, WA, USA.
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2
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Asashima M, Satou-Kobayashi Y. Spemann-Mangold organizer and mesoderm induction. Cells Dev 2024; 178:203903. [PMID: 38295873 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The discovery of the Spemann-Mangold organizer strongly influenced subsequent research on embryonic induction, with research aiming to elucidate the molecular characteristics of organizer activity being currently underway. Herein, we review the history of research on embryonic induction, and describe how the mechanisms of induction phenomena and developmental processes have been investigated. Classical experiments investigating the differentiation capacity and inductive activity of various embryonic regions were conducted by many researchers, and important theories of region-specific induction and the concept for chain of induction were proposed. The transition from experimental embryology to developmental biology has enabled us to understand the mechanisms of embryonic induction at the molecular level. Consequently, many inducing substances and molecules such as transcriptional factors and peptide growth factors involved in the organizer formation were identified. One of peptide growth factors, activin, acts as a mesoderm- and endoderm-inducing substance. Activin induces several tissues and organs from the undifferentiated cell mass of amphibian embryos in a concentration-dependent manner. We review the extent to which we can control in vitro organogenesis from undifferentiated cells, and discuss the application to stem cell-based regenerative medicine based on insights gained from animal experiments, such as in amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Asashima
- Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Teikyo University, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan.
| | - Yumeko Satou-Kobayashi
- Advanced Comprehensive Research Organization, Teikyo University, 2-11-1 Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-0003, Japan
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3
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Hamazaki N, Yang W, Kubo C, Qiu C, Martin BK, Garge RK, Regalado SG, Nichols E, Lee C, Daza RM, Srivatsan S, Shendure J. Induction and in silico staging of human gastruloids with neural tube, segmented somites & advanced cell types. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.10.579769. [PMID: 38405970 PMCID: PMC10888963 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.10.579769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Embryonic organoids are emerging as powerful models for studying early mammalian development. For example, stem cell-derived 'gastruloids' form elongating structures containing all three germ layers1-4. However, although elongated, human gastruloids do not morphologically resemble post-implantation embryos. Here we show that a specific, discontinuous regimen of retinoic acid (RA) robustly induces human gastruloids with embryo-like morphological structures, including a neural tube and segmented somites. Single cell RNA-seq (sc-RNA-seq) further reveals that these human 'RA-gastruloids' contain more advanced cell types than conventional gastruloids, including neural crest cells, renal progenitor cells, skeletal muscle cells, and, rarely, neural progenitor cells. We apply a new approach to computationally stage human RA-gastruloids relative to somite-resolved mouse embryos, early human embryos and other gastruloid models, and find that the developmental stage of human RA-gastruloids is comparable to that of E9.5 mouse embryos, although some cell types show greater or lesser progression. We chemically perturb WNT and BMP signaling in human RA-gastruloids and find that these signaling pathways regulate somite patterning and neural tube length, respectively, while genetic perturbation of the transcription factors PAX3 and TBX6 markedly compromises the formation of neural crest and somites/renal cells, respectively. Human RA-gastruloids complement other embryonic organoids in serving as a simple, robust and screenable model for decoding early human embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Hamazaki
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Connor Kubo
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Chengxiang Qiu
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Beth K. Martin
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Riddhiman K. Garge
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Samuel G. Regalado
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Eva Nichols
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Choli Lee
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Riza M. Daza
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Sanjay Srivatsan
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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4
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Baldassari S, Cervetto C, Amato S, Fruscione F, Balagura G, Pelassa S, Musante I, Iacomino M, Traverso M, Corradi A, Scudieri P, Maura G, Marcoli M, Zara F. Vesicular Glutamate Release from Feeder-FreehiPSC-Derived Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810545. [PMID: 36142455 PMCID: PMC9501332 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) represent one of the main and powerful tools for the in vitro modeling of neurological diseases. Standard hiPSC-based protocols make use of animal-derived feeder systems to better support the neuronal differentiation process. Despite their efficiency, such protocols may not be appropriate to dissect neuronal specific properties or to avoid interspecies contaminations, hindering their future translation into clinical and drug discovery approaches. In this work, we focused on the optimization of a reproducible protocol in feeder-free conditions able to generate functional glutamatergic neurons. This protocol is based on a generation of neuroprecursor cells differentiated into human neurons with the administration in the culture medium of specific neurotrophins in a Geltrex-coated substrate. We confirmed the efficiency of this protocol through molecular analysis (upregulation of neuronal markers and neurotransmitter receptors assessed by gene expression profiling and expression of the neuronal markers at the protein level), morphological analysis, and immunfluorescence detection of pre-synaptic and post-synaptic markers at synaptic boutons. The hiPSC-derived neurons acquired Ca2+-dependent glutamate release properties as a hallmark of neuronal maturation. In conclusion, our study describes a new methodological approach to achieve feeder-free neuronal differentiation from hiPSC and adds a new tool for functional characterization of hiPSC-derived neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Baldassari
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Cervetto
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), 56100 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Sarah Amato
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Floriana Fruscione
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Ganna Balagura
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Largo Paolo Daneo 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Simone Pelassa
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Musante
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Largo Paolo Daneo 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Michele Iacomino
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Monica Traverso
- Paediatric Neurology and Neuromuscular Disorders Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Corradi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Scudieri
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Largo Paolo Daneo 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Guido Maura
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Manuela Marcoli
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching and Research (Centro 3R), 56100 Pisa, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, Viale Benedetto XV, 16132 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.C.); (M.M.)
| | - Federico Zara
- Unit of Medical Genetics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Largo Paolo Daneo 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
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5
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Suzuki Y, Hayasaka R, Hasebe M, Ikeda S, Soga T, Tomita M, Hirayama A, Kuroda H. Comparative Metabolomics of Small Molecules Specifically Expressed in the Dorsal or Ventral Marginal Zones in Vertebrate Gastrula. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12060566. [PMID: 35736498 PMCID: PMC9229639 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12060566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many previous studies have reported the various proteins specifically secreted as inducers in the dorsal or ventral regions in vertebrate gastrula. However, little is known about the effect on cell fate of small molecules below 1000 Da. We therefore tried to identify small molecules specifically expressed in the dorsal marginal zone (DMZ) or ventral marginal zone (VMZ) in vertebrate gastrula. Small intracellular and secreted molecules were detected using explants and supernatant samples. Hydrophilic metabolites were analyzed by capillary ion chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and lipids were analyzed by supercritical fluid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In total, 190 hydrophilic metabolites and 396 lipids were identified. The DMZ was found to have high amounts of glycolysis- and glutathione metabolism-related metabolites in explants, and the VMZ was richer in purine metabolism-related metabolites. We also discovered some hydrophilic metabolites and lipids differentially contained in the DMZ or VMZ. Our research would contribute to a deeper understanding of the cellular physiology that regulates early embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukako Suzuki
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka 997-0052, Yamagata, Japan; (Y.S.); (R.H.); (M.H.); (S.I.); (T.S.); (M.T.); (A.H.)
| | - Ryosuke Hayasaka
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka 997-0052, Yamagata, Japan; (Y.S.); (R.H.); (M.H.); (S.I.); (T.S.); (M.T.); (A.H.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa 252-0882, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masako Hasebe
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka 997-0052, Yamagata, Japan; (Y.S.); (R.H.); (M.H.); (S.I.); (T.S.); (M.T.); (A.H.)
| | - Satsuki Ikeda
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka 997-0052, Yamagata, Japan; (Y.S.); (R.H.); (M.H.); (S.I.); (T.S.); (M.T.); (A.H.)
| | - Tomoyoshi Soga
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka 997-0052, Yamagata, Japan; (Y.S.); (R.H.); (M.H.); (S.I.); (T.S.); (M.T.); (A.H.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa 252-0882, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masaru Tomita
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka 997-0052, Yamagata, Japan; (Y.S.); (R.H.); (M.H.); (S.I.); (T.S.); (M.T.); (A.H.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa 252-0882, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Hirayama
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka 997-0052, Yamagata, Japan; (Y.S.); (R.H.); (M.H.); (S.I.); (T.S.); (M.T.); (A.H.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa 252-0882, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kuroda
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka 997-0052, Yamagata, Japan; (Y.S.); (R.H.); (M.H.); (S.I.); (T.S.); (M.T.); (A.H.)
- Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, Fujisawa 252-0882, Kanagawa, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-466-49-3404
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6
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Research Progress in Vitamin A and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behav Neurol 2021; 2021:5417497. [PMID: 34917197 PMCID: PMC8670912 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5417497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past few decades, many studies have investigated the effects of VA supplementation in ASD patients and the relationship between vitamin A (VA) levels and ASD. VA is an essential micronutrient that plays an important role in various systems and biological processes in the form of retinoic acid (RA). Recent studies have shown that serum VA concentration is negatively correlated with the severity of ASD. The lack of VA during pregnancy or early fetal development can affect brain development and lead to long-term or even permanent impairment in the learning process, memory formation, and cognitive function. In addition, VA deficiency has been reported to have a major impact on the gastrointestinal function of children with ASD, while VA supplementation has been shown to improve the symptoms of ASD to a certain extent. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the relationship between VA and ASD.
