1
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Ermakova GV, Meyntser IV, Zaraisky AG, Bayramov AV. Loss of noggin1, a classic embryonic inducer gene, in elasmobranchs. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3805. [PMID: 38360907 PMCID: PMC10869764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54435-9] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Secreted proteins of the Noggin family serve as pivotal regulators of early development and cell differentiation in all multicellular animals, including vertebrates. Noggin1 was identified first among all Noggins. Moreover, it was described as the first known embryonic inducer specifically secreted by the Spemann organizer and capable of inducing a secondary body axis when expressed ectopically. In the classical default model of neural induction, Noggin1 is presented as an antagonist of BMP signalling, playing a role as a neural inducer. Additionally, Noggin1 is involved in the dorsalization of embryonic mesoderm and later controls the differentiation of various tissues, including muscles, bones, and neural crest derivatives. Hitherto, noggin1 was found in all studied vertebrates. Here, we report the loss of noggin1 in elasmobranchs (sharks, rays and skates), which is a unique case among vertebrates. noggin2 and noggin4 retained in this group and studied in the embryos of the grey bamboo shark Chiloscyllium griseum revealed similarities in expression patterns and functional properties with their orthologues described in other vertebrates. The loss of noggin1 in elasmobranchs may be associated with histological features of the formation of their unique internal cartilaginous skeleton, although additional research is required to establish functional connections between these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina V Ermakova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Irina V Meyntser
- Moskvarium Center for Oceanography and Marine Biology, Moscow, 129223, Russia
| | - Andrey G Zaraisky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - Andrey V Bayramov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
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2
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Keum BR, Yeo I, Koo Y, Han W, Choi SC, Kim GH, Han JK. Transmembrane protein 150b attenuates BMP signaling in the Xenopus organizer. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:1850-1866. [PMID: 37435758 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate organizer is a specified embryonic tissue that regulates dorsoventral patterning and axis formation. Although numerous cellular signaling pathways have been identified as regulators of the organizer's dynamic functions, the process remains incompletely understood, and as-yet unknown pathways remain to be explored for sophisticated mechanistic understanding of the vertebrate organizer. To identify new potential key factors of the organizer, we performed complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray screening using organizer-mimicking Xenopus laevis tissue. This analysis yielded a list of prospective organizer genes, and we determined the role of six-transmembrane domain containing transmembrane protein 150b (Tmem150b) in organizer function. Tmem150b was expressed in the organizer region and induced by Activin/Nodal signaling. In X. laevis, Tmem150b knockdown resulted in head defects and a shortened body axis. Moreover, Tmem150b negatively regulated bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, likely via physical interaction with activin receptor-like kinase 2 (ALK2). These findings demonstrated that Tmem150b functions as a novel membrane regulatory factor of BMP signaling with antagonistic effects, contributing to the understanding of regulatory molecular mechanisms of organizer axis function. Investigation of additional candidate genes identified in the cDNA microarray analysis could further delineate the genetic networks of the organizer during vertebrate embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byeong-Rak Keum
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Korea
- Research Center for drug development, CYPHARMA, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Inchul Yeo
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Korea
| | - Youngmu Koo
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Korea
| | - Wonhee Han
- Department of Neurology, F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sun-Cheol Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gun-Hwa Kim
- Research Center for drug development, CYPHARMA, Daejeon, Korea
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jin-Kwan Han
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Korea
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3
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Tahir Z, Craven C. Gastrulation and Split Cord Malformation. Adv Tech Stand Neurosurg 2023; 47:1-23. [PMID: 37640870 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-34981-2_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Split cord malformation (SCM) is a rare form of closed spinal dysraphism, in which two hemi-cords are present, instead of a single spinal cord. SCM is categorised into type 1 and type 2. Type 1 SCM is defined by the presence of a bony or osseocartilaginous spur between the hemi-cords, whereas type 2 SCM has no bony spur, and the two hemi-cords are contained within a single dura. In this chapter, we present the putative mechanisms by which SCM arises, including gastrulation defects and Pang's unified theory. The typical and rare clinical presentations and variations are described. Finally, we outline the step-by-step surgical approach to both SCM 1 and 2 and the overall prognosis of both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubair Tahir
- Great Ormond Street Children Hospital, London, UK.
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4
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Xing C, Zeng Z, Li Y, Gong B, Shen W, Shah R, Yan L, Du H, Meng A. Regulatory factor identification for nodal genes in zebrafish by causal inference. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1047363. [DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1047363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of nodal genes is critical for mesoderm and endoderm induction. Our previous study reported that zebrafish nodal genes ndr1/squint and ndr2/cyclops are coordinately regulated by maternal Eomesa, Hwa-activated β-catenin (Hwa/β-catenin) signaling, and Nodal autoregulation (Nodal/Smad2) signaling. However, the exact contribution and underlying mechanisms are still elusive. Here, we applied “causal inference” to evaluate the causal between the independent and dependent variables, and we found that Hwa/β-catenin and Smad2 are the cause of ndr1 activation, while Eomesa is the cause of ndr2 activation. Mechanistically, the different cis-regulatory regions of ndr1 and ndr2 bound by Eomesa, β-catenin, and Smad2 were screened out via ChIP-qPCR and verified by the transgene constructs. The marginal GFP expression driven by ndr1 transgenesis could be diminished without both maternal Eomesa and Hwa/β-catenin, while Eomesa, not β-catenin, could bind and activate ndr2 demonstrated by ndr2 transgenesis. Thus, the distinct regulation of ndr1/ndr2 relies on different cis-regulatory regions.
