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Shenoy US, Adiga D, Alhedyan F, Kabekkodu SP, Radhakrishnan R. HOXA9 transcription factor is a double-edged sword: from development to cancer progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:709-728. [PMID: 38062297 PMCID: PMC11156722 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10159-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The HOXA9 transcription factor serves as a molecular orchestrator in cancer stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and generation of the tumor microenvironment in hematological and solid malignancies. However, the multiple modes of regulation, multifaceted functions, and context-dependent interactions responsible for the dual role of HOXA9 as an oncogene or tumor suppressor in cancer remain obscure. Hence, unravelling its molecular complexities, binding partners, and interacting signaling molecules enables us to comprehend HOXA9-mediated transcriptional programs and molecular crosstalk. However, it is imperative to understand its central role in fundamental biological processes such as embryogenesis, foetus implantation, hematopoiesis, endothelial cell proliferation, and tissue homeostasis before designing targeted therapies. Indeed, it presents an enormous challenge for clinicians to selectively target its oncogenic functions or restore tumor-suppressive role without altering normal cellular functions. In addition to its implications in cancer, the present review also focuses on the clinical applications of HOXA9 in recurrence and drug resistance, which may provide a broader understanding beyond oncology, open new avenues for clinicians for accurate diagnoses, and develop personalized treatment strategies. Furthermore, we have also discussed the existing therapeutic options and accompanying challenges in HOXA9-targeted therapies in different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Sangeetha Shenoy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Divya Adiga
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Faisal Alhedyan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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2
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Busby L, Serrano Nájera G, Steventon BJ. Intrinsic and extrinsic cues time somite progenitor contribution to the vertebrate primary body axis. eLife 2024; 13:e90499. [PMID: 38193440 PMCID: PMC10834026 DOI: 10.7554/elife.90499] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
During embryonic development, the timing of events at the cellular level must be coordinated across multiple length scales to ensure the formation of a well-proportioned body plan. This is clear during somitogenesis, where progenitors must be allocated to the axis over time whilst maintaining a progenitor population for continued elaboration of the body plan. However, the relative importance of intrinsic and extrinsic signals in timing progenitor addition at the single-cell level is not yet understood. Heterochronic grafts from older to younger embryos have suggested a level of intrinsic timing whereby later staged cells contribute to more posterior portions of the axis. To determine the precise step at which cells are delayed, we performed single-cell transcriptomic analysis on heterochronic grafts of somite progenitors in the chicken embryo. This revealed a previously undescribed cell state within which heterochronic grafted cells are stalled. The delayed exit of older cells from this state correlates with expression of posterior Hox genes. Using grafting and explant culture, we find that both Hox gene expression and the migratory capabilities of progenitor populations are intrinsically regulated at the population level. However, by grafting varied sizes of tissue, we find that small heterochronic grafts disperse more readily and contribute to more anterior portions of the body axis while still maintaining Hox gene expression. This enhanced dispersion is not replicated in explant culture, suggesting that it is a consequence of interaction between host and donor tissue and thus extrinsic to the donor tissue. Therefore, we demonstrate that the timing of cell dispersion and resulting axis contribution is impacted by a combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Busby
- Department of Genetics, University of CambridgeCambridgeUnited Kingdom
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
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3
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Hajirnis N, Mishra RK. Homeotic Genes: Clustering, Modularity, and Diversity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:718308. [PMID: 34458272 PMCID: PMC8386295 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.718308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox genes code for transcription factors and are evolutionarily conserved. They regulate a plethora of downstream targets to define the anterior-posterior (AP) body axis of a developing bilaterian embryo. Early work suggested a possible role of clustering and ordering of Hox to regulate their expression in a spatially restricted manner along the AP axis. However, the recent availability of many genome assemblies for different organisms uncovered several examples that defy this constraint. With recent advancements in genomics, the current review discusses the arrangement of Hox in various organisms. Further, we revisit their discovery and regulation in Drosophila melanogaster. We also review their regulation in different arthropods and vertebrates, with a significant focus on Hox expression in the crustacean Parahyale hawaiensis. It is noteworthy that subtle changes in the levels of Hox gene expression can contribute to the development of novel features in an organism. We, therefore, delve into the distinct regulation of these genes during primary axis formation, segment identity, and extra-embryonic roles such as in the formation of hair follicles or misregulation leading to cancer. Toward the end of each section, we emphasize the possibilities of several experiments involving various organisms, owing to the advancements in the field of genomics and CRISPR-based genome engineering. Overall, we present a holistic view of the functioning of Hox in the animal world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Hajirnis
- CSIR – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, India
| | - Rakesh K. Mishra
- CSIR – Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, India
- AcSIR – Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, Ghaziabad, India
- Tata Institute for Genetics and Society (TIGS), Bangalore, India
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4
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Aase-Remedios ME, Ferrier DEK. Improved Understanding of the Role of Gene and Genome Duplications in Chordate Evolution With New Genome and Transcriptome Sequences. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.703163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Comparative approaches to understanding chordate genomes have uncovered a significant role for gene duplications, including whole genome duplications (WGDs), giving rise to and expanding gene families. In developmental biology, gene families created and expanded by both tandem and WGDs are paramount. These genes, often involved in transcription and signalling, are candidates for underpinning major evolutionary transitions because they are particularly prone to retention and subfunctionalisation, neofunctionalisation, or specialisation following duplication. Under the subfunctionalisation model, duplication lays the foundation for the diversification of paralogues, especially in the context of gene regulation. Tandemly duplicated paralogues reside in the same regulatory environment, which may constrain them and result in a gene cluster with closely linked but subtly different expression patterns and functions. Ohnologues (WGD paralogues) often diversify by partitioning their expression domains between retained paralogues, amidst the many changes in the genome during rediploidisation, including chromosomal rearrangements and extensive gene losses. The patterns of these retentions and losses are still not fully understood, nor is the full extent of the impact of gene duplication on chordate evolution. The growing number of sequencing projects, genomic resources, transcriptomics, and improvements to genome assemblies for diverse chordates from non-model and under-sampled lineages like the coelacanth, as well as key lineages, such as amphioxus and lamprey, has allowed more informative comparisons within developmental gene families as well as revealing the extent of conserved synteny across whole genomes. This influx of data provides the tools necessary for phylogenetically informed comparative genomics, which will bring us closer to understanding the evolution of chordate body plan diversity and the changes underpinning the origin and diversification of vertebrates.