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7
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Zimmerman MW, Durbin AD, He S, Oppel F, Shi H, Tao T, Li Z, Berezovskaya A, Liu Y, Zhang J, Young RA, Abraham BJ, Look AT. Retinoic acid rewires the adrenergic core regulatory circuitry of childhood neuroblastoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabe0834. [PMID: 34669465 PMCID: PMC8528416 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe0834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma cell identity depends on a core regulatory circuit (CRC) of transcription factors that collaborate with MYCN to drive the oncogenic gene expression program. For neuroblastomas dependent on the adrenergic CRC, treatment with retinoids can inhibit cell growth and induce differentiation. Here, we show that when MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells are treated with retinoic acid, histone H3K27 acetylation and methylation become redistributed to decommission super-enhancers driving the expression of PHOX2B and GATA3, together with the activation of new super-enhancers that drive high levels of MEIS1 and SOX4 expression. These findings indicate that treatment with retinoids can reprogram the enhancer landscape, resulting in down-regulation of MYCN expression, while establishing a new retino-sympathetic CRC that causes proliferative arrest and sympathetic differentiation. Thus, we provide mechanisms that account for the beneficial effects of retinoids in high-risk neuroblastoma and explain the rapid down-regulation of expression of MYCN despite massive levels of amplification of this gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Zimmerman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Adam D Durbin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Shuning He
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Felix Oppel
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Hui Shi
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310052, China
| | - Ting Tao
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310052, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Zhaodong Li
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alla Berezovskaya
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Jinghui Zhang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - Richard A Young
- Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Brian J Abraham
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
| | - A Thomas Look
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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8
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Parihar M, Bendelac-Kapon L, Gur M, Abbou T, Belorkar A, Achanta S, Kinberg K, Vadigepalli R, Fainsod A. Retinoic Acid Fluctuation Activates an Uneven, Direction-Dependent Network-Wide Robustness Response in Early Embryogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:747969. [PMID: 34746144 PMCID: PMC8564372 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.747969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Robustness is a feature of regulatory pathways to ensure signal consistency in light of environmental changes or genetic polymorphisms. The retinoic acid (RA) pathway, is a central developmental and tissue homeostasis regulatory signal, strongly dependent on nutritional sources of retinoids and affected by environmental chemicals. This pathway is characterized by multiple proteins or enzymes capable of performing each step and their integration into a self-regulating network. We studied RA network robustness by transient physiological RA signaling disturbances followed by kinetic transcriptomic analysis of the recovery during embryogenesis. The RA metabolic network was identified as the main regulated module to achieve signaling robustness using an unbiased pattern analysis. We describe the network-wide responses to RA signal manipulation and found the feedback autoregulation to be sensitive to the direction of the RA perturbation: RA knockdown exhibited an upper response limit, whereas RA addition had a minimal feedback-activation threshold. Surprisingly, our robustness response analysis suggests that the RA metabolic network regulation exhibits a multi-objective optimization, known as Pareto optimization, characterized by trade-offs between competing functionalities. We observe that efficient robustness to increasing RA is accompanied by worsening robustness to reduced RA levels and vice versa. This direction-dependent trade-off in the network-wide feedback response, results in an uneven robustness capacity of the RA network during early embryogenesis, likely a significant contributor to the manifestation of developmental defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhur Parihar
- Daniel Baugh Institute for Functional Genomics and Computational Biology, Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Liat Bendelac-Kapon
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michal Gur
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tali Abbou
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Abha Belorkar
- Daniel Baugh Institute for Functional Genomics and Computational Biology, Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sirisha Achanta
- Daniel Baugh Institute for Functional Genomics and Computational Biology, Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Keren Kinberg
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rajanikanth Vadigepalli
- Daniel Baugh Institute for Functional Genomics and Computational Biology, Department of Pathology, Anatomy, and Cell Biology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Abraham Fainsod
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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9
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Gupta S, Butler SJ. Getting in touch with your senses: Mechanisms specifying sensory interneurons in the dorsal spinal cord. WIREs Mech Dis 2021; 13:e1520. [PMID: 34730293 PMCID: PMC8459260 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The spinal cord is functionally and anatomically divided into ventrally derived motor circuits and dorsally derived somatosensory circuits. Sensory stimuli originating either at the periphery of the body, or internally, are relayed to the dorsal spinal cord where they are processed by distinct classes of sensory dorsal interneurons (dIs). dIs convey sensory information, such as pain, heat or itch, either to the brain, and/or to the motor circuits to initiate the appropriate response. They also regulate the intensity of sensory information and are the major target for the opioid analgesics. While the developmental mechanisms directing ventral and dorsal cell fates have been hypothesized to be similar, more recent research has suggested that dI fates are specified by novel mechanisms. In this review, we will discuss the molecular events that specify dorsal neuronal patterning in the spinal cord, thereby generating diverse dI identities. We will then discuss how this molecular understanding has led to the development of robust stem cell methods to derive multiple spinal cell types, including the dIs, and the implication of these studies for treating spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Stem Cells and Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Gupta
- Department of NeurobiologyUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Samantha J. Butler
- Department of NeurobiologyUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell ResearchUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research CenterUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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10
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Chiaradia I, Lancaster MA. Brain organoids for the study of human neurobiology at the interface of in vitro and in vivo. Nat Neurosci 2020; 23:1496-1508. [PMID: 33139941 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-00730-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Brain development is an extraordinarily complex process achieved through the spatially and temporally regulated release of key patterning factors. In vitro neurodevelopmental models seek to mimic these processes to recapitulate the steps of tissue fate acquisition and morphogenesis. Classic two-dimensional neural cultures present higher homogeneity but lower complexity compared to the brain. Brain organoids instead have more advanced cell composition, maturation and tissue architecture. They can thus be considered at the interface of in vitro and in vivo neurobiology, and further improvements in organoid techniques are continuing to narrow the gap with in vivo brain development. Here we describe these efforts to recapitulate brain development in neural organoids and focus on their applicability for disease modeling, evolutionary studies and neural network research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Chiaradia
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - Madeline A Lancaster
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK.
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11
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Inomata C, Yuikawa T, Nakayama-Sadakiyo Y, Kobayashi K, Ikeda M, Chiba M, Konishi C, Ishioka A, Tsuda S, Yamasu K. Involvement of an Oct4-related PouV gene, pou5f3/pou2, in neurogenesis in the early neural plate of zebrafish embryos. Dev Biol 2020; 457:30-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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12
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Cambronero F, Ariza‐McNaughton L, Wiedemann LM, Krumlauf R. Inter‐rhombomeric interactions reveal roles for fibroblast growth factors signaling in segmental regulation of
EphA4
expression. Dev Dyn 2019; 249:354-368. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leanne M. Wiedemann
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research Kansas City Missouri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineKansas University Medical Center Kansas City Kansas
| | - Robb Krumlauf
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research Kansas City Missouri
- Division of Developmental NeurobiologyNational Institute for Medical Research London UK
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyKansas University Medical School Kansas City Kansas
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13
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Frank D, Sela-Donenfeld D. Hindbrain induction and patterning during early vertebrate development. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:941-960. [PMID: 30519881 PMCID: PMC11105337 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2974-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The hindbrain is a key relay hub of the central nervous system (CNS), linking the bilaterally symmetric half-sides of lower and upper CNS centers via an extensive network of neural pathways. Dedicated neural assemblies within the hindbrain control many physiological processes, including respiration, blood pressure, motor coordination and different sensations. During early development, the hindbrain forms metameric segmented units known as rhombomeres along the antero-posterior (AP) axis of the nervous system. These compartmentalized units are highly conserved during vertebrate evolution and act as the template for adult brainstem structure and function. TALE and HOX homeodomain family transcription factors play a key role in the initial induction of the hindbrain and its specification into rhombomeric cell fate identities along the AP axis. Signaling pathways, such as canonical-Wnt, FGF and retinoic acid, play multiple roles to initially induce the hindbrain and regulate Hox gene-family expression to control rhombomeric identity. Additional transcription factors including Krox20, Kreisler and others act both upstream and downstream to Hox genes, modulating their expression and protein activity. In this review, we will examine the earliest embryonic signaling pathways that induce the hindbrain and subsequent rhombomeric segmentation via Hox and other gene expression. We will examine how these signaling pathways and transcription factors interact to activate downstream targets that organize the segmented AP pattern of the embryonic vertebrate hindbrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale Frank
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, 31096, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Dalit Sela-Donenfeld
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
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14
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Janesick A, Tang W, Shioda T, Blumberg B. RARγ is required for mesodermal gene expression prior to gastrulation in Xenopus. Development 2018; 145:dev147769. [PMID: 30111657 DOI: 10.1242/dev.147769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The developing vertebrate embryo is exquisitely sensitive to retinoic acid (RA) concentration, particularly during anteroposterior patterning. In contrast to Nodal and Wnt signaling, RA was not previously considered to be an instructive signal in mesoderm formation during gastrulation. Here, we show in Xenopus that RARγ is indispensable for the expression of early mesoderm markers and is, therefore, an obligatory factor in mesodermal competence and/or maintenance. We identified several novel targets upregulated by RA receptor signaling in the early gastrula that are expressed in the circumblastoporal ring and linked to mesodermal development. Despite overlapping expression patterns of the genes encoding the RA-synthesizing enzyme Aldh1a2 and the RA-degrading enzyme Cyp26a1, RARγ1 functions as a transcriptional activator in early mesoderm development, suggesting that RA ligand is available to the embryo earlier than previously appreciated. RARγ1 is required for cellular adhesion, as revealed by spontaneous dissociation and depletion of ncam1 mRNA in animal caps harvested from RARγ1 knockdown embryos. RARγ1 knockdown obliterates somite boundaries, and causes loss of Myod protein in the presomitic mesoderm, but ectopic, persistent expression of Myod protein in the trunk. Thus, RARγ1 is required for stabilizing the mesodermal fate, myogenic commitment, somite boundary formation, and terminal skeletal muscle differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Janesick
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, 92697-2300, USA
| | - Weiyi Tang
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, 92697-2300, USA
| | - Toshi Shioda