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Giuraniuc CV, Zain S, Ghafoor S, Hoppler S. A mathematical modelling portrait of Wnt signalling in early vertebrate embryogenesis. J Theor Biol 2022; 551-552:111239. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Xing C, Shen W, Gong B, Li Y, Yan L, Meng A. Maternal Factors and Nodal Autoregulation Orchestrate Nodal Gene Expression for Embryonic Mesendoderm Induction in the Zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:887987. [PMID: 35693948 PMCID: PMC9178097 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.887987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nodal proteins provide crucial signals for mesoderm and endoderm induction. In zebrafish embryos, the nodal genes ndr1/squint and ndr2/cyclops are implicated in mesendoderm induction. It remains elusive how ndr1 and ndr2 expression is regulated spatiotemporally. Here we investigated regulation of ndr1 and ndr2 expression using Mhwa mutants that lack the maternal dorsal determinant Hwa with deficiency in β-catenin signaling, Meomesa mutants that lack maternal Eomesodermin A (Eomesa), Meomesa;Mhwa double mutants, and the Nodal signaling inhibitor SB431542. We show that ndr1 and ndr2 expression is completely abolished in Meomesa;Mhwa mutant embryos, indicating an essential role of maternal eomesa and hwa. Hwa-activated β-catenin signaling plays a major role in activation of ndr1 expression in the dorsal blastodermal margin, while eomesa is mostly responsible for ndr1 expression in the lateroventral margin and Nodal signaling contributes to ventral expansion of the ndr1 expression domain. However, ndr2 expression mainly depends on maternal eomesa with minor or negligible contribution of maternal hwa and Nodal autoregulation. These mechanisms may help understand regulation of Nodal expression in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cencan Xing
- Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Weimin Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Gong
- Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqi Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Yan
- Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Anming Meng
- Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Guangzhou National Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Anming Meng,
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7
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Shook DR, Wen JWH, Rolo A, O'Hanlon M, Francica B, Dobbins D, Skoglund P, DeSimone DW, Winklbauer R, Keller RE. Characterization of convergent thickening, a major convergence force producing morphogenic movement in amphibians. eLife 2022; 11:e57642. [PMID: 35404236 PMCID: PMC9064293 DOI: 10.7554/elife.57642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphogenic process of convergent thickening (CT) was originally described as the mediolateral convergence and radial thickening of the explanted ventral involuting marginal zone (IMZ) of Xenopus gastrulae (Keller and Danilchik, 1988). Here, we show that CT is expressed in all sectors of the pre-involution IMZ, which transitions to expressing convergent extension (CE) after involution. CT occurs without CE and drives symmetric blastopore closure in ventralized embryos. Assays of tissue affinity and tissue surface tension measurements suggest CT is driven by increased interfacial tension between the deep IMZ and the overlying epithelium. The resulting minimization of deep IMZ surface area drives a tendency to shorten the mediolateral (circumblastoporal) aspect of the IMZ, thereby generating tensile force contributing to blastopore closure (Shook et al., 2018). These results establish CT as an independent force-generating process of evolutionary significance and provide the first clear example of an oriented, tensile force generated by an isotropic, Holtfreterian/Steinbergian tissue affinity change.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Shook
- Department of Biology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, School of MedicineCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Jason WH Wen
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Ana Rolo
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Michael O'Hanlon
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, School of MedicineCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | | | | | - Paul Skoglund
- Department of Biology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Douglas W DeSimone
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, School of MedicineCharlottesvilleUnited States
| | - Rudolf Winklbauer
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of TorontoTorontoCanada
| | - Ray E Keller
- Department of Biology, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleUnited States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, School of MedicineCharlottesvilleUnited States
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8
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Orlov EE, Nesterenko AM, Korotkova DD, Parshina EA, Martynova NY, Zaraisky AG. Targeted search for scaling genes reveals matrixmetalloproteinase 3 as a scaler of the dorsal-ventral pattern in Xenopus laevis embryos. Dev Cell 2021; 57:95-111.e12. [PMID: 34919801 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
How embryos scale patterning according to size is still not fully understood. Through in silico screening and analysis of reaction-diffusion systems that could be responsible for scaling, we predicted the existence of genes whose expression is sensitive to embryo size and which regulate the scaling of embryonic patterning. To find these scalers, we identified genes with strongly altered expression in half-size Xenopus laevis embryos compared with full-size siblings at the gastrula stage. Among found genes, we investigated the role of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (mmp3), which was most strongly downregulated in half-size embryos. We show that Mmp3 scales dorsal-ventral patterning by degrading the slowly diffusing embryonic inducers Noggin1 and Noggin2 but preventing cleavage of the more rapidly diffusing inducer Chordin via degradation of a Tolloid-type proteinase. In addition to unraveling the mechanism underlying the scaling of dorsal-ventral patterning, this work provides proof of principal for scalers identification in embryos of other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugeny E Orlov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey M Nesterenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnology, Federal Medical Biological Agency, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria D Korotkova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Elena A Parshina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalia Yu Martynova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey G Zaraisky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.
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9
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Kumar V, Park S, Lee U, Kim J. The Organizer and Its Signaling in Embryonic Development. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9040047. [PMID: 34842722 PMCID: PMC8628936 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9040047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ layer specification and axis formation are crucial events in embryonic development. The Spemann organizer regulates the early developmental processes by multiple regulatory mechanisms. This review focuses on the responsive signaling in organizer formation and how the organizer orchestrates the germ layer specification in vertebrates. Accumulated evidence indicates that the organizer influences embryonic development by dual signaling. Two parallel processes, the migration of the organizer’s cells, followed by the transcriptional activation/deactivation of target genes, and the diffusion of secreting molecules, collectively direct the early development. Finally, we take an in-depth look at active signaling that originates from the organizer and involves germ layer specification and patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea;
| | - Soochul Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, Sookmyung Women’s University, Seoul 04310, Korea;
| | - Unjoo Lee
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Correspondence: (U.L.); (J.K.); Tel.: +82-33-248-2544 (J.K.); Fax: +82-33-244-8425 (J.K.)
| | - Jaebong Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea;
- Correspondence: (U.L.); (J.K.); Tel.: +82-33-248-2544 (J.K.); Fax: +82-33-244-8425 (J.K.)
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10
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Bayramov AV, Ermakova GV, Kuchryavyy AV, Zaraisky AG. Genome Duplications as the Basis of Vertebrates’ Evolutionary Success. Russ J Dev Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360421030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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11
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Ermakova GV, Kucheryavyy AV, Zaraisky AG, Bayramov AV. Comparative Analysis of Expression Patterns of the Noggin Gene Family Genes at the Early Development Stages of Head Structures in the European River Lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis. Russ J Dev Biol 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360421010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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12
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Korotkova DD, Lyubetsky VA, Ivanova AS, Rubanov LI, Seliverstov AV, Zverkov OA, Martynova NY, Nesterenko AM, Tereshina MB, Peshkin L, Zaraisky AG. Bioinformatics Screening of Genes Specific for Well-Regenerating Vertebrates Reveals c-answer, a Regulator of Brain Development and Regeneration. Cell Rep 2020; 29:1027-1040.e6. [PMID: 31644900 PMCID: PMC6871517 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular basis of higher regenerative capacity of cold-blooded animals comparing to warm-blooded ones is poorly understood. Although this difference in regenerative capacities is commonly thought to be a result of restructuring of the same regulatory gene network, we hypothesized that it may be due to loss of some genes essential for regeneration. We describe here a bioinformatic method that allowed us to identify such genes. For investigation in depth we selected one of them encoding transmembrane protein, named “c-Answer.” Using the Xenopus laevis frog as a model cold-blooded animal, we established that c-Answer regulates regeneration of body appendages and telencephalic development through binding to fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and P2ry1 receptors and promoting MAPK/ERK and purinergic signaling. This suggests that elimination of c-answer in warm-blooded animals could lead to decreased activity of at least two signaling pathways, which in turn might contribute to changes in mechanisms regulating regeneration and telencephalic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria D Korotkova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IBCH RAS), 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Vassily A Lyubetsky
- The Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences (IITP RAS), 19 Bolshoy Karetny str., Moscow 127051, Russia
| | - Anastasia S Ivanova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IBCH RAS), 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Lev I Rubanov
- The Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences (IITP RAS), 19 Bolshoy Karetny str., Moscow 127051, Russia
| | - Alexander V Seliverstov
- The Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences (IITP RAS), 19 Bolshoy Karetny str., Moscow 127051, Russia
| | - Oleg A Zverkov
- The Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences (IITP RAS), 19 Bolshoy Karetny str., Moscow 127051, Russia
| | - Natalia Yu Martynova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IBCH RAS), 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey M Nesterenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IBCH RAS), 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia; Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1/40 Leninskie Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Maria B Tereshina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IBCH RAS), 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Leonid Peshkin
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrey G Zaraisky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences (IBCH RAS), 16/10 Miklukho-Maklaya str., Moscow 117997, Russia.
