1
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Webb JA, Farrow E, Cain B, Yuan Z, Yarawsky AE, Schoch E, Gagliani EK, Herr AB, Gebelein B, Kovall RA. Cooperative Gsx2-DNA binding requires DNA bending and a novel Gsx2 homeodomain interface. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae522. [PMID: 38874471 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The conserved Gsx homeodomain (HD) transcription factors specify neural cell fates in animals from flies to mammals. Like many HD proteins, Gsx factors bind A/T-rich DNA sequences prompting the following question: How do HD factors that bind similar DNA sequences in vitro regulate specific target genes in vivo? Prior studies revealed that Gsx factors bind DNA both as a monomer on individual A/T-rich sites and as a cooperative homodimer to two sites spaced precisely 7 bp apart. However, the mechanistic basis for Gsx-DNA binding and cooperativity is poorly understood. Here, we used biochemical, biophysical, structural and modeling approaches to (i) show that Gsx factors are monomers in solution and require DNA for cooperative complex formation, (ii) define the affinity and thermodynamic binding parameters of Gsx2/DNA interactions, (iii) solve a high-resolution monomer/DNA structure that reveals that Gsx2 induces a 20° bend in DNA, (iv) identify a Gsx2 protein-protein interface required for cooperative DNA binding and (v) determine that flexible spacer DNA sequences enhance Gsx2 cooperativity on dimer sites. Altogether, our results provide a mechanistic basis for understanding the protein and DNA structural determinants that underlie cooperative DNA binding by Gsx factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Webb
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Edward Farrow
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Medical-Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Brittany Cain
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7007, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Zhenyu Yuan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Alexander E Yarawsky
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Emma Schoch
- Department of Medical Education, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Ellen K Gagliani
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH 45207, USA
| | - Andrew B Herr
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Brian Gebelein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, MLC 7007, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Rhett A Kovall
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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2
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Webb JA, Farrow E, Cain B, Yuan Z, Yarawsky AE, Schoch E, Gagliani EK, Herr AB, Gebelein B, Kovall RA. Cooperative Gsx2-DNA Binding Requires DNA Bending and a Novel Gsx2 Homeodomain Interface. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.08.570805. [PMID: 38106145 PMCID: PMC10723402 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.08.570805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The conserved Gsx homeodomain (HD) transcription factors specify neural cell fates in animals from flies to mammals. Like many HD proteins, Gsx factors bind A/T-rich DNA sequences prompting the question - how do HD factors that bind similar DNA sequences in vitro regulate specific target genes in vivo? Prior studies revealed that Gsx factors bind DNA both as a monomer on individual A/T-rich sites and as a cooperative homodimer to two sites spaced precisely seven base pairs apart. However, the mechanistic basis for Gsx DNA binding and cooperativity are poorly understood. Here, we used biochemical, biophysical, structural, and modeling approaches to (1) show that Gsx factors are monomers in solution and require DNA for cooperative complex formation; (2) define the affinity and thermodynamic binding parameters of Gsx2/DNA interactions; (3) solve a high-resolution monomer/DNA structure that reveals Gsx2 induces a 20° bend in DNA; (4) identify a Gsx2 protein-protein interface required for cooperative DNA binding; and (5) determine that flexible spacer DNA sequences enhance Gsx2 cooperativity on dimer sites. Altogether, our results provide a mechanistic basis for understanding the protein and DNA structural determinants that underlie cooperative DNA binding by Gsx factors, thereby providing a deeper understanding of HD specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A. Webb
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Edward Farrow
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Medical-Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Brittany Cain
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 7007, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Zhenyu Yuan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Alexander E. Yarawsky
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333, Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Emma Schoch
- Department of Medical Education, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Ellen K. Gagliani
- Department of Chemistry, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH 45207, USA
| | - Andrew B. Herr
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333, Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Brian Gebelein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 7007, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Rhett A. Kovall
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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3
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Coltogirone RA, Sherfinski EI, Dobler ZA, Peterson SN, Andlinger AR, Fadel LC, Patrick RL, Bergeron SA. Gsx2, but not Gsx1, is necessary for early forebrain patterning and long-term survival in zebrafish. Dev Dyn 2023; 252:377-399. [PMID: 36184733 PMCID: PMC9992111 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.542] [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: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Homeobox transcription factor encoding genes, genomic screen homeobox 1 and 2 (gsx1 and gsx2), are expressed during neurodevelopment in multiple vertebrates. However, we have limited knowledge of the dynamic expression of these genes through developmental time and the gene networks that they regulate in zebrafish. RESULTS We confirmed that gsx1 is expressed initially in the hindbrain and diencephalon and later in the optic tectum, pretectum, and cerebellar plate. gsx2 is expressed in the early telencephalon and later in the pallium and olfactory bulb. gsx1 and gsx2 are co-expressed in the hypothalamus, preoptic area, and hindbrain, however, rarely co-localize in the same cells. gsx1 and gsx2 mutant zebrafish were made with TALENs. gsx1 mutants exhibit stunted growth, however, they survive to adulthood and are fertile. gsx2 mutants experience swim bladder inflation failure that prevents survival. We also observed significantly reduced expression of multiple forebrain patterning distal-less homeobox genes in mutants, and expression of foxp2 was not significantly affected. CONCLUSIONS This work provides novel tools with which other target genes and functions of Gsx1 and Gsx2 can be characterized across the central nervous system to better understand the unique and overlapping roles of these highly conserved transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma I. Sherfinski
