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Xie W, Dhinojwala A, Gianneschi NC, Shawkey MD. Interactions of Melanin with Electromagnetic Radiation: From Fundamentals to Applications. Chem Rev 2024; 124:7165-7213. [PMID: 38758918 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Melanin, especially integumentary melanin, interacts in numerous ways with electromagnetic radiation, leading to a set of critical functions, including radiation protection, UV-protection, pigmentary and structural color productions, and thermoregulation. By harnessing these functions, melanin and melanin-like materials can be widely applied to diverse applications with extraordinary performance. Here we provide a unified overview of the melanin family (all melanin and melanin-like materials) and their interactions with the complete electromagnetic radiation spectrum (X-ray, Gamma-ray, UV, visible, near-infrared), which until now has been absent from the literature and is needed to establish a solid fundamental base to facilitate their future investigation and development. We begin by discussing the chemistries and morphologies of both natural and artificial melanin, then the fundamentals of melanin-radiation interactions, and finally the exciting new developments in high-performance melanin-based functional materials that exploit these interactions. This Review provides both a comprehensive overview and a discussion of future perspectives for each subfield of melanin that will help direct the future development of melanin from both fundamental and applied perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanjie Xie
- Department of Biology, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructure Group, University of Ghent, Gent 9000, Belgium
| | - Ali Dhinojwala
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325, United States
| | - Nathan C Gianneschi
- Department of Chemistry, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Simpson-Querrey Institute, Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Lurie Cancer Center, and International Institute of Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Matthew D Shawkey
- Department of Biology, Evolution and Optics of Nanostructure Group, University of Ghent, Gent 9000, Belgium
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Messner A, Aranha dos Santos V, Puchner S, Stegmann H, Schlatter A, Schmidl D, Leitgeb R, Schmetterer L, Werkmeister RM. The Impact of Photopigment Bleaching on the Human Rod Photoreceptor Subretinal Space Measured Via Optical Coherence Tomography. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:20. [PMID: 38470325 PMCID: PMC10941995 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.3.20] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate rod photopigment bleaching-driven intrinsic optical signals (IOS) in the human outer retina and its measurement repeatability based on a commercial optical coherence tomography (OCT) platform. Methods The optical path length of the rod photoreceptor subretinal space (SRS), that is, the distance between signal bands of rod outer segment tips and retinal pigment epithelium, was measured in 15 healthy subjects in ambient light and during a long-duration bleaching white-light exposure. Results On 2 identical study days (day 1 and day 2 [D1 and D2]), light stimulation resulted in a significant decrease in rod SRS by 21.3 ± 7.6% and 19.8 ± 8.5% (both P < 0.001), respectively. The test-retest reliability of the SRS maximum change of an individual subject was moderate for single measures (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.730, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.376, 0.900, P < 0.001) and good for average measures (ICC = 0.844, 95% CI = 0.546, 0.947, P < 0.001). The mean area under the stimulus response curve with values of 14.8 ± 9.4 and 15.5 ± 7.5 µm × minutes (P = 0.782) showed excellent agreement between the stimulus response on D1 and D2. Intermittent dark adaptation of the retina led to an initial increase of the SRS by 6.1% (P = 0.018) and thereafter showed a decrease toward baseline, despite continued dark adaptation. Conclusions The data indicate the potential of commercial OCT in measuring slow IOS in the outer retina suggesting that the rod SRS could serve as a biomarker for photoreceptor function. The presented approach could provide an easily implementable clinical tool for the early detection of diseases affecting photoreceptor health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Messner
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Stefan Puchner
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hannes Stegmann
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Schlatter
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Institute for Research in Ocular Surgery (VIROS), Department of Ophthalmology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Doreen Schmidl
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Leitgeb
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leopold Schmetterer
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, The Academia, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE), Singapore, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - René M. Werkmeister
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Chang Y, Wu S, Li J, Bao H, Wu C. Identification of Candidate Genes for Red-Eyed (Albinism) Domestic Guppies Using Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2175. [PMID: 38396851 PMCID: PMC10888696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042175] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Guppies are small tropical fish with brightly colored bodies and variable tail shapes. There are two phenotypes of domestic guppy eye color: red and black. The wild type is black-eyed. The main object of this study was to identify candidate genes for the red-eyed phenotype in domestic guppies. We hope to provide molecular genetic information for the development of new domestic guppy strains. Additionally, the results also contribute to basic research concerning guppies. In this study, 121 domestic guppies were used for genomic analysis (GWAS), and 44 genes were identified. Furthermore, 21 domestic guppies were used for transcriptomic analysis, and 874 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 357 upregulated and 517 downregulated genes. Through GO and KEGG enrichment, we identified some important terms or pathways mainly related to melanin biosynthesis and ion transport. qRT-PCR was also performed to verify the differential expression levels of four important candidate genes (TYR, OCA2, SLC45A2, and SLC24A5) between red-eyed and black-eyed guppies. Based on the results of genomic and transcriptomic analyses, we propose that OCA2 is the most important candidate gene for the red-eyed phenotype in guppies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Haigang Bao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China; (Y.C.); (S.W.); (J.L.); (C.W.)
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Hodges ED, Chrystal PW, Footz T, Doucette LP, Noel NCL, Li Z, Walter MA, Allison WT. Disrupting the Repeat Domain of Premelanosome Protein (PMEL) Produces Dysamyloidosis and Dystrophic Ocular Pigment Reflective of Pigmentary Glaucoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14423. [PMID: 37833870 PMCID: PMC10572516 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914423] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigmentary glaucoma has recently been associated with missense mutations in PMEL that are dominantly inherited and enriched in the protein's fascinating repeat domain. PMEL pathobiology is intriguing because PMEL forms functional amyloid in healthy eyes, and this PMEL amyloid acts to scaffold melanin deposition. This is an informative contradistinction to prominent neurodegenerative diseases where amyloid formation is neurotoxic and mutations cause a toxic gain of function called "amyloidosis". Preclinical animal models have failed to model this PMEL "dysamyloidosis" pathomechanism and instead cause recessively inherited ocular pigment defects via PMEL loss of function; they have not addressed the consequences of disrupting PMEL's repetitive region. Here, we use CRISPR to engineer a small in-frame mutation in the zebrafish homolog of PMEL that is predicted to subtly disrupt the protein's repetitive region. Homozygous mutant larvae displayed pigmentation phenotypes and altered eye morphogenesis similar to presumptive null larvae. Heterozygous mutants had disrupted eye morphogenesis and disrupted pigment deposition in their retinal melanosomes. The deficits in the pigment deposition of these young adult fish were not accompanied by any detectable glaucomatous changes in intraocular pressure or retinal morphology. Overall, the data provide important in vivo validation that subtle PMEL mutations can cause a dominantly inherited pigment pathology that aligns with the inheritance of pigmentary glaucoma patient pedigrees. These in vivo observations help to resolve controversy regarding the necessity of PMEL's repeat domain in pigmentation. The data foster an ongoing interest in an antithetical dysamyloidosis mechanism that, akin to the amyloidosis of devastating dementias, manifests as a slow progressive neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D. Hodges
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (E.D.H.); (P.W.C.)
- Faculty of Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Paul W. Chrystal
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (E.D.H.); (P.W.C.)
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G5, Canada
| | - Tim Footz
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (M.A.W.)
| | - Lance P. Doucette
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (E.D.H.); (P.W.C.)
| | - Nicole C. L. Noel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (E.D.H.); (P.W.C.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (M.A.W.)
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London EC1V 9EL, UK
| | - Zixuan Li
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (E.D.H.); (P.W.C.)
| | - Michael A. Walter
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (M.A.W.)
| | - W. Ted Allison
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada; (E.D.H.); (P.W.C.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada (M.A.W.)
