1
|
Freingruber V, Painter KJ, Ptashnyk M, Schumacher LJ. A biased random walk approach for modeling the collective chemotaxis of neural crest cells. J Math Biol 2024; 88:32. [PMID: 38407620 PMCID: PMC10896796 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-024-02047-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Collective cell migration is a multicellular phenomenon that arises in various biological contexts, including cancer and embryo development. 'Collectiveness' can be promoted by cell-cell interactions such as co-attraction and contact inhibition of locomotion. These mechanisms act on cell polarity, pivotal for directed cell motility, through influencing the intracellular dynamics of small GTPases such as Rac1. To model these dynamics we introduce a biased random walk model, where the bias depends on the internal state of Rac1, and the Rac1 state is influenced by cell-cell interactions and chemoattractive cues. In an extensive simulation study we demonstrate and explain the scope and applicability of the introduced model in various scenarios. The use of a biased random walk model allows for the derivation of a corresponding partial differential equation for the cell density while still maintaining a certain level of intracellular detail from the individual based setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Freingruber
- Department of Mathematics, The Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, Scotland, UK.
- The Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, School of Mathematics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, Scotland, UK.
| | - Kevin J Painter
- Dipartimento Interateneo di Scienze, Progetto e Politiche del Territorio (DIST), Politecnico di Torino, Viale Pier Andrea Mattioli, 39, Turin, 10125, Italy
| | - Mariya Ptashnyk
- Department of Mathematics, The Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, Scotland, UK
| | - Linus J Schumacher
- The Maxwell Institute for Mathematical Sciences, School of Mathematics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, Scotland, UK
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh, EH164UU, Scotland, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Esmaeilniakooshkghazi A, Pham E, George SP, Ahrorov A, Villagomez FR, Byington M, Mukhopadhyay S, Patnaik S, Conrad JC, Naik M, Ravi S, Tebbutt N, Mooi J, Reehorst CM, Mariadason JM, Khurana S. In colon cancer cells fascin1 regulates adherens junction remodeling. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22786. [PMID: 36786724 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201454r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Adherens junctions (AJs) are a defining feature of all epithelial cells. They regulate epithelial tissue architecture and integrity, and their dysregulation is a key step in tumor metastasis. AJ remodeling is crucial for cancer progression, and it plays a key role in tumor cell survival, growth, and dissemination. Few studies have examined AJ remodeling in cancer cells consequently, it remains poorly understood and unleveraged in the treatment of metastatic carcinomas. Fascin1 is an actin-bundling protein that is absent from the normal epithelium but its expression in colon cancer is linked to metastasis and increased mortality. Here, we provide the molecular mechanism of AJ remodeling in colon cancer cells and identify for the first time, fascin1's function in AJ remodeling. We show that in colon cancer cells fascin1 remodels junctional actin and actomyosin contractility which makes AJs less stable but more dynamic. By remodeling AJs fascin1 drives mechanoactivation of WNT/β-catenin signaling and generates "collective plasticity" which influences the behavior of cells during cell migration. The impact of mechanical inputs on WNT/β-catenin activation in cancer cells remains poorly understood. Our findings highlight the role of AJ remodeling and mechanosensitive WNT/β-catenin signaling in the growth and dissemination of colorectal carcinomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Pham
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sudeep P George
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Afzal Ahrorov
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fabian R Villagomez
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael Byington
- Department of Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Srijita Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Srinivas Patnaik
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jacinta C Conrad
- Department of Chemical and Bimolecular Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Monali Naik
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Saathvika Ravi
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Niall Tebbutt
- Gastrointestinal Cancers Programs, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Mooi
- Gastrointestinal Cancers Programs, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Camilla M Reehorst
- Gastrointestinal Cancers Programs, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John M Mariadason
- Gastrointestinal Cancers Programs, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Seema Khurana
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,School of Health Professions, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hayot G, Massonot M, Keime C, Faure E, Golzio C. Loss of autism-candidate CHD8 perturbs neural crest development and intestinal homeostatic balance. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202201456. [PMID: 36375841 PMCID: PMC9664244 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with mutations in CHD8 present with gastrointestinal complaints, yet the underlying mechanisms are understudied. Here, using a stable constitutive chd8 mutant zebrafish model, we found that the loss of chd8 leads to a reduced number of vagal neural crest cells (NCCs), enteric neural and glial progenitors, emigrating from the neural tube, and that their early migration capability was altered. At later stages, although the intestinal colonization by NCCs was complete, we found the decreased numbers of both serotonin-producing enterochromaffin cells and NCC-derived serotonergic neurons, suggesting an intestinal hyposerotonemia in the absence of chd8 Furthermore, transcriptomic analyses revealed an altered expression of key receptors and enzymes in serotonin and acetylcholine signaling pathways. The tissue examination of chd8 mutants revealed a thinner intestinal epithelium accompanied by an accumulation of neutrophils and the decreased numbers of goblet cells and eosinophils. Last, single-cell sequencing of whole intestines showed a global disruption of the immune balance with a perturbed expression of inflammatory interleukins and changes in immune cell clusters. Our findings propose a causal developmental link between chd8, NCC development, intestinal homeostasis, and autism-associated gastrointestinal complaints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Hayot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathieu Massonot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Céline Keime
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Elodie Faure
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christelle Golzio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Huang T, Hou Y, Wang X, Wang L, Yi C, Wang C, Sun X, Tam PKH, Ngai SM, Sham MH, Burns AJ, Chan WY. Direct Interaction of Sox10 With Cadherin-19 Mediates Early Sacral Neural Crest Cell Migration: Implications for Enteric Nervous System Development Defects. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:179-192.e11. [PMID: 34425092 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The enteric nervous system, which regulates many gastrointestinal functions, is derived from neural crest cells (NCCs). Defective NCC migration during embryonic development may lead to enteric neuropathies such as Hirschsprung's disease (hindgut aganglionosis). Sox10 is known to be essential for cell migration but downstream molecular events regulating early NCC migration have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to determine how Sox10 regulates migration of sacral NCCs toward the hindgut using Dominant megacolon mice, an animal model of Hirschsprung's disease with a Sox10 mutation. METHODS We used the following: time-lapse live cell imaging to determine the migration defects of mutant sacral NCCs; genome-wide microarrays, site-directed mutagenesis, and whole embryo culture to identify Sox10 targets; and liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry to ascertain downstream effectors of Sox10. RESULTS Sacral NCCs exhibited retarded migration to the distal hindgut in Sox10-null embryos with simultaneous down-regulated expression of cadherin-19 (Cdh19). Sox10 was found to bind directly to the Cdh19 promoter. Cdh19 knockdown resulted in retarded sacral NCC migration in vitro and ex vivo, whereas re-expression of Cdh19 partially rescued the retarded migration of mutant sacral NCCs in vitro. Cdh19 formed cadherin-catenin complexes, which then bound to filamentous actin of the cytoskeleton during cell migration. CONCLUSIONS Cdh19 is a direct target of Sox10 during early sacral NCC migration toward the hindgut and forms cadherin-catenin complexes which interact with the cytoskeleton in migrating cells. Elucidation of this novel molecular pathway helps to provide insights into the pathogenesis of enteric nervous system developmental defects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taida Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yonghui Hou
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xia Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Anatomy, Histology & Developmental Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liang Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Cuifang Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; College of Oceanology and Food Sciences, Quanzhou Normal University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyun Sun
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Paul K H Tam
- Department of Surgery, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Dr. Li Dak Sum Research Centre, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Faculty of Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Sai Ming Ngai
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mai Har Sham
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Alan J Burns
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom; Gastrointestinal Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
| | - Wood Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Avila JA, Southard-Smith EM. "Going the Extra Mile": A Sox10 Target, Cdh19, is Required for Sacral NC Migration in ENS Development. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:42-44. [PMID: 34627857 PMCID: PMC9109251 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Justin A. Avila
- Program in Neuroscience, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - E Michelle Southard-Smith
- Department of Medicine, Division of Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nagy N, Kovacs T, Stavely R, Halasy V, Soos A, Szocs E, Hotta R, Graham H, Goldstein AM. Avian ceca are indispensable for hindgut enteric nervous system development. Development 2021; 148:dev199825. [PMID: 34792104 PMCID: PMC8645208 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS), which is derived from enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs), represents the neuronal innervation of the intestine. Compromised ENCC migration can lead to Hirschsprung disease, which is characterized by an aganglionic distal bowel. During the craniocaudal migration of ENCCs along the gut, we find that their proliferation is greatest as the ENCC wavefront passes through the ceca, a pair of pouches at the midgut-hindgut junction in avian intestine. Removal of the ceca leads to hindgut aganglionosis, suggesting that they are required for ENS development. Comparative transcriptome profiling of the cecal buds compared with the interceca region shows that the non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway is preferentially expressed within the ceca. Specifically, WNT11 is highly expressed, as confirmed by RNA in situ hybridization, leading us to hypothesize that cecal expression of WNT11 is important for ENCC colonization of the hindgut. Organ cultures using embryonic day 6 avian intestine show that WNT11 inhibits enteric neuronal differentiation. These results reveal an essential role for the ceca during hindgut ENS formation and highlight an important function for non-canonical Wnt signaling in regulating ENCC differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nandor Nagy