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Building 149, 13th Street, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, 92697-2300, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2300, USA
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15
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Chi L, Fan B, Feng D, Chen Z, Liu Z, Hui Y, Xu X, Ma L, Fang Y, Zhang Q, Jin G, Liu L, Guan F, Zhang X. The Dorsoventral Patterning of Human Forebrain Follows an Activation/Transformation Model. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:2941-2954. [PMID: 27226442 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The anteroposterior patterning of the central nervous system follows an activation/transformation model, which proposes that a prospective telencephalic fate will be activated by default during the neural induction stage, while this anterior fate could be transformed posteriorly according to caudalization morphogens. Although both extrinsic signals and intrinsic transcription factors have been implicated in dorsoventral (DV) specification of vertebrate telencephalon, the DV patterning model remains elusive. This is especially true in human considering its evolutionary trait and uniqueness of gene regulatory networks during neural induction. Here, we point to a model that human forebrain DV patterning also follows an activation/transformation paradigm. Human neuroectoderm (NE) will activate a forebrain dorsal fate automatically and this default anterior dorsal fate does not depend on Wnts activation or Pax6 expression. Forced expression of Pax6 in human NE hinders its ventralization even under sonic hedgehog (Shh) treatment, suggesting that the ventral fate is repressed by dorsal genes. Genetic manipulation of Nkx2.1, a key gene for forebrain ventral progenitors, shows that Nkx2.1 is neither necessary nor sufficient for Shh-driven ventralization. We thus propose that Shh represses dorsal genes of human NE and subsequently transforms the primitively activated dorsal fate ventrally in a repression release manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liankai Chi
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences and.,School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China.,Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Neuroregeneration Key Laboratory of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Beibei Fan
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Neuroregeneration Key Laboratory of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Dandan Feng
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Neuroregeneration Key Laboratory of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhenyu Chen
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Neuroregeneration Key Laboratory of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhongliang Liu
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Neuroregeneration Key Laboratory of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yi Hui
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xiangjie Xu
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Neuroregeneration Key Laboratory of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lin Ma
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Neuroregeneration Key Laboratory of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yujiang Fang
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Neuroregeneration Key Laboratory of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Quanbin Zhang
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Neuroregeneration Key Laboratory of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guohua Jin
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Neuroregeneration Key Laboratory of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.,Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine
| | - Fangxia Guan
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province 450001, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhang
- Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, and Neuroregeneration Key Laboratory of Shanghai Universities, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.,Advanced Institute of Translational Medicine.,The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
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16
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Lacomme M, Medevielle F, Bourbon HM, Thierion E, Kleinjan DJ, Roussat M, Pituello F, Bel-Vialar S. A long range distal enhancer controls temporal fine-tuning of PAX6 expression in neuronal precursors. Dev Biol 2018; 436:94-107. [PMID: 29486153 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Proper embryonic development relies on a tight control of spatial and temporal gene expression profiles in a highly regulated manner. One good example is the ON/OFF switching of the transcription factor PAX6 that governs important steps of neurogenesis. In the neural tube PAX6 expression is initiated in neural progenitors through the positive action of retinoic acid signaling and downregulated in neuronal precursors by the bHLH transcription factor NEUROG2. How these two regulatory inputs are integrated at the molecular level to properly fine tune temporal PAX6 expression is not known. In this study we identified and characterized a 940-bp long distal cis-regulatory module (CRM), located far away from the PAX6 transcription unit and which conveys positive input from RA signaling pathway and indirect repressive signal(s) from NEUROG2. These opposing regulatory signals are integrated through HOMZ, a 94 bp core region within E940 which is evolutionarily conserved in distant organisms such as the zebrafish. We show that within HOMZ, NEUROG2 and RA exert their opposite temporal activities through a short 60 bp region containing a functional RA-responsive element (RARE). We propose a model in which retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and NEUROG2 repressive target(s) compete on the same DNA motif to fine tune temporal PAX6 expression during the course of spinal neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Lacomme
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France; Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - François Medevielle
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France
| | - Henri-Marc Bourbon
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France
| | - Elodie Thierion
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Dirk-Jan Kleinjan
- 1UK Centre for Mammalian Synthetic Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mélanie Roussat
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France
| | - Fabienne Pituello
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France
| | - Sophie Bel-Vialar
- Centre de Biologie du Développement (CBD), Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, France
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17
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Cardozo MJ, Mysiak KS, Becker T, Becker CG. Reduce, reuse, recycle – Developmental signals in spinal cord regeneration. Dev Biol 2017; 432:53-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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18
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Kjolby RAS, Harland RM. Genome-wide identification of Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional targets during Xenopus gastrulation. Dev Biol 2017; 426:165-175. [PMID: 27091726 PMCID: PMC6288011 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays multiple roles during Xenopus gastrulation, including posteriorization of the neural plate, patterning of the mesoderm, and induction of the neural crest. Wnt signaling stabilizes β-catenin, which then activates target genes. However, few targets of this signaling pathway that mediate early developmental processes are known. Here we sought to identify transcriptional targets of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway using a genome-wide approach. We selected putative targets using the criteria of reduced expression upon zygotic Wnt knockdown, β-catenin binding within 50kb of the gene, and expression in tissues that receive Wnt signaling. Using these criteria, we found 21 novel direct transcriptional targets of Wnt/β-catenin signaling during gastrulation and in addition have identified putative regulatory elements for further characterization in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A S Kjolby
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Richard M Harland
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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19
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Janesick A, Tang W, Nguyen TTL, Blumberg B. RARβ2 is required for vertebrate somitogenesis. Development 2017; 144:1997-2008. [PMID: 28432217 DOI: 10.1242/dev.144345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
During vertebrate somitogenesis, retinoic acid is known to establish the position of the determination wavefront, controlling where new somites are permitted to form along the anteroposterior body axis. Less is understood about how RAR regulates somite patterning, rostral-caudal boundary setting, specialization of myotome subdivisions or the specific RAR subtype that is required for somite patterning. Characterizing the function of RARβ has been challenging due to the absence of embryonic phenotypes in murine loss-of-function studies. Using the Xenopus system, we show that RARβ2 plays a specific role in somite number and size, restriction of the presomitic mesoderm anterior border, somite chevron morphology and hypaxial myoblast migration. Rarβ2 is the RAR subtype whose expression is most upregulated in response to ligand and its localization in the trunk somites positions it at the right time and place to respond to embryonic retinoid levels during somitogenesis. RARβ2 positively regulates Tbx3 a marker of hypaxial muscle, and negatively regulates Tbx6 via Ripply2 to restrict the anterior boundaries of the presomitic mesoderm and caudal progenitor pool. These results demonstrate for the first time an early and essential role for RARβ2 in vertebrate somitogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Janesick
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2300, USA
| | - Weiyi Tang
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2300, USA
| | - Tuyen T L Nguyen
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2300, USA
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2300, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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20
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Carucci N, Cacci E, Nisi PS, Licursi V, Paul YL, Biagioni S, Negri R, Rugg-Gunn PJ, Lupo G. Transcriptional response of Hoxb genes to retinoid signalling is regionally restricted along the neural tube rostrocaudal axis. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2017; 4:160913. [PMID: 28484611 PMCID: PMC5414248 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.160913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
During vertebrate neural development, positional information is largely specified by extracellular morphogens. Their distribution, however, is very dynamic due to the multiple roles played by the same signals in the developing and adult neural tissue. This suggests that neural progenitors are able to modify their competence to respond to morphogen signalling and autonomously maintain positional identities after their initial specification. In this work, we take advantage of in vitro culture systems of mouse neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) to show that NSPCs isolated from rostral or caudal regions of the mouse neural tube are differentially responsive to retinoic acid (RA), a pivotal morphogen for the specification of posterior neural fates. Hoxb genes are among the best known RA direct targets in the neural tissue, yet we found that RA could promote their transcription only in caudal but not in rostral NSPCs. Correlating with these effects, key RA-responsive regulatory regions in the Hoxb cluster displayed opposite enrichment of activating or repressing histone marks in rostral and caudal NSPCs. Finally, RA was able to strengthen Hoxb chromatin activation in caudal NSPCs, but was ineffective on the repressed Hoxb chromatin of rostral NSPCs. These results suggest that the response of NSPCs to morphogen signalling across the rostrocaudal axis of the neural tube may be gated by the epigenetic configuration of target patterning genes, allowing long-term maintenance of intrinsic positional values in spite of continuously changing extrinsic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Carucci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cacci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola S. Nisi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Licursi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Yu-Lee Paul
- Epigenetics Programme, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Stefano Biagioni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Negri
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology ‘C. Darwin’, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur— Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Lupo
- Istituto Pasteur— Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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21
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New Insights Into the Roles of Retinoic Acid Signaling in Nervous System Development and the Establishment of Neurotransmitter Systems. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2016; 330:1-84. [PMID: 28215529 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Secreted chiefly from the underlying mesoderm, the morphogen retinoic acid (RA) is well known to contribute to the specification, patterning, and differentiation of neural progenitors in the developing vertebrate nervous system. Furthermore, RA influences the subtype identity and neurotransmitter phenotype of subsets of maturing neurons, although relatively little is known about how these functions are mediated. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the roles played by RA signaling during the formation of the central and peripheral nervous systems of vertebrates and highlights its effects on the differentiation of several neurotransmitter systems. In addition, the evolutionary history of the RA signaling system is discussed, revealing both conserved properties and alternate modes of RA action. It is proposed that comparative approaches should be employed systematically to expand our knowledge of the context-dependent cellular mechanisms controlled by the multifunctional signaling molecule RA.