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5
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Kim CY, Kim YC, Oh JH, Kim MH. HOXA5 confers tamoxifen resistance via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in ER-positive breast cancer. J Cancer 2021; 12:4626-4637. [PMID: 34149926 PMCID: PMC8210559 DOI: 10.7150/jca.59740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tamoxifen is a commonly used drug to treat estrogen receptor-positive patients with breast cancer. Despite the outstanding efficacy of tamoxifen, approximately one-third of patients develop resistance toward it, thereby presenting a therapeutic challenge. HOX genes may be involved in the acquisition of tamoxifen resistance. In this study, we identified HOXA5, a member of the HOX gene family, as a marker of tamoxifen resistance. Using ChIP assay, we found that HOXA5 expression was significantly overexpressed in tamoxifen-resistant MCF7 (TAMR) breast cancer cells because of reduced H3K27me3 binding. HOXA5 upregulation resulted in activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling cascade, which in turn, led to p53 and p21 reduction, ultimately making the TAMR cells less apoptotic. Furthermore, elevated HOXA5 expression resulted in breast cancer cells acquiring more mesenchymal-like and stem cell traits associated with aggressive breast cancer phenotypes. In conclusion, our results delineate a mechanism by which HOXA5 promotes tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Yuri Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Yu Cheon Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical Science, Bain Korea 21 Project, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Oh
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Myoung Hee Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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6
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Mouilleau V, Vaslin C, Robert R, Gribaudo S, Nicolas N, Jarrige M, Terray A, Lesueur L, Mathis MW, Croft G, Daynac M, Rouiller-Fabre V, Wichterle H, Ribes V, Martinat C, Nedelec S. Dynamic extrinsic pacing of the HOX clock in human axial progenitors controls motor neuron subtype specification. Development 2021; 148:148/6/dev194514. [PMID: 33782043 DOI: 10.1242/dev.194514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rostro-caudal patterning of vertebrates depends on the temporally progressive activation of HOX genes within axial stem cells that fuel axial embryo elongation. Whether the pace of sequential activation of HOX genes, the 'HOX clock', is controlled by intrinsic chromatin-based timing mechanisms or by temporal changes in extrinsic cues remains unclear. Here, we studied HOX clock pacing in human pluripotent stem cell-derived axial progenitors differentiating into diverse spinal cord motor neuron subtypes. We show that the progressive activation of caudal HOX genes is controlled by a dynamic increase in FGF signaling. Blocking the FGF pathway stalled induction of HOX genes, while a precocious increase of FGF, alone or with GDF11 ligand, accelerated the HOX clock. Cells differentiated under accelerated HOX induction generated appropriate posterior motor neuron subtypes found along the human embryonic spinal cord. The pacing of the HOX clock is thus dynamically regulated by exposure to secreted cues. Its manipulation by extrinsic factors provides synchronized access to multiple human neuronal subtypes of distinct rostro-caudal identities for basic and translational applications.This article has an associated 'The people behind the papers' interview.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Mouilleau
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France.,I-STEM, UMR 861, Inserm, UEPS, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Célia Vaslin
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Rémi Robert
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Simona Gribaudo
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Nour Nicolas
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Margot Jarrige
- I-STEM, UMR 861, Inserm, UEPS, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Angélique Terray
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Léa Lesueur
- I-STEM, UMR 861, Inserm, UEPS, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Mackenzie W Mathis
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Gist Croft
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Mathieu Daynac
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France.,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Virginie Rouiller-Fabre
- Laboratory of Development of the Gonads, Unit of Genetic Stability, Stem Cells and Radiation, UMR 967, INSERM, CEA/DSV/iRCM/SCSR, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay aux Roses F-92265, France
| | - Hynek Wichterle
- Departments of Pathology and Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Neurology, Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Vanessa Ribes
- Université de Paris, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, 15 rue Hélène Brion, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Cécile Martinat
- I-STEM, UMR 861, Inserm, UEPS, 91100 Corbeil-Essonnes, France
| | - Stéphane Nedelec
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France .,Inserm, UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Science and Engineering Faculty, 75005 Paris, France
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7