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Tamas Kovacs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114,USA
| | - Viktoria Halasy
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Adam Soos
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Emoke Szocs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094, Hungary
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114,USA
| | - Hannah Graham
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114,USA
| | - Allan M. Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114,USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang D, Osborne JM, Abu-Bonsrah KD, Cheeseman BL, Landman KA, Jurkowicz B, Newgreen DF. Stochastic clonal expansion of “superstars” enhances the reserve capacity of enteric nervous system precursor cells. Dev Biol 2018; 444 Suppl 1:S287-S296. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
8
|
Merchant B, Edelstein-Keshet L, Feng JJ. A Rho-GTPase based model explains spontaneous collective migration of neural crest cell clusters. Dev Biol 2018; 444 Suppl 1:S262-S273. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
9
|
Jevans B, McCann CJ, Thapar N, Burns AJ. Transplanted enteric neural stem cells integrate within the developing chick spinal cord: implications for spinal cord repair. J Anat 2018; 233:592-606. [PMID: 30191559 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes paralysis, multisystem impairment and reduced life expectancy, as yet with no cure. Stem cell therapy can potentially replace lost neurons, promote axonal regeneration and limit scar formation, but an optimal stem cell source has yet to be found. Enteric neural stem cells (ENSC) isolated from the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are an attractive source. Here, we used the chick embryo to assess the potential of ENSC to integrate within the developing spinal cord. In vitro, isolated ENSC formed extensive cell connections when co-cultured with spinal cord (SC)-derived cells. Further, qRT-PCR analysis revealed the presence of TuJ1+ neurons, S100+ glia and Sox10+ stem cells within ENSC neurospheres, as well as expression of key neuronal subtype genes, at levels comparable to SC tissue. Following ENSC transplantation to an ablated region of chick embryo SC, donor neurons were found up to 12 days later. These neurons formed bridging connections within the SC injury zone, aligned along the anterior/posterior axis, and were immunopositive for TuJ1. These data provide early proof of principle support for the use of ENSCs for SCI, and encourage further research into their potential for repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jevans
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Conor J McCann
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Nikhil Thapar
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Alan J Burns
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Gastrointestinal Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceuticals International, Cambridge, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract contains its own set of intrinsic neuroglial circuits - the enteric nervous system (ENS) - which detects and responds to diverse signals from the environment. Here, we address recent advances in the understanding of ENS development, including how neural-crest-derived progenitors migrate into and colonize the bowel, the formation of ganglionated plexuses and the molecular mechanisms of enteric neuronal and glial diversification. Modern lineage tracing and transcription-profiling technologies have produced observations that simultaneously challenge and affirm long-held beliefs about ENS development. We review many genetic and environmental factors that can alter ENS development and exert long-lasting effects on gastrointestinal function, and discuss how developmental defects in the ENS might account for some of the large burden of digestive disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Rao
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael D Gershon
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Shen Q, Zhang H, Su Y, Wen Z, Zhu Z, Chen G, Peng L, Du C, Xie H, Li H, Lv X, Lu C, Xia Y, Tang W. Identification of two novel PCDHA9 mutations associated with Hirschsprung's disease. Gene 2018; 658:96-104. [PMID: 29477871 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.02.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) is a complex disorder with multiple pathogenic gene mutations. Protocadherin alpha 9 (PCDHA9) was identified as a potential candidate gene for HSCR by whole-exome sequencing in a Chinese family. Sanger sequencing in 298 HSCR cases revealed two sporadic Chinese patients with a novel missence PCDHΑ9 mutation (NM_031857; c.1280C > T[p.Ala427Val]) and one sporadic Chinese patient with another novel missence PCDHΑ9 mutation (c.1425C > G[p.Phe475Leu]).The silico predictions and 3D modeling suggest the deleterious effect of identified mutations on protein function. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed PCDHΑ9 was predominantly expressed in the myenteric plexus of human colon tissues. For mouse embryos, PCDHΑ9 was expressed in the stomach but rarely seen in the intestine during E10.5-12.5, then obviously expressed in the intestinal mucosa at E13.5 and extensively expressed in intestinal muscularis and mucosa at E14.5. Moreover, the down-regulation of PCDHΑ9 in the SH-SY5Y cell line promoted the proliferation and migration rate but inhibited the apoptotic rate. In summary, PCDHΑ9 is potentially related to HSCR and the clustered protocadherins (Pcdhs) may involve in the enteric nervous system (ENS) ontogeny.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiyang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yang Su
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zechao Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhongxian Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Guanglin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Lei Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Chunxia Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Hua Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Hongxing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xiaofeng Lv
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Changgui Lu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology (Nanjing Medical University), Ministry of Education, China.
| | - Weibing Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Espinosa-Medina I, Jevans B, Boismoreau F, Chettouh Z, Enomoto H, Müller T, Birchmeier C, Burns AJ, Brunet JF. Dual origin of enteric neurons in vagal Schwann cell precursors and the sympathetic neural crest. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:11980-11985. [PMID: 29078343 PMCID: PMC5692562 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1710308114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Most of the enteric nervous system derives from the "vagal" neural crest, lying at the level of somites 1-7, which invades the digestive tract rostro-caudally from the foregut to the hindgut. Little is known about the initial phase of this colonization, which brings enteric precursors into the foregut. Here we show that the "vagal crest" subsumes two populations of enteric precursors with contrasted origins, initial modes of migration, and destinations. Crest cells adjacent to somites 1 and 2 produce Schwann cell precursors that colonize the vagus nerve, which in turn guides them into the esophagus and stomach. Crest cells adjacent to somites 3-7 belong to the crest streams contributing to sympathetic chains: they migrate ventrally, seed the sympathetic chains, and colonize the entire digestive tract thence. Accordingly, enteric ganglia, like sympathetic ones, are atrophic when deprived of signaling through the tyrosine kinase receptor ErbB3, while half of the esophageal ganglia require, like parasympathetic ones, the nerve-associated form of the ErbB3 ligand, Neuregulin-1. These dependencies might bear relevance to Hirschsprung disease, with which alleles of Neuregulin-1 are associated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Espinosa-Medina
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ben Jevans
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Birth Defects Research Centre, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, WC1N 1EH London, United Kingdom
| | - Franck Boismoreau
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Zoubida Chettouh
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Hideki Enomoto
- Laboratory for Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, 650-0017 Kobe City, Japan
| | - Thomas Müller
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz-Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Birchmeier
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz-Association, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Alan J Burns
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Birth Defects Research Centre, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, WC1N 1EH London, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 CE Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jean-François Brunet
- Institut de Biologie de l'École Normale Supérieure (IBENS), École Normale Supérieure, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Miller AJ, Spence JR. In Vitro Models to Study Human Lung Development, Disease and Homeostasis. Physiology (Bethesda) 2017; 32:246-260. [PMID: 28404740 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00041.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The main function of the lung is to support gas exchange, and defects in lung development or diseases affecting the structure and function of the lung can have fatal consequences. Most of what we currently understand about human lung development and disease has come from animal models. However, animal models are not always fully able to recapitulate human lung development and disease, highlighting an area where in vitro models of the human lung can compliment animal models to further understanding of critical developmental and pathological mechanisms. This review will discuss current advances in generating in vitro human lung models using primary human tissue, cell lines, and human pluripotent stem cell derived lung tissue, and will discuss crucial next steps in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa J Miller
- PhD Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jason R Spence
- PhD Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan; .,PhD Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,PhD Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,Center for Organogenesis, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nagy N, Goldstein AM. Enteric nervous system development: A crest cell's journey from neural tube to colon. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 66:94-106. [PMID: 28087321 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is comprised of a network of neurons and glial cells that are responsible for coordinating many aspects of gastrointestinal (GI) function. These cells arise from the neural crest, migrate to the gut, and then continue their journey to colonize the entire length of the GI tract. Our understanding of the molecular and cellular events that regulate these processes has advanced significantly over the past several decades, in large part facilitated by the use of rodents, avians, and zebrafish as model systems to dissect the signals and pathways involved. These studies have highlighted the highly dynamic nature of ENS development and the importance of carefully balancing migration, proliferation, and differentiation of enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCCs). Proliferation, in particular, is critically important as it drives cell density and speed of migration, both of which are important for ensuring complete colonization of the gut. However, proliferation must be tempered by differentiation among cells that have reached their final destination and are ready to send axonal extensions, connect to effector cells, and begin to produce neurotransmitters or other signals. Abnormalities in the normal processes guiding ENCC development can lead to failure of ENS formation, as occurs in Hirschsprung disease, in which the distal intestine remains aganglionic. This review summarizes our current understanding of the factors involved in early development of the ENS and discusses areas in need of further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nandor Nagy