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22
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Sánchez-Hernández D, Anderson GH, Poon AN, Pannia E, Cho CE, Huot PS, Kubant R. Maternal fat-soluble vitamins, brain development, and regulation of feeding behavior: an overview of research. Nutr Res 2016; 36:1045-1054. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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23
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Yu SB, Umair Z, Kumar S, Lee U, Lee SH, Kim JI, Kim S, Park JB, Lee JY, Kim J. xCyp26c Induced by Inhibition of BMP Signaling Is Involved in Anterior-Posterior Neural Patterning of Xenopus laevis. Mol Cells 2016; 39:352-7. [PMID: 26923193 PMCID: PMC4844943 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2016.0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate neurogenesis requires inhibition of endogenous bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signals in the ectoderm. Blocking of BMPs in animal cap explants causes the formation of anterior neural tissues as a default fate. To identify genes involved in the anterior neural specification, we analyzed gene expression profiles using a Xenopus Affymetrix Gene Chip after BMP-4 inhibition in animal cap explants. We found that the xCyp26c gene, encoding a retinoic acid (RA) degradation enzyme, was upregulated following inhibition of BMP signaling in early neuroectodermal cells. Whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis showed that xCyp26c expression started in the anterior region during the early neurula stage. Overexpression of xCyp26c weakly induced neural genes in animal cap explants. xCyp26c abolished the expression of all trans-/cis-RA-induced posterior genes, but not basic FGF-induced posterior genes. Depletion of xCyp26c by morpholino-oligonucleotides suppressed the normal formation of the axis and head, indicating that xCyp26c plays a critical role in the specification of anterior neural tissue in whole embryos. In animal cap explants, however, xCyp26c morpholinos did not alter anterior-to-posterior neural tissue formation. Together, these results suggest that xCyp26c plays a specific role in anterior-posterior (A-P) neural patterning of Xenopus embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saet-Byeol Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Kangwon 200-702,
Korea
| | - Zobia Umair
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Kangwon 200-702,
Korea
| | - Shiv Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Kangwon 200-702,
Korea
| | - Unjoo Lee
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Hallym University, Kangwon200-702,
Korea
| | - Seung-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Kangwon 200-702,
Korea
| | - Jong-Il Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799,
Korea
| | - SungChan Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Kangwon 200-702,
Korea
| | - Jae-Bong Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Kangwon 200-702,
Korea
| | - Jae-Yong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Kangwon 200-702,
Korea
| | - Jaebong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Kangwon 200-702,
Korea
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24
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Carron C, Shi DL. Specification of anteroposterior axis by combinatorial signaling during Xenopus development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 5:150-68. [PMID: 26544673 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The specification of anteroposterior (AP) axis is a fundamental and complex patterning process that sets up the embryonic polarity and shapes a multicellular organism. This process involves the integration of distinct signaling pathways to coordinate temporal-spatial gene expression and morphogenetic movements. In the frog Xenopus, extensive embryological and molecular studies have provided major advance in understanding the mechanism implicated in AP patterning. Following fertilization, cortical rotation leads to the transport of maternal determinants to the dorsal region and creates the primary dorsoventral (DV) asymmetry. The activation of maternal Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and a high Nodal signal induces the formation of the Nieuwkoop center in the dorsal-vegetal cells, which then triggers the formation of the Spemann organizer in the overlying dorsal marginal zone. It is now well established that the Spemann organizer plays a central role in building the vertebrate body axes because it provides patterning information for both DV and AP polarities. The antagonistic interactions between signals secreted in the Spemann organizer and the opposite ventral region pattern the mesoderm along the DV axis, and this DV information is translated into AP positional values during gastrulation. The formation of anterior neural tissue requires simultaneous inhibition of zygotic Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signals, while an endogenous gradient of Wnt, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), retinoic acid (RA) signaling, and collinearly expressed Hox genes patterns the trunk and posterior regions. Collectively, DV asymmetry is mostly coupled to AP polarity, and cell-cell interactions mediated essentially by the same regulatory networks operate in DV and AP patterning. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Carron
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Sorbonne Universités, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Paris, France
| | - De-Li Shi
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Sorbonne Universités, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Paris, France.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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25
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Janesick A, Wu SC, Blumberg B. Retinoic acid signaling and neuronal differentiation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:1559-76. [PMID: 25558812 PMCID: PMC11113123 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1815-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The identification of neurological symptoms caused by vitamin A deficiency pointed to a critical, early developmental role of vitamin A and its metabolite, retinoic acid (RA). The ability of RA to induce post-mitotic, neural phenotypes in various stem cells, in vitro, served as early evidence that RA is involved in the switch between proliferation and differentiation. In vivo studies have expanded this "opposing signal" model, and the number of primary neurons an embryo develops is now known to depend critically on the levels and spatial distribution of RA. The proneural and neurogenic transcription factors that control the exit of neural progenitors from the cell cycle and allow primary neurons to develop are partly elucidated, but the downstream effectors of RA receptor (RAR) signaling (many of which are putative cell cycle regulators) remain largely unidentified. The molecular mechanisms underlying RA-induced primary neurogenesis in anamniote embryos are starting to be revealed; however, these data have been not been extended to amniote embryos. There is growing evidence that bona fide RARs are found in some mollusks and other invertebrates, but little is known about their necessity or functions in neurogenesis. One normal function of RA is to regulate the cell cycle to halt proliferation, and loss of RA signaling is associated with dedifferentiation and the development of cancer. Identifying the genes and pathways that mediate cell cycle exit downstream of RA will be critical for our understanding of how to target tumor differentiation. Overall, elucidating the molecular details of RAR-regulated neurogenesis will be decisive for developing and understanding neural proliferation-differentiation switches throughout development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Janesick
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, 92697-2300 USA
| | - Stephanie Cherie Wu
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, 92697-2300 USA
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, 92697-2300 USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, USA
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26
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Signaling through retinoic acid receptors in cardiac development: Doing the right things at the right times. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1849:94-111. [PMID: 25134739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is a terpenoid that is synthesized from vitamin A/retinol (ROL) and binds to the nuclear receptors retinoic acid receptor (RAR)/retinoid X receptor (RXR) to control multiple developmental processes in vertebrates. The available clinical and experimental data provide uncontested evidence for the pleiotropic roles of RA signaling in development of multiple embryonic structures and organs such eyes, central nervous system, gonads, lungs and heart. The development of any of these above-mentioned embryonic organ systems can be effectively utilized to showcase the many strategies utilized by RA signaling. However, it is very likely that the strategies employed to transfer RA signals during cardiac development comprise the majority of the relevant and sophisticated ways through which retinoid signals can be conveyed in a complex biological system. Here, we provide the reader with arguments indicating that RA signaling is exquisitely regulated according to specific phases of cardiac development and that RA signaling itself is one of the major regulators of the timing of cardiac morphogenesis and differentiation. We will focus on the role of signaling by RA receptors (RARs) in early phases of heart development. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear receptors in animal development.