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Hawkins MB, Henke K, Harris MP. Latent developmental potential to form limb-like skeletal structures in zebrafish. Cell 2021; 184:899-911.e13. [PMID: 33545089 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2021.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Changes in appendage structure underlie key transitions in vertebrate evolution. Addition of skeletal elements along the proximal-distal axis facilitated critical transformations, including the fin-to-limb transition that permitted generation of diverse modes of locomotion. Here, we identify zebrafish mutants that form supernumerary long bones in their pectoral fins. These new bones integrate into musculature, form joints, and articulate with neighboring elements. This phenotype is caused by activating mutations in previously unrecognized regulators of appendage patterning, vav2 and waslb, that function in a common pathway. This pathway is required for appendage development across vertebrates, and loss of Wasl in mice causes defects similar to those seen in murine Hox mutants. Concordantly, formation of supernumerary bones requires Hox11 function, and mutations in the vav2/wasl pathway drive enhanced expression of hoxa11b, indicating developmental homology with the forearm. Our findings reveal a latent, limb-like pattern ability in fins that is activated by simple genetic perturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Brent Hawkins
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Orthopedic Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA; Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Katrin Henke
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Orthopedic Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Matthew P Harris
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Orthopedic Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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8
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Mammalian-specific ectodermal enhancers control the expression of Hoxc genes in developing nails and hair follicles. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:30509-30519. [PMID: 33199643 PMCID: PMC7720164 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2011078117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertebrate Hox genes are critical for the establishment of structures during the development of the main body axis. Subsequently, they play important roles either in organizing secondary axial structures such as the appendages, or during homeostasis in postnatal stages and adulthood. Here, we set up to analyze their elusive function in the ectodermal compartment, using the mouse limb bud as a model. We report that the HoxC gene cluster was co-opted to be transcribed in the distal limb ectoderm, where it is activated following the rule of temporal colinearity. These ectodermal cells subsequently produce various keratinized organs such as nails or claws. Accordingly, deletion of the HoxC cluster led to mice lacking nails (anonychia), a condition stronger than the previously reported loss of function of Hoxc13, which is the causative gene of the ectodermal dysplasia 9 (ECTD9) in human patients. We further identified two mammalian-specific ectodermal enhancers located upstream of the HoxC gene cluster, which together regulate Hoxc gene expression in the hair and nail ectodermal organs. Deletion of these regulatory elements alone or in combination revealed a strong quantitative component in the regulation of Hoxc genes in the ectoderm, suggesting that these two enhancers may have evolved along with the mammalian taxon to provide the level of HOXC proteins necessary for the full development of hair and nail.
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9
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He J, Leng C, Pan J, Li A, Zhang H, Cong F, Wang H. Identification of lncRNAs Involved in PCV2 Infection of PK-15 Cells. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9060479. [PMID: 32560439 PMCID: PMC7350310 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9060479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) can cause severe disease in infected pigs, resulting in massive economic loss for the swine industry. Transcriptomic and proteomic approaches have been widely employed to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms of the PCV2 infection. Numerous differentially expressed mRNAs, miRNAs, and proteins, together with their associated signaling pathways, have been identified during PCV2 infection, paving the way for analysis of their biological functions. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of multiple biological processes. However, little is known regarding their role in the PCV2 infection. Hence, in our study, RNA-seq was performed by infecting PK-15 cells with PCV2. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) suggested that the cytoskeleton, apoptosis, cell division, and protein phosphorylation were significantly disturbed. Then, using stringent parameters, six lncRNAs were identified. Additionally, potential targets of the lncRNAs were predicted using both cis- and trans-prediction methods. Interestingly, we found that the HOXB (Homeobox B) gene cluster was probably the target of the lncRNA LOC106505099. Enrichment analysis of the target genes showed that numerous developmental processes were altered during PCV2 infection. Therefore, our study revealed that lncRNAs might affect porcine embryonic development through the regulation of the HOXB genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin He
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (J.H.); (J.P.); (A.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Chaoliang Leng
- Henan Provincial Engineering and Technology Center of Animal Disease Diagnosis and Integrated Control, Henan Key Laboratory of Insect Biology in Funiu Mountain, Nanyang Normal University, 1638 Wolong Road, Wolong District, Nanyang 473061, China;
| | - Jiazhen Pan
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (J.H.); (J.P.); (A.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Aoqi Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (J.H.); (J.P.); (A.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Hua Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (J.H.); (J.P.); (A.L.); (H.Z.)