- Centre for Prions & Protein Folding Disease, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2M8, Canada
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Gao Y, Liu L, Zhang Z, Qin C, Yang B, Ke Y. TYRP1 Protects Against the Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress of Retinal Ganglion Cells by Binding to PMEL. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2023; 31:1024-1034. [PMID: 35708352 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2081862] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This research aimed to dissect the function of TYRP1 and PMEL in glaucomatous animal and cell models. METHODS A chronic ocular hypertension (COH) rat model was induced in the right eyes of rats through the electrocoagulation of superficial iris veins. In addition, an oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-retinal ganglion cell (RGC) model was constructed through OGD. TYRP1 and PMEL expression was altered in the animal and cell models to explore their effects. RESULTS TYRP1 and PMEL expression was poor in glaucoma patients, COH rats, and OGD-RGCs. Mechanistically, TYRP1 interacted with PMEL to upregulate PMEL in OGD-RGCs. TYRP1 overexpression enhanced viability and diminished apoptosis and oxidative stress of OGD-RGCs, which was abolished by PMEL knockdown. TYRP1 upregulation reduced intraocular pressure, RGC apoptosis, and oxidative stress in COH rats, which was reversed by PMEL knockdown. CONCLUSIONS TYRP1 elevates PMEL expression to reduce RGC apoptosis and oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Gao
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Nankai University Eye Hospital, Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Lei Liu
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Nankai University Eye Hospital, Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Chunxiu Qin
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Bing Yang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, P.R. China
| | - Yifeng Ke
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, P.R. China
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Zhuang J, Pan ZJ, Qin Y, Liang H, Zhang WF, Sun ZY, Shi HB. Evaluation of BDE-47-induced neurodevelopmental toxicity in zebrafish embryos. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:54022-54034. [PMID: 36869944 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-26170-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
There are growing concerns about the neurodevelopmental toxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), but the toxicological phenotypes and mechanisms are not well elucidated. Here, zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) from 4 to 72 h post-fertilization (hpf). The results showed that BDE-47 stimulated the production of dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine, but inhibited expression of Nestin, GFAP, Gap43, and PSD95 in 24 hpf embryos. Importantly, we unraveled the inhibitory effects of BDE-47 on neural crest-derived melanocyte differentiation and melanin syntheses process, evidenced by disrupted expression of wnt1, wnt3, sox10, mitfa, tyrp1a, tyrp1b, tryp2, and oca2 gene in 72 hpf embryos and decreased tyrosinase activities in embryos at 48 and 72 hpf. The transcriptional activities of myosin VAa, kif5ba, rab27a, mlpha, and cdc42 genes, which are associated with intracellular transport process, were also disturbed during zebrafish development. Ultimately, these alterations led to fast spontaneous movement and melanin accumulation deficit in zebrafish embryos upon BDE-47 exposure. Our results provide an important extension for understanding the neurodevelopmental effects of PBDEs and facilitate the comprehensive evaluation of neurotoxicity in embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhuang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Breeding of Special Aquatic Organisms, Huaiyin Normal University, 111 Changjiang West Road, Huaian, 223300, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zheng-Jun Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Breeding of Special Aquatic Organisms, Huaiyin Normal University, 111 Changjiang West Road, Huaian, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Qin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Breeding of Special Aquatic Organisms, Huaiyin Normal University, 111 Changjiang West Road, Huaian, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Breeding of Special Aquatic Organisms, Huaiyin Normal University, 111 Changjiang West Road, Huaian, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen-Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Breeding of Special Aquatic Organisms, Huaiyin Normal University, 111 Changjiang West Road, Huaian, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ze-Yu Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Breeding of Special Aquatic Organisms, Huaiyin Normal University, 111 Changjiang West Road, Huaian, 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Han-Bo Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology Around Hongze Lake, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture and Environmental Protection, Jiangsu Engineering Laboratory for Breeding of Special Aquatic Organisms, Huaiyin Normal University, 111 Changjiang West Road, Huaian, 223300, Jiangsu, China
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El-Bakary NER, Alsafy MAM, El-Gendy SAA, Elarab SME. New insights into the retinal microstructure-diurnal activity relationship in the African five-lined skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) (Lichtenstein, 1823). ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2023; 9:7. [PMID: 36934288 PMCID: PMC10024390 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-023-00205-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The retinae of diurnal vertebrates have characteristics. Most lizards are strictly diurnal, and their retinal morphology is still unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS The retina of the African five-lined skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) was studied using light and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS The retina's ten layers were all detected. The inner nuclear layer was the thickest by an average of 67.66 μm, and the inner plexiform layer was 57.564 μm. There were elliptical, long cylindrical, and spherical melanosomes (small and large) in the pigment epithelial layer of the retina. The cylindrical melanosomes had a large area on the lateral surfaces of cones to increase light scatter absorption. The photoreceptor layer of the retina had cones only. There were single and double cones, with the double cones consisting of principal and accessory cones. The cones had inner and outer segments separated by oil droplets. A spherical paraboloid body existed between the limiting membrane and the ellipsoid. All single cones had a paraboloid, and double cones had a large paraboloid in the accessory cone. The presence of paraboloids and large ellipsoids with mitochondria of varying sizes may have helped focus the light on cone segments. CONCLUSION The African five-lined skink's eye was light-adapted due to a variety of retinal specializations related to the demands of its diurnal lifestyle in its environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed A M Alsafy
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Abees 10Th, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Samir A A El-Gendy
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Abees 10Th, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samar M Ez Elarab
- Histology and Cytology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Bai S, Hu S, Dai Y, Jin R, Zhang C, Yao F, Weng Q, Zhai P, Zhao B, Wu X, Chen Y. NRAS promotes the proliferation of melanocytes to increase melanin deposition in Rex rabbits. Genome 2023; 66:1-10. [PMID: 36440769 DOI: 10.1139/gen-2021-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Melanocytes play a major role in the formation of mammalian fur color and are regulated by several genes. Despite playing the pivotal role in the study of melanoma, the mechanistic role of NRAS (neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog) in the formation of mammalian epidermal color is still elusive. First of all, the expression levels of NRAS mRNA and protein in the dorsal skin of different colored Rex rabbits were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Then, the subcellular localization of NRAS was identified in melanocytes by indirect immunofluorescence. Next, the expression of NRAS was overexpressed and knocked down in melanocytes, and its efficiency was verified by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Subsequently, NaOH, CCK-8, and Annexin V-FITC were used to verify the changes in melanin content, proliferation, and apoptosis in melanocytes. Finally, we analyzed the regulation of NRAS on other genes (MITF, TYR, DCT, PMEL, and CREB) that affect melanin production. In silico studies showed NRAS as a stable and hydrophilic protein, and it is localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of melanocytes. The mRNA and protein expression levels of NRAS were significantly different in skin of different colored Rex rabbits, and the highest level was found in black skin (P < 0.01). Moreover, the NRAS demonstrated impact on the proliferation, apoptosis, and melanin production of melanocytes (P < 0.05), and the strong correlation of NRAS with melanin-related genes was evidently observed (P < 0.05). Our results suggested that NRAS can be used as a gene that regulates melanin production and controls melanocyte proliferation and apoptosis, providing a new theoretical basis for studying the mechanism of mammalian fur color formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaocheng Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Shuaishuai Hu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Yingying Dai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Rongshuai Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Fan Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Qiaoqin Weng
- Yuyao Xinnong Rabbit Industry Co., Ltd, Ningbo 315400, China
| | - Pin Zhai
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Bohao Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Xinsheng Wu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
| | - Yang Chen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture & Agri-Product Safety, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225000, China
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Okada T, Iwayama T, Ogura T, Murakami S, Ogura T. Structural analysis of melanosomes in living mammalian cells using scanning electron-assisted dielectric microscopy with deep neural network. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 21:506-518. [PMID: 36618988 PMCID: PMC9807747 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.12.027] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanins are the main pigments found in mammals. Their synthesis and transfer to keratinocytes have been widely investigated for many years. However, analysis has been mainly carried out using fixed rather than live cells. In this study, we have analysed the melanosomes in living mammalian cells using newly developed scanning electron-assisted dielectric microscopy (SE-ADM). The melanosomes in human melanoma MNT-1 cells were observed as clear black particles in SE-ADM. The main structure of melanosomes was toroidal while that of normal melanocytes was ellipsoidal. In tyrosinase knockout MNT-1 cells, not only the black particles in the SE-ADM images but also the Raman shift of melanin peaks completely disappeared suggesting that the black particles were really melanosomes. We developed a deep neural network (DNN) system to automatically detect melanosomes in cells and analysed their diameter and roundness. In terms of melanosome morphology, the diameter of melanosomes in melanoma cells did not change while that in normal melanocytes increased during culture. The established DNN analysis system with SE-ADM can be used for other particles, e.g. exosomes, lysosomes, and other biological particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Okada
- Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 6, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Iwayama
- Department of Periodontology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, 1-8 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Taku Ogura
- Chemical Business Unit, Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd., Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 174-0046, Japan
| | - Shinya Murakami
- Department of Periodontology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, 1-8 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Ogura
- Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 6, Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan,Correspondence to: Health and Medical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Higashi 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8566, Japan.