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Center for Neurointestinal Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Center for Neurointestinal Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
von Sochaczewski CO, Wenke K, Grieve A, Westgarth-Taylor C, Loveland JA, Metzger R, Kluth D. Regenerative capacity of the enteric nervous system: is immaturity defining the point of no return? J Surg Res 2016; 209:112-121. [PMID: 28032547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2016.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal obstruction in newborns is associated with intestinal motility disorders after surgery. Alterations in the enteric nervous system (ENS) might cause abnormal peristalsis, which may then result in intestinal motility disorders. We aimed to quantify alterations in the myenteric plexus after a ligation and to test if these alterations were reversible. METHODS Small intestines of chicken embryos were ligated in ovo at embryonic day (ED) 11 for either 4 d (ED 11-15) or 8 d (ED 11-19). Both treated groups and control group were sacrificed and intestinal segments examined by means of both light and electron microscopy. RESULTS The number of proximal myenteric ganglia increased (ED 19, 30.7 ± 3.16 versus 23.1 ± 2.03; P < 0.001) in the 8-d ligature group but had values similar to the control group in the 4-d ligature group. The size distribution was skewed toward small ganglia in the 8-d ligature group (ED 19, 83.71 ± 11.60% versus 3.88 ± 4.74% in the control group; P < 0.001) but comparable with the control group in the 4-d ligature group. Subcellular alterations in the 4-d ligature group were reversible. CONCLUSIONS The pathologic alterations in the ENS were fully reversible in the 4-d ligature group. This reversibility might be linked to the degree of immaturity of the ENS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katharina Wenke
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrew Grieve
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Chris Westgarth-Taylor
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Jerome A Loveland
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Roman Metzger
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Dietrich Kluth
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Heuckeroth RO, Schäfer KH. Gene-environment interactions and the enteric nervous system: Neural plasticity and Hirschsprung disease prevention. Dev Biol 2016; 417:188-97. [PMID: 26997034 PMCID: PMC5026873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal function is primarily controlled by an intrinsic nervous system of the bowel called the enteric nervous system (ENS). The cells of the ENS are neural crest derivatives that migrate into and through the bowel during early stages of organogenesis before differentiating into a wide variety of neurons and glia. Although genetic factors critically underlie ENS development, it is now clear that many non-genetic factors may influence the number of enteric neurons, types of enteric neurons, and ratio of neurons to glia. These non-genetic influences include dietary nutrients and medicines that may impact ENS structure and function before or after birth. This review summarizes current data about gene-environment interactions that affect ENS development and suggests that these factors may contribute to human intestinal motility disorders like Hirschsprung disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert O Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, USA; The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Karl-Herbert Schäfer
- ENS Group, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern/Zweibrücken, Germany; University of Heidelberg, Paediatric Surgery Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zuhdi N, Ortega B, Giovannone D, Ra H, Reyes M, Asención V, McNicoll I, Ma L, de Bellard ME. Slit molecules prevent entrance of trunk neural crest cells in developing gut. Int J Dev Neurosci 2014; 41:8-16. [PMID: 25490618 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest cells emerge from the dorsal neural tube early in development and give rise to sensory and sympathetic ganglia, adrenal cells, teeth, melanocytes and especially enteric nervous system. Several inhibitory molecules have been shown to play important roles in neural crest migration, among them are the chemorepulsive Slit1-3. It was known that Slits chemorepellants are expressed at the entry to the gut, and thus could play a role in the differential ability of vagal but not trunk neural crest cells to invade the gut and form enteric ganglia. Especially since trunk neural crest cells express Robo receptor while vagal do not. Thus, although we know that Robo mediates migration along the dorsal pathway in neural crest cells, we do not know if it is responsible in preventing their entry into the gut. The goal of this study was to further corroborate a role for Slit molecules in keeping trunk neural crest cells away from the gut. We observed that when we silenced Robo receptor in trunk neural crest, the sympathoadrenal (somites 18-24) were capable of invading gut mesenchyme in larger proportion than more rostral counterparts. The more rostral trunk neural crest tended not to migrate beyond the ventral aorta, suggesting that there are other repulsive molecules keeping them away from the gut. Interestingly, we also found that when we silenced Robo in sacral neural crest they did not wait for the arrival of vagal crest but entered the gut and migrated rostrally, suggesting that Slit molecules are the ones responsible for keeping them waiting at the hindgut mesenchyme. These combined results confirm that Slit molecules are responsible for keeping the timeliness of colonization of the gut by neural crest cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora Zuhdi
- California State University Northridge, Biology Deptartment, MC 8303. 18111 Nordhoff Street. Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - Blanca Ortega
- California State University Northridge, Biology Deptartment, MC 8303. 18111 Nordhoff Street. Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - Dion Giovannone
- California State University Northridge, Biology Deptartment, MC 8303. 18111 Nordhoff Street. Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - Hannah Ra
- California State University Northridge, Biology Deptartment, MC 8303. 18111 Nordhoff Street. Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - Michelle Reyes
- California State University Northridge, Biology Deptartment, MC 8303. 18111 Nordhoff Street. Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - Viviana Asención
- California State University Northridge, Biology Deptartment, MC 8303. 18111 Nordhoff Street. Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - Ian McNicoll
- California State University Northridge, Biology Deptartment, MC 8303. 18111 Nordhoff Street. Northridge, CA 91330, USA
| | - Le Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, BLSB 306, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Maria Elena de Bellard
- California State University Northridge, Biology Deptartment, MC 8303. 18111 Nordhoff Street. Northridge, CA 91330, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Findlay Q, Yap KK, Bergner AJ, Young HM, Stamp LA. Enteric neural progenitors are more efficient than brain-derived progenitors at generating neurons in the colon. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2014; 307:G741-8. [PMID: 25125684 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00225.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Gut motility disorders can result from an absent, damaged, or dysfunctional enteric nervous system (ENS). Cell therapy is an exciting prospect to treat these enteric neuropathies and restore gut motility. Previous studies have examined a variety of sources of stem/progenitor cells, but the ability of different sources of cells to generate enteric neurons has not been directly compared. It is important to identify the source of stem/progenitor cells that is best at colonizing the bowel and generating neurons following transplantation. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of central nervous system (CNS) progenitors and ENS progenitors to colonize the colon and differentiate into neurons. Genetically labeled CNS- and ENS-derived progenitors were cocultured with aneural explants of embryonic mouse colon for 1 or 2.5 wk to assess their migratory, proliferative, and differentiation capacities, and survival, in the embryonic gut environment. Both progenitor cell populations were transplanted in the postnatal colon of mice in vivo for 4 wk before they were analyzed for migration and differentiation using immunohistochemistry. ENS-derived progenitors migrated further than CNS-derived cells in both embryonic and postnatal gut environments. ENS-derived progenitors also gave rise to more neurons than their CNS-derived counterparts. Furthermore, neurons derived from ENS progenitors clustered together in ganglia, whereas CNS-derived neurons were mostly solitary. We conclude that, within the gut environment, ENS-derived progenitors show superior migration, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation compared with CNS progenitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quan Findlay
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kiryu K Yap
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Annette J Bergner
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Heather M Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lincon A Stamp
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang D, Ighaniyan S, Stathopoulos L, Rollo B, Landman K, Hutson J, Newgreen D. The neural crest: a versatile organ system. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 102:275-98. [PMID: 25227568 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The neural crest is the name given to the strip of cells at the junction between neural and epidermal ectoderm in neurula-stage vertebrate embryos, which is later brought to the dorsal neural tube as the neural folds elevate. The neural crest is a heterogeneous and multipotent progenitor cell population whose cells undergo EMT then extensively and accurately migrate throughout the embryo. Neural crest cells contribute to nearly every organ system in the body, with derivatives of neuronal, glial, neuroendocrine, pigment, and also mesodermal lineages. This breadth of developmental capacity has led to the neural crest being termed the fourth germ layer. The neural crest has occupied a prominent place in developmental biology, due to its exaggerated migratory morphogenesis and its remarkably wide developmental potential. As such, neural crest cells have become an attractive model for developmental biologists for studying these processes. Problems in neural crest development cause a number of human syndromes and birth defects known collectively as neurocristopathies; these include Treacher Collins syndrome, Hirschsprung disease, and 22q11.2 deletion syndromes. Tumors in the neural crest lineage are also of clinical importance, including the aggressive melanoma and neuroblastoma types. These clinical aspects have drawn attention to the selection or creation of neural crest progenitor cells, particularly of human origin, for studying pathologies of the neural crest at the cellular level, and also for possible cell therapeutics. The versatility of the neural crest lends itself to interlinked research, spanning basic developmental biology, birth defect research, oncology, and stem/progenitor cell biology and therapy.