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
| | - Zoë A. Dobler
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
| | - Sarah N. Peterson
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Lindsay C. Fadel
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
| | - Regina L. Patrick
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
| | - Sadie A. Bergeron
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West, Virginia, USA
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4
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Yellapragada V, Eskici N, Wang Y, Madhusudan S, Vaaralahti K, Tuuri T, Raivio T. Time and dose-dependent effects of FGF8-FGFR1 signaling in GnRH neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276003. [PMID: 35833364 PMCID: PMC9403748 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8), acting through the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), has an important role in the development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-expressing neurons (GnRH neurons). We hypothesized that FGF8 regulates differentiation of human GnRH neurons in a time- and dose-dependent manner via FGFR1. To investigate this further, human pluripotent stem cells were differentiated during 10 days of dual-SMAD inhibition into neural progenitor cells, followed either by treatment with FGF8 at different concentrations (25 ng/ml, 50 ng/ml or 100 ng/ml) for 10 days or by treatment with 100 ng/ml FGF8 for different durations (2, 4, 6 or 10 days); cells were then matured through DAPT-induced inhibition of Notch signaling for 5 days into GnRH neurons. FGF8 induced expression of GNRH1 in a dose-dependent fashion and the duration of FGF8 exposure correlated positively with gene expression of GNRH1 (P<0.05, Rs=0.49). However, cells treated with 100 ng/ml FGF8 for 2 days induced the expression of genes, such as FOXG1, ETV5 and SPRY2, and continued FGF8 treatment induced the dynamic expression of several other genes. Moreover, during exposure to FGF8, FGFR1 localized to the cell surface and its specific inhibition with the FGFR1 inhibitor PD166866 reduced expression of GNRH1 (P<0.05). In neurons, FGFR1 also localized to the nucleus. Our results suggest that dose- and time-dependent FGF8 signaling via FGFR1 is indispensable for human GnRH neuron ontogeny. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: This article demonstrates the essential role FGF8–FGFR1 signaling has in the development of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-expressing neurons by using a human stem cell model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkatram Yellapragada
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nazli Eskici
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Yafei Wang
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shrinidhi Madhusudan
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kirsi Vaaralahti
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Tuuri
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 00029 Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taneli Raivio
- Stem Cells and Metabolism Research Program (STEMM), Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Medicum, Faculty of Medicine, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,New Children's Hospital, Pediatric Research Center, 00029 Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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5
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Leung RF, George AM, Roussel EM, Faux MC, Wigle JT, Eisenstat DD. Genetic Regulation of Vertebrate Forebrain Development by Homeobox Genes. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:843794. [PMID: 35546872 PMCID: PMC9081933 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.843794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Forebrain development in vertebrates is regulated by transcription factors encoded by homeobox, bHLH and forkhead gene families throughout the progressive and overlapping stages of neural induction and patterning, regional specification and generation of neurons and glia from central nervous system (CNS) progenitor cells. Moreover, cell fate decisions, differentiation and migration of these committed CNS progenitors are controlled by the gene regulatory networks that are regulated by various homeodomain-containing transcription factors, including but not limited to those of the Pax (paired), Nkx, Otx (orthodenticle), Gsx/Gsh (genetic screened), and Dlx (distal-less) homeobox gene families. This comprehensive review outlines the integral role of key homeobox transcription factors and their target genes on forebrain development, focused primarily on the telencephalon. Furthermore, links of these transcription factors to human diseases, such as neurodevelopmental disorders and brain tumors are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan F. Leung
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ankita M. George
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Enola M. Roussel
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Maree C. Faux
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Jeffrey T. Wigle
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - David D. Eisenstat
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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6