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The retinal pigmentation pathway in human albinism: Not so black and white. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101091. [PMID: 35729001 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Albinism is a pigment disorder affecting eye, skin and/or hair. Patients usually have decreased melanin in affected tissues and suffer from severe visual abnormalities, including foveal hypoplasia and chiasmal misrouting. Combining our data with those of the literature, we propose a single functional genetic retinal signalling pathway that includes all 22 currently known human albinism disease genes. We hypothesise that defects affecting the genesis or function of different intra-cellular organelles, including melanosomes, cause syndromic forms of albinism (Hermansky-Pudlak (HPS) and Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS)). We put forward that specific melanosome impairments cause different forms of oculocutaneous albinism (OCA1-8). Further, we incorporate GPR143 that has been implicated in ocular albinism (OA1), characterised by a phenotype limited to the eye. Finally, we include the SLC38A8-associated disorder FHONDA that causes an even more restricted "albinism-related" ocular phenotype with foveal hypoplasia and chiasmal misrouting but without pigmentation defects. We propose the following retinal pigmentation pathway, with increasingly specific genetic and cellular defects causing an increasingly specific ocular phenotype: (HPS1-11/CHS: syndromic forms of albinism)-(OCA1-8: OCA)-(GPR143: OA1)-(SLC38A8: FHONDA). Beyond disease genes involvement, we also evaluate a range of (candidate) regulatory and signalling mechanisms affecting the activity of the pathway in retinal development, retinal pigmentation and albinism. We further suggest that the proposed pigmentation pathway is also involved in other retinal disorders, such as age-related macular degeneration. The hypotheses put forward in this report provide a framework for further systematic studies in albinism and melanin pigmentation disorders.
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Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Complex Regulatory Pathway of Background Color in Juvenile Plectropomus leopardus Skin Color Variation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911186. [PMID: 36232493 PMCID: PMC9569894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish skin color is often strongly affected by background color. We hypothesized that the regulatory mechanism of variations in skin color in P. leopardus is linked to the background color. In this study, we conducted transcriptome analysis of Plectropomus leopardus cultured under different background colors to compare gene expression levels and the important signaling pathways. The RNA-seq analysis yielded 26,675 known mRNAs, 3278 novel mRNAs, and 3179 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The DEGs related to melanin synthesis were screened out. Some key melanin-related genes were identified, specifically tyr, slc7a11, mc1r, ednrb, dct, tat, and wnt1. These DEGs were mainly involved in melanogenesis, including tyrosine metabolism, the Wnt signaling pathway, and the cAMP signaling pathway. The expression levels of some key genes were upregulated when background color deepened, such as α-msh, wnt, and gf. The α-MSH/cAMP-dependent, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways were activated, resulting in the accumulation of intracellular mitf. mitf promoted melanin production by binding to the tyr/tyrp1/dct promoter region. In the present study, we explored the molecular mechanism underlying the darkened skin color pattern of P. leopardus, providing a theoretical basis for the molecular mechanism underlying pigmentation in P. leopardus.
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12
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Torriano S, Baulier E, Garcia Diaz A, Corneo B, Farber DB. CRISPR-AsCas12a Efficiently Corrects a GPR143 Intronic Mutation in Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from an Ocular Albinism Patient. CRISPR J 2022; 5:457-471. [PMID: 35686978 PMCID: PMC9233509 DOI: 10.1089/crispr.2021.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the GPR143 gene cause X-linked ocular albinism type 1 (OA1), a disease that severely impairs vision. We recently generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from skin fibroblasts of an OA1 patient carrying a point mutation in intron 7 of GPR143. This mutation activates a new splice site causing the incorporation of a pseudoexon. In this study, we present a high-performance CRISPR-Cas ribonucleoprotein strategy to permanently correct the GPR143 mutation in these patient-derived iPSCs. Interestingly, the two single-guide RNAs available for SpCas9 did not allow the cleavage of the target region. In contrast, the cleavage achieved with the CRISPR-AsCas12a system promoted homology-directed repair at a high rate. The CRISPR-AsCas12a-mediated correction did not alter iPSC pluripotency or genetic stability, nor did it result in off-target events. Moreover, we highlight that the disruption of the pathological splice site caused by CRISPR-AsCas12a-mediated insertions/deletions also rescued the normal splicing of GPR143 and its expression level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Torriano
- Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA School of Medicine, Jules Stein Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Edouard Baulier
- Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA School of Medicine, Jules Stein Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alejandro Garcia Diaz
- Stem Cell Core, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Barbara Corneo
- Stem Cell Core, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Debora B Farber
- Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA School of Medicine, Jules Stein Eye Institute, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Molecular Biology Institute and UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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13
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Jara E, Peñagaricano F, Armstrong E, Menezes C, Tardiz L, Rodons G, Iriarte A. Identification of Long Noncoding RNAs Involved in Eyelid Pigmentation of Hereford Cattle. Front Genet 2022; 13:864567. [PMID: 35601493 PMCID: PMC9114348 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.864567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Several ocular pathologies in cattle, such as ocular squamous cell carcinoma and infectious keratoconjunctivitis, have been associated with low pigmentation of the eyelids. The main objective of this study was to analyze the transcriptome of eyelid skin in Hereford cattle using strand-specific RNA sequencing technology to characterize and identify long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). We compared the expression of lncRNAs between pigmented and unpigmented eyelids and analyzed the interaction of lncRNAs and putative target genes to reveal the genetic basis underlying eyelid pigmentation in cattle. We predicted 4,937 putative lncRNAs mapped to the bovine reference genome, enriching the catalog of lncRNAs in Bos taurus. We found 27 differentially expressed lncRNAs between pigmented and unpigmented eyelids, suggesting their involvement in eyelid pigmentation. In addition, we revealed potential links between some significant differentially expressed lncRNAs and target mRNAs involved in the immune response and pigmentation. Overall, this study expands the catalog of lncRNAs in cattle and contributes to a better understanding of the biology of eyelid pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Jara
- Unidad de Genética y Mejora Animal, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Francisco Peñagaricano
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Eileen Armstrong
- Unidad de Genética y Mejora Animal, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Claudia Menezes
- Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Metabolismo Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lucía Tardiz
- Unidad de Genética y Mejora Animal, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gastón Rodons
- Unidad de Genética y Mejora Animal, Departamento de Producción Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Andrés Iriarte
- Laboratorio de Biología Computacional, Departamento de Desarrollo Biotecnológico, Instituto de Higiene, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La República, Montevideo, Uruguay
- *Correspondence: Andrés Iriarte,
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14
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Hazim RA, Williams DS. Microtubule Motor Transport of Organelles in a Specialized Epithelium: The RPE. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:852468. [PMID: 35309899 PMCID: PMC8930850 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.852468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a uniquely polarized epithelium that lies adjacent to the photoreceptor cells in the retina, and is essential for photoreceptor function and viability. Two major motile organelles present in the RPE are the melanosomes, which are important for absorbing stray light, and phagosomes that result from the phagocytosis of the distal tips of the photoreceptor cilium, known as the photoreceptor outer segment (POS). These organelles are transported along microtubules, aligned with the apical-basal axis of the RPE. Although they undergo a directional migration, the organelles exhibit bidirectional movements, indicating both kinesin and dynein motor function in their transport. Apical melanosome localization requires dynein; it has been suggested that kinesin contribution might be complex with the involvement of more than one type of kinesin. POS phagosomes undergo bidirectional movements; roles of both plus- and minus-end directed motors appear to be important in the efficient degradation of phagosomes. This function is directly related to retinal health, with defects in motor proteins, or in the association of the phagosomes with the motors, resulting in retinal degenerative pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roni A. Hazim
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - David S. Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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15
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Liu S, Miyaji M, Hosoya O, Matsuo T. Effect of NK-5962 on Gene Expression Profiling of Retina in a Rat Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413276. [PMID: 34948073 PMCID: PMC8703378 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: NK-5962 is a key component of photoelectric dye-coupled polyethylene film, designated Okayama University type-retinal prosthesis (OUReP™). Previously, we found that NK-5962 solution could reduce the number of apoptotic photoreceptors in the eyes of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats by intravitreal injection under a 12 h light/dark cycle. This study aimed to explore possible molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-apoptotic effect of NK-5962 in the retina of RCS rats. Methods: RCS rats received intravitreal injections of NK-5962 solution in the left eye at the age of 3 and 4 weeks, before the age of 5 weeks when the speed in the apoptotic degeneration of photoreceptors reaches its peak. The vehicle-treated right eyes served as controls. All rats were housed under a 12 h light/dark cycle, and the retinas were dissected out at the age of 5 weeks for RNA sequence (RNA-seq) analysis. For the functional annotation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), the Metascape and DAVID databases were used. Results: In total, 55 up-regulated DEGs, and one down-regulated gene (LYVE1) were found to be common among samples treated with NK-5962. These DEGs were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Reactome pathway analyses. We focused on the up-regulated DEGs that were enriched in extracellular matrix organization, extracellular exosome, and PI3K–Akt signaling pathways. These terms and pathways may relate to mechanisms to protect photoreceptor cells. Moreover, our analyses suggest that SERPINF1, which encodes pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), is one of the key regulatory genes involved in the anti-apoptotic effect of NK-5962 in RCS rat retinas. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that photoelectric dye NK-5962 may delay apoptotic death of photoreceptor cells in RCS rats by up-regulating genes related to extracellular matrix organization, extracellular exosome, and PI3K–Akt signaling pathways. Overall, our RNA-seq and bioinformatics analyses provide insights in the transcriptome responses in the dystrophic RCS rat retinas that were induced by NK-5962 intravitreal injection and offer potential target genes for developing new therapeutic strategies for patients with retinitis pigmentosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihui Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama City 700-8558, Japan;
| | - Mary Miyaji
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama City 700-8558, Japan; (M.M.); (O.H.)