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13
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Bayramov AV, Ermakova GV, Zaraisky AG. Genetic Mechanisms of the Early Development of the Telencephalon, a Unique Segment of the Vertebrate Central Nervous System, as Reflecting Its Emergence and Evolution. Russ J Dev Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360420030054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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14
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Paraiso KD, Cho JS, Yong J, Cho KWY. Early Xenopus gene regulatory programs, chromatin states, and the role of maternal transcription factors. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 139:35-60. [PMID: 32450966 PMCID: PMC11344482 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
For decades, the early development of the Xenopus embryo has been an essential model system to study the gene regulatory mechanisms that govern cellular specification. At the top of the hierarchy of gene regulatory networks, maternally deposited transcription factors initiate this process and regulate the expression of zygotic genes that give rise to three distinctive germ layer cell types (ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm), and subsequent generation of organ precursors. The onset of germ layer specification is also closely coupled with changes associated with chromatin modifications. This review will examine the timing of maternal transcription factors initiating the zygotic genome activation, the epigenetic landscape of embryonic chromatin, and the network structure that governs the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitt D Paraiso
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States; Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jin S Cho
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Junseok Yong
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ken W Y Cho
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States; Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States.
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15
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Sena E, Rocques N, Borday C, Amin HSM, Parain K, Sitbon D, Chesneau A, Durand BC. Barhl2 maintains T-cell factors as repressors, and thereby switches off the Wnt/β-Catenin response driving Spemann organizer formation. Development 2019; 146:dev.173112. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.173112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A hallmark of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling is the extreme diversity of its transcriptional response, which varies depending on cell and developmental context. What controls this diversity is poorly understood. In all cases, the switch from transcriptional repression to activation depends on a nuclear increase in β-Catenin, which detaches the transcription factor T-cell Factor-7 like 1 (Tcf7l1) bound to Groucho (Gro) transcriptional co-repressors from its DNA binding sites and transiently converts Tcf7/Lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (Lef1) into a transcriptional activator. One of the earliest and evolutionarily conserved functions of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling is the induction of the blastopore lip organizer. Here, we demonstrate that the evolutionarily conserved BarH-like homeobox-2 (Barhl2) protein stabilizes the Tcf7l1-Gro complex and maintains repressed expression of Tcf target genes by a mechanism that depends on histone deacetylase 1 (Hdac-1) activity. In this way, Barhl2 switches off the Wnt/β-Catenin-dependent early transcriptional response, thereby limiting the formation of the organizer in time and/or space. This study reveals a novel nuclear inhibitory mechanism of Wnt/Tcf signaling that switches off organizer fate determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Sena
- Institut Curie, Research Division, PSL Research University, Université Paris Sud, CNRS UMR 3347, INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, Bâtiment 110 F-91405 Orsay Cedex
| | - Nathalie Rocques
- Institut Curie, Research Division, PSL Research University, Université Paris Sud, CNRS UMR 3347, INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, Bâtiment 110 F-91405 Orsay Cedex
| | - Caroline Borday
- Institut Curie, Research Division, PSL Research University, Université Paris Sud, CNRS UMR 3347, INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, Bâtiment 110 F-91405 Orsay Cedex
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Harem Sabr Muhamad Amin
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, Institut de Biologie de l'ENS, IBENS, S1.7 CNRS 8197, INSERM U1024 46 rue d'Ulm 75005, Paris F-75005, France
| | - Karine Parain
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - David Sitbon
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, UMR3664, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Paris, France
| | - Albert Chesneau
- Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, CNRS, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 91405 Orsay, France
| | - Béatrice C. Durand
- Institut Curie, Research Division, PSL Research University, Université Paris Sud, CNRS UMR 3347, INSERM U1021, Centre Universitaire, Bâtiment 110 F-91405 Orsay Cedex
- Ecole Normale Supérieure, Institut de Biologie de l'ENS, IBENS, S1.7 CNRS 8197, INSERM U1024 46 rue d'Ulm 75005, Paris F-75005, France
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16
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Abstract
TGF-β family ligands function in inducing and patterning many tissues of the early vertebrate embryonic body plan. Nodal signaling is essential for the specification of mesendodermal tissues and the concurrent cellular movements of gastrulation. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling patterns tissues along the dorsal-ventral axis and simultaneously directs the cell movements of convergence and extension. After gastrulation, a second wave of Nodal signaling breaks the symmetry between the left and right sides of the embryo. During these processes, elaborate regulatory feedback between TGF-β ligands and their antagonists direct the proper specification and patterning of embryonic tissues. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the function and regulation of TGF-β family signaling in these processes. Although we cover principles that are involved in the development of all vertebrate embryos, we focus specifically on three popular model organisms: the mouse Mus musculus, the African clawed frog of the genus Xenopus, and the zebrafish Danio rerio, highlighting the similarities and differences between these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Zinski
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6058
| | - Benjamin Tajer
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6058
| | - Mary C Mullins
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6058
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17
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Lin H, Zhu X, Chen G, Song L, Gao L, Khand AA, Chen Y, Lin G, Tao Q. KDM3A-mediated demethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 facilitates the chromatin binding of Neurog2 during neurogenesis. Development 2017; 144:3674-3685. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.144113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurog2 is a crucial regulator of neuronal fate specification and differentiation in vivo and in vitro. However, it remains unclear how Neurog2 transactivates neuronal genes that are silenced by repressive chromatin. Here, we provide evidence that the histone H3 lysine 9 demethylase KDM3A facilitates the Xenopus Neurog2 (formerly known as Xngnr1) chromatin accessibility during neuronal transcription. Loss-of-function analyses reveal that KDM3A is not required for the transition of naive ectoderm to neural progenitor cells but is essential for primary neuron formation. ChIP series followed by qPCR analyses reveal that Neurog2 promotes the removal of the repressive H3K9me2 marks and addition of active histone marks, including H3K27ac and H3K4me3, at the NeuroD1 and Tubb2b promoters; this activity depends on the presence of KDM3A because Neurog2, via its C-terminal domain, interacts with KDM3A. Interestingly, KDM3A is dispensable for the neuronal transcription initiated by Ascl1, a proneural factor related to neurogenin in the bHLH family. In summary, our findings uncover a crucial role for histone H3K9 demethylation during Neurog2-mediated neuronal transcription and help in the understanding of the different activities of Neurog2 and Ascl1 in initiating neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China 100084
| | - Xuechen Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China 100084
| | - Geng Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China 100084
| | - Lei Song
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China 100084
| | - Li Gao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China 100084
| | - Aftab A. Khand
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China 100084
| | - Ying Chen
- Tongji University School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai, China 200092
| | - Gufa Lin
- Tongji University School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai, China 200092
| | - Qinghua Tao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China 100084
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18