| | - Feng Cong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou 510640, China;
| | - Huanan Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (J.H.); (J.P.); (A.L.); (H.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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10
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Lewis EMA, Sankar S, Tong C, Patterson ES, Waller LE, Gontarz P, Zhang B, Ornitz DM, Kroll KL. Geminin is required for Hox gene regulation to pattern the developing limb. Dev Biol 2020; 464:11-23. [PMID: 32450229 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Development of the complex structure of the vertebrate limb requires carefully orchestrated interactions between multiple regulatory pathways and proteins. Among these, precise regulation of 5' Hox transcription factor expression is essential for proper limb bud patterning and elaboration of distinct limb skeletal elements. Here, we identified Geminin (Gmnn) as a novel regulator of this process. A conditional model of Gmnn deficiency resulted in loss or severe reduction of forelimb skeletal elements, while both the forelimb autopod and hindlimb were unaffected. 5' Hox gene expression expanded into more proximal and anterior regions of the embryonic forelimb buds in this Gmnn-deficient model. A second conditional model of Gmnn deficiency instead caused a similar but less severe reduction of hindlimb skeletal elements and hindlimb polydactyly, while not affecting the forelimb. An ectopic posterior SHH signaling center was evident in the anterior hindlimb bud of Gmnn-deficient embryos in this model. This center ectopically expressed Hoxd13, the HOXD13 target Shh, and the SHH target Ptch1, while these mutant hindlimb buds also had reduced levels of the cleaved, repressor form of GLI3, a SHH pathway antagonist. Together, this work delineates a new role for Gmnn in modulating Hox expression to pattern the vertebrate limb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M A Lewis
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Savita Sankar
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Caili Tong
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ethan S Patterson
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Laura E Waller
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Paul Gontarz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - David M Ornitz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kristen L Kroll
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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11
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Hox Gene Collinearity May Be Related to Noether Theory on Symmetry and Its Linked Conserved Quantity. J 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/j3020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox Gene Collinearity (HGC) is a fundamental property that controls the development of many animal species, including vertebrates. In the Hox gene clusters, the genes are located in a sequential order Hox1, Hox2, Hox3, etc., along the 3’ to 5’ direction of the cluster in the chromosome. During Hox cluster activation, the Hox genes are expressed sequentially in the ontogenetic units D1, D2, D3, etc., along the anterior–posterior axis (A-P) of the early embryo. This collinearity, first observed by E.B. Lewis, is surprising because the spatial collinearity of these structures (Hox clusters and embryos) correlates entities that differ by about four orders of magnitude. Biomolecular mechanisms alone cannot explain such correlations. Long-range physical interactions, such as diffusion or electric attractions, should be involved. A biophysical model (BM) was formulated, which, in alignment with the biomolecular processes, successfully describes the existing vertebrate genetic engineering data. One hundred years ago, Emmy Noether made a fundamental discovery in mathematics and physics. She proved, rigorously, that a physical system obeying a symmetry law (e.g., rotations or self-similarity) is followed by a conserved physical quantity. It is argued here that HGC obeys a ‘primitive’ self-similarity symmetry. In this case, the associated primitive conserved quantity is the irreversibly increasing ‘ratchet’-like Hoxgene ordering where some genes may be missing. The genes of a vertebrate Hox clusterare located along a finite straight line. The same order follows the ontogenetic unitsof the vertebrate embryo. Therefore, HGC is a manifestation of a primitive Noether Theory (NT). NT may be applied to other than the vertebrate case, for instance, to animals with a circular topological symmetry. For example, the observed abnormal Hox gene ordering of the echinoderm Hox clusters may be reproduced by a double-strand break of the circular Hox gene ordering and its subsequent incorporation in the flanking chromosome.
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12
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Durston AJ. Some Questions and Answers About the Role of Hox Temporal Collinearity in Vertebrate Axial Patterning. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:257. [PMID: 31850338 PMCID: PMC6895010 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate anterior-posterior (A-P = craniocaudal) axis is evidently made by a timing mechanism. Evidence has accumulated that tentatively identifies the A-P timer as being or involving Hox temporal collinearity (TC). Here, I focus on the two current competing models based on this premise. Common features and points of dissent are examined and a common model is distilled from what remains. This is an attempt to make sense of the literature.