| | - Osamu Hosoya
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama City 700-8558, Japan; (M.M.); (O.H.)
| | - Toshihiko Matsuo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama City 700-8558, Japan;
- Correspondence:
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16
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Pohl J, Golovko O, Carlsson G, Örn S, Schmitz M, Ahi EP. Gene co-expression network analysis reveals mechanisms underlying ozone-induced carbamazepine toxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 276:130282. [PMID: 34088109 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Sewage effluent ozonation can reduce concentrations of chemical pollutants including pharmaceutical residues. However, the formation of potentially toxic ozonation byproducts (OBPs) is a matter of concern. This study sought to elucidate toxicity mechanisms of ozonated carbamazepine (CBZ), an anti-epileptic drug frequently detected in sewage effluents and surface water, in zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). Embryos were exposed to ozonated and non-ozonated CBZ from 3 h post-fertilization (hpf) until 144 hpf. Embryotoxicity endpoints (proportion of dead and malformed embryos) were assessed at 24, 48, and 144 hpf. Heart rate was recorded at 48 hpf. Exposure to ozonated CBZ gave rise to cardiovascular-related malformations and reduced heart rate. Moreover, embryo-larvae exposed to ozonated CBZ displayed a lack of swim bladder inflation. Hence, the expression patterns of CBZ target genes involved in cardiovascular and embryonal development were investigated through a stepwise gene co-expression analysis approach. Two co-expression networks and their upstream transcription regulators were identified, offering mechanistic explanations for the observed toxicity phenotypes. The study presents a novel application of gene co-expression analysis elucidating potential toxicity mechanisms of an ozonated pharmaceutical with environmental relevance. The resulting data was used to establish a putative adverse outcome pathway (AOP).
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Pohl
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Oksana Golovko
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7050, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Carlsson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stefan Örn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7028, 75007, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Monika Schmitz
- Department of Organismal Biology, Comparative Physiology Section, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ehsan Pashay Ahi
- Department of Organismal Biology, Comparative Physiology Section, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, 75236, Uppsala, Sweden; Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 9, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
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17
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Zhang S, Chen K, Liu H, Jing C, Zhang X, Qu C, Yu S. PMEL as a Prognostic Biomarker and Negatively Associated With Immune Infiltration in Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (SKCM). J Immunother 2021; 44:214-223. [PMID: 34028390 PMCID: PMC8225232 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Premelanosome protein (PMEL) is crucial for the formation of melanosomal fibrils through the transition from stage I to stage II melanosomes. It was used as a target antigen in some adoptive T-cell therapy of melanoma. The correlation of PMEL to prognosis and immune cell infiltration level are unknown in melanoma. The PMEL expression was evaluated via Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, Oncomine and Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA). We also evaluate the influence of PMEL on overall survival via GEPIA, PrognoScan, and immunohistochemistry in human tissue microarray. The correlation between PMEL expression level and immune cell or gene markers of immune infiltration level was explored on Tumor Immune Estimation Resource and GEPIA. PMEL expression was significantly higher in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) and SKCM-metastasis in comparison with the other cancers. In SKCM, PMEL expression in high levels was associated with poor overall survival. In both SKCM and SKCM-metastasis patients, PMEL expression is negatively correlated with the infiltration cells of CD8+ T cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. Programmed cell-death protein 1 just showed response rates ranging from 20% to 40% in patients with melanoma, so it is critical to discover a new therapeutic target. PMEL is negatively associated with immune cell infiltration and can be as a negative prognosis marker or new immunotherapy target in SKCM and SKCM-metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Immunology Department, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | - Chunfeng Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Immunology Department, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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18
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D'Alba L, Meadows M, Maia R, Jong-Souk Y, Manceau M, Shawkey M. Morphogenesis of iridescent feathers in Anna's hummingbird Calypte anna. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 61:1502-1510. [PMID: 34104966 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Color is a phenotypic trait of utmost importance, particularly in birds, which are known for their diverse color signals and color-producing mechanisms including pigment-based colors, light scattering from nanostructured feather tissues and combinations thereof. Bright iridescent plumage colors of hummingbirds are caused by light scattering by an organized array of flattened, pigment organelles, containing air-filled vesicles, called melanosomes. These hollow platelets are organized in multilayer arrays that contain numerous sharp air/melanin refractive index interfaces, producing brilliant iridescent colors. Despite their ecological significance and potential for inspiration of new optical materials, how platelets form and spatially arrange in nanostructures in growing feathers remains unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that melanosome formation and organization occurs mostly through passive self-assembly processes by assembling a developmental time series of growing hummingbird feathers using optical and electron microscopy. We show that hummingbird platelets contain air bubbles or vesicles upon their formation in pigment-producing cells, melanocytes. When melanosomes are transferred to neighboring keratinocytes (the cells shaping barbule structure) they drastically expand in size; and variation in this enlargement appears to be driven by physical constraints caused by the placement of the melanosomes within the barbule plate and their proximity to other melanosomes. As the barbule elongates and narrows, polymerizing feather corneous beta protein (CβP) orients melanosomes unilaterally, forcing them into a stacked configuration. These results reveal potentially novel forces driving the self-assembly of the nanostructures producing some of the brightest colors in nature.<.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana D'Alba
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent, Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Melissa Meadows
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, 220 Bartram Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611-8525
| | - Rafael Maia
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Yeo Jong-Souk
- School of Integrated Technology, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Marie Manceau
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, CNRS 7241, INSERM U1050, Collège de France, Paris, France
| | - Matthew Shawkey
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent, Ledeganckstraat 35, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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19
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Inhibitory effect of CADI on melanin transfer in the B16F10-HaCAT cells co-culture system and anti-melanogenesis of CNCE in zebrafish. Process Biochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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20
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Identification of a novel GPR143 mutation in a large Chinese family with isolated foveal hypoplasia. BMC Ophthalmol 2021; 21:156. [PMID: 33785018 PMCID: PMC8011130 DOI: 10.1186/s12886-021-01905-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pathogenic variants of G-protein coupled receptor 143 (GPR143) gene often leads to ocular albinism type I (OA1) characterized by nystagmus, iris and fundus hypopigmentation, and foveal hypoplasia. In this study, we identified a novel hemizygous nonsense mutation in GPR143 that caused an atypical manifestation of OA1. Case presentation We reported a large Chinese family in which all affected individuals are afflicted with poor visual acuity and foveal hypoplasia without signs of nystagmus. Fundus examination of patients showed an absent foveal reflex and mild hypopigmentation. The fourth grade of foveal hypoplasia and the reduced area of blocked fluorescence at foveal region was detected in OCT. OCTA imaging showed the absence of foveal avascular zone. In addition, the amplitude of multifocal ERG was reduced in the central ring. Gene sequencing results revealed a novel hemizygous mutation (c.939G > A) in GPR143 gene, which triggered p.W313X. However, no iris depigmentation and nystagmus were observed among both patients and carriers. Conclusions In this study, we reported a novel nonsense mutation of GPR143 in a large family with poor visual acuity and isolated foveal hypoplasia without nystagmus, which further expanded the genetic mutation spectrum of GPR143.