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27
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Janesick A, Nguyen TTL, Aisaki KI, Igarashi K, Kitajima S, Chandraratna RAS, Kanno J, Blumberg B. Active repression by RARγ signaling is required for vertebrate axial elongation. Development 2014; 141:2260-70. [PMID: 24821986 DOI: 10.1242/dev.103705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid receptor gamma 2 (RARγ2) is the major RAR isoform expressed throughout the caudal axial progenitor domain in vertebrates. During a microarray screen to identify RAR targets, we identified a subset of genes that pattern caudal structures or promote axial elongation and are upregulated by increased RAR-mediated repression. Previous studies have suggested that RAR is present in the caudal domain, but is quiescent until its activation in late stage embryos terminates axial elongation. By contrast, we show here that RARγ2 is engaged in all stages of axial elongation, not solely as a terminator of axial growth. In the absence of RA, RARγ2 represses transcriptional activity in vivo and maintains the pool of caudal progenitor cells and presomitic mesoderm. In the presence of RA, RARγ2 serves as an activator, facilitating somite differentiation. Treatment with an RARγ-selective inverse agonist (NRX205099) or overexpression of dominant-negative RARγ increases the expression of posterior Hox genes and that of marker genes for presomitic mesoderm and the chordoneural hinge. Conversely, when RAR-mediated repression is reduced by overexpressing a dominant-negative co-repressor (c-SMRT), a constitutively active RAR (VP16-RARγ2), or by treatment with an RARγ-selective agonist (NRX204647), expression of caudal genes is diminished and extension of the body axis is prematurely terminated. Hence, gene repression mediated by the unliganded RARγ2-co-repressor complex constitutes a novel mechanism to regulate and facilitate the correct expression levels and spatial restriction of key genes that maintain the caudal progenitor pool during axial elongation in Xenopus embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Janesick
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2300, USA
| | - Tuyen T L Nguyen
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2300, USA
| | - Ken-ichi Aisaki
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Biological Safety Research Center, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
| | - Katsuhide Igarashi
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Biological Safety Research Center, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kitajima
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Biological Safety Research Center, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
| | | | - Jun Kanno
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, Biological Safety Research Center, National Institute of Health Sciences, 1-18-1 Kamiyoga, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-8501, Japan
| | - Bruce Blumberg
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2300, USA Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2300, USA
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28
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Young JJ, Kjolby RAS, Kong NR, Monica SD, Harland RM. Spalt-like 4 promotes posterior neural fates via repression of pou5f3 family members in Xenopus. Development 2014; 141:1683-93. [PMID: 24715458 DOI: 10.1242/dev.099374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Amphibian neural development occurs as a two-step process: (1) induction specifies a neural fate in undifferentiated ectoderm; and (2) transformation induces posterior spinal cord and hindbrain. Signaling through the Fgf, retinoic acid (RA) and Wnt/β-catenin pathways is necessary and sufficient to induce posterior fates in the neural plate, yet a mechanistic understanding of the process is lacking. Here, we screened for factors enriched in posterior neural tissue and identify spalt-like 4 (sall4), which is induced by Fgf. Knockdown of Sall4 results in loss of spinal cord marker expression and increased expression of pou5f3.2 (oct25), pou5f3.3 (oct60) and pou5f3.1 (oct91) (collectively, pou5f3 genes), the closest Xenopus homologs of mammalian stem cell factor Pou5f1 (Oct4). Overexpression of the pou5f3 genes results in the loss of spinal cord identity and knockdown of pou5f3 function restores spinal cord marker expression in Sall4 morphants. Finally, knockdown of Sall4 blocks the posteriorizing effects of Fgf and RA signaling in the neurectoderm. These results suggest that Sall4, activated by posteriorizing signals, represses the pou5f3 genes to provide a permissive environment allowing for additional Wnt/Fgf/RA signals to posteriorize the neural plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Young
- Department of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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29
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Prin F, Serpente P, Itasaki N, Gould AP. Hox proteins drive cell segregation and non-autonomous apical remodelling during hindbrain segmentation. Development 2014; 141:1492-502. [PMID: 24574009 PMCID: PMC3957373 DOI: 10.1242/dev.098954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Hox genes encode a conserved family of homeodomain transcription factors regulating development along the major body axis. During embryogenesis, Hox proteins are expressed in segment-specific patterns and control numerous different segment-specific cell fates. It has been unclear, however, whether Hox proteins drive the epithelial cell segregation mechanism that is thought to initiate the segmentation process. Here, we investigate the role of vertebrate Hox proteins during the partitioning of the developing hindbrain into lineage-restricted units called rhombomeres. Loss-of-function mutants and ectopic expression assays reveal that Hoxb4 and its paralogue Hoxd4 are necessary and sufficient for cell segregation, and for the most caudal rhombomere boundary (r6/r7). Hox4 proteins regulate Eph/ephrins and other cell-surface proteins, and can function in a non-cell-autonomous manner to induce apical cell enlargement on both sides of their expression border. Similarly, other Hox proteins expressed at more rostral rhombomere interfaces can also regulate Eph/ephrins, induce apical remodelling and drive cell segregation in ectopic expression assays. However, Krox20, a key segmentation factor expressed in odd rhombomeres (r3 and r5), can largely override Hox proteins at the level of regulation of a cell surface target, Epha4. This study suggests that most, if not all, Hox proteins share a common potential to induce cell segregation but in some contexts this is masked or modulated by other transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrice Prin
- Division of Physiology and Metabolism, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Patricia Serpente
- Division of Physiology and Metabolism, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Nobue Itasaki
- Division of Developmental Neurobiology, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Alex P. Gould
- Division of Physiology and Metabolism, Medical Research Council, National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AA, UK
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30
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Cibois M, Gautier-Courteille C, Kodjabachian L, Paillard L. A gene regulation network controlled by Celf1 protein-rbpj mRNA interaction in Xenopus somite segmentation. Biol Open 2013; 2:1078-83. [PMID: 24167718 PMCID: PMC3798191 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20135629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Somite segmentation is impaired in Xenopus celf1 morphant embryos. The Celf1 RNA-binding protein targets bound mRNAs for rapid degradation, and antisense approaches demonstrated that segmentation defects in celf1 morphants were due to a derepression of rbpj mRNA. Rbpj protein is a key player of Notch signalling. Because segmentation involves complex cross-talk between several signalling pathways, we analysed how rbpj derepression impacted these pathways. We found that rbpj derepression stimulated the Notch pathway. Notch positively controlled the expression of cyp26a, which encodes a retinoic acid (RA)-degrading enzyme. Thus, rbpj derepression led to cyp26a overexpression and RA attenuation. It also repressed fgf8, consistent with an inhibition of FGF signalling. Pharmacological inhibition of the FGF pathway repressed cyp26a, but rbpj derepression was sufficient to restore cyp26a expression. Hence, while it was known that the FGF pathway antagonized RA signalling through expression of cyp26a, our results suggest that Rbpj mediates this antagonism. Furthermore, they show that the post-transcriptional repression exerted by Celf1 on rbpj mRNA is required to keep cyp26a expression under the control of FGF signalling. We conclude that rbpj repression by Celf1 is important to couple the FGF and RA pathways in Xenopus segmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Cibois
- Université de Rennes 1, Université Européenne de Bretagne , Biosit, CS 34317, 35043 Rennes Cedex , France ; CNRS UMR 6290 Institut de Génétique et Développement de Rennes , CS 34317, 35043 Rennes Cedex , France ; Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille, Aix-Marseille Université , CNRS UMR7288, Case 907, 13288 Marseille Cedex 09 , France
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31
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Urushitani H, Katsu Y, Ohta Y, Shiraishi H, Iguchi T, Horiguchi T. Cloning and characterization of the retinoic acid receptor-like protein in the rock shell, Thais clavigera. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2013; 142-143:403-413. [PMID: 24096236 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The organotin compounds have a high affinity for the retinoid X receptor (RXR), which is a transcriptional factor activated by retinoids that induce imposex in gastropods. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of RXR and its related genes in gastropods remain unclear. We isolated a retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-like cDNA (TcRAR) in the rock shell, Thais clavigera, and examined the transcriptional activity of the TcRAR protein by using all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA). However, we did not observe any ligand-dependent transactivation by this protein. We also examined the transcriptional activity of the TcRAR-ligand binding domain fused with the GAL4-DNA binding domain by using retinoic acids, retinol, and organotins and again saw no noteworthy transcriptional induction by these chemicals. Use of a mammalian two-hybrid assay to assess the interaction of the TcRAR protein with the TcRXR isoforms suggested that TcRAR might form a heterodimer with the RXR isoforms. The transcriptional activity of domain-swapped TcRAR chimeric proteins (the A/B domain of TcRAR combined with the D-F domain of human RARα) was also examined and found to be ATRA-dependent. These results suggest that TcRAR is not activated by retinoic acids, but can form a heterodimer with TcRXR isoforms. These data contribute to our understanding of the mechanism by which RXR functions in gastropods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Urushitani
- Center for Environmental Risk Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
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32