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13
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Wymeersch FJ, Skylaki S, Huang Y, Watson JA, Economou C, Marek-Johnston C, Tomlinson SR, Wilson V. Transcriptionally dynamic progenitor populations organised around a stable niche drive axial patterning. Development 2019; 146:dev168161. [PMID: 30559277 PMCID: PMC6340148 DOI: 10.1242/dev.168161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The elongating mouse anteroposterior axis is supplied by progenitors with distinct tissue fates. It is not known whether these progenitors confer anteroposterior pattern to the embryo. We have analysed the progenitor population transcriptomes in the mouse primitive streak and tail bud throughout axial elongation. Transcriptomic signatures distinguish three known progenitor types (neuromesodermal, lateral/paraxial mesoderm and notochord progenitors; NMPs, LPMPs and NotoPs). Both NMP and LPMP transcriptomes change extensively over time. In particular, NMPs upregulate Wnt, Fgf and Notch signalling components, and many Hox genes as progenitors transit from production of the trunk to the tail and expand in number. In contrast, the transcriptome of NotoPs is stable throughout axial elongation and they are required for normal axis elongation. These results suggest that NotoPs act as a progenitor niche whereas anteroposterior patterning originates within NMPs and LPMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip J Wymeersch
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Stavroula Skylaki
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yali Huang
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Julia A Watson
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Constantinos Economou
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Carylyn Marek-Johnston
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Simon R Tomlinson
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Valerie Wilson
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Research, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
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14
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Papageorgiou S. Abnormal Elongations of HOX Gene Clusters May Cause Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:25. [PMID: 29662879 PMCID: PMC5890142 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Spyros Papageorgiou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
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15
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Abstract
Hox gene collinearity was discovered be Edward B. Lewis in 1978. It consists of the Hox1, Hox2, Hox3 ordering of the Hox genes in the chromosome from the telomeric to the centromeric side of the chromosome. Surprisingly, the spatial activation of the Hox genes in the ontogenetic units of the embryo follows the same ordering along the anterior-posterior embryonic axis. The chromosome microscale differs from the embryo macroscale by 3 to 4 orders of magnitude. The traditional biomolecular mechanisms are not adequate to comprise phenomena at so divergent spatial domains. A Biophysical Model of physical forces was proposed which can bridge the intermediate space and explain the results of genetic engineering experiments. Recent progress in constructing instruments and achieving high resolution imaging (e.g., 3D DNA FISH, STORM etc.) enable the assessment of the geometric structure of the chromatin during the different phases of Hox gene activation. It is found that the mouse HoxD gene cluster is elongated up to 5-6 times during Hox gene transcription. These unexpected findings agree with the BM predictions. It is now possible to measure several physical quantities inside the nucleus during Hox gene activation. New experiments are proposed to test further this model.
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16
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Zhu K, Spaink HP, Durston AJ. Collinear Hox-Hox interactions are involved in patterning the vertebrate anteroposterior (A-P) axis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175287. [PMID: 28399140 PMCID: PMC5388487 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigating regulation and function of the Hox genes, key regulators of positional identity in the embryo, opened a new vista in developmental biology. One of their most striking features is collinearity: the temporal and spatial orders of expression of these clustered genes each match their 3’ to 5’ order on the chromosome. Despite recent progress, the mechanisms underlying collinearity are not understood. Here we show that ectopic expression of 4 different single Hox genes predictably induces and represses expression of others, leading to development of different predictable specific sections of the body axis. We use ectopic expression in wild-type and noggin—dorsalised (Hox-free) Xenopus embryos, to show that two Hox-Hox interactions are important. Posterior induction (induction of posterior Hox genes by anterior ones: PI), drives Hox temporal collinearity (Hox timer), which itself drives anteroposterior (A-P) patterning. Posterior prevalence (repression of anterior Hox genes by posterior ones: PP) is important in translating temporal to spatial collinearity. We thus demonstrate for the first time that two collinear Hox interactions are important for vertebrate axial patterning. These findings considerably extend and clarify earlier work suggesting the existence and importance of PP and PI, and provide a major new insight into genesis of the body axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kongju Zhu
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Herman P. Spaink
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Antony J. Durston
- Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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17
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Possible rules for the ancestral origin of Hox gene collinearity. J Theor Biol 2016; 410:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2016.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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18
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Perez-Carrasco R, Guerrero P, Briscoe J, Page KM. Intrinsic Noise Profoundly Alters the Dynamics and Steady State of Morphogen-Controlled Bistable Genetic Switches. PLoS Comput Biol 2016; 12:e1005154. [PMID: 27768683 PMCID: PMC5074595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During tissue development, patterns of gene expression determine the spatial arrangement of cell types. In many cases, gradients of secreted signalling molecules—morphogens—guide this process by controlling downstream transcriptional networks. A mechanism commonly used in these networks to convert the continuous information provided by the gradient into discrete transitions between adjacent cell types is the genetic toggle switch, composed of cross-repressing transcriptional determinants. Previous analyses have emphasised the steady state output of these mechanisms. Here, we explore the dynamics of the toggle switch and use exact numerical simulations of the kinetic reactions, the corresponding Chemical Langevin Equation, and Minimum Action Path theory to establish a