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21
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Ernst J, Alabek ML, Eldib A, Madan-Khetarpal S, Sebastian J, Bhatia A, Liasis A, Nischal KK. Ocular findings of albinism in DYRK1A-related intellectual disability syndrome. Ophthalmic Genet 2020; 41:650-655. [PMID: 32838606 DOI: 10.1080/13816810.2020.1814349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenic variants in DYRK1A are associated with DYRK1A-related intellectual disability syndrome (DIDS). Common features of this diagnosis include microcephaly, intellectual disability, speech impairment, and distinct facial features. Reported ocular features include deep-set eyes, myopia, and strabismus. We present a case of DYRK1A-related intellectual disability syndrome with ocular findings of albinism and explore the possible pathogenesis of this previously unreported manifestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a single, retrospective case report of a child with DIDS who underwent an ophthalmic exam including detailed visual electrophysiology. Results: A 21-month-old female with microcephaly, failure to thrive, language delay, cleft palate, and cardiac defects had an ophthalmic exam showing myopia, strabismus, a hypopigmented fundus and crossed asymmetry on visual evoked potential (VEP), consistent with ocular findings of albinism. Whole exome sequencing identified a pathogenic DYRK1A variant; no albinism gene variants were reported. Her constellation of features is consistent with a diagnosis of DYRK1A-related intellectual disability syndrome; however, ocular features of albinism have not previously been reported in this condition. CONCLUSIONS This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of ocular findings of albinism in a case of DYRK1A-related intellectual disability syndrome. We propose that ocular albinism is a novel ocular phenotype of DYRK1A-related disease. Ophthalmic exams in patients with this diagnosis should include thorough evaluation for ocular albinism, including VEPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ernst
- UPMC Eye Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michelle L Alabek
- UPMC Eye Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Amgad Eldib
- UPMC Eye Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Suneeta Madan-Khetarpal
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jessica Sebastian
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aashim Bhatia
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- UPMC Radiology Department at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alkiviades Liasis
- UPMC Eye Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ken K Nischal
- UPMC Eye Center , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Ophthalmology Departement, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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22
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Cassar S, Dunn C, Ramos MF. Zebrafish as an Animal Model for Ocular Toxicity Testing: A Review of Ocular Anatomy and Functional Assays. Toxicol Pathol 2020; 49:438-454. [PMID: 33063651 DOI: 10.1177/0192623320964748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Xenobiotics make their way into organisms from diverse sources including diet, medication, and pollution. Our understanding of ocular toxicities from xenobiotics in humans, livestock, and wildlife is growing thanks to laboratory animal models. Anatomy and physiology are conserved among vertebrate eyes, and studies with common mammalian preclinical species (rodent, dog) can predict human ocular toxicity. However, since the eye is susceptible to toxicities that may not involve a histological correlate, and these species rely heavily on smell and hearing to navigate their world, discovering visual deficits can be challenging with traditional animal models. Alternative models capable of identifying functional impacts on vision and requiring minimal amounts of chemical are valuable assets to toxicology. Human and zebrafish eyes are anatomically and functionally similar, and it has been reported that several common human ocular toxicants cause comparable toxicity in zebrafish. Vision develops rapidly in zebrafish; the tiny larvae rely on visual cues as early as 4 days, and behavioral responses to those cues can be monitored in high-throughput fashion. This article describes the comparative anatomy of the zebrafish eye, the notable differences from the mammalian eye, and presents practical applications of this underutilized model for assessment of ocular toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Cassar
- Preclinical Safety, 419726AbbVie, Inc, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christina Dunn
- Preclinical Safety, 419726AbbVie, Inc, North Chicago, IL, USA
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23
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Jiang M, Paniagua AE, Volland S, Wang H, Balaji A, Li DG, Lopes VS, Burgess BL, Williams DS. Microtubule motor transport in the delivery of melanosomes to the actin-rich apical domain of the retinal pigment epithelium. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs242214. [PMID: 32661088 PMCID: PMC7420818 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.242214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanosomes are motile, light-absorbing organelles that are present in pigment cells of the skin and eye. It has been proposed that melanosome localization, in both skin melanocytes and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), involves melanosome capture from microtubule motors by an unconventional myosin, which dynamically tethers the melanosomes to actin filaments. Recent studies with melanocytes have questioned this cooperative capture model. Here, we test the model in RPE cells by imaging melanosomes associated with labeled actin filaments and microtubules, and by investigating the roles of different motor proteins. We found that a deficiency in cytoplasmic dynein phenocopies the lack of myosin-7a, in that melanosomes undergo fewer of the slow myosin-7a-dependent movements and are absent from the RPE apical domain. These results indicate that microtubule-based motility is required for the delivery of melanosomes to the actin-rich apical domain and support a capture mechanism that involves both microtubule and actin motors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Jiang
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Antonio E Paniagua
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stefanie Volland
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hongxing Wang
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Adarsh Balaji
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David G Li
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Vanda S Lopes
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Barry L Burgess
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David S Williams
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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24
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El-Mansi AA, Al-Kahtani MA, Al-Sayyad KM, Ahmed EA, Gad AR. Visual adaptability and retinal characterization of the Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus, Pteropodidae): New insights into photoreceptors spatial distribution and melanosomal activity. Micron 2020; 137:102897. [PMID: 32563026 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2020.102897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Our study was conducted to characterize the retinal structure of the Egyptian fruit bat, Rousettus aegyptiacus to determine the distribution of photoreceptors and melanosomal populations in various retinal zones. Also, we paid attention to the specific structural and functional adaptations related to their nocturnal habits. We analyzed the retinae of 12 adult male Egyptian fruit bats using morphometrical, histological, ultrastructural, and immunoblotting standard techniques. Histological findings revealed that the retinal cells have variations in geometrical architecture and different retinal thickness together with their corresponding layers bearing specific choroidal papillae projecting towards the inner retina. Immunoblotting and ultrastructure results showed that the microstructure of the retina conforms to that pattern found in mammalian species. The retinal photoreceptors are rod-dominant; alternatively, possess two spectral types of cones: SWS and LW/MWS cones as evidence for the basis for dichromatic vision. In addition, the outer retina showed densely-distributed melanin granules with a significant increase in the number of pigment epithelium cells in the eccentric retina. Furthermore, the asymmetric distribution among the retinal quadrants for the visual pigments of both rods and cones coinciding with neuronal cells such as bipolar and ganglion cells confers instructive information about their visual perception and orientation. In conclusion, our findings indicate that R. aegyptiacus efficiently discriminates colors with complex visual adaptations to mediate increased visual acuity coopted for the nocturnal niches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed A El-Mansi
- Biology Dept., Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia; Zoology Dept., Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - M A Al-Kahtani
- Biology Dept., Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - K M Al-Sayyad
- Biology Dept., Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - E A Ahmed
- Biology Dept., Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - A R Gad
- Biology Dept., Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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25
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Lakkaraju A, Umapathy A, Tan LX, Daniele L, Philp NJ, Boesze-Battaglia K, Williams DS. The cell biology of the retinal pigment epithelium. Prog Retin Eye Res 2020; 78:100846. [PMID: 32105772 PMCID: PMC8941496 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2020.100846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a monolayer of post-mitotic polarized epithelial cells, strategically situated between the photoreceptors and the choroid, is the primary caretaker of photoreceptor health and function. Dysfunction of the RPE underlies many inherited and acquired diseases that cause permanent blindness. Decades of research have yielded valuable insight into the cell biology of the RPE. In recent years, new technologies such as live-cell imaging have resulted in major advancement in our understanding of areas such as the daily phagocytosis and clearance of photoreceptor outer segment tips, autophagy, endolysosome function, and the metabolic interplay between the RPE and photoreceptors. In this review, we aim to integrate these studies with an emphasis on appropriate models and techniques to investigate RPE cell biology and metabolism, and discuss how RPE cell biology informs our understanding of retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Lakkaraju
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ankita Umapathy
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Li Xuan Tan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lauren Daniele
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nancy J Philp
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathleen Boesze-Battaglia
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David S Williams
- Department of Ophthalmology and Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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26
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Wesley CC, Mishra S, Levy DL. Organelle size scaling over embryonic development. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2020; 9:e376. [PMID: 32003549 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cell division without growth results in progressive cell size reductions during early embryonic development. How do the sizes of intracellular structures and organelles scale with cell size and what are the functional implications of such scaling relationships? Model organisms, in particular Caenorhabditis elegans worms, Drosophila melanogaster flies, Xenopus laevis frogs, and Mus musculus mice, have provided insights into developmental size scaling of the nucleus, mitotic spindle, and chromosomes. Nuclear size is regulated by nucleocytoplasmic transport, nuclear envelope proteins, and the cytoskeleton. Regulators of microtubule dynamics and chromatin compaction modulate spindle and mitotic chromosome size scaling, respectively. Developmental scaling relationships for membrane-bound organelles, like the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, mitochondria, and lysosomes, have been less studied, although new imaging approaches promise to rectify this deficiency. While models that invoke limiting components and dynamic regulation of assembly and disassembly can account for some size scaling relationships in early embryos, it will be exciting to investigate the contribution of newer concepts in cell biology such as phase separation and interorganellar contacts. With a growing understanding of the underlying mechanisms of organelle size scaling, future studies promise to uncover the significance of proper scaling for cell function and embryonic development, as well as how aberrant scaling contributes to disease. This article is categorized under: Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Regulation of Size, Proportion, and Timing Early Embryonic Development > Fertilization to Gastrulation Comparative Development and Evolution > Model Systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase C Wesley
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | - Sampada Mishra
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
| | - Daniel L Levy
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming
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27
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The Cytoskeleton of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium: from Normal Aging to Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143578. [PMID: 31336621 PMCID: PMC6678077 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a unique epithelium, with major roles which are essential in the visual cycle and homeostasis of the outer retina. The RPE is a monolayer of polygonal and pigmented cells strategically placed between the neuroretina and Bruch membrane, adjacent to the fenestrated capillaries of the choriocapillaris. It shows strong apical (towards photoreceptors) to basal/basolateral (towards Bruch membrane) polarization. Multiple functions are bound to a complex structure of highly organized and polarized intracellular components: the cytoskeleton. A strong connection between the intracellular cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix is indispensable to maintaining the function of the RPE and thus, the photoreceptors. Impairments of these intracellular structures and the regular architecture they maintain often result in a disrupted cytoskeleton, which can be found in many retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This review article will give an overview of current knowledge on the molecules and proteins involved in cytoskeleton formation in cells, including RPE and how the cytoskeleton is affected under stress conditions—especially in AMD.