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Single cell enhancer activity distinguishes GABAergic and cholinergic lineages in embryonic mouse basal ganglia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2108760119. [PMID: 35377797 PMCID: PMC9169651 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2108760119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During brain development, neurons are generated by spatially and temporally distinct processes that remain to be fully characterized. The ganglionic eminences (GEs) in the embryonic subpallium give rise to GABAergic and cholinergic neuron lineages that form the basal ganglia or migrate to the cerebral cortex. Beyond a limited set of canonical RNA markers, the transcriptional states of GE progenitors and immature neurons cells remain poorly defined. We combine enhancer labeling, single-cell transcriptomics using transcription factor-anchored clustering, and integration with in situ hybridization data to distinguish emerging neuronal populations in embryonic mouse basal ganglia. Our results demonstrate the specificity of enhancer-based labeling at single-cell resolution and reveal developmental origins and specification processes of critical neuronal lineages. Enhancers integrate transcription factor signaling pathways that drive cell fate specification in the developing brain. We paired enhancer labeling and single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) to delineate and distinguish specification of neuronal lineages in mouse medial, lateral, and caudal ganglionic eminences (MGE, LGE, and CGE) at embryonic day (E)11.5. We show that scRNA-seq clustering using transcription factors improves resolution of regional and developmental populations, and that enhancer activities identify specific and overlapping GE-derived neuronal populations. First, we mapped the activities of seven evolutionarily conserved brain enhancers at single-cell resolution in vivo, finding that the selected enhancers had diverse activities in specific progenitor and neuronal populations across the GEs. We then applied enhancer-based labeling, scRNA-seq, and analysis of in situ hybridization data to distinguish transcriptionally distinct and spatially defined subtypes of MGE-derived GABAergic and cholinergic projection neurons and interneurons. Our results map developmental origins and specification paths underlying neurogenesis in the embryonic basal ganglia and showcase the power of scRNA-seq combined with enhancer-based labeling to resolve the complex paths of neuronal specification underlying mouse brain development.
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7
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del Águila Á, Adam M, Ullom K, Shaw N, Qin S, Ehrman J, Nardini D, Salomone J, Gebelein B, Lu QR, Potter SS, Waclaw R, Campbell K, Nakafuku M. Olig2 defines a subset of neural stem cells that produce specific olfactory bulb interneuron subtypes in the subventricular zone of adult mice. Development 2022; 149:274286. [PMID: 35132995 PMCID: PMC8959153 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Distinct neural stem cells (NSCs) reside in different regions of the subventricular zone (SVZ) and generate multiple olfactory bulb (OB) interneuron subtypes in the adult brain. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying such NSC heterogeneity remain largely unknown. Here, we show that the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor Olig2 defines a subset of NSCs in the early postnatal and adult SVZ. Olig2-expressing NSCs exist broadly but are most enriched in the ventral SVZ along the dorsoventral axis complementary to dorsally enriched Gsx2-expressing NSCs. Comparisons of Olig2-expressing NSCs from early embryonic to adult stages using single cell transcriptomics reveal stepwise developmental changes in their cell cycle and metabolic properties. Genetic studies further show that cross-repression contributes to the mutually exclusive expression of Olig2 and Gsx2 in NSCs/progenitors during embryogenesis, but that their expression is regulated independently from each other in adult NSCs. Finally, lineage-tracing and conditional inactivation studies demonstrate that Olig2 plays an important role in the specification of OB interneuron subtypes. Altogether, our study demonstrates that Olig2 defines a unique subset of adult NSCs enriched in the ventral aspect of the adult SVZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela del Águila
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Mike Adam
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Kristy Ullom
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Nicholas Shaw
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA,Department of Medical Science, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3125 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Shenyue Qin
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Jacqueline Ehrman
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Diana Nardini
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Joseph Salomone
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Brian Gebelein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Q. Richard Lu
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3125 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Steven S. Potter
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3125 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Ronald Waclaw
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA,Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3125 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Kenneth Campbell
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3125 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA,Division of Neurosurgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA
| | - Masato Nakafuku
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3125 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3125 Eden Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA,Author for correspondence ()
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8