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Charney RM, Paraiso KD, Blitz IL, Cho KWY. A gene regulatory program controlling early Xenopus mesendoderm formation: Network conservation and motifs. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 66:12-24. [PMID: 28341363 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Germ layer formation is among the earliest differentiation events in metazoan embryos. In triploblasts, three germ layers are formed, among which the endoderm gives rise to the epithelial lining of the gut tube and associated organs including the liver, pancreas and lungs. In frogs (Xenopus), where early germ layer formation has been studied extensively, the process of endoderm specification involves the interplay of dozens of transcription factors. Here, we review the interactions between these factors, summarized in a transcriptional gene regulatory network (GRN). We highlight regulatory connections conserved between frog, fish, mouse, and human endodermal lineages. Especially prominent is the conserved role and regulatory targets of the Nodal signaling pathway and the T-box transcription factors, Vegt and Eomes. Additionally, we highlight network topologies and motifs, and speculate on their possible roles in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah M Charney
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Ayala School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Kitt D Paraiso
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Ayala School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ira L Blitz
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Ayala School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ken W Y Cho
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, Ayala School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
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19
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Abstract
Cytokines of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, including TGF-βs, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), activins, and Nodal, play crucial roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis by regulating cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, as well as stem-cell self-renewal and lineage-specific differentiation. Smad proteins are critical downstream mediators of these signaling activities. In addition to regulating the transcription of direct target genes of TGF-β, BMP, activin, or Nodal, Smad proteins also participate in extensive cross talk with other signaling pathways, often in a cell-type- or developmental stage-specific manner. These combinatorial signals often produce context-, time-, and location-dependent biological outcomes that are critical for development. This review discusses recent progress in our understanding of the cross talk between Smad proteins and signaling pathways of Wnt, Notch, Hippo, Hedgehog (Hh), mitogen-activated protein (MAP), kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunxin Luo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, and Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
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20
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Houston DW. Vertebrate Axial Patterning: From Egg to Asymmetry. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 953:209-306. [PMID: 27975274 PMCID: PMC6550305 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-46095-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of the bilateral embryonic body axis from a symmetrical egg has been a long-standing question in developmental biology. Historical and modern experiments point to an initial symmetry-breaking event leading to localized Wnt and Nodal growth factor signaling and subsequent induction and formation of a self-regulating dorsal "organizer." This organizer forms at the site of notochord cell internalization and expresses primarily Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) growth factor antagonists that establish a spatiotemporal gradient of BMP signaling across the embryo, directing initial cell differentiation and morphogenesis. Although the basics of this model have been known for some time, many of the molecular and cellular details have only recently been elucidated and the extent that these events remain conserved throughout vertebrate evolution remains unclear. This chapter summarizes historical perspectives as well as recent molecular and genetic advances regarding: (1) the mechanisms that regulate symmetry-breaking in the vertebrate egg and early embryo, (2) the pathways that are activated by these events, in particular the Wnt pathway, and the role of these pathways in the formation and function of the organizer, and (3) how these pathways also mediate anteroposterior patterning and axial morphogenesis. Emphasis is placed on comparative aspects of the egg-to-embryo transition across vertebrates and their evolution. The future prospects for work regarding self-organization and gene regulatory networks in the context of early axis formation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas W Houston
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, 257 BB, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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21
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Lin H, Min Z, Tao Q. The MLL/Setd1b methyltransferase is required for the Spemann's organizer gene activation in Xenopus. Mech Dev 2016; 142:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2016.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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22
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Eroshkin FM, Nesterenko AM, Borodulin AV, Martynova NY, Ermakova GV, Gyoeva FK, Orlov EE, Belogurov AA, Lukyanov KA, Bayramov AV, Zaraisky AG. Noggin4 is a long-range inhibitor of Wnt8 signalling that regulates head development in Xenopus laevis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23049. [PMID: 26973133 PMCID: PMC4789793 DOI: 10.1038/srep23049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Noggin4 is a Noggin family secreted protein whose molecular and physiological functions remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that in contrast to other Noggins, Xenopus laevis Noggin4 cannot antagonise BMP signalling; instead, it specifically binds to Wnt8 and inhibits the Wnt/β -catenin pathway. Live imaging demonstrated that Noggin4 diffusivity in embryonic tissues significantly exceeded that of other Noggins. Using the Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) assay and mathematical modelling, we directly estimated the affinity of Noggin4 for Wnt8 in living embryos and determined that Noggin4 fine-tune the Wnt8 posterior-to-anterior gradient. Our results suggest a role for Noggin4 as a unique, freely diffusing, long-range inhibitor of canonical Wnt signalling, thus explaining its ability to promote head development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fedor M Eroshkin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey M Nesterenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia.,Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie gory, 1/40, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V Borodulin
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Natalia Yu Martynova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Galina V Ermakova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Fatima K Gyoeva
- Institute of Protein Research, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, 142290 Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Eugeny E Orlov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Alexey A Belogurov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Konstantin A Lukyanov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Andrey V Bayramov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
| | - Andrey G Zaraisky
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 117997, Russia
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23
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Green YS, Kwon S, Christian JL. Expression pattern of bcar3, a downstream target of Gata2, and its binding partner, bcar1, during Xenopus development. Gene Expr Patterns 2015; 20:55-62. [PMID: 26631802 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2015.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Primitive hematopoiesis generates red blood cells that deliver oxygen to the developing embryo. Mesodermal cells commit to a primitive blood cell fate during gastrulation and, in order to do so the mesoderm must receive non-cell autonomous signals transmitted from other germ layers. In Xenopus, the transcription factor Gata2 functions in ectodermal cells to generate or transmit the non-cell autonomous signals. Here we have identified Breast Cancer Antiestrogen Resistance 3 (bcar3) as a gene that is induced in ectodermal cells downstream of Gata2. Bcar3 and its binding partner Bcar1 function to transduce integrin signaling, leading to changes in cellular morphology, motility and adhesion. We show that gata2, bcar3 and bcar1 are co-expressed in ventral ectoderm from early gastrula to early tailbud stages. At later stages of development, bcar3 and bcar1 are co-expressed in the spinal cord, notochord, fin mesenchyme and pronephros but each shows additional unique sites of expression. These co-expression and unique expression patterns suggest that Bcar3 and Bcar1 may function together but also independently during Xenopus development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangsook Song Green
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah, School of Medicine, 20 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 94132, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah, School of Medicine, 20 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 94132, USA
| | - Sunjong Kwon
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University, School of Medicine, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA
| | - Jan L Christian
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah, School of Medicine, 20 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 94132, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, University of Utah, School of Medicine, 20 North 1900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 94132, USA.