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28
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Graham M, Tzika AC, Mitchell SM, Liu X, Leonhardt RM. Repeat domain-associated O-glycans govern PMEL fibrillar sheet architecture. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6101. [PMID: 30988362 PMCID: PMC6465243 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42571-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PMEL is a pigment cell-specific protein that forms a functional amyloid matrix in melanosomes. The matrix consists of well-separated fibrillar sheets on which the pigment melanin is deposited. Using electron tomography, we demonstrate that this sheet architecture is governed by the PMEL repeat (RPT) domain, which associates with the amyloid as an accessory proteolytic fragment. Thus, the RPT domain is dispensable for amyloid formation as such but shapes the morphology of the matrix, probably in order to maximize the surface area available for pigment adsorption. Although the primary amino acid sequence of the RPT domain differs vastly among various vertebrates, we show that it is a functionally conserved, interchangeable module. RPT domains of all species are predicted to be very highly O-glycosylated, which is likely the common defining feature of this domain. O-glycosylation is indeed essential for RPT domain function and the establishment of the PMEL sheet architecture. Thus, O-glycosylation, not amino acid sequence, appears to be the major factor governing the characteristic PMEL amyloid morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morven Graham
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Athanasia C Tzika
- Department of Genetics & Evolution, Laboratory of Artificial & Natural Evolution (LANE), Sciences III Building, 1211, Geneva, 4, Switzerland
| | - Susan M Mitchell
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Xinran Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Ralf M Leonhardt
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA.
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Transcriptomic Analysis of Coding Genes and Non-Coding RNAs Reveals Complex Regulatory Networks Underlying the Black Back and White Belly Coat Phenotype in Chinese Wuzhishan Pigs. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10030201. [PMID: 30866582 PMCID: PMC6470719 DOI: 10.3390/genes10030201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Coat color is one of the most important characteristics for distinguishing Chinese indigenous pig breeds. In Wuzhishan pigs, the animals have black on the back and white on the abdomen. However, the molecular genetic basis of this phenotype is unclear. In this study, we used high-throughput RNA sequencing to compare expression profiles of coding and non-coding RNAs from white and black skin samples obtained from individual Wuzhishan pigs. The expression profiling revealed that 194 lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs), 189 mRNAs (messenger RNAs), and 162 miRNAs (microRNAs) had significantly different levels of expression (|log2 fold change| > 1, p-value < 0.05) in white and black skin. Compared to RNA levels in black skin, white skin had higher levels of expression of 185 lncRNAs, 181 mRNAs, and 23 miRNAs and lower levels of expression of 9 lncRNAs, 8 mRNAs, and 139 miRNAs. Functional analysis suggested that the differentially expressed transcripts are involved in biological processes such as melanin biosynthesis, pigmentation and tyrosine metabolism. Several key genes involved in melanogenesis, including MLANA, PMEL, TYR, TYRP1, DTC, TRPM1 and CAMK2A, had significantly different levels of expression in the two skin tissues. Potential lncRNA–miRNA–gene interactions were also examined. A total of 15 lncRNAs, 11 miRNAs and 7 genes formed 23 lncRNA–miRNA–gene pairs, suggesting that complex regulatory networks of coding and non-coding genes underlie the coat color trait in Wuzhishan pigs. Our study provides a foundation for understanding how lncRNA, miRNA and genes interact to regulate coat color in black-back/white-belly pigs. We also constructed lncRNA–miRNA–gene interaction networks to elucidate the complex molecular mechanisms underlying skin physiology and melanogenesis. The results extend our knowledge about the diversity of coat color among different domestic animals and provide a foundation for studying novel mechanisms that control coat color in Chinese indigenous pigs.
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30
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Toms M, Burgoyne T, Tracey-White D, Richardson R, Dubis AM, Webster AR, Futter C, Moosajee M. Phagosomal and mitochondrial alterations in RPE may contribute to KCNJ13 retinopathy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3793. [PMID: 30846767 PMCID: PMC6405871 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40507-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in KCNJ13 are associated with two retinal disorders; Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and snowflake vitreoretinal degeneration (SVD). We examined the retina of kcnj13 mutant zebrafish (obelixtd15, c.502T > C p.[Phe168Leu]) to provide new insights into the pathophysiology underlying these conditions. Detailed phenotyping of obelixtd15 fish revealed a late onset retinal degeneration at 12 months. Electron microscopy of the obelixtd15 retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) uncovered reduced phagosome clearance and increased mitochondrial number and size prior any signs of retinal degeneration. Melanosome distribution was also affected in dark-adapted 12-month obelixtd15 fish. At 6 and 12 months, ATP levels were found to be reduced along with increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and heat shock protein 60. Quantitative RT-PCR of polg2, fis1, opa1, sod1/2 and bcl2a from isolated retina showed expression changes consistent with altered mitochondrial activity and retinal stress. We propose that the retinal disease in this model is primarily a failure of phagosome physiology with a secondary mitochondrial dysfunction. Our findings suggest that alterations in the RPE and photoreceptor cellular organelles may contribute to KCNJ13-related retinal degeneration and provide a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Toms
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Adam M Dubis
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrew R Webster
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK.,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, London, UK. .,Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. .,Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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31
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Gong Y, Hu M, Xu S, Wang B, Wang C, Mu X, Xu P, Jiang Y. Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals expression signatures of albino Russian sturgeon, Acipenseriformes gueldenstaedtii. Mar Genomics 2019; 46:1-7. [PMID: 30852186 DOI: 10.1016/j.margen.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Albinism is a genetically inherited condition that is caused by a series of genetic abnormalities leading to a reduction in melanin production. Russian sturgeon is one of the most valuable freshwater fish species worldwide, and albino individuals have been found in fish farms. Due to its complicated genome and scarce genome-wide genetic resources, the underlying molecular basis of albinism in Russian sturgeon is unknown. In the present study, we first generated transcriptome profile of Acipenser gueldenstaedtii using pooled tissues, which provided reliable reference sequences for future molecular genetic studies. A total of 369,441 contigs were assembled, corresponding to 32,965 unique genes. A comparative analysis of the transcripts from the skin of albino and wildtype individuals was conducted afterwards. A total of 785 unique genes were differentially expressed, including the upregulation of 385 genes and the downregulation of 400 genes in albino individuals. The expression pattern of 16 selected differentially expressed genes was validated using qRT-PCR. Additional annotation, GO enrichment analysis and gene pathway analysis indicated that the melanogenesis pathway may be interrupted in albinism. Eight potential causative genes that were highly likely to be responsible for sturgeon albinism were identified, including Dct, Tyrp1b, Slc45a2, Ctns, Pmela, Pmelb, Cd63, and Bloc1s3, which were found to be significantly down-regulated in albino Russian sturgeon. Moreover, a sliding window analysis of the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitution rates (Ka/Ks) ratios indicated that seven out of the eight genes underwent positive selection during evolution. Our results provide a valuable basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of albinism in fish species and will facilitate future genetic selection and breeding of sturgeon with market-favored traits in aquaculture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Gong
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, CAFS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mou Hu
- Hangzhou Qiandaohu Xunlong Sci-Tech Development Company Limited, Quzhou, China
| | - Shijian Xu
- Hangzhou Qiandaohu Xunlong Sci-Tech Development Company Limited, Quzhou, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Hangzhou Qiandaohu Xunlong Sci-Tech Development Company Limited, Quzhou, China
| | - Chunlin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology (Ningbo University), Ministry of Education, Ningbo, China
| | - Xidong Mu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical & Subtropical Fishery Resource Application and Cultivation, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Fujian Collaborative Innovation Center for Exploitation and Utilization of Marine Biological Resources, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanliang Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, CAFS Key Laboratory of Aquatic Genomics, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing, China; Hangzhou Qiandaohu Xunlong Sci-Tech Development Company Limited, Quzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Applied Marine Biotechnology (Ningbo University), Ministry of Education, Ningbo, China.