framework for studying the effect of gene expression noise on patterning time and boundary position. This provides insight into the time scale, gene expression trajectories and directionality of stochastic switching events between cell states. Taking gene expression noise into account predicts that the final boundary position of a morphogen-induced toggle switch, although robust to changes in the details of the noise, is distinct from that of the deterministic system. Moreover, the dramatic increase in patterning time close to the boundary predicted from the deterministic case is substantially reduced. The resulting stochastic switching introduces differences in patterning time along the morphogen gradient that result in a patterning wave propagating away from the morphogen source with a velocity determined by the intrinsic noise. The wave sharpens and slows as it advances and may never reach steady state in a biologically relevant time. This could explain experimentally observed dynamics of pattern formation. Together the analysis reveals the importance of dynamical transients for understanding morphogen-driven transcriptional networks and indicates that gene expression noise can qualitatively alter developmental patterning. The bistable switch, a common regulatory sub-network, is found in many biological processes. It consists of cross-repressing components that generate a switch-like transition between two possible states. In developing tissues, bistable switches, created by cross-repressing transcriptional determinants, are often controlled by gradients of secreted signalling molecules—morphogens. These provide a mechanism to convert a morphogen gradient into stripes of gene expression that determine the arrangement of distinct cell types. Here we use mathematical models to analyse the temporal response of such a system. We find that the behaviour is highly dependent on the intrinsic fluctuations that result from the stochastic nature of gene expression. This noise has a marked effect on both patterning time and the location of the stripe boundary. One of the techniques we use, Minimum Action Path theory, identifies key features of the switch without computationally expensive calculations. The results reveal a noise driven switching wave that propels the stripe boundary away from the morphogen source to eventually settle, at steady state, further from the morphogen source than in the deterministic description. Together the analysis highlights the importance dynamics in patterning and demonstrates a set of mathematical tools for studying this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Perez-Carrasco
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- * E-mail:
| | - Pilar Guerrero
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - James Briscoe
- The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Karen M. Page
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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19
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Papageorgiou S. Hox Gene Collinearity: From A-P Patterning to Radially Symmetric Animals. Curr Genomics 2016; 17:444-449. [PMID: 28217001 PMCID: PMC5267470 DOI: 10.2174/1389202917666160616082436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox gene collinearity relates the gene order of the Hox cluster in the chromosome (telomeric to centromeric end) with the serial activation of these genes in the ontogenetic units along the Anterior-Posterior embryonic axis. Although this collinearity property is well respected in bilaterians (e.g. vertebrates), it is violated in other animals. The A-P axis is established in the early embryo of the sea urchin. Subsequently, rotational symmetry is superimposed when the vestibula larva is formed. In analogy to the linear A-P case, it is here hypothesized that the circular topology of the ontogenetic modules is associated to the architectural restructuring of the Hox loci where the two discrete ends of the Hox cluster approach each other so that an almost circular DNA contour is created. In the evolutionary process the circular mode undergoes double strand breaks and the generated cluster ends are attached to the open ends of the flanking chromosome. This event may lead to a novel gene ordering associated with an evolutionary innovation. For example, the loss of Hox4 is followed by the formation of a shorter gene circular arrangement. The opening of this contour at the missing Hox4 location and its connection to the chromosomal flanking ends leads to a new diversification namely the creation of the unusual gene order of the sea urchin Hox cluster.
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20
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Guerreiro I, Gitto S, Novoa A, Codourey J, Nguyen Huynh TH, Gonzalez F, Milinkovitch MC, Mallo M, Duboule D. Reorganisation of Hoxd regulatory landscapes during the evolution of a snake-like body plan. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27476854 PMCID: PMC4969037 DOI: 10.7554/elife.16087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Within land vertebrate species, snakes display extreme variations in their body plan, characterized by the absence of limbs and an elongated morphology. Such a particular interpretation of the basic vertebrate body architecture has often been associated with changes in the function or regulation of Hox genes. Here, we use an interspecies comparative approach to investigate different regulatory aspects at the snake HoxD locus. We report that, unlike in other vertebrates, snake mesoderm-specific enhancers are mostly located within the HoxD cluster itself rather than outside. In addition, despite both the absence of limbs and an altered Hoxd gene regulation in external genitalia, the limb-associated bimodal HoxD chromatin structure is maintained at the snake locus. Finally, we show that snake and mouse orthologous enhancer sequences can display distinct expression specificities. These results show that vertebrate morphological evolution likely involved extensive reorganisation at Hox loci, yet within a generally conserved regulatory framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Guerreiro
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Gitto
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ana Novoa
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Julien Codourey
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Federico Gonzalez
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Moises Mallo
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Denis Duboule
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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21