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24
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Carron C, Shi DL. Specification of anteroposterior axis by combinatorial signaling during Xenopus development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 5:150-68. [PMID: 26544673 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The specification of anteroposterior (AP) axis is a fundamental and complex patterning process that sets up the embryonic polarity and shapes a multicellular organism. This process involves the integration of distinct signaling pathways to coordinate temporal-spatial gene expression and morphogenetic movements. In the frog Xenopus, extensive embryological and molecular studies have provided major advance in understanding the mechanism implicated in AP patterning. Following fertilization, cortical rotation leads to the transport of maternal determinants to the dorsal region and creates the primary dorsoventral (DV) asymmetry. The activation of maternal Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and a high Nodal signal induces the formation of the Nieuwkoop center in the dorsal-vegetal cells, which then triggers the formation of the Spemann organizer in the overlying dorsal marginal zone. It is now well established that the Spemann organizer plays a central role in building the vertebrate body axes because it provides patterning information for both DV and AP polarities. The antagonistic interactions between signals secreted in the Spemann organizer and the opposite ventral region pattern the mesoderm along the DV axis, and this DV information is translated into AP positional values during gastrulation. The formation of anterior neural tissue requires simultaneous inhibition of zygotic Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signals, while an endogenous gradient of Wnt, fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), retinoic acid (RA) signaling, and collinearly expressed Hox genes patterns the trunk and posterior regions. Collectively, DV asymmetry is mostly coupled to AP polarity, and cell-cell interactions mediated essentially by the same regulatory networks operate in DV and AP patterning. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémence Carron
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Sorbonne Universités, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Paris, France
| | - De-Li Shi
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Sorbonne Universités, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine (IBPS), Paris, France.,School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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25
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Chen G, Tan R, Tao Q. Sebox regulates mesoderm formation in early amphibian embryos. Dev Dyn 2015; 244:1415-26. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2015] [Revised: 08/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Geng Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences; Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Renbo Tan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences; Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences; Beijing China
| | - Qinghua Tao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences; Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences; Beijing China
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26
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Shandarin IN, Ivanova AS, Minin AA, Tereshina MB, Zaraisky AG. The ag1 gene is required for the fin regeneration in Danio rerio. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162015040123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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27
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The secreted factor Ag1 missing in higher vertebrates regulates fins regeneration in Danio rerio. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8123. [PMID: 25630240 PMCID: PMC4309956 DOI: 10.1038/srep08123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Agr family includes three groups of genes, Ag1, Agr2 and Agr3, which encode the thioredoxin domain-containing secreted proteins and have been shown recently to participate in regeneration of the amputated body appendages in amphibians. By contrast, higher vertebrates have only Agr2 and Agr3, but lack Ag1, and have low ability to regenerate the body appendages. Thus, one may hypothesize that loss of Ag1 in evolution could be an important event that led to a decline of the regenerative capacity in higher vertebrates. To test this, we have studied now the expression and role of Ag1 in the regeneration of fins of a representative of another large group of lower vertebrates, the fish Danio rerio. As a result, we have demonstrated that amputation of the Danio fins, like amputation of the body appendages in amphibians, elicits an increase of Ag1 expression in cells of the stump. Furthermore, down-regulation of DAg1 by injections of Vivo-morpholino antisense oligonucleotides resulted in a retardation of the fin regeneration. These data are in a good agreement with the assumption that the loss of Ag1 in higher vertebrates ancestors could lead to the reduction of the regenerative capacity in their modern descendants.
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28
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Xu P, Zhu G, Wang Y, Sun J, Liu X, Chen YG, Meng A. Maternal Eomesodermin regulates zygotic nodal gene expression for mesendoderm induction in zebrafish embryos. J Mol Cell Biol 2014; 6:272-85. [DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mju028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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29
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Kirmizitas A, Gillis WQ, Zhu H, Thomsen GH. Gtpbp2 is required for BMP signaling and mesoderm patterning in Xenopus embryos. Dev Biol 2014; 392:358-67. [PMID: 24858484 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Smad proteins convey canonical intracellular signals for activated receptors in the TGFβ superfamily, but the activity of Smads and their impact on target genes are further regulated by a wide variety of cofactors and partner proteins. We have identified a new Smad1 partner, a GTPase named Gtpbp2 that is a distant relative of the translation factor eEf1a. Gtpbp2 affects canonical signaling in the BMP branch of the TGFβ superfamily, as morpholino knockdown of Gtpbp2 decreases, and overexpression of Gtpbp2 enhances, animal cap responses to BMP4. During Xenopus development, gtpbp2 transcripts are maternally expressed and localized to the egg animal pole, and partitioned into the nascent ectodermal and mesodermal cells during cleavage and early gastrulation stages. Subsequently, gtpbp2 is expressed in the neural folds, and in early tadpoles undergoing organogenesis gtpbp2 is expressed prominently in the brain, eyes, somites, ventral blood island and branchial arches. Consistent with its expression, morpholino knockdown of Gtpbp2 causes defects in ventral-posterior germ layer patterning, gastrulation and tadpole morphology. Overexpressed Gtpbp2 can induce ventral-posterior marker genes and localize to cell nuclei in Xenopus animal caps, highlighting its role in regulating BMP signaling in the early embryo. Here, we introduce this large GTPase as a novel factor in BMP signaling and ventral-posterior patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arif Kirmizitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Developmental Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5215, USA
| | - William Q Gillis
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Developmental Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5215, USA
| | - Haitao Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Developmental Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5215, USA
| | - Gerald H Thomsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Center for Developmental Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5215, USA.