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
With the high prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders, there is great interest in establishing in vitro models of human intestinal disease and in developing drug-screening platforms that more accurately represent the complex physiology of the intestine. We will review how recent advances in developmental and stem cell biology have made it possible to generate complex, three-dimensional, human intestinal tissues in vitro through directed differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells. These are currently being used to study human development, genetic forms of disease, intestinal pathogens, metabolic disease and cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James M Wells
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lake JI, Heuckeroth RO. Enteric nervous system development: migration, differentiation, and disease. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2013; 305:G1-24. [PMID: 23639815 PMCID: PMC3725693 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00452.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 229] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) provides the intrinsic innervation of the bowel and is the most neurochemically diverse branch of the peripheral nervous system, consisting of two layers of ganglia and fibers encircling the gastrointestinal tract. The ENS is vital for life and is capable of autonomous regulation of motility and secretion. Developmental studies in model organisms and genetic studies of the most common congenital disease of the ENS, Hirschsprung disease, have provided a detailed understanding of ENS development. The ENS originates in the neural crest, mostly from the vagal levels of the neuraxis, which invades, proliferates, and migrates within the intestinal wall until the entire bowel is colonized with enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDCs). After initial migration, the ENS develops further by responding to guidance factors and morphogens that pattern the bowel concentrically, differentiating into glia and neuronal subtypes and wiring together to form a functional nervous system. Molecules controlling this process, including glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and its receptor RET, endothelin (ET)-3 and its receptor endothelin receptor type B, and transcription factors such as SOX10 and PHOX2B, are required for ENS development in humans. Important areas of active investigation include mechanisms that guide ENCDC migration, the role and signals downstream of endothelin receptor type B, and control of differentiation, neurochemical coding, and axonal targeting. Recent work also focuses on disease treatment by exploring the natural role of ENS stem cells and investigating potential therapeutic uses. Disease prevention may also be possible by modifying the fetal microenvironment to reduce the penetrance of Hirschsprung disease-causing mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan I. Lake
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and
| | - Robert O. Heuckeroth
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and ,2Department of Developmental, Regenerative, and Stem Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Harrison C, Shepherd IT. Choices choices: regulation of precursor differentiation during enteric nervous system development. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2013; 25:554-62. [PMID: 23634805 PMCID: PMC4062358 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the largest subdivision of the peripheral nervous system and forms a complex circuit of neurons and glia that controls the function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Within this circuit, there are multiple subtypes of neurons and glia. Appropriate differentiation of these various cell subtypes is vital for normal ENS and GI function. Studies of the pediatric disorder Hirschprung's Disease (HSCR) have provided a number of important insights into the mechanisms and molecules involved in ENS development; however, there are numerous other GI disorders that potentially may result from defects in development/differentiation of only a subset of ENS neurons or glia. Purpose Our understanding of the mechanisms and molecules involved in enteric nervous system differentiation is far from complete. Critically, it remains unclear at what point the fates of enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) become committed to a specific subtype cell fate and how these cell fate choices are made. We will review our current understanding of ENS differentiation and highlight key questions that need to be addressed to gain a more complete understanding of this biological process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin Harrison
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
| | - Iain T. Shepherd
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Erickson CS, Zaitoun I, Haberman KM, Gosain A, Druckenbrod NR, Epstein ML. Sacral neural crest-derived cells enter the aganglionic colon of Ednrb-/- mice along extrinsic nerve fibers. J Comp Neurol 2012; 520:620-32. [PMID: 21858821 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Both vagal and sacral neural crest cells contribute to the enteric nervous system in the hindgut. Because it is difficult to visualize sacral crest cells independently of vagal crest, the nature and extent of the sacral crest contribution to the enteric nervous system are not well established in rodents. To overcome this problem we generated mice in which only the fluorescent protein-labeled sacral crest are present in the terminal colon. We found that sacral crest cells were associated with extrinsic nerve fibers. We investigated the source, time of appearance, and characteristics of the extrinsic nerve fibers found in the aganglionic colon. We observed that the pelvic ganglion neurons contributed a number of extrinsic fibers that travel within the hindgut between circular and longitudinal muscles and within the submucosa and serosa. Sacral crest-derived cells along these fibers diminished in number from fetal to postnatal stages. A small number of sacral crest-derived cells were found between the muscle layers and expressed the neuronal marker Hu. We conclude that sacral crest cells enter the hindgut by advancing on extrinsic fibers and, in aganglionic preparations, they form a small number of neurons at sites normally occupied by myenteric ganglia. We also examined the colons of ganglionated preparations and found sacral crest-derived cells associated with both extrinsic nerve fibers and nascent ganglia. Extrinsic nerve fibers serve as a route of entry for both rodent and avian sacral crest into the hindgut.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher S Erickson
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS), the intrinsic innervation of the gastrointestinal tract, consists of numerous types of neurons, and glial cells, that are distributed in two intramuscular plexuses that extend along the entire length of the gut and control co-ordinated smooth muscle contractile activity and other gut functions. All enteric neurons and glia are derived from neural crest cells (NCC). Vagal (hindbrain) level NCC provide the majority of enteric precursors along the entire length of the gut, while a lesser contribution, that is restricted to the hindgut, arises from the sacral region of the neuraxis. After leaving the dorsal neural tube NCC undergo extensive migration, proliferation, survival and differentiation in order to form a functional ENS. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying these key developmental processes and highlights the major groups of molecules that affect enteric NCC proliferation and survival (Ret/Gdnf and EdnrB/Et-3 pathways, Sox10 and Phox2b transcription factors), cell migration (Ret and EdnrB signalling, semaphorin 3A, cell adhesion molecules, Rho GTPases), and the development of enteric neuronal subtypes and morphologies (Mash1, Gdnf/neurturin, BMPs, Hand2, retinoic acid). Finally, looking to the future, we discuss the need to translate the wealth of data gleaned from animal studies to the clinical area and thus better understand, and develop treatments for, congenital human diseases affecting the ENS.