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Böhmer C, Rauhut OWM, Wörheide G. New insights into the vertebral Hox code of archosaurs. Evol Dev 2016; 17:258-69. [PMID: 26372060 DOI: 10.1111/ede.12136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Variation in axial formulae (i.e., number and identity of vertebrae) is an important feature in the evolution of vertebrates. Vertebrae at different axial positions exhibit a region-specific morphology. Key determinants for the establishment of particular vertebral shapes are the highly conserved Hox genes. Here, we analyzed Hox gene expression in the presacral vertebral column in the Nile crocodile in order to complement and extend a previous examination in the alligator and thus establish a Hox code for the axial skeleton of crocodilians in general. The newly determined expression of HoxA-4, C-5, B-7, and B-8 all revealed a crocodilian-specific pattern. HoxA-4 and HoxC-5 characterize cervical morphologies and the latter furthermore is associated with the position of the forelimb relative to the axial skeleton. HoxB-7 and HoxB-8 map exclusively to the dorsal vertebral region. The resulting expression patterns of these two Hox genes is the first description of their exact expression in the archosaurian embryo. Our comparative analyses of the Hox code in several amniote taxa provide new evidence that evolutionary differences in the axial skeleton correspond to changes in Hox gene expression domains. We detect two general processes: (i) expansion of a Hox gene's expression domain as well as (ii) a shift of gene expression. We infer that the ancestral archosaur Hox code may have resembled that of the crocodile. In association with the evolution of morphological traits, it may have been modified to patterns that can be observed in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Böhmer
- Department für Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften & GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany.,SNSB - Bayerische Staatssammlung für Paläontologie und Geologie, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Oliver W M Rauhut
- Department für Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften & GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany.,SNSB - Bayerische Staatssammlung für Paläontologie und Geologie, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany
| | - Gert Wörheide
- Department für Geo- und Umweltwissenschaften & GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany.,SNSB - Bayerische Staatssammlung für Paläontologie und Geologie, Richard-Wagner-Str. 10, 80333 München, Germany
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22
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Pace RM, Grbić M, Nagy LM. Composition and genomic organization of arthropod Hox clusters. EvoDevo 2016; 7:11. [PMID: 27168931 PMCID: PMC4862073 DOI: 10.1186/s13227-016-0048-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ancestral arthropod is believed to have had a clustered arrangement of ten Hox genes. Within arthropods, Hox gene mutations result in transformation of segment identities. Despite the fact that variation in segment number/character was common in the diversification of arthropods, few examples of Hox gene gains/losses have been correlated with morphological evolution. Furthermore, a full appreciation of the variation in the genomic arrangement of Hox genes in extant arthropods has not been recognized, as genome sequences from each major arthropod clade have not been reported until recently. Initial genomic analysis of the chelicerate Tetranychusurticae suggested that loss of Hox genes and Hox gene clustering might be more common than previously assumed. To further characterize the genomic evolution of arthropod Hox genes, we compared the genomic arrangement and general characteristics of Hox genes from representative taxa from each arthropod subphylum. Results In agreement with others, we find arthropods generally contain ten Hox genes arranged in a common orientation in the genome, with an increasing number of sampled species missing either Hox3 or abdominal-A orthologs. The genomic clustering of Hox genes in species we surveyed varies significantly, ranging from 0.3 to 13.6 Mb. In all species sampled, arthropod Hox genes are dispersed in the genome relative to the vertebrate Mus musculus. Differences in Hox cluster size arise from variation in the number of intervening genes, intergenic spacing, and the size of introns and UTRs. In the arthropods surveyed, Hox gene duplications are rare and four microRNAs are, in general, conserved in similar genomic positions relative to the Hox genes. Conclusions The tightly clustered Hox complexes found in the vertebrates are not evident within arthropods, and differential patterns of Hox gene dispersion are found throughout the arthropods. The comparative genomic data continue to support an ancestral arthropod Hox cluster of ten genes with a shared orientation, with four Hox gene-associated miRNAs, although the degree of dispersion between genes in an ancestral cluster remains uncertain. Hox3 and abdominal-A orthologs have been lost in multiple, independent lineages, and current data support a model in which inversions of the Abdominal-B locus that result in the loss of abdominal-A correlate with reduced trunk segmentation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13227-016-0048-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Pace
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA ; Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Miodrag Grbić
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7 Canada ; Universidad de la Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain
| | - Lisa M Nagy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA
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23
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Jeannotte L, Gotti F, Landry-Truchon K. Hoxa5: A Key Player in Development and Disease. J Dev Biol 2016; 4:E13. [PMID: 29615582 PMCID: PMC5831783 DOI: 10.3390/jdb4020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A critical position in the developmental hierarchy is occupied by the Hox genes, which encode transcription factors. Hox genes are crucial in specifying regional identity along the embryonic axes and in regulating morphogenesis. In mouse, targeted mutations of Hox genes cause skeletal transformations and organ defects that can impair viability. Here, we present the current knowledge about the Hoxa5 gene, a paradigm for the function and the regulation of Hox genes. The phenotypic survey of Hoxa5-/- mice has unveiled its critical role in the regional specification of the skeleton and in organogenesis. Most Hoxa5-/- mice die at birth from respiratory distress due to tracheal and lung dysmorphogenesis and impaired diaphragm innervation. The severity of the phenotype establishes that Hoxa5 plays a predominant role in lung organogenesis versus other Hox genes. Hoxa5 also governs digestive tract morphogenesis, thyroid and mammary glands development, and ovary homeostasis. Deregulated Hoxa5 expression is reported in cancers, indicating Hoxa5 involvement in tumor predisposition and progression. The dynamic Hoxa5 expression profile is under the transcriptional control of multiple cis-acting sequences and trans-acting regulators. It is also modulated by epigenetic mechanisms, implicating chromatin modifications and microRNAs. Finally, lncRNAs originating from alternative splicing and distal promoters encompass the Hoxa5 locus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Jeannotte
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval; CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Florian Gotti
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval; CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Kim Landry-Truchon
- Centre de recherche sur le cancer de l'Université Laval; CRCHU de Québec, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada.