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30
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Karadge U, Elinson RP. Characterization of the nutritional endoderm in the direct developing frog Eleutherodactylus coqui. Dev Genes Evol 2013; 223:351-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00427-013-0451-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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31
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Regulation of cell polarity and RNA localization in vertebrate oocytes. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 306:127-85. [PMID: 24016525 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-407694-5.00004-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
It has long been appreciated that the inheritance of maternal cytoplasmic determinants from different regions of the egg can lead to differential specification of blastomeres during cleavage. Localized RNAs are important determinants of cell fate in eggs and embryos but are also recognized as fundamental regulators of cell structure and function. This chapter summarizes recent molecular and genetic experiments regarding: (1) mechanisms that regulate polarity during different stages of vertebrate oogenesis, (2) pathways that localize presumptive protein and RNA determinants within the polarized oocyte and egg, and (3) how these determinants act in the embryo to determine the ultimate cell fates. Emphasis is placed on studies done in Xenopus, where extensive work has been done in these areas, and comparisons are drawn with fish and mammals. The prospects for future work using in vivo genome manipulation and other postgenomic approaches are also discussed.
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32
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Wang R, Liu X, Küster-Schöck E, Fagotto F. Proteomic analysis of differences in ectoderm and mesoderm membranes by DiGE. J Proteome Res 2012; 11:4575-93. [PMID: 22852788 DOI: 10.1021/pr300379m] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Ectoderm and mesoderm can be considered as prototypes for epithelial and mesenchymal cell types. These two embryonic tissues display clear differences in adhesive and motility properties, which are phenomenologically well characterized but remain largely unexplored at the molecular level. Because the key downstream regulations must occur at the plasma membrane and in the underlying actin cortical structures, we have set out to compare the protein content of membrane fractions from Xenopus ectoderm and mesoderm tissues using 2-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (DiGE). We have thus identified several proteins that are enriched in one or the other tissues, including regulators of the cytoskeleton and of cell signaling. This study represents to our knowledge the first attempt to use proteomics specifically targeted to the membrane-cortex compartment of embryonic tissues. The identified components should help unraveling a variety of tissue-specific functions in the embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Wang
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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33
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Pereira LA, Wong MS, Mei Lim S, Stanley EG, Elefanty AG. The Mix family of homeobox genes—Key regulators of mesendoderm formation during vertebrate development. Dev Biol 2012; 367:163-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Revised: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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34
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Houston DW. Cortical rotation and messenger RNA localization in Xenopus axis formation. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 1:371-88. [PMID: 23801488 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
In Xenopus eggs, fertilization initiates a rotational movement of the cortex relative to the cytoplasm, resulting in the transport of critical determinants to the future dorsal side of the embryo. Cortical rotation is mediated by microtubules, resulting in activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and expression of organizer genes on the dorsal side of the blastula. Similar cytoplasmic localizations resulting in β-catenin activation occur in many chordate embryos, suggesting a deeply conserved mechanism for patterning early embryos. This review summarizes the experimental evidence for the molecular basis of this model, focusing on recent maternal loss-of-function studies that shed light on two main unanswered questions: (1) what regulates microtubule assembly during cortical rotation and (2) how is Wnt/β-catenin signaling activated dorsally? In addition, as these processes depend on vegetally localized molecules in the oocyte, the mechanisms of RNA localization and novel roles for localized RNAs in axis formation are discussed. The work reviewed here provides a beginning framework for understanding the coupling of asymmetry in oogenesis with the establishment of asymmetry in the embryo.
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35
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Bayramov AV, Eroshkin FM, Martynova NY, Ermakova GV, Solovieva EA, Zaraisky AG. Novel functions of Noggin proteins: inhibition of Activin/Nodal and Wnt signaling. Development 2011; 138:5345-56. [PMID: 22071106 DOI: 10.1242/dev.068908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The secreted protein Noggin1 is an embryonic inducer that can sequester TGFβ cytokines of the BMP family with extremely high affinity. Owing to this function, ectopic Noggin1 can induce formation of the headless secondary body axis in Xenopus embryos. Here, we show that Noggin1 and its homolog Noggin2 can also bind, albeit less effectively, to ActivinB, Nodal/Xnrs and XWnt8, inactivation of which, together with BMP, is essential for the head induction. In support of this, we show that both Noggin proteins, if ectopically produced in sufficient concentrations in Xenopus embryo, can induce a secondary head, including the forebrain. During normal development, however, Noggin1 mRNA is translated in the presumptive forebrain with low efficiency, which provides the sufficient protein concentration for only its BMP-antagonizing function. By contrast, Noggin2, which is produced in cells of the anterior margin of the neural plate at a higher concentration, also protects the developing forebrain from inhibition by ActivinB and XWnt8 signaling. Thus, besides revealing of novel functions of Noggin proteins, our findings demonstrate that specification of the forebrain requires isolation of its cells from BMP, Activin/Nodal and Wnt signaling not only during gastrulation but also at post-gastrulation stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey V Bayramov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
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36
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Skirkanich J, Luxardi G, Yang J, Kodjabachian L, Klein PS. An essential role for transcription before the MBT in Xenopus laevis. Dev Biol 2011; 357:478-91. [PMID: 21741375 PMCID: PMC3164747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2010] [Revised: 05/10/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Most zygotic genes remain transcriptionally silent in Drosophila, Xenopus, and zebrafish embryos through multiple mitotic divisions until the midblastula transition (MBT). Several genes have been identified in each of these organisms that are transcribed before the MBT, but whether precocious expression of specific mRNAs is important for later development has not been examined in detail. Here, we identify a class of protein coding transcripts activated before the MBT by the maternal T-box factor VegT that are components of an established transcriptional regulatory network required for mesendoderm induction in Xenopus laevis, including the Nodal related ligands xnr5, xnr6, and derrière and the transcription factors bix4, and sox17α. Accumulation of phospho-Smad2, a hallmark of active Nodal signaling, at the onset of the MBT requires preMBT transcription and activity of xnr5 and xnr6. Furthermore, preMBT activation of the Nodal pathway is essential for mesendodermal gene expression and patterning of the embryo. Finally, xnr5 and xnr6 can also activate their own expression during cleavage stages, indicating that preMBT transcription contributes to a feed-forward system that allows robust activation of Nodal signaling at the MBT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guillaume Luxardi
- Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille Luminy, CNRS-Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Jing Yang
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Laurent Kodjabachian
- Institut de Biologie du Développement de Marseille Luminy, CNRS-Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
| | - Peter S. Klein
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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37