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Gandhi D, Molotkov A, Batourina E, Schneider K, Dan H, Reiley M, Laufer E, Metzger D, Liang F, Liao Y, Sun TT, Aronow B, Rosen R, Mauney J, Adam R, Rosselot C, Van Batavia J, McMahon A, McMahon J, Guo JJ, Mendelsohn C. Retinoid signaling in progenitors controls specification and regeneration of the urothelium. Dev Cell 2013; 26:469-482. [PMID: 23993789 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2013.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Revised: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The urothelium is a multilayered epithelium that serves as a barrier between the urinary tract and blood, preventing the exchange of water and toxic substances. It consists of superficial cells specialized for synthesis and transport of uroplakins that assemble into a tough apical plaque, one or more layers of intermediate cells, and keratin 5-expressing basal cells (K5-BCs), which are considered to be progenitors in the urothelium and other specialized epithelia. Fate mapping, however, reveals that intermediate cells rather than K5-BCs are progenitors in the adult regenerating urothelium, that P cells, a transient population, are progenitors in the embryo, and that retinoids are critical in P cells and intermediate cells, respectively, for their specification during development and regeneration. These observations have important implications for tissue engineering and repair and, ultimately, may lead to treatments that prevent loss of the urothelial barrier, a major cause of voiding dysfunction and bladder pain syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devangini Gandhi
- Columbia University, Depts. of Urology, Genetics & Development and Pathology 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York NY, USA
| | - Andrei Molotkov
- Columbia University, Depts. of Urology, Genetics & Development and Pathology 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York NY, USA
| | - Ekatherina Batourina
- Columbia University, Depts. of Urology, Genetics & Development and Pathology 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York NY, USA
| | - Kerry Schneider
- Columbia University, Depts. of Urology, Genetics & Development and Pathology 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York NY, USA
| | - Hanbin Dan
- Columbia University, Depts. of Urology, Genetics & Development and Pathology 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York NY, USA
| | - Maia Reiley
- Columbia University, Depts. of Urology, Genetics & Development and Pathology 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York NY, USA
| | - Ed Laufer
- Columbia University, Department of Pathology, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Metzger
- IGBMC, CNRS UMR7104/ INSERM U964, Université de Strasbourg, Collège de France, B.P. 10142, ILLKIRCH Cedex, FRANCE
| | - Fengxia Liang
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Medical School, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yi Liao
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Medical School, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tung-Tien Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Medical School, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bruce Aronow
- Division of Biomedical Informatics 3333 Burnet Ave., MLC 7024 Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Roni Rosen
- Columbia University, Depts. of Urology, Genetics & Development and Pathology 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York NY, USA
| | - Josh Mauney
- Boston Children's Hospital, Urological Diseases Research Center, Enders Research Building, 300, Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Rosalyn Adam
- Department of Cell Biology, New York University Medical School, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carolina Rosselot
- Columbia University, Depts. of Urology, Genetics & Development and Pathology 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York NY, USA
| | - Jason Van Batavia
- Columbia University, Depts. of Urology, Genetics & Development and Pathology 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York NY, USA
| | - Andrew McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad-CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jill McMahon
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad-CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jin-Jin Guo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad-CIRM Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cathy Mendelsohn
- Columbia University, Depts. of Urology, Genetics & Development and Pathology 1130 St. Nicholas Avenue, New York NY, USA
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Janesick A, Abbey R, Chung C, Liu S, Taketani M, Blumberg B. ERF and ETV3L are retinoic acid-inducible repressors required for primary neurogenesis. Development 2013; 140:3095-106. [PMID: 23824578 DOI: 10.1242/dev.093716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Cells in the developing neural tissue demonstrate an exquisite balance between proliferation and differentiation. Retinoic acid (RA) is required for neuronal differentiation by promoting expression of proneural and neurogenic genes. We show that RA acts early in the neurogenic pathway by inhibiting expression of neural progenitor markers Geminin and Foxd4l1, thereby promoting differentiation. Our screen for RA target genes in early Xenopus development identified Ets2 Repressor Factor (Erf) and the closely related ETS repressors Etv3 and Etv3-like (Etv3l). Erf and Etv3l are RA responsive and inhibit the action of ETS genes downstream of FGF signaling, placing them at the intersection of RA and growth factor signaling. We hypothesized that RA regulates primary neurogenesis by inducing Erf and Etv3l to antagonize proliferative signals. Loss-of-function analysis showed that Erf and Etv3l are required to inhibit proliferation of neural progenitors to allow differentiation, whereas overexpression of Erf led to an increase in the number of primary neurons. Therefore, these RA-induced ETS repressors are key components of the proliferation-differentiation switch during primary neurogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Janesick
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2300, USA
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34
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Lara-Ramírez R, Zieger E, Schubert M. Retinoic acid signaling in spinal cord development. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2013; 45:1302-13. [PMID: 23579094 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is an important signaling molecule mediating intercellular communication through vertebrate development. Here, we present and discuss recent information on the roles of the RA signaling pathway in spinal cord development. RA is an important player in the patterning and definition of the spinal cord territory from very early stages of development, even before the appearance of the neural plate and further serves a role in the patterning of the spinal cord both along the dorsoventral and anteroposterior axes, particularly in the promotion of neuronal differentiation. It is thus required to establish a variety of neuronal cell types at specific positions of the spinal cord. The main goal of this review is to gather information from vertebrate models, including fish, frogs, chicken and mice, and to put this information in a comparative context in an effort to visualize how the RA pathway was incorporated into the evolving vertebrate spinal cord and to identify mechanisms that are both common and different in the various vertebrate models. In doing so, we try to reconstruct how spinal cord development has been regulated by the RA signaling cascade through vertebrate diversification, highlighting areas which require further studies to obtain a better understanding of the evolutionary events that shaped this structure in the vertebrate lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Lara-Ramírez
- Laboratoire de Biologie du Développement de Villefranche-sur-Mer, UMR 7009 - CNRS/UPMC, EvoInSiDe Team, Observatoire Océanologique, 181 Chemin du Lazaret, BP 28, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
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35
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Mori S, Moriyama Y, Yoshikawa K, Furukawa T, Kuroda H. β-Adrenergic signaling promotes posteriorization in Xenopus early development. Dev Growth Differ 2013; 55:350-8. [PMID: 23452088 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Revised: 01/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Adrenaline (also known as Epinephrine) is a hormone, which works as major regulator of various biological events such stages of vertebrate, the role of adrenaline for early embryogenesis has been as heart rate, blood vessel and air passage diameters, and metabolic shifts. Although its specific receptors are expressing at the early developmental stage those functions are poorly understood. Here, we show that loss-of-functional effects of adrenergic receptor β-2 (Adrβ2), which was known as the major receptor for adrenaline and highly expressed in embryonic stages, led posterior defects at the tadpole stage of Xenopus embryos, while embryos injected with Adrβ2 mRNA or treated with adrenaline hormone adversely lost anterior structures. This posteriorization effect by adrenaline hormone was dose-dependently increased but effectively rescued by microinjection of antisense morpholino oligomer for Adrβ2 (Adrβ2-MO). Combination of adrenaline treatments and microinjection of Adrβ2 mRNA maximized efficiency in its posteriorizing activity. Interestingly, both gain- and loss-of-functional treatment for β-adrenergic signaling could not influence anterior neural fate induced by overexpression of Chordin mRNA in presumptive ectodermal region, meaning that it worked via mesoderm. Taken together with these results, we conclude that adrenaline is a novel regulator of anteroposterior axis formation in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Mori
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, 422-8529, Japan
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36
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Pascual-Anaya J, Adachi N, Alvarez S, Kuratani S, D'Aniello S, Garcia-Fernàndez J. Broken colinearity of the amphioxus Hox cluster. EvoDevo 2012. [PMID: 23198682 PMCID: PMC3534614 DOI: 10.1186/2041-9139-3-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In most eumetazoans studied so far, Hox genes determine the identity of structures along the main body axis. They are usually linked in genomic clusters and, in the case of the vertebrate embryo, are expressed with spatial and temporal colinearity. Outside vertebrates, temporal colinearity has been reported in the cephalochordate amphioxus (the least derived living relative of the chordate ancestor) but only for anterior and central genes, namely Hox1 to Hox4 and Hox6. However, most of the Hox gene expression patterns in amphioxus have not been reported. To gain global insights into the evolution of Hox clusters in chordates, we investigated a more extended expression profile of amphioxus Hox genes. Results Here we report an extended expression profile of the European amphioxus Branchiostoma lanceolatum Hox genes and describe that all Hox genes, except Hox13, are expressed during development. Interestingly, we report the breaking of both spatial and temporal colinearity for at least Hox6 and Hox14, which thus have escaped from the classical Hox code concept. We show a previously unidentified Hox6 expression pattern and a faint expression for posterior Hox genes in structures such as the posterior mesoderm, notochord, and hindgut. Unexpectedly, we found that amphioxus Hox14 had the most divergent expression pattern. This gene is expressed in the anterior cerebral vesicle and pharyngeal endoderm. Amphioxus Hox14 expression represents the first report of Hox gene expression in the most anterior part of the central nervous system. Nevertheless, despite these divergent expression patterns, amphioxus Hox6 and Hox14 seem to be still regulated by retinoic acid. Conclusions Escape from colinearity by Hox genes is not unusual in either vertebrates or amphioxus and we suggest that those genes escaping from it are probably associated with the patterning of lineage-specific morphological traits, requiring the loss of those developmental constraints that kept them colinear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Pascual-Anaya
- Departament de Genètica and Institut de Biomedicina (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Av, Diagonal, 643, Barcelona, 08028, Spain.