Collapse
|
25
|
Mundell NA, Plank JL, LeGrone AW, Frist AY, Zhu L, Shin MK, Southard-Smith EM, Labosky PA. Enteric nervous system specific deletion of Foxd3 disrupts glial cell differentiation and activates compensatory enteric progenitors. Dev Biol 2012; 363:373-87. [PMID: 22266424 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2011] [Revised: 01/02/2012] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) arises from the coordinated migration, expansion and differentiation of vagal and sacral neural crest progenitor cells. During development, vagal neural crest cells enter the foregut and migrate in a rostro-to-caudal direction, colonizing the entire gastrointestinal tract and generating the majority of the ENS. Sacral neural crest contributes to a subset of enteric ganglia in the hindgut, colonizing the colon in a caudal-to-rostral wave. During this process, enteric neural crest-derived progenitors (ENPs) self-renew and begin expressing markers of neural and glial lineages as they populate the intestine. Our earlier work demonstrated that the transcription factor Foxd3 is required early in neural crest-derived progenitors for self-renewal, multipotency and establishment of multiple neural crest-derived cells and structures including the ENS. Here, we describe Foxd3 expression within the fetal and postnatal intestine: Foxd3 was strongly expressed in ENPs as they colonize the gastrointestinal tract and was progressively restricted to enteric glial cells. Using a novel Ednrb-iCre transgene to delete Foxd3 after vagal neural crest cells migrate into the midgut, we demonstrated a late temporal requirement for Foxd3 during ENS development. Lineage labeling of Ednrb-iCre expressing cells in Foxd3 mutant embryos revealed a reduction of ENPs throughout the gut and loss of Ednrb-iCre lineage cells in the distal colon. Although mutant mice were viable, defects in patterning and distribution of ENPs were associated with reduced proliferation and severe reduction of glial cells derived from the Ednrb-iCre lineage. Analyses of ENS-lineage and differentiation in mutant embryos suggested activation of a compensatory population of Foxd3-positive ENPs that did not express the Ednrb-iCre transgene. Our findings highlight the crucial roles played by Foxd3 during ENS development including progenitor proliferation, neural patterning, and glial differentiation and may help delineate distinct molecular programs controlling vagal versus sacral neural crest development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A Mundell
- Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Landman KA, Binder BJ, Newgreen DF. Modeling Development and Disease in Our “Second” Brain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-33350-7_42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
|
27
|
Wang X, Chan AKK, Sham MH, Burns AJ, Chan WY. Analysis of the sacral neural crest cell contribution to the hindgut enteric nervous system in the mouse embryo. Gastroenterology 2011; 141:992-1002.e1-6. [PMID: 21699792 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Revised: 05/14/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The majority of the enteric nervous system is derived from the vagal neural crest, with a second contribution, which is restricted to the post-umbilical gut, originating from the sacral neural crest. In mammals, although sacral neural crest cells (NCCs) have been shown to enter the hindgut, information on their development and role remains scant. Our aim was to determine the migratory routes of sacral NCCs to the hindgut, their timing and site of entry into the gut, and their migratory behaviors and differentiation within the hindgut. METHODS We used in situ cell labeling, whole embryo culture, immunofluorescence, organotypic culture, and time-lapse live-cell imaging in mouse embryos. RESULTS Sacral NCCs emigrated from the neural tube at embryonic day 9.5, accumulated bilateral to the hindgut to form prospective pelvic ganglia at embryonic day 11.5, and from there entered the distal hindgut through its ventrolateral side at embryonic day 13.5. They then migrated along nerve fibers extending from the pelvic ganglia toward the proximal hindgut, intermingling with rostrocaudally migrating vagal NCCs to differentiate into neurons and glia. In organotypic culture, genetically labeled sacral and vagal NCCs displayed different capabilities of entering the hindgut, implying differences in their intrinsic migratory properties. Time-lapse live-cell imaging on explants ex vivo showed that sacral NCCs migrated along nerve fibers and exhibited different migratory behaviors from vagal NCCs. CONCLUSIONS Murine sacral NCCs are a distinct group of cells that migrate along defined pathways from neural tube to hindgut. They exhibit discrete migratory behaviors within the gut mesenchyme and contribute neurons and glial cells to the hindgut enteric nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kuo BR, Erickson CA. Vagal neural crest cell migratory behavior: a transition between the cranial and trunk crest. Dev Dyn 2011; 240:2084-100. [PMID: 22016183 PMCID: PMC4070611 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.22715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Migration and differentiation of cranial neural crest cells are largely controlled by environmental cues, whereas pathfinding at the trunk level is dictated by cell-autonomous molecular changes owing to early specification of the premigratory crest. Here, we investigated the migration and patterning of vagal neural crest cells. We show that (1) vagal neural crest cells exhibit some developmental bias, and (2) they take separate pathways to the heart and to the gut. Together these observations suggest that prior specification dictates initial pathway choice. However, when we challenged the vagal neural crest cells with different migratory environments, we observed that the behavior of the anterior vagal neural crest cells (somite-level 1-3) exhibit considerable migratory plasticity, whereas the posterior vagal neural crest cells (somite-level 5-7) are more restricted in their behavior. We conclude that the vagal neural crest is a transitional population that has evolved between the head and the trunk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol A. Erickson
- Correspondence to: Carol A. Erickson, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, , (530) 752-8318
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Landman KA, Fernando AE, Zhang D, Newgreen DF. Building stable chains with motile agents: Insights into the morphology of enteric neural crest cell migration. J Theor Biol 2011; 276:250-68. [PMID: 21296089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2011.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/26/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A defining characteristic of the normal development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) is the existence of an enteric neural crest (ENC) cell colonization wave, where the ENC cells form stable chains often associated with axons and near the vascular network. However, within this evolving neural network, the individual ENC cell elements constantly move, change direction and appear to act independently of neighbors. Three possible hypotheses are investigated. The simplest of these postulates that the ENS follows the vascular network as a template. We present evidence which does not support this hypothesis. Two viable alternatives are either that (i) the axons muster the ENC cells, providing the pattern for the chain migration or (ii) ENC cells form chains and the axons follow these paths. These two hypotheses are explored by developing a stochastic cellular automata model, where ENC agents follow simple rules, which reflect the underlying biology of movement, proliferation and differentiation. By simulating ENC precursors and the associated neurons and axons, two models with different fundamental mechanisms are developed. From local rules, a mesoscale network pattern with lacunae emerges, which can be analyzed quantitatively. Simulation and analysis establishes the parameters that affect the morphology of the resulting network. This investigation into the axon/ENC and ENC/ENC interplay suggests possible explanations for observations in mouse and avian embryos in normal and abnormal ENS development, as well as further experimentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry A Landman
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kuo BR, Erickson CA. Regional differences in neural crest morphogenesis. Cell Adh Migr 2010; 4:567-85. [PMID: 20962585 PMCID: PMC3011260 DOI: 10.4161/cam.4.4.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest cells are pluripotent cells that emerge from the neural epithelium, migrate extensively, and differentiate into numerous derivatives, including neurons, glial cells, pigment cells and connective tissue. Major questions concerning their morphogenesis include: 1) what establishes the pathways of migration and 2) what controls the final destination and differentiation of various neural crest subpopulations. These questions will be addressed in this review. Neural crest cells from the trunk level have been explored most extensively. Studies show that melanoblasts are specified shortly after they depart from the neural tube, and this specification directs their migration into the dorsolateral pathway. We also consider other reports that present strong evidence for ventrally migrating neural crest cells being similarly fate restricted. Cranial neural crest cells have been less analyzed in this regard but the preponderance of evidence indicates that either the cranial neural crest cells are not fate-restricted, or are extremely plastic in their developmental capability and that specification does not control pathfinding. Thus, the guidance mechanisms that control cranial neural crest migration and their behavior vary significantly from the trunk. The vagal neural crest arises at the axial level between the cranial and trunk neural crest and represents a transitional cell population between the head and trunk neural crest. We summarize new data to support this claim. In particular, we show that: 1) the vagal-level neural crest cells exhibit modest developmental bias; 2) there are differences in the migratory behavior between the anterior and the posterior vagal neural crest cells reminiscent of the cranial and the trunk neural crest, respectively; 3) the vagal neural crest cells take the dorsolateral pathway to the pharyngeal arches and the heart, but the ventral pathway to the peripheral nervous system and the gut. However, these pathways are not rigidly specified because of prior fate restriction. Understanding the molecular, cellular and behavioral differences between these three populations of neural crest cells will be of enormous assistance when trying to understand the evolution of the neck.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan R Kuo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhang D, Brinas IM, Binder BJ, Landman KA, Newgreen DF. Neural crest regionalisation for enteric nervous system formation: Implications for Hirschsprung's disease and stem cell therapy. Dev Biol 2010; 339:280-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Revised: 12/02/2009] [Accepted: 12/10/2009] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
32
|
Burns AJ, Roberts RR, Bornstein JC, Young HM. Development of the enteric nervous system and its role in intestinal motility during fetal and early postnatal stages. Semin Pediatr Surg 2009; 18:196-205. [PMID: 19782301 DOI: 10.1053/j.sempedsurg.2009.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Motility patterns in the mature intestine require the coordinated interaction of enteric neurons, gastrointestinal smooth muscle, and interstitial cells of Cajal. In Hirschsprung's disease, the aganglionic segment causes functional obstruction, and thus the enteric nervous system (ENS) is essential for gastrointestinal motility after birth. Here we review the development of the ENS. We then focus on motility patterns in the small intestine and colon of fetal mice and larval zebrafish, where recent studies have shown that the first intestinal motility patterns are not neurally mediated. Finally, we review the development of gastrointestinal motility in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Burns
- Neural Development Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Laranjeira C, Pachnis V. Enteric nervous system development: Recent progress and future challenges. Auton Neurosci 2009; 151:61-9. [PMID: 19783483 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2009.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system is the largest subdivision of the peripheral nervous system that plays a critical role in digestive functions. Despite considerable progress over the last 15 years in understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control the development of the enteric nervous system, several questions remain unanswered. The present review will focus on recent progress on understanding the development of the mammalian enteric nervous system and highlight interesting directions of future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cátia Laranjeira
- MRC National Institute for Medical Research, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, London, United Kingdom.