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32
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D'Alba L, Shawkey MD. Melanosomes: Biogenesis, Properties, and Evolution of an Ancient Organelle. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1-19. [PMID: 30255724 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00059.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanosomes are organelles that produce and store melanin, a widespread biological pigment with a unique suite of properties including high refractive index, semiconducting capabilities, material stiffness, and high fossilization potential. They are involved in numerous critical biological functions in organisms across the tree of life. Individual components such as melanin chemistry and melanosome development have recently been addressed, but a broad synthesis is needed. Here, we review the hierarchical structure, development, functions, and evolution of melanosomes. We highlight variation in melanin chemistry and melanosome morphology and how these may relate to function. For example, we review what is known of the chemical differences between different melanin types (eumelanin, pheomelanin, allomelanin) and whether/how melanosome morphology relates to chemistry and color. We integrate the distribution of melanin across living organisms with what is known from the fossil record and produce hypotheses on its evolution. We suggest that melanin was present in life forms early in evolutionary history and that melanosomes evolved at the origin of organelles. Throughout, we discuss the (sometimes gaping) holes in our knowledge and suggest areas that need particular attention as we move forward in our understanding of these still-mysterious organelles and the materials that they contain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana D'Alba
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent , Ghent , Belgium
| | - Matthew D Shawkey
- Evolution and Optics of Nanostructures Group, Department of Biology, University of Ghent , Ghent , Belgium
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33
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Zhang YM, Zimmer MA, Guardia T, Callahan SJ, Mondal C, Di Martino J, Takagi T, Fennell M, Garippa R, Campbell NR, Bravo-Cordero JJ, White RM. Distant Insulin Signaling Regulates Vertebrate Pigmentation through the Sheddase Bace2. Dev Cell 2018; 45:580-594.e7. [PMID: 29804876 PMCID: PMC5991976 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2017] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Patterning of vertebrate melanophores is essential for mate selection and protection from UV-induced damage. Patterning can be influenced by circulating long-range factors, such as hormones, but it is unclear how their activity is controlled in recipient cells to prevent excesses in cell number and migration. The zebrafish wanderlust mutant harbors a mutation in the sheddase bace2 and exhibits hyperdendritic and hyperproliferative melanophores that localize to aberrant sites. We performed a chemical screen to identify suppressors of the wanderlust phenotype and found that inhibition of insulin/PI3Kγ/mTOR signaling rescues the defect. In normal physiology, Bace2 cleaves the insulin receptor, whereas its loss results in hyperactive insulin/PI3K/mTOR signaling. Insulin B, an isoform enriched in the head, drives the melanophore defect. These results suggest that insulin signaling is negatively regulated by melanophore-specific expression of a sheddase, highlighting how long-distance factors can be regulated in a cell-type-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan M Zhang
- Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cell and Developmental Biology Program, New York, NY 10065, USA; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Milena A Zimmer
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Talia Guardia
- University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Scott J Callahan
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, New York, NY 10065, USA; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Gerstner Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chandrani Mondal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Julie Di Martino
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Toshimitsu Takagi
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Myles Fennell
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ralph Garippa
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Nathaniel R Campbell
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jose Javier Bravo-Cordero
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Richard M White
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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O’Neill BT, Beck EM, Butler CR, Nolan CE, Gonzales C, Zhang L, Doran SD, Lapham K, Buzon LM, Dutra JK, Barreiro G, Hou X, Martinez-Alsina LA, Rogers BN, Villalobos A, Murray JC, Ogilvie K, LaChapelle EA, Chang C, Lanyon LF, Steppan CM, Robshaw A, Hales K, Boucher GG, Pandher K, Houle C, Ambroise CW, Karanian D, Riddell D, Bales KR, Brodney MA. Design and Synthesis of Clinical Candidate PF-06751979: A Potent, Brain Penetrant, β-Site Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzyme 1 (BACE1) Inhibitor Lacking Hypopigmentation. J Med Chem 2018; 61:4476-4504. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Brian T. O’Neill
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Elizabeth M. Beck
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Christopher R. Butler
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Charles E. Nolan
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Cathleen Gonzales
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Lei Zhang
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Shawn D. Doran
- Medicine Design, Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Kimberly Lapham
- Medicine Design, Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Leanne M. Buzon
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Jason K. Dutra
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Gabriela Barreiro
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Xinjun Hou
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | | | - Bruce N. Rogers
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Anabella Villalobos
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - John C. Murray
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Kevin Ogilvie
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Erik A. LaChapelle
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Cheng Chang
- Medicine Design, Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Lorraine F. Lanyon
- Discovery Sciences, Primary Pharmacology, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Claire M. Steppan
- Discovery Sciences, Primary Pharmacology, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Ashley Robshaw
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Katherine Hales
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Germaine G. Boucher
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Karamjeet Pandher
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Christopher Houle
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Claude W. Ambroise
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - David Karanian
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - David Riddell
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Kelly R. Bales
- Internal Medicine, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michael A. Brodney
- Medicine Design, Medicinal Chemistry, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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Song X, Xu C, Liu Z, Yue Z, Liu L, Yang T, Cong B, Yang F. Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Mink (Neovison vison) Skin Reveals the Key Genes Involved in the Melanogenesis of Black and White Coat Colour. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12461. [PMID: 28963476 PMCID: PMC5622100 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12754-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Farmed mink (Neovison vison) is one of the most important fur-bearing species worldwide, and coat colour is a crucial qualitative characteristic that contributes to the economic value of the fur. To identify additional genes that may play important roles in coat colour regulation, Illumina/Solexa high-throughput sequencing technology was used to catalogue the global gene expression profiles in mink skin with two different coat colours (black and white). RNA-seq analysis indicated that a total of 12,557 genes were differentially expressed in black versus white minks, with 3,530 genes up-regulated and 9,027 genes down-regulated in black minks. Significant differences were not observed in the expression of MC1R and TYR between the two different coat colours, and the expression of ASIP was not detected in the mink skin of either coat colour. The expression levels of KITLG, LEF1, DCT, TYRP1, PMEL, Myo5a, Rab27a and SLC7A11 were validated by qRT-PCR, and the results were consistent with RNA-seq analysis. This study provides several candidate genes that may be associated with the development of two coat colours in mink skin. These results will expand our understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms underlying skin physiology and melanogenesis in mink and will provide a foundation for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchao Song
- Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animals, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animals, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China
| | - Zongyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animals, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China
| | - Zhigang Yue
- Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animals, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China
| | - Linling Liu
- Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animals, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China
| | - Tongao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animals, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China
| | - Bo Cong
- Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animals, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China
| | - Fuhe Yang
- Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Genetic Breeding and Reproduction, Ministry of Agriculture, State Key Laboratory for Molecular Biology of Special Economic Animals, Institute of Special Economic Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, 130112, China.
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Effects of microRNA-136 on melanoma cell proliferation, apoptosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by targetting PMEL through the Wnt signaling pathway. Biosci Rep 2017; 37:BSR20170743. [PMID: 28724603 PMCID: PMC5587917 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20170743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aims to evaluate the effects of miR-136 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of melanoma cells by targetting premelanosome protein (PMEL) through the Wnt signaling pathway. After establishment of melanoma mouse models, melanoma (model group) and normal tissues (normal group) were collected. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine PMEL protein concentration. Mouse melanoma cells were assigned into control, blank, negative control (NC), miR-136 mimics, miR-136 inhibitors, siRNA-PMEL, and miR-136 inhibitors + siRNA-PMEL, LiC1 (Wnt signaling pathway activator), and siRNA-PMEL+ LiCl groups. MTT, Scratch test, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were performed to measure cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were performed to evaluate miR-136, PMEL, β-catenin, Wnt3a, Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin expressions. PMEL is highly expressed in melanoma tissues. MiR-136, Bax, Caspase, and E-cadherin expressions decreased in the model group, whereas PMEL, β-catenin, Bcl-2, Wnt3a, and N-cadherin expressions increased. Bax, Caspase, and E-cadherin expressions increased in the miR-136 mimics and siRNA-PMEL groups, whereas the expressions decreased in the miR-136 inhibitors group and LiC1 group. PMEL, β-catenin, Bcl-2, Wnt3a, and N-cadherin expressions, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion decreased, and the apoptosis rate inceased in the miR-136 mimics and siRNA-PMEL groups; whereas the tendencies were opposite to those in the miR-136 inhibitors group and LiC1 group. In the siRNA-PMEL+ LiCl group, PMEL expression decreased. These findings indicated that overexpression of miR-136 inhibits melanoma cell EMT, proliferation, migration, invasion, and promotes apoptosis by targetting PMEL through down-regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway.