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37
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Janesick A, Shiotsugu J, Taketani M, Blumberg B. RIPPLY3 is a retinoic acid-inducible repressor required for setting the borders of the pre-placodal ectoderm. Development 2012; 139:1213-24. [PMID: 22354841 DOI: 10.1242/dev.071456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid signaling is a major component of the neural posteriorizing process in vertebrate development. Here, we identify a new role for the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) in the anterior of the embryo, where RAR regulates Fgf8 expression and formation of the pre-placodal ectoderm (PPE). RARα2 signaling induces key pre-placodal genes and establishes the posterolateral borders of the PPE. RAR signaling upregulates two important genes, Tbx1 and Ripply3, during early PPE development. In the absence of RIPPLY3, TBX1 is required for the expression of Fgf8 and hence, PPE formation. In the presence of RIPPLY3, TBX1 acts as a transcriptional repressor, and functions to restrict the positional expression of Fgf8, a key regulator of PPE gene expression. These results establish a novel role for RAR as a regulator of spatial patterning of the PPE through Tbx1 and RIPPLY3. Moreover, we demonstrate that Ripply3, acting downstream of RAR signaling, is a key player in establishing boundaries in the PPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Janesick
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, 2011 Biological Sciences 3, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2300, USA
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38
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Kimelman D, Martin BL. Anterior-posterior patterning in early development: three strategies. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2011; 1:253-66. [PMID: 23801439 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The anterior-posterior (AP) axis is the most ancient of the embryonic axes and exists in most metazoans. Different animals use a wide variety of mechanisms to create this axis in the early embryo. In this study, we focus on three animals, including two insects (Drosophila and Tribolium) and a vertebrate (zebrafish) to examine different strategies used to form the AP axis. While Drosophila forms the entire axis within a syncytial blastoderm using transcription factors as morphogens, zebrafish uses signaling factors in a cellularized embryo, progressively forming the AP axis over the course of a day. Tribolium uses an intermediate strategy that has commonalities with both Drosophila and zebrafish. We discuss the specific molecular mechanisms used to create the AP axis and identify conserved features.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Kimelman
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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39
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Urushitani H, Katsu Y, Ohta Y, Shiraishi H, Iguchi T, Horiguchi T. Cloning and characterization of retinoid X receptor (RXR) isoforms in the rock shell, Thais clavigera. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2011; 103:101-111. [PMID: 21414284 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2011.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2010] [Revised: 02/09/2011] [Accepted: 02/12/2011] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The organotin compounds tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPT) belong to a diverse group of widely distributed environmental pollutants that induce imposex in gastropods. These organotins have high affinity for retinoid X receptor (RXR), which is a transcription factor activated by retinoids, such as 9-cis retinoic acid (9cRA), in vertebrates. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of RXR by retinoids and organotins have not been clarified in gastropods. We isolated two isoforms of RXR cDNAs, RXR isoform 1 (TcRXR-1) and RXR isoform 2 (TcRXR-2), in the rock shell Thais clavigera. The deduced amino acid sequences of TcRXR-1 and TcRXR-2 are highly homologous with those of other gastropods. These TcRXR isoforms displayed 9cRA-dependent activation of transcription in a reporter gene assay using COS-1 cells. The transcriptional activity of TcRXR-2, the encoded protein of which has five additional amino acids in the T-box of the C domain, was significantly lower than that of TcRXR-1. Decreases of the transcriptional activity by TcRXR-1 were observed when more than equal amount of TcRXR-2 fused expression vector was existed in a co-transfection assay. Immunoblot analysis showed several shifted bands for TcRXR isoforms resulting from phosphorylation. Mutation of potential phosphorylation sites from serine to alanine in the A/B domain of TcRXR-1 showed that, in the S89A/S103A mutant, there was a band shift and significantly higher transcriptional activity than in the controls when stimulated with 9cRA. Our findings could contribute to a better understanding of the role of interactions between RXR and retinoids and organotins, not only in the induction mechanism of imposex in gastropods but also in the endocrinology of mollusks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Urushitani
- Research Center for Environmental Risk, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8506, Japan
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40
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Gouti M, Briscoe J, Gavalas A. Anterior Hox genes interact with components of the neural crest specification network to induce neural crest fates. Stem Cells 2011; 29:858-70. [PMID: 21433221 PMCID: PMC3184476 DOI: 10.1002/stem.630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hox genes play a central role in neural crest (NC) patterning particularly in the cranial region of the body. Despite evidence that simultaneous loss of Hoxa1 and Hoxb1 function resulted in NC specification defects, the role of Hox genes in NC specification has remained unclear due to extended genetic redundancy among Hox genes. To circumvent this problem, we expressed anterior Hox genes in the trunk neural tube of the developing chick embryo. This demonstrated that anterior Hox genes play a central role in NC cell specification by rapidly inducing the key transcription factors Snail2 and Msx1/2 and a neural progenitor to NC cell fate switch characterized by cell adhesion changes and an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cells delaminated from dorsal and medial neural tube levels and generated ectopic neurons, glia progenitors, and melanocytes. The mobilization of the NC genetic cascade was dependent upon bone morphogenetic protein signaling and optimal levels of Notch signaling. Therefore, anterior Hox patterning genes participate in NC specification and EMT by interacting with NC-inducing signaling pathways and regulating the expression of key genes involved in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Gouti
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA)Athens, Greece
| | - James Briscoe
- Division of Developmental Neurobiology, MRC National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR)The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Gavalas
- Developmental Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens (BRFAA)Athens, Greece
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41
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Waxman JS, Yelon D. Zebrafish retinoic acid receptors function as context-dependent transcriptional activators. Dev Biol 2011; 352:128-40. [PMID: 21276787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2009] [Revised: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 01/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
RA receptors (RARs) have been thought to function through a binary repressor-activator mechanism: in the absence of ligand, they function as transcriptional repressors, and, in the presence of ligand, they function as transcriptional activators. This prevailing model of RAR mechanism has been derived mostly from in vitro studies and has not been widely tested in developmental contexts. Here, we investigate whether zebrafish RARs function as transcriptional activators or repressors during early embryonic anterior-posterior patterning. Ectopic expression of wild-type zebrafish RARs does not disrupt embryonic patterning and does not sensitize embryos to RA treatment, indicating that RAR availability is not limiting in the embryo. In contrast, ectopic expression of hyperactive zebrafish RARs induces expression of a RA-responsive reporter transgene as well as ectopic expression of endogenous RA-responsive target genes. However, ectopic expression of dominant negative zebrafish RARs fails to induce embryonic phenotypes that are consistent with loss of RA signaling, despite their ability to function as transcriptional repressors in heterologous cell culture assays. Together, our studies suggest that zebrafish RAR function is context-dependent and that, during early patterning, zebrafish RARs function primarily as transcriptional activators and may only have minimal ability to act as transcriptional repressors. Thus, it seems that the binary model for RAR function does not apply to all in vivo scenarios. Taking into account studies of RA signaling in tunicates and tetrapods, we propose a parsimonious model of the evolution of RAR function during chordate anterior-posterior patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Waxman
- Developmental Genetics Program and Department of Cell Biology, Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine at the Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling has been implicated during several phases of early embryogenesis, including the patterning of the embryonic axes, the induction and/or maintenance of several cell lineages and the coordination of morphogenetic movements. Here, we summarise our current understanding of the regulation and roles of FGF signalling during early vertebrate development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karel Dorey
- The Healing Foundation Centre, Michael Smith Building, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Enrique Amaya
- The Healing Foundation Centre, Michael Smith Building, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
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43
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Bonamassa B, Liu D. Nonviral gene transfer as a tool for studying transcription regulation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2010; 62:1250-6. [PMID: 20713102 PMCID: PMC2991602 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2010.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2010] [Revised: 08/05/2010] [Accepted: 08/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Numerous xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes are regulated by nuclear receptors at transcriptional level. The challenge we currently face is to understand how a given nuclear receptor interacts with its xenobiotics, migrates into nucleus, binds to the xenobiotic response element of a target gene, and regulates transcription. Toward this end, new methods have been developed to introduce the nuclear receptor gene into appropriate cells and study its activity in activating reporter gene expression under the control of a promoter containing xenobiotic response elements. The goal of this review is to critically examine the gene transfer methods currently available. We concentrate on the gene transfer mechanism, advantages and limitations of each method when employed for nuclear receptor-mediated gene regulation studies. It is our hope that the information provided highlights the importance of gene transfer in studying the mechanisms by which our body eliminates the potentially harmful substances and maintains the homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bonamassa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, 527 Salk Hall, 3501 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA15261, United States