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Abstract
The avian embryo has been an important model system for studying enteric nervous system (ENS) development for over 50 y. Since the initial demonstration in chick embryos that the ENS is derived from the neural crest, investigators have used the avian model to reveal the cellular origins and migratory pathways of enteric neural crest-derived cells, with more recent work focusing on the molecular mechanisms regulating ENS development. Seminal contributions have been made in this field by researchers who have taken advantage of the strengths of the avian model system. These strengths include in vivo accessibility throughout development, ability to generate quail-chick chimeras, and the capacity to modulate gene expression in vivo in a spatially and temporally targeted manner. The recent availability of the chicken genome further enhances this model system, allowing investigators to combine classic embryologic methods with current genetic techniques. The strengths and versatility of the avian embryo continue to make it a valuable experimental system for studying the development of the ENS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and the Pediatric Intestinal Rehabilitation Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
The receptor tyrosine kinase RET regulates hindgut colonization by sacral neural crest cells. Dev Biol 2007; 313:279-92. [PMID: 18031721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Revised: 10/18/2007] [Accepted: 10/18/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is formed from vagal and sacral neural crest cells (NCC). Vagal NCC give rise to most of the ENS along the entire gut, whereas the contribution of sacral NCC is mainly limited to the hindgut. This, and data from heterotopic quail-chick grafting studies, suggests that vagal and sacral NCC have intrinsic differences in their ability to colonize the gut, and/or to respond to signalling cues within the gut environment. To better understand the molecular basis of these differences, we studied the expression of genes known to be essential for ENS formation, in sacral NCC within the chick hindgut. Our results demonstrate that, as in vagal NCC, Sox10, EdnrB, and Ret are expressed in sacral NCC within the gut. Since we did not detect a qualitative difference in expression of these ENS genes we performed DNA microarray analysis of vagal and sacral NCC. Of 11 key ENS genes examined from the total data set, Ret was the only gene identified as being highly differentially expressed, with a fourfold increase in expression in vagal versus sacral NCC. We also found that over-expression of RET in sacral NCC increased their ENS developmental potential such that larger numbers of cells entered the gut earlier in development, thus promoting the fate of sacral NCC towards that of vagal NCC.
Collapse
|
36
|
Landman KA, Simpson MJ, Newgreen DF. Mathematical and experimental insights into the development of the enteric nervous system and Hirschsprung's disease. Dev Growth Differ 2007; 49:277-86. [PMID: 17501905 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-169x.2007.00929.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate enteric nervous system is formed by a rostro-caudally directed invasion of the embryonic gastrointestinal mesenchyme by neural crest cells. Failure to complete this invasion results in the distal intestine lacking intrinsic neurons. This potentially fatal condition is called Hirschsprung's Disease. A mathematical model of cell invasion incorporating cell motility and proliferation of neural crest cells to a carrying capacity predicted invasion outcomes to imagined manipulations, and these manipulations were tested experimentally. Mathematical and experimental results agreed. The results show that the directional invasion is chiefly driven by neural crest cell proliferation. Moreover, this proliferation occurs in a small region at the wavefront of the invading population. These results provide an understanding of why many genes implicated in Hirschsprung's Disease influence neural crest population size. In addition, during in vivo development the underlying gut tissues are growing simultaneously as the neural crest cell invasion proceeds. The interactions between proliferation, motility and gut growth dictate whether or not complete colonization is successful. Mathematical modeling provides insights into the conditions required for complete colonization or a Hirschsprung's-like deficiency. Experimental evidence supports the hypotheses suggested by the modeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerry A Landman
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Simpson MJ, Landman KA, Bhaganagarapu K. Coalescence of interacting cell populations. J Theor Biol 2007; 247:525-43. [PMID: 17467009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2007.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2006] [Revised: 02/27/2007] [Accepted: 02/27/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
We analyse the coalescence of invasive cell populations by studying both the temporal and steady behaviour of a system of coupled reaction-diffusion equations. This problem is relevant to recent experimental observations of the dynamics of opposingly directed invasion waves of cells. Two cell types, u and v, are considered with the cell motility governed by linear or nonlinear diffusion. The cells proliferate logistically so that the long-term total cell density, u+v approaches a carrying capacity. The steady-state solutions for u and v are denoted u(s) and v(s). The steady solutions are spatially invariant and satisfy u(s)+v(s)=1. However, this expression is underdetermined so the relative proportion of each cell type u(s) and v(s) cannot be determined a priori. Various properties of this model are studied, such as how the relative proportion of u(s) and v(s) depends on the relative motility and relative proliferation rates. The model is analysed using a combination of numerical simulations and a comparison principle. This investigation unearths some novel outcomes regarding the role of overcrowding and cell death in this type of cell migration assay. These observations have relevance to experimental design and interpretation regarding the identification and parameterisation of mechanisms involved in cell invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Simpson
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
There are two principal models to explain neural crest patterning. One assumes that neural crest cells are multipotent precursors that migrate throughout the embryo and differentiate according to cues present in the local environment. A second proposes that the neural crest is a population of cells that becomes restricted to particular fates early in its existence and migrates along particular pathways dependent on unique cell-autonomous properties. Although it is now evident that the neural crest cell population, as a whole, is actually heterogenous (composed of both multipotent and restricted progenitors), evidence supporting the model of prespecification has increased over the past few years. This review will begin by telling the story of melanoblasts: a neural crest subpopulation that is biased toward a single fate and subsequently acquires intrinsic properties that guide cells of this lineage to their final destination. The remainder of this review will explore whether this model is exclusive to melanoblasts or if it can also be used to explain the patterning of other neural crest cells like those of the sensory, sympathoadrenal, and enteric lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa L Harris
- Section of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Nagy N, Brewer KC, Mwizerwa O, Goldstein AM. Pelvic plexus contributes ganglion cells to the hindgut enteric nervous system. Dev Dyn 2007; 236:73-83. [PMID: 16937371 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.20933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The hindgut enteric nervous system (ENS) contains cells originating from vagal and sacral neural crest. In avians, the sacral crest gives rise to the nerve of Remak (NoR) and pelvic plexus. Whereas the NoR has been suggested to serve as the source of sacral crest-derived cells to the gut, the contribution of the pelvic ganglia is unknown. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the pelvic ganglia contribute ganglion cells to the hindgut ENS. We observed that the quail pelvic plexus develops from neural crest-derived cells that aggregate around the cloaca at embryonic day 5. Using chick-quail tissue recombinations, we found that hindgut grafts did not contain enteric ganglia unless the pelvic plexus was included. Neurofibers extended from the NoR into the intestine, but no ganglion cell contribution from the NoR was identified. These results demonstrate that the pelvic plexus, and not the NoR, serves as the staging area for sacral crest-derived cells to enter the avian hindgut, confirming the evolutionary conservation of this important embryologic process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nandor Nagy
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Abstract
Intrinsic innervation of the developing chick cloaca is provided by the enteric nervous system, a network of neurons and glia that lies within its walls. The enteric nervous system originates from neural crest cells that migrate from the vagal and sacral regions of the neural tube during the early stages of development. Abnormal cloacal development can cause a number of anorectal anomalies including persistent cloaca. Our study aimed to investigate the contribution of vagal neural crest cells to the total population of enteric neurons and glia within the chick embryo cloaca, using quail-chick chimeras. Chicken embryos were incubated until the 10-12 somite stage (ss). The vagal neural tube, corresponding to somites 1-7, was then microsurgically ablated in ovo and isochronic and isotopic quail grafts were performed. The eggs were then reincubated until embryos were harvested at E12. Whole embryos were fixed in Bouin's fluid, embedded in paraffin wax and sectioned. Immunohistochemistry was carried out using the HNK-1 antibody to label all neural crest cells, and the quail-specific antibody, QCPN, to label quail cells. QCPN-immunoreactive cells were seen to make up a large proportion of enteric neurons and glia within the walls of the embryonic cloaca. HNK-1 labelled all neural crest cells in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses as well as the sacral crest-derived nerve of Remak, while QCPN-positive cells were evident in both plexuses but mostly in the submucosal plexus, where they appeared to make up the majority of neurons. Results show that the chick embryo cloaca is primarily innervated by vagal neural crest cells. Further studies to investigate the contribution of sacral neural crest cells to the same region will give further insight into the development of the enteric nervous system within the embryonic cloaca.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie O' Donnell
- Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Mosher JT, Yeager KJ, Kruger GM, Joseph NM, Hutchin ME, Dlugosz AA, Morrison SJ. Intrinsic differences among spatially distinct neural crest stem cells in terms of migratory properties, fate determination, and ability to colonize the enteric nervous system. Dev Biol 2006; 303:1-15. [PMID: 17113577 PMCID: PMC1910607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2006] [Revised: 10/12/2006] [Accepted: 10/16/2006] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
We have systematically examined the developmental potential of neural crest stem cells from the enteric nervous system (gut NCSCs) in vivo to evaluate their potential use in cellular therapy for Hirschsprung disease and to assess differences in the properties of postmigratory NCSCs from different regions of the developing peripheral nervous system (PNS). When transplanted into developing chicks, flow-cytometrically purified gut NCSCs and sciatic nerve NCSCs exhibited intrinsic differences in migratory potential and neurogenic capacity throughout the developing PNS. Most strikingly, gut NCSCs migrated into the developing gut and formed enteric neurons, while sciatic nerve NCSCs failed to migrate into the gut or to make enteric neurons, even when transplanted into the gut wall. Enteric potential is therefore not a general property of NCSCs. Gut NCSCs also formed cholinergic neurons in parasympathetic ganglia, but rarely formed noradrenergic sympathetic neurons or sensory neurons. Supporting the potential for autologous transplants in Hirschsprung disease, we observed that Endothelin receptor B (Ednrb)-deficient gut NCSCs engrafted and formed neurons as efficiently in the Ednrb-deficient hindgut as did wild-type NCSCs. These results demonstrate intrinsic differences in the migratory properties and developmental potentials of regionally distinct NCSCs, indicating that it is critical to match the physiological properties of neural stem cells to the goals of proposed cell therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack T. Mosher
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Life Sciences Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2216
| | - Kelly J. Yeager
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Life Sciences Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2216
| | - Genevieve M. Kruger
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Life Sciences Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2216
| | - Nancy M. Joseph
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Life Sciences Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2216
| | - Mark E. Hutchin
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2216
| | - Andrzej A. Dlugosz
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2216
| | - Sean J. Morrison
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Life Sciences Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Stem Cell Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2216
- *Author for correspondence: 5435 Life Sciences Institute, 210 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2216; phone 734-647-6261; fax 734-615-8133; email
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Simpson MJ, Zhang DC, Mariani M, Landman KA, Newgreen DF. Cell proliferation drives neural crest cell invasion of the intestine. Dev Biol 2006; 302:553-68. [PMID: 17178116 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2006] [Revised: 09/12/2006] [Accepted: 10/09/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A general mathematical model of cell invasion is developed and validated with an experimental system. The model incorporates two basic cell functions: non-directed (diffusive) motility and proliferation to a carrying capacity limit. The model is used here to investigate cell proliferation and motility differences along the axis of an invasion wave. Mathematical simulations yield surprising and counterintuitive predictions. In this general scenario, cells at the invasive front are proliferative and migrate into previously unoccupied tissues while those behind the front are essentially nonproliferative and do not directly migrate into unoccupied tissues. These differences are not innate to the cells, but are a function of proximity to uninvaded tissue. Therefore, proliferation at the invading front is the critical mechanism driving apparently directed invasion. An appropriate system to experimentally validate these predictions is the directional invasion and colonization of the gut by vagal neural crest cells that establish the enteric nervous system. An assay using gut organ culture with chick-quail grafting is used for this purpose. The experimental results are entirely concordant with the mathematical predictions. We conclude that proliferation at the wavefront is a key mechanism driving the invasive process. This has important implications not just for the neural crest, but for other invasion systems such as epidermal wound healing, carcinoma invasion and other developmental cell migrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Simpson
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, and The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Victoria 3010, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Looking inside an invasion wave of cells using continuum models: proliferation is the key. J Theor Biol 2006; 243:343-60. [PMID: 16904698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2006.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2006] [Revised: 05/23/2006] [Accepted: 06/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently, a suite of cell migration assays were conducted to investigate the migration of neural crest (NC) cells along the gut during the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS). The NC cells colonise the gastro-intestinal tract as a rostro-caudal wave. Local behaviour was shown to be controlled by position relative to the leading edge of the wavefront. The assays involved chick-quail grafting techniques allowing the total invading population to be considered as a two-species system. A two-species continuum model with logistic proliferation and a migration mechanism is developed here to simulate the chick-quail graft experiments and provide a means of looking at the processes occurring within the invasion wave. Five migration mechanisms are considered--linear diffusion, two cases of nonlinear diffusion, chemokinesis and chemotaxis. The model results agree with the experimental observations, regardless of the specific type of migration mechanism. The results show that NC cell invasion is driven by proliferation and cell motility at the leading edge of the wave. Furthermore, logistic proliferation exerts the dominant control on the system. This observation is confirmed by analysing some simplified invasion models. Once the basic experiments were mathematically replicated, the mathematical models were used in turn to make some predictions that were yet to be experimentally tested. This involved conducting a sensitivity analysis of the system by interrupting the proliferation and/or migration ability of the leading edge. Numerical results show that the system is stable against these changes. Of the three experiments suggested, one was carried out and the experimental results were concordant with the theoretical predictions. The outcome of two other suggested experiments are predicted and left for future experimental validation.
Collapse
|
44
|
Donnell AMO, Bannigan J, Puri P. The effect of vagal neural crest ablation on the chick embryo cloaca. Pediatr Surg Int 2005; 21:180-3. [PMID: 15756564 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-004-1316-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/15/2004] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The cloaca, the caudal limit of the avian gastrointestinal tract, acts as a collecting chamber into which the gastrointestinal, urinary, and genital tracts discharge. It is intrinsically innervated by the enteric nervous system, which is derived from neural crest emigres that migrate from the vagal and sacral regions of the neural tube. Abnormal cloacal development can cause a number of anorectal anomalies, including persistent cloaca. Ablation of the vagal neural crest has previously been shown to result in an aganglionic hindgut to the extent of the colorectum. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of vagal neural crest ablation on the cloaca, the limit of the hindgut in the developing chick embryo. Chick embryos were incubated until the 10-12 somite stage. The vagal neural tube corresponding to the level of somites 3-6 was then ablated, and eggs were incubated until harvested on embryonic day 11 (E11). Whole chick embryos were fixed, embedded in paraffin, and sectioned. Immunohistochemistry was then carried out using the HNK-1 monoclonal antibody to label neural crest cells, and results were assessed by light microscopy. Vagal neural crest ablation resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number of neural crest cells colonizing the chick embryo cloaca compared with control embryos. Ablated embryos contained only a small number of HNK-1-positive neural crest cells, which were scattered within the myenteric plexus in a disorganised pattern. Hypoganglionosis was also evident in other regions of the hindgut in ablated embryos. Ablation of the vagal neural crest results in a hypoganglionic cloaca in addition to hypoganglionosis of the hindgut. These results suggest that the cloaca is largely innervated by vagal neural crest emigres. Further studies involving quail-chick chimeras to investigate the exact contribution provided by both vagal and sacral neural crest cells to the cloaca should increase our understanding of the pathophysiology of conditions like persistent cloaca.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M O' Donnell
- The Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Dublin, Ireland.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Young HM, Anderson RB, Anderson CR. Guidance cues involved in the development of the peripheral autonomic nervous system. Auton Neurosci 2004; 112:1-14. [PMID: 15233925 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2004.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2003] [Revised: 02/25/2004] [Accepted: 02/26/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