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Soares DS, Homem CC, Castro DS. Function of Proneural Genes Ascl1 and Asense in Neurogenesis: How Similar Are They? Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:838431. [PMID: 35252201 PMCID: PMC8894194 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.838431] [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: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Proneural genes were initially identified in Drosophila, where pioneer work on these important regulators of neural development was performed, and from which the term proneural function was coined. Subsequently, their counterparts in vertebrates were identified, and their function in neural development extensively characterized. The function of proneural transcription factors in flies and vertebrates is, however, very distinct. In flies, proneural genes play an early role in neural induction, by endowing neural competence to ectodermal cells. In contrast, vertebrate proneural genes are expressed only after neural specification, in neural stem and progenitor cells, where they play key regulatory functions in quiescence, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation. An exception to this scenario is the Drosophila proneural gene asense, which has a late onset of expression in neural stem cells of the developing embryo and larvae, similar to its vertebrate counterparts. Although the role of Asense remains poorly investigated, its expression pattern is suggestive of functions more in line with those of vertebrate proneural genes. Here, we revise our current understanding of the multiple activities of Asense and of its closest vertebrate homologue Ascl1 in neural stem/progenitor cell biology, and discuss possible parallels between the two transcription factors in neurogenesis regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo S. Soares
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, IBMC Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina C.F. Homem
- CEDOC, Nova Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Catarina C.F. Homem, ; Diogo S. Castro,
| | - Diogo S. Castro
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, IBMC Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- *Correspondence: Catarina C.F. Homem, ; Diogo S. Castro,
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9
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Hageter J, Waalkes M, Starkey J, Copeland H, Price H, Bays L, Showman C, Laverty S, Bergeron SA, Horstick EJ. Environmental and Molecular Modulation of Motor Individuality in Larval Zebrafish. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:777778. [PMID: 34938167 PMCID: PMC8685292 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.777778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate behavioral biases such as human handedness are a ubiquitous form of inter-individual variation that are not strictly hardwired into the genome and are influenced by diverse internal and external cues. Yet, genetic and environmental factors modulating behavioral variation remain poorly understood, especially in vertebrates. To identify genetic and environmental factors that influence behavioral variation, we take advantage of larval zebrafish light-search behavior. During light-search, individuals preferentially turn in leftward or rightward loops, in which directional bias is sustained and non-heritable. Our previous work has shown that bias is maintained by a habenula-rostral PT circuit and genes associated with Notch signaling. Here we use a medium-throughput recording strategy and unbiased analysis to show that significant individual to individual variation exists in wildtype larval zebrafish turning preference. We classify stable left, right, and unbiased turning types, with most individuals exhibiting a directional preference. We show unbiased behavior is not due to a loss of photo-responsiveness but reduced persistence in same-direction turning. Raising larvae at elevated temperature selectively reduces the leftward turning type and impacts rostral PT neurons, specifically. Exposure to conspecifics, variable salinity, environmental enrichment, and physical disturbance does not significantly impact inter-individual turning bias. Pharmacological manipulation of Notch signaling disrupts habenula development and turn bias individuality in a dose dependent manner, establishing a direct role of Notch signaling. Last, a mutant allele of a known Notch pathway affecter gene, gsx2, disrupts turn bias individuality, implicating that brain regions independent of the previously established habenula-rostral PT likely contribute to inter-individual variation. These results establish that larval zebrafish is a powerful vertebrate model for inter-individual variation with established neural targets showing sensitivity to specific environmental and gene signaling disruptions. Our results provide new insight into how variation is generated in the vertebrate nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Hageter
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Matthew Waalkes
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Jacob Starkey
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Haylee Copeland
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Heather Price
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Logan Bays
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Casey Showman
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Sean Laverty
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, OK, United States
| | - Sadie A. Bergeron
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Eric J. Horstick
- Department of Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, United States
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10
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Knowles R, Dehorter N, Ellender T. From Progenitors to Progeny: Shaping Striatal Circuit Development and Function. J Neurosci 2021; 41:9483-9502. [PMID: 34789560 PMCID: PMC8612473 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0620-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how neurons of the striatum are formed and integrate into complex synaptic circuits is essential to provide insight into striatal function in health and disease. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the development of striatal neurons and associated circuits with a focus on their embryonic origin. Specifically, we address the role of distinct types of embryonic progenitors, found in the proliferative zones of the ganglionic eminences in the ventral telencephalon, in the generation of diverse striatal interneurons and projection neurons. Indeed, recent evidence would suggest that embryonic progenitor origin dictates key characteristics of postnatal cells, including their neurochemical content, their location within striatum, and their long-range synaptic inputs. We also integrate recent observations regarding embryonic progenitors in cortical and other regions and discuss how this might inform future research on the ganglionic eminences. Last, we examine how embryonic progenitor dysfunction can alter striatal formation, as exemplified in Huntington's disease and autism spectrum disorder, and how increased understanding of embryonic progenitors can have significant implications for future research directions and the development of improved therapeutic options.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This review highlights recently defined novel roles for embryonic progenitor cells in shaping the functional properties of both projection neurons and interneurons of the striatum. It outlines the developmental mechanisms that guide neuronal development from progenitors in the embryonic ganglionic eminences to progeny in the striatum. Where questions remain open, we integrate observations from cortex and other regions to present possible avenues for future research. Last, we provide a progenitor-centric perspective onto both Huntington's disease and autism spectrum disorder. We suggest that future investigations and manipulations of embryonic progenitor cells in both research and clinical settings will likely require careful consideration of their great intrinsic diversity and neurogenic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys Knowles