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44
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Paganelli A, Gnazzo V, Acosta H, López SL, Carrasco AE. Glyphosate-based herbicides produce teratogenic effects on vertebrates by impairing retinoic acid signaling. Chem Res Toxicol 2010; 23:1586-95. [PMID: 20695457 DOI: 10.1021/tx1001749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The broad spectrum herbicide glyphosate is widely used in agriculture worldwide. There has been ongoing controversy regarding the possible adverse effects of glyphosate on the environment and on human health. Reports of neural defects and craniofacial malformations from regions where glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are used led us to undertake an embryological approach to explore the effects of low doses of glyphosate in development. Xenopus laevis embryos were incubated with 1/5000 dilutions of a commercial GBH. The treated embryos were highly abnormal with marked alterations in cephalic and neural crest development and shortening of the anterior-posterior (A-P) axis. Alterations on neural crest markers were later correlated with deformities in the cranial cartilages at tadpole stages. Embryos injected with pure glyphosate showed very similar phenotypes. Moreover, GBH produced similar effects in chicken embryos, showing a gradual loss of rhombomere domains, reduction of the optic vesicles, and microcephaly. This suggests that glyphosate itself was responsible for the phenotypes observed, rather than a surfactant or other component of the commercial formulation. A reporter gene assay revealed that GBH treatment increased endogenous retinoic acid (RA) activity in Xenopus embryos and cotreatment with a RA antagonist rescued the teratogenic effects of the GBH. Therefore, we conclude that the phenotypes produced by GBH are mainly a consequence of the increase of endogenous retinoid activity. This is consistent with the decrease of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling from the embryonic dorsal midline, with the inhibition of otx2 expression and with the disruption of cephalic neural crest development. The direct effect of glyphosate on early mechanisms of morphogenesis in vertebrate embryos opens concerns about the clinical findings from human offspring in populations exposed to GBH in agricultural fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Paganelli
- Laboratorio de Embriología Molecular, CONICET-UBA, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 3° Piso 1121, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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45
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de Groh ED, Swanhart LM, Cosentino CC, Jackson RL, Dai W, Kitchens CA, Day BW, Smithgall TE, Hukriede NA. Inhibition of histone deacetylase expands the renal progenitor cell population. J Am Soc Nephrol 2010; 21:794-802. [PMID: 20378823 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2009080851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the first hallmarks of kidney regeneration is the reactivation of genes normally required during organogenesis. Identification of chemicals with the potential to enhance this reactivation could therapeutically promote kidney regeneration. Here, we found that 4-(phenylthio)butanoic acid (PTBA) expanded the expression domains of molecular markers of kidney organogenesis in zebrafish. PTBA exhibits structural and functional similarity to the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors 4-phenylbutanoic acid and trichostatin A; treatment with these HDAC inhibitors also expanded the renal progenitor cell population. Analyses in vitro and in vivo confirmed that PTBA functions as an inhibitor of HDAC activity. Furthermore, PTBA-mediated renal progenitor cell expansion required retinoic acid signaling. In summary, these results support a mechanistic link among renal progenitor cells, HDAC, and the retinoid pathway. Whether PTBA holds promise as a therapeutic agent to promote renal regeneration requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric D de Groh
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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46
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Elkouby YM, Elias S, Casey ES, Blythe SA, Tsabar N, Klein PS, Root H, Liu KJ, Frank D. Mesodermal Wnt signaling organizes the neural plate via Meis3. Development 2010; 137:1531-41. [PMID: 20356957 DOI: 10.1242/dev.044750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In vertebrates, canonical Wnt signaling controls posterior neural cell lineage specification. Although Wnt signaling to the neural plate is sufficient for posterior identity, the source and timing of this activity remain uncertain. Furthermore, crucial molecular targets of this activity have not been defined. Here, we identify the endogenous Wnt activity and its role in controlling an essential downstream transcription factor, Meis3. Wnt3a is expressed in a specialized mesodermal domain, the paraxial dorsolateral mesoderm, which signals to overlying neuroectoderm. Loss of zygotic Wnt3a in this region does not alter mesoderm cell fates, but blocks Meis3 expression in the neuroectoderm, triggering the loss of posterior neural fates. Ectopic Meis3 protein expression is sufficient to rescue this phenotype. Moreover, Wnt3a induction of the posterior nervous system requires functional Meis3 in the neural plate. Using ChIP and promoter analysis, we show that Meis3 is a direct target of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. This suggests a new model for neural anteroposterior patterning, in which Wnt3a from the paraxial mesoderm induces posterior cell fates via direct activation of a crucial transcription factor in the overlying neural plate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv M Elkouby
- Department of Biochemistry, The Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
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47
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Induction and patterning of trunk and tail neural ectoderm by the homeobox gene eve1 in zebrafish embryos. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:3564-9. [PMID: 20142486 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1000389107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, Evx homeodomain transcription factor-encoding genes are expressed in the posterior region during embryonic development, and overexpression experiments have revealed roles in tail development in fish and frogs. We analyzed the molecular mechanisms of posterior neural development and axis formation regulated by eve1. We show that eve1 is involved in establishing trunk and tail neural ectoderm by two independent mechanisms: First, eve1 posteriorizes neural ectoderm via induction of aldh1a2, which encodes an enzyme that synthesizes retinoic acid; second, eve1 is involved in neural induction in the posterior ectoderm by attenuating BMP expression. Further, eve1 can restore trunk neural tube formation in the organizer-deficient ichabod(-/-) mutant. We conclude that eve1 is crucial for the organization of the antero-posterior and dorso-ventral axis in the gastrula ectoderm and also has trunk- and tail-promoting activity.
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48
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Gutkovich YE, Ofir R, Elkouby YM, Dibner C, Gefen A, Elias S, Frank D. Xenopus Meis3 protein lies at a nexus downstream to Zic1 and Pax3 proteins, regulating multiple cell-fates during early nervous system development. Dev Biol 2010; 338:50-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2009] [Revised: 11/16/2009] [Accepted: 11/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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49
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The Pax3 and Pax7 paralogs cooperate in neural and neural crest patterning using distinct molecular mechanisms, in Xenopus laevis embryos. Dev Biol 2010; 340:381-96. [PMID: 20116373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2009] [Revised: 01/06/2010] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Pax3 and Pax7 paralogous genes have functionally diverged in vertebrate evolution, creating opportunity for a new distribution of roles between the two genes and the evolution of novel functions. Here we focus on the regulation and function of Pax7 in the brain and neural crest of amphibian embryos, which display a different pax7 expression pattern, compared to the other vertebrates already described. Pax7 expression is restricted to the midbrain, hindbrain and anterior spinal cord, and Pax7 activity is important for maintaining the fates of these regions, by restricting otx2 expression anteriorly. In contrast, pax3 displays broader expression along the entire neuraxis and Pax3 function is important for posterior brain patterning without acting on otx2 expression. Moreover, while both genes are essential for neural crest patterning, we show that they do so using two distinct mechanisms: Pax3 acts within the ectoderm which will be induced into neural crest, while Pax7 is essential for the inducing activity of the paraxial mesoderm towards the prospective neural crest.
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50
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Rosselot C, Spraggon L, Chia I, Batourina E, Riccio P, Lu B, Niederreither K, Dolle P, Duester G, Chambon P, Costantini F, Gilbert T, Molotkov A, Mendelsohn C. Non-cell-autonomous retinoid signaling is crucial for renal development. Development 2010; 137:283-92. [PMID: 20040494 DOI: 10.1242/dev.040287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In humans and mice, mutations in the Ret gene result in Hirschsprung's disease and renal defects. In the embryonic kidney, binding of Ret to its ligand, Gdnf, induces a program of epithelial cell remodeling that controls primary branch formation and branching morphogenesis within the kidney. Our previous studies showed that transcription factors belonging to the retinoic acid (RA) receptor family are crucial for controlling Ret expression in the ureteric bud; however, the mechanism by which retinoid-signaling acts has remained unclear. In the current study, we show that expression of a dominant-negative RA receptor in mouse ureteric bud cells abolishes Ret expression and Ret-dependent functions including ureteric bud formation and branching morphogenesis, indicating that RA-receptor signaling in ureteric bud cells is crucial for renal development. Conversely, we find that RA-receptor signaling in ureteric bud cells depends mainly on RA generated in nearby stromal cells by retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2, an enzyme required for most fetal RA synthesis. Together, these studies suggest that renal development depends on paracrine RA signaling between stromal mesenchyme and ureteric bud cells that regulates Ret expression both during ureteric bud formation and within the developing collecting duct system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Rosselot
- Department of Urology, Columbia University, New York, New York 10032 USA
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