All peripheral autonomic neurons arise from neural crest cells that migrate away from the neural tube and navigate to the location where ganglia will form. After differentiating into neurons, their axons then navigate to a variety of targets. During the development of the enteric nervous system, GDNF appears to play a role in inducing vagal neural crest cells to enter the gut, in retaining neural crest cells within the gut and in promoting the migration of neural crest cells along the gut. Sema3A regulates the entry of extrinsic axons into the distal hindgut, netrin-DCC signaling is responsible for the centripetal migration of cells to form the submucosal ganglia within the gut, Slit-Robo signaling prevents trunk level neural crest cells from entering the gut, and neurturin plays a role in the innervation of the circular muscle layer. During the development of the sympathetic nervous system, the migration of trunk neural crest cells through the somites is influenced by ephrin-Bs, Sema3A and F-spondin. The migration of neural crest cells ventrally beyond the somites requires neuregulin signaling and the clumping of cells into columns adjacent to the dorsal aorta is regulated by Sema3A. The rostral migration of cells to form the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and the extension of axons along blood vessels involves artemin signaling through Ret and GFRalpha3, and the entry of sympathetic axons into target tissues involves neurotrophins and GDNF. Relatively little is known about the development of parasympathetic ganglia, but GDNF appears to play a role in the migration of some cranial ganglion precursors to their correct location, and both GDNF and neurturin are involved in the growth of parasympathetic axons into particular targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M Young
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, 3010 VIC, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Young HM, Bergner AJ, Anderson RB, Enomoto H, Milbrandt J, Newgreen DF, Whitington PM. Dynamics of neural crest-derived cell migration in the embryonic mouse gut. Dev Biol 2004; 270:455-73. [PMID: 15183726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2004.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2004] [Revised: 03/03/2004] [Accepted: 03/05/2004] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Neural crest-derived cells that form the enteric nervous system undergo an extensive migration from the caudal hindbrain to colonize the entire gastrointestinal tract. Mice in which the expression of GFP is under the control of the Ret promoter were used to visualize neural crest-derived cell migration in the embryonic mouse gut in organ culture. Time-lapse imaging revealed that GFP(+) crest-derived cells formed chains that displayed complicated patterns of migration, with sudden and frequent changes in migratory speed and trajectories. Some of the leading cells and their processes formed a scaffold along which later cells migrated. To examine the effect of population size on migratory behavior, a small number of the most caudal GFP(+) cells were isolated from the remainder of the population. The isolated cells migrated slower than cells in large control populations, suggesting that migratory behavior is influenced by cell number and cell-cell contact. Previous studies have shown that neurons differentiate among the migrating cell population, but it is unclear whether they migrate. The phenotype of migrating cells was examined. Migrating cells expressed the neural crest cell marker, Sox10, but not neuronal markers, indicating that the majority of migratory cells observed did not have a neuronal phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H M Young
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, 3010 Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
O'Donnell AM, Mortell A, Giles J, Bannigan J, Puri P. The timing of enteric neural crest cell colonisation of the chick embryo cloaca. Pediatr Surg Int 2004; 20:229-32. [PMID: 14770326 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-003-1116-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Neural crest cell (NCC) migration and formation of the enteric nervous system (ENS) is an essential process in the development of the normal human gut. Abnormalities of the ENS lead to a number of neurochristopathies. In avian embryos, the cloaca acts as a common chamber into which gastrointestinal, urinary and genital tracts emerge. Previous studies have elucidated the specific timeframes at which NCCs reach the various regions of the developing chick gut but, to date, none have looked at NCC colonisation of the cloaca. The aim of our study was to investigate the exact timing of the appearance of NCCs in the cloaca of chick embryos. Chicken embryos were harvested on embryonic days (E) 8-12. Whole embryos were fixed, embedded in paraffin and sectioned. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry, using an anti-HNK-1/N-CAM monoclonal antibody, was performed and images were obtained by confocal microscopy. There was no evidence of NCCs in the cloaca of embryos from E8 to E11. Intense immunoreactivity to HNK-1 first appeared in the cloaca of E12 embryos, demonstrating a profuse circumferential colonisation by NCCs at this time. Our study is the first to show the exact timing of enteric NCC colonisation of the chick embryo cloaca. Further studies, involving quail-chick chimeras, are required to establish the true origin of cloacal NCCs and to establish the relationship between NCCs and persistent cloaca.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M O'Donnell
- The Children's Research Centre, Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Farlie PG, McKeown SJ, Newgreen DF. The neural crest: Basic biology and clinical relationships in the craniofacial and enteric nervous systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 72:173-89. [PMID: 15269891 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.20013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The highly migratory, mesenchymal neural crest cell population was discovered over 100 years ago. Proposals of these cells' origin within the neuroepithelium, and of the tissues they gave rise to, initiated decades-long heated debates, since these proposals challenged the powerful germ-layer theory. Having survived this storm, the neural crest is now regarded as a pluripotent stem cell population that makes vital contributions to an astounding array of both neural and non-neural organ systems. The earliest model systems for studying the neural crest were amphibian, and these pioneering contributions have been ably refined and extended by studies in the chick, mouse, and more recently the fish to provide detailed understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating and regulated by the neural crest. The key questions regarding control of craniofacial morphogenesis and innervation of the gut illustrate the wide range of developmental contexts in which the neural crest plays an important role. These questions also focus attention on common issues such as the role of growth factor signaling in neural crest cell development and highlight the central role of the neural crest in human congenital disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Farlie
- Embryology Laboratory, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
de Freitas PF, Ferreira FDF, Faraco CD. PNA-positive glycoconjugates are negatively correlated with the access of neural crest cells to the gut in chicken embryos. THE ANATOMICAL RECORD. PART A, DISCOVERIES IN MOLECULAR, CELLULAR, AND EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY 2003; 273:705-13. [PMID: 12845707 DOI: 10.1002/ar.a.10078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Neural crest cells give rise to many derivatives, including the neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system, adrenomedulary cells, and melanocytes, and migrate through precise pathways that differ according to their axial level and/or state of specification. The migratory routes taken by neural crest cells are reported to be regulated by extracellular matrix molecules. We examined the possible influence of glycoconjugates on the establishment of barriers to neural crest access to ventral regions leading to the gut, by labeling stage-16-28 white Leghorn (WL) and Silky (SK) embryos with peanut agglutinin (PNA) at vagal, thoracic, and sacral levels. We observed a transitory expression of glycoconjugates that correlate with a barrier to the entrance of neural crest cells into the gut at the thoracic level, which is not present at vagal and sacral levels. In later stages, neural crest cells of melanocytic lineage were observed entering the gut in embryos of the SK chicken, a mutant with an altered pattern of pigmentation. The ventral regions occupied by melanoblasts in SK embryos were free of PNA labeling, while in WL embryos, in which PNA-positive molecules are strongly expressed, melanoblasts were restricted to peripheral regions. We suggest that PNA-binding glycoconjugates are good molecular marker for barriers that control the access of neural crest cells to the gut.
Collapse
|
50
|
Maretto S, Cordenonsi M, Dupont S, Braghetta P, Broccoli V, Hassan AB, Volpin D, Bressan GM, Piccolo S. Mapping Wnt/beta-catenin signaling during mouse development and in colorectal tumors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2003; 100:3299-304. [PMID: 12626757 PMCID: PMC152286 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0434590100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 663] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wntbeta-catenin signaling plays key roles in several developmental and pathological processes. Domains of Wnt expression have been extensively investigated in the mouse, but the tissues receiving the signal remain largely unidentified. To define which cells respond to activated beta-catenin during mammalian development, we generated the beta-catenin-activated transgene driving expression of nuclear beta-galactosidase reporter (BAT-gal) transgenic mice, expressing the lacZ gene under the control of beta-cateninT cell factor responsive elements. Reporter gene activity is found in known organizing centers, such as the midhindbrain border and the limb apical ectodermal ridge. Moreover, BAT-gal expression identifies novel sites of Wnt signaling, like notochord, endothelia, and areas of the adult brain, revealing an unsuspected dynamic pattern of beta-catenin transcriptional activity. Expression of the transgene was analyzed in mutant backgrounds. In lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6-null homozygous mice, which lack a Wnt coreceptor, BAT-gal staining is absent in mutant tissues, indicating that BAT-gal mice are bona fide in vivo indicators of Wntbeta-catenin signaling. Analyses of BAT-gal expression in the adenomatous polyposis coli (multiple intestinal neoplasia+) background revealed betacatenin transcriptional activity in intestinal adenomas but surprisingly not in normal crypt cells. In summary, BAT-gal mice unveil the entire complexity of Wntbeta-catenin signaling in mammals and have broad application potentials for the identification of Wnt-responsive cell populations in development and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Maretto
- Histology and Embryology Section, Department of Histology, Microbiology, and Medical Biotechnology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|