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Nathalie Dehorter
- The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra 2601, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Tommas Ellender
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
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11
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Salomone J, Qin S, Fufa TD, Cain B, Farrow E, Guan B, Hufnagel RB, Nakafuku M, Lim HW, Campbell K, Gebelein B. Conserved Gsx2/Ind homeodomain monomer versus homodimer DNA binding defines regulatory outcomes in flies and mice. Genes Dev 2020; 35:157-174. [PMID: 33334823 PMCID: PMC7778271 DOI: 10.1101/gad.343053.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
How homeodomain proteins gain sufficient specificity to control different cell fates has been a long-standing problem in developmental biology. The conserved Gsx homeodomain proteins regulate specific aspects of neural development in animals from flies to mammals, and yet they belong to a large transcription factor family that bind nearly identical DNA sequences in vitro. Here, we show that the mouse and fly Gsx factors unexpectedly gain DNA binding specificity by forming cooperative homodimers on precisely spaced and oriented DNA sites. High-resolution genomic binding assays revealed that Gsx2 binds both monomer and homodimer sites in the developing mouse ventral telencephalon. Importantly, reporter assays showed that Gsx2 mediates opposing outcomes in a DNA binding site-dependent manner: Monomer Gsx2 binding represses transcription, whereas homodimer binding stimulates gene expression. In Drosophila, the Gsx homolog, Ind, similarly represses or stimulates transcription in a site-dependent manner via an autoregulatory enhancer containing a combination of monomer and homodimer sites. Integrating these findings, we test a model showing how the homodimer to monomer site ratio and the Gsx protein levels defines gene up-regulation versus down-regulation. Altogether, these data serve as a new paradigm for how cooperative homeodomain transcription factor binding can increase target specificity and alter regulatory outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Salomone
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.,Medical-Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Shenyue Qin
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Temesgen D Fufa
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Brittany Cain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, USA
| | - Edward Farrow
- Medical-Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Bin Guan
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Robert B Hufnagel
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Masato Nakafuku
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Hee-Woong Lim
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.,Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Kenneth Campbell
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
| | - Brian Gebelein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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12
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Kuerbitz J, Madhavan M, Ehrman LA, Kohli V, Waclaw RR, Campbell K. Temporally Distinct Roles for the Zinc Finger Transcription Factor Sp8 in the Generation and Migration of Dorsal Lateral Ganglionic Eminence (dLGE)-Derived Neuronal Subtypes in the Mouse. Cereb Cortex 2020; 31:1744-1762. [PMID: 33230547 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Progenitors in the dorsal lateral ganglionic eminence (dLGE) are known to give rise to olfactory bulb (OB) interneurons and intercalated cells (ITCs) of the amygdala. The dLGE enriched transcription factor Sp8 is required for the normal generation of ITCs as well as OB interneurons, particularly the calretinin (CR)-expressing subtype. In this study, we used a genetic gain-of-function approach in mice to examine the roles Sp8 plays in controlling the development of dLGE-derived neuronal subtypes. Misexpression of Sp8 throughout the ventral telencephalic subventricular zone (SVZ) from early embryonic stages, led to an increased generation of ITCs which was dependent on Tshz1 gene dosage. Additionally, Sp8 misexpression impaired rostral migration of OB interneurons with clusters of CR interneurons seen in the SVZ along with decreased differentiation of calbindin OB interneurons. Sp8 misexpression throughout the ventral telencephalon also reduced ventral LGE neuronal subtypes including striatal projection neurons. Delaying Sp8 misexpression until E14-15 rescued the striatal and amygdala phenotypes but only partially rescued OB interneuron reductions, consistent with an early window of striatal and amygdala neurogenesis and ongoing OB interneuron generation at this late stage. Our results demonstrate critical roles for the timing and neuronal cell-type specificity of Sp8 expression in mouse LGE neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kuerbitz
- Divisions of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Medical-Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - M Madhavan
- Divisions of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - L A Ehrman
- Divisions of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Divisions of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - V Kohli
- Divisions of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - R R Waclaw
- Divisions of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Divisions of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - K Campbell
- Divisions of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.,Divisions of Neurosurgery, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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