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Liu W, Foley AC. Signaling pathways in early cardiac development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2011; 3:191-205. [PMID: 20830688 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cardiomyocyte differentiation is a complex multistep process requiring the proper temporal and spatial integration of multiple signaling pathways. Previous embryological and genetic studies have identified a number of signaling pathways that are critical to mediate the initial formation of the mesoderm and its allocation to the cardiomyocyte lineage. It has become clear that some of these signaling networks work autonomously, in differentiating myocardial cells whereas others work non-autonomously, in neighboring tissues, to regulate cardiac differentiation indirectly. Here, we provide an overview of three signaling networks that mediate cardiomyocyte specification and review recent insights into their specific roles in heart development. In addition, we demonstrate how systems level, 'omic approaches' and other high-throughput techniques such as small molecules screens are beginning to impact our understanding of cardiomyocyte specification and, to identify novel signaling pathways involved in this process. In particular, it now seems clear that at least one chemokine receptor CXCR4 is an important marker for cardiomyocyte progenitors and may play a functional role in their differentiation. Finally, we discuss some gaps in our current understanding of early lineage selection that could be addressed by various types of omic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenrui Liu
- Greenberg Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
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38
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Rankin SA, Kormish J, Kofron M, Jegga A, Zorn AM. A gene regulatory network controlling hhex transcription in the anterior endoderm of the organizer. Dev Biol 2011; 351:297-310. [PMID: 21215263 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2010.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2010] [Revised: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The homeobox gene hhex is one of the earliest markers of the anterior endoderm, which gives rise to foregut organs such as the liver, ventral pancreas, thyroid, and lungs. The regulatory networks controlling hhex transcription are poorly understood. In an extensive cis-regulatory analysis of the Xenopus hhex promoter, we determined how the Nodal, Wnt, and BMP pathways and their downstream transcription factors regulate hhex expression in the gastrula organizer. We show that Nodal signaling, present throughout the endoderm, directly activates hhex transcription via FoxH1/Smad2 binding sites in the proximal -0.44 Kb promoter. This positive action of Nodal is suppressed in the ventral-posterior endoderm by Vent 1 and Vent2, homeodomain repressors that are induced by BMP signaling. Maternal Wnt/β-catenin on the dorsal side of the embryo cooperates with Nodal and indirectly activates hhex expression via the homeodomain activators Siamois and Twin. Siamois/Twin stimulate hhex transcription through two mechanisms: (1) they induce the expression of Otx2 and Lim1 and together Siamois, Twin, Otx2, and Lim1 appear to promote hhex transcription through homeobox sites in a Wnt-responsive element located between -0.65 to -0.55 Kb of the hhex promoter. (2) Siamois/Twin also induce the expression of the BMP-antagonists Chordin and Noggin, which are required to exclude Vents from the organizer allowing hhex transcription. This study reveals a complex network regulating anterior endoderm transcription in the early embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Rankin
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation and Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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39
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Setdb2 restricts dorsal organizer territory and regulates left-right asymmetry through suppressing fgf8 activity. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:2521-6. [PMID: 20133783 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0914396107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dorsal organizer formation is one of the most critical steps in early embryonic development. Several genes and signaling pathways that positively regulate the dorsal organizer development have been identified; however, little is known about the factor(s) that negatively regulates the organizer formation. Here, we show that Setdb2, a SET domain-containing protein possessing potential histone H3K9 methyltransferase activity, restricts dorsal organizer development and regulates left-right asymmetry by suppressing fibroblast growth factor 8 (fgf8) expression. Knockdown of Setdb2 results in a massive expansion of dorsal organizer markers floating head (flh), goosecoid (gsc), and chordin (chd), as well as a significant increase of fgf8, but not fgf4 mRNAs. Consequently, disrupted midline patterning and resultant randomization of left-right asymmetry are observed in Setdb2-deficient embryos. These characteristic changes induced by Setdb2 deficiency can be nearly corrected by either overexpression of a dominant-negative fgf receptor or knockdown of fgf8, suggesting an essential role for Setdb2-Fgf8 signaling in restricting dorsal organizer territory and regulating left-right asymmetry. These results provide unique evidence that a SET domain-containing protein potentially involved in the epigenetic control negatively regulates dorsal organizer formation during early embryonic development.
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40
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Abstract
The endoderm germ layer contributes to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts and to all of their associated organs. Over the past decade, studies in vertebrate model organisms, including frog, fish, chick, and mouse, have greatly enhanced our understanding of the molecular basis of endoderm organ development. We review this progress with a focus on early stages of endoderm organogenesis including endoderm formation, gut tube morphogenesis and patterning, and organ specification. Lastly, we discuss how developmental mechanisms that regulate endoderm organogenesis are used to direct differentiation of embryonic stem cells into specific adult cell types, which function to alleviate disease symptoms in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Zorn
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation and Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.
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41
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Siegel D, Schuff M, Oswald F, Cao Y, Knöchel W. Functional dissection of XDppa2/4 structural domains in Xenopus development. Mech Dev 2009; 126:974-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2009.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2009] [Revised: 09/13/2009] [Accepted: 09/15/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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42
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Foley A. Cardiac lineage selection: integrating biological complexity into computational models. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2009; 1:334-347. [DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Foley
- Greenberg Division of Cardiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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43
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Wills AE, Choi VM, Bennett MJ, Khokha MK, Harland RM. BMP antagonists and FGF signaling contribute to different domains of the neural plate in Xenopus. Dev Biol 2009; 337:335-50. [PMID: 19913009 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2009] [Revised: 10/29/2009] [Accepted: 11/03/2009] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In ectodermal explants from Xenopus embryos, inhibition of BMP signaling is sufficient for neural induction, leading to the idea that neural fate is the default state in the ectoderm. Many of these experiments assayed the action of BMP antagonists on animal caps, which are relatively naïve explants of prospective ectoderm, and different results have led to debate regarding both the mechanism of neural induction and the appropriateness of animal caps as an assay system. Here we address whether BMP antagonists are only able to induce neural fates in pre-patterned explants, and the extent to which neural induction requires FGF signaling. We suggest that some discrepancies in conclusion depend on the interpretations of sox gene expression, which we show not only marks definitive neural tissue, but also tissue that is not yet committed to neural fates. Part of the early sox2 domain requires FGF signaling, but in the absence of organizer signaling, this domain reverts to epidermal fates. We also reinforce the evidence that ectodermal explants are naïve, and that explants that lack any dorsal prepattern are readily neuralized by BMP antagonists, even when FGF signaling is inhibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea E Wills
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Center for Integrative Genomics, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
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44