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Tang X, Gao J, Jia X, Zhao W, Zhang Y, Pan W, He J. Bipotent progenitors as embryonic origin of retinal stem cells. J Cell Biol 2017; 216:1833-1847. [PMID: 28465291 PMCID: PMC5461025 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201611057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In lower vertebrates, retinal stem cells (RSCs) capable of producing all retinal cell types are a resource for retinal tissue growth throughout life. However, the embryonic origin of RSCs remains largely elusive. Using a Zebrabow-based clonal analysis, we characterized the RSC niche in the ciliary marginal zone of zebrafish retina and illustrate that blood vessels associated with RSCs are required for the maintenance of actively proliferating RSCs. Full lineage analysis of RSC progenitors reveals lineage patterns of RSC production. Moreover, in vivo lineage analysis demonstrates that these RSC progenitors are the direct descendants of a set of bipotent progenitors in the medial epithelial layer of developing optic vesicles, suggesting the involvement of the mixed-lineage states in the RSC lineage specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jianan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xinling Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Wencao Zhao
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Weijun Pan
- Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Jie He
- State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
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Melanosomal formation of PMEL core amyloid is driven by aromatic residues. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44064. [PMID: 28272432 PMCID: PMC5341037 DOI: 10.1038/srep44064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
PMEL is a pigment cell protein that forms physiological amyloid in melanosomes. Many amyloids and/or their oligomeric precursors are toxic, causing or contributing to severe, incurable diseases including Alzheimer’s and prion diseases. Striking similarities in intracellular formation pathways between PMEL and various pathological amyloids including Aβ and PrPSc suggest PMEL is an excellent model system to study endocytic amyloid. Learning how PMEL fibrils assemble without apparent toxicity may help developing novel therapies for amyloid diseases. Here we identify the critical PMEL domain that forms the melanosomal amyloid core (CAF). An unbiased alanine-scanning screen covering the entire region combined with quantitative electron microscopy analysis of the full set of mutants uncovers numerous essential residues. Many of these rely on aromaticity for function suggesting a role for π-stacking in melanosomal amyloid assembly. Various mutants are defective in amyloid nucleation. This extensive data set informs the first structural model of the CAF and provides insights into how the melanosomal amyloid core forms.
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Lee TH, Park S, Yoo G, Jang C, Kim MH, Kim SH, Kim SY. Demethyleugenol β-Glucopyranoside Isolated from Agastache rugosa Decreases Melanin Synthesis via Down-regulation of MITF and SOX9. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2016; 64:7733-7742. [PMID: 27673705 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.6b03256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & C. A. Mey.) Kuntze has been well-known for its antioxidative properties. This study investigated the anti-melanogenesis effect of demethyleugenol β-d-glucopyranoside (1) from A. rugosa by studying molecular regulation of melanogenesis in melan-a mouse melanocytes and normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEMs) and in in vivo models. The SRY (sex-determining region on the Y chromosome)-related high-mobility group (HMG) box 9 (SOX9), one of the critical factors that affect skin pigmentation, is up-regulated. Interestingly, 1 down-regulated the expression of SOX9 and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF). Reduction of these two transcription factors resulted in a decrease in melanogenic enzymes such as tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1, and dopachrome tautomerase. As a result, 1 significantly inhibited melanin synthesis in melan-a mouse melanocytes and NHEMs. In addition, the anti-melanogenic effect of 1 was confirmed in zebrafish and reconstructed skin tissue models. In conclusion, 1, as a potent SOX9 regulator, ameliorates skin pigmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taek Hwan Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University , 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - SeonJu Park
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University , 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Guijae Yoo
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University , 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheongyun Jang
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University , 191 Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Hyun Kim
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University , 191 Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Gachon University , 191 Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei University , 85 Songdogwahak-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Yeou Kim
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Gachon University , 191 Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
- Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gil Medical Center , Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea
- Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Gachon University , 191 Hambakmoero, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21936, Republic of Korea
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Ocular Albinism Type 1 Regulates Melanogenesis in Mouse Melanocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17101596. [PMID: 27690000 PMCID: PMC5085629 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17101596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate whether ocular albinism type 1 (OA1) is differentially expressed in the skin of mice with different coat colors and to determine its correlation with coat color establishment in mouse, the expression patterns and tissue distribution characterization of OA1 in the skin of mice with different coat colors were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. The qRT-PCR analysis revealed that OA1 mRNA was expressed in all mice skin samples tested, with the highest expression level in brown skin, a moderate expression level in black skin and the lowest expression level in gray skin. Positive OA1 protein bands were also detected in all skin samples by Western blot analysis. The relative expression levels of OA1 protein in both black and brown skin were significantly higher than that in gray skin, but there was no significant difference between black and brown mice. Immunofluorescence assays revealed that OA1 was mainly expressed in the hair follicle matrix, the inner and outer root sheath in the skin tissues with different coat colors. To get further insight into the important role of OA1 in the melanocytes’ pigmentation, we transfected the OA1 into mouse melanocytes and then detected the relative expression levels of pigmentation-related gene. Simultaneously, we tested the melanin content of melanocytes. As a result, the overexpression of OA1 significantly increased the expression levels of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), tyrosinase (TYR), tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TRP1) and premelanosome protein (PMEL). However, the tyrosinase-related protein 2 (TRP2) level was attenuated. By contrast, the level of glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein b (GPNMB) was unaffected by OA1 overexpression. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in melanin content in mouse melanocyte transfected OA1. Therefore, we propose that OA1 may participate in the formation of coat color by regulating the level of MITF and the number, size, motility and maturation of melanosome.
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Kim MK, Bang CY, Kim MY, Lee JH, Ro H, Choi MS, Kim DI, Jang YP, Choung SY. Traditional herbal prescription LASAP-C inhibits melanin synthesis in B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish. Altern Ther Health Med 2016; 16:223. [PMID: 27424198 PMCID: PMC4947310 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1209-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background In this study, the anti-melanogenesis efficacy of clinically used herbal prescription LASAP-C, which consists of four herbal medicines—Rehmanniae Radix Crudus, Lycii Fructus, Scutellariae Radix, and Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, was investigated. Methods The chemical profile of LASAP-C was established by conducting ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry. Anti-melanogenic efficacy was evaluated by tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 expression in B16F10 melanoma cells. In vivo evaluation was performed by using zebrafish model. Results Molecular evidences suggested that melanin synthesis was inhibited via the down-regulation of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 expression in B16F10 melanoma cells treated with LASAP-C. The anti-melanogenesis efficacy was also confirmed in vivo by using the zebrafish model. Conclusion The results of this study provide strong evidences that LASAP-C can be used as an active component in cosmeceutical products for reducing excess pigmentation in the human skin.
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Ho T, Watt B, Spruce LA, Seeholzer SH, Marks MS. The Kringle-like Domain Facilitates Post-endoplasmic Reticulum Changes to Premelanosome Protein (PMEL) Oligomerization and Disulfide Bond Configuration and Promotes Amyloid Formation. J Biol Chem 2015; 291:3595-612. [PMID: 26694611 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.692442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of functional amyloid must be carefully regulated to prevent the accumulation of potentially toxic products. Premelanosome protein (PMEL) forms non-toxic functional amyloid fibrils that assemble into sheets upon which melanins ultimately are deposited within the melanosomes of pigment cells. PMEL is synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum but forms amyloid only within post-Golgi melanosome precursors; thus, PMEL must traverse the secretory pathway in a non-amyloid form. Here, we identified two pre-amyloid PMEL intermediates that likely regulate the timing of fibril formation. Analyses by non-reducing SDS-PAGE, size exclusion chromatography, and sedimentation velocity revealed two native high Mr disulfide-bonded species that contain Golgi-modified forms of PMEL. These species correspond to disulfide bond-containing dimeric and monomeric PMEL isoforms that contain no other proteins as judged by two-dimensional PAGE of metabolically labeled/immunoprecipitated PMEL and by mass spectrometry of affinity-purified complexes. Metabolic pulse-chase analyses, small molecule inhibitor treatments, and evaluation of site-directed mutants suggest that the PMEL dimer forms around the time of endoplasmic reticulum exit and is resolved by disulfide bond rearrangement into a monomeric form within the late Golgi or a post-Golgi compartment. Mutagenesis of individual cysteine residues within the non-amyloid cysteine-rich Kringle-like domain stabilizes the disulfide-bonded dimer and impairs fibril formation as determined by electron microscopy. Our data show that the Kringle-like domain facilitates the resolution of disulfide-bonded PMEL dimers and promotes PMEL functional amyloid formation, thereby suggesting that PMEL dimers must be resolved to monomers to generate functional amyloid fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Ho
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and the Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and
| | - Brenda Watt
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and the Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and
| | - Lynn A Spruce
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and
| | - Steven H Seeholzer
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and
| | - Michael S Marks
- From the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104 and the Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and the Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
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