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Blythe SA, Reid CD, Kessler DS, Klein PS. Chromatin immunoprecipitation in early Xenopus laevis embryos. Dev Dyn 2009; 238:1422-32. [PMID: 19334278 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) is a powerful method for analyzing the interaction of regulatory proteins with genomic loci, but has been difficult to apply to studies on early embryos due to the limiting amount of genomic material in these samples. Here, we present a comprehensive technique for performing ChIP on blastula and gastrula stage Xenopus embryos. We also describe methods for optimizing crosslinking and chromatin shearing, verifying antibody specificity, maximizing PCR sensitivity, and quantifying PCR results, allowing for the use of as few as 50 early blastula stage embryos (approximately 5x10(4) cells) per experimental condition. Finally, we demonstrate the predicted binding of endogenous beta-catenin to the nodal-related 6 promoter, binding of tagged Fast-1/FoxH1 to the goosecoid promoter, and binding of tagged Tcf3 to the siamois and nodal-related 6 promoters as examples of the potential application of ChIP to embryological investigations. Developmental Dynamics 238:1422-1432, 2009. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby A Blythe
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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45
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)/bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling is involved in the vast majority of cellular processes and is fundamentally important during the entire life of all metazoans. Deregulation of TGF-beta/BMP activity almost invariably leads to developmental defects and/or diseases, including cancer. The proper functioning of the TGF-beta/BMP pathway depends on its constitutive and extensive communication with other signaling pathways, leading to synergistic or antagonistic effects and eventually desirable biological outcomes. The nature of such signaling cross-talk is overwhelmingly complex and highly context-dependent. Here we review the different modes of cross-talk between TGF-beta/BMP and the signaling pathways of Mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/Akt, Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, and the interleukin/interferon-gamma/tumor necrosis factor-alpha cytokines, with an emphasis on the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Xiao-Fan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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46
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Kerr TC, Cuykendall TN, Luettjohann LC, Houston DW. Maternal Tgif1 regulates nodal gene expression in Xenopus. Dev Dyn 2008; 237:2862-73. [PMID: 18816846 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In Xenopus, the maternal transcription factor VegT is necessary and sufficient to initiate the expression of nodal-related genes, which are central to many aspects of early development. However, little is known about regulation of VegT activity. Using maternal loss-of-function experiments, we show that the maternal homeoprotein, Tgif1, antagonizes VegT and plays a central role in anteroposterior patterning by negatively regulating a subset of nodal-related genes. Depletion of Tgif1 causes the anteriorization of embryos and the up-regulation of nodal paralogues nr5 and nr6. Furthermore, Tgif1 inhibits activation of nr5 by VegT in a manner that requires a C-terminal Sin3 corepressor-interacting domain. Tgif1 has been implicated in the transcriptional corepression of transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) and retinoid signaling. However, we show that Tgif1 does not inhibit these pathways in early development. These results identify an essential role for Tgif1 in the control of nodal expression and provide insight into Tgif1 function and mechanisms controlling VegT activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler C Kerr
- University of Iowa, Department of Biology, Iowa City, Iowa 52246-1324, USA
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47
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Souopgui J, Rust B, Vanhomwegen J, Heasman J, Henningfeld KA, Bellefroid E, Pieler T. The RNA-binding protein XSeb4R: a positive regulator of VegT mRNA stability and translation that is required for germ layer formation in Xenopus. Genes Dev 2008; 22:2347-52. [PMID: 18765788 DOI: 10.1101/gad.479808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
VegT represents a localized maternal determinant essentially required for endoderm formation in Xenopus. Here, we report on the identification of the RNA-binding protein XSeb4R as a positive regulator of VegT. XSeb4R interacts directly with the 3'-untranslated region of VegT mRNA, stabilizes it, and stimulates translation. Ablation of XSeb4R activity results in impairment of endoderm and mesoderm formation, while ectopic expression of XSeb4R in ectodermal cells induces endodermal and mesodermal gene expression. These observations unravel a novel mode of VegT regulation at the post-transcriptional level that is essential for germ layer formation in Xenopus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Souopgui
- Laboratoire d'Embryologie Moléculaire, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires (IBMM), B-6041 Gosselies, Belgium
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48
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Woodland HR, Zorn AM. The core endodermal gene network of vertebrates: combining developmental precision with evolutionary flexibility. Bioessays 2008; 30:757-65. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.20785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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49
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Chu FH, Afonin B, Gustin JK, Bost A, Sanchez M, Domingo CR. Embryonic cells depleted of beta-catenin remain competent to differentiate into dorsal mesodermal derivatives. Dev Dyn 2008; 236:3007-19. [PMID: 17907203 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of axis specification leads to defects in dorsal tissue patterning and cell movements. Here, we examine how beta-catenin coordinately affects gastrulation movements and dorsal mesoderm differentiation. The reduction of beta-catenin protein levels by morpholino oligonucleotides complementary to beta-catenin mRNA causes a disruption in gastrulation movements. Time-lapse imaging of beta-catenin morphants during gastrulation reveals that involution occurs simultaneously around the blastopore in the absence of convergent extension cell movements. Transplantation experiments show that morphant cells grafted from the marginal zone into wild-type hosts differentiate into notochord and muscle. However, wild-type mesoderm cells grafted to the marginal zone of beta-catenin morphants do not form dorsal tissues. These data argue that beta-catenin is not required for the initial establishment of dorsal mesoderm cell competency, but it is required for the maintenance of that competency. We propose that tissue interactions that occur during convergent extension movements are necessary for maintaining dorsal tissue competency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francie H Chu
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California 94132, USA
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50
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Vonica A, Gumbiner BM. The Xenopus Nieuwkoop center and Spemann-Mangold organizer share molecular components and a requirement for maternal Wnt activity. Dev Biol 2007; 312:90-102. [PMID: 17964564 PMCID: PMC2170525 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2007] [Revised: 09/06/2007] [Accepted: 09/06/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In Xenopus embryos, the dorso-ventral and antero-posterior axes are established by the Spemann-Mangold organizer. According to the prevalent model of early development, the organizer is induced by the dorsalizing Nieuwkoop signal, which is secreted by the Nieuwkoop center. Formation of the center requires the maternal Wnt pathway, which is active on the dorsal side of embryos. Nevertheless, the molecular nature of the Nieuwkoop signal remains unclear. Since the Nieuwkoop center and the organizer both produce dorsalizing signals in vitro, we asked if they might share molecular components. We find that vegetal explants, the source of Nieuwkoop signal in recombination assays, express a number of organizer genes. The product of one of these genes, chordin, is required for signaling, suggesting that the organizer and the center share at least some molecular components. Furthermore, experiments with whole embryos show that maternal Wnt activity is required in the organizer just as it is needed in the Nieuwkoop center in vitro. We conclude that the maternal Wnt pathway generates the Nieuwkoop center in vitro and the organizer in vivo by activating a common set of genes, without the need of an intermediary signaling step.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alin Vonica
- The Laboratory of Vertebrate Embryology, The Rockefeller University, P.O. Box 32, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
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