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
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24
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Subdivision of the lateral plate mesoderm and specification of the forelimb and hindlimb forming domains. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 49:102-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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25
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Hayward AG, Joshi P, Skromne I. Spatiotemporal analysis of zebrafishhoxgene regulation by Cdx4. Dev Dyn 2015; 244:1564-73. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Piyush Joshi
- Department of Biology; University of Miami; Coral Gables Florida
| | - Isaac Skromne
- Department of Biology; University of Miami; Coral Gables Florida
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26
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Gouveia A, Marcelino HM, Gonçalves L, Palmeirim I, Andrade RP. Patterning in time and space: HoxB cluster gene expression in the developing chick embryo. Cell Cycle 2015; 14:135-45. [PMID: 25602523 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.972868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The developing embryo is a paradigmatic model to study molecular mechanisms of time control in Biology. Hox genes are key players in the specification of tissue identity during embryo development and their expression is under strict temporal regulation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying timely Hox activation in the early embryo remain unknown. This is hindered by the lack of a rigorous temporal framework of sequential Hox expression within a single cluster. Herein, a thorough characterization of HoxB cluster gene expression was performed over time and space in the early chick embryo. Clear temporal collinearity of HoxB cluster gene expression activation was observed. Spatial collinearity of HoxB expression was evidenced in different stages of development and in multiple tissues. Using embryo explant cultures we showed that HoxB2 is cyclically expressed in the rostral presomitic mesoderm with the same periodicity as somite formation, suggesting a link between timely tissue specification and somite formation. We foresee that the molecular framework herein provided will facilitate experimental approaches aimed at identifying the regulatory mechanisms underlying Hox expression in Time and Space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Analuce Gouveia
- a Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS); School of Health Sciences , University of Minho ; Braga , Portugal
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27
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Vieux-Rochas M, Fabre PJ, Leleu M, Duboule D, Noordermeer D. Clustering of mammalian Hox genes with other H3K27me3 targets within an active nuclear domain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:4672-7. [PMID: 25825760 PMCID: PMC4403207 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1504783112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryogenesis requires the precise activation and repression of many transcriptional regulators. The Polycomb group proteins and the associated H3K27me3 histone mark are essential to maintain the inactive state of many of these genes. Mammalian Hox genes are targets of Polycomb proteins and form local 3D clusters centered on the H3K27me3 mark. More distal contacts have also been described, yet their selectivity, dynamics, and relation to other layers of chromatin organization remained elusive. We report that repressed Hox genes form mutual intra- and interchromosomal interactions with other genes located in strong domains labeled by H3K27me3. These interactions occur in a central and active nuclear environment that consists of the HiC compartment A, away from peripheral lamina-associated domains. Interactions are independent of nearby H3K27me3-marked loci and determined by chromosomal distance and cell-type-specific scaling factors, thus inducing a moderate reorganization during embryogenesis. These results provide a simplified view of nuclear organization whereby Polycomb proteins may have evolved to repress genes located in gene-dense regions whose position is restricted to central, active, nuclear environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxence Vieux-Rochas
- School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology - Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; and
| | - Pierre J Fabre
- School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology - Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; and
| | - Marion Leleu
- School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology - Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; and
| | - Denis Duboule
- School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology - Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; and Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Daan Noordermeer
- School of Life Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology - Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; and
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28
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Denans N, Iimura T, Pourquié O. Hox genes control vertebrate body elongation by collinear Wnt repression. eLife 2015; 4. [PMID: 25719209 PMCID: PMC4384752 DOI: 10.7554/elife.04379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, the total number of vertebrae is precisely defined. Vertebrae derive
from embryonic somites that are continuously produced posteriorly from the presomitic
mesoderm (PSM) during body formation. We show that in the chicken embryo, activation
of posterior Hox genes (paralogs 9–13) in the tail-bud
correlates with the slowing down of axis elongation. Our data indicate that a subset
of progressively more posterior Hox genes, which are collinearly
activated in vertebral precursors, repress Wnt activity with increasing strength.
This leads to a graded repression of the Brachyury/T transcription
factor, reducing mesoderm ingression and slowing down the elongation process. Due to
the continuation of somite formation, this mechanism leads to the progressive
reduction of PSM size. This ultimately brings the retinoic acid (RA)-producing
segmented region in close vicinity to the tail bud, potentially accounting for the
termination of segmentation and axis elongation. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04379.001 In humans and other vertebrates, the number of bones (vertebrae) in the spine is
determined early in development. The vertebrae form from blocks of tissue called
somites that make segments along the body axis—a virtual line running from the
head to the tail-end—of the embryo. The somites form as the embryo increases
in length, with new somites forming periodically at the back near the embryo's
tail-end. A family of genes called the Hox genes are involved in controlling
the formation of the somites. However, it is not known whether they directly control
the number of somites that form, or whether they control the length of the body of
the embryo. Denans et al. studied the Hox genes in chicken embryos. The
experiments suggest that the activation of some of the Hox genes in
a structure called the tail-bud, which is found at the tail-end of the embryo, slow
down the elongation of the body. The Hox genes achieve this by
repressing the activity of a signaling pathway called Wnt so that Wnt activity in the
tail-bud progressively decreases as the embryo develops. The elongation of the body stops when the levels of a molecule called retinoic acid
increase in the tail-bud, which causes the loss of the stem cells that are needed to
make the somites. Denans et al.'s findings suggest that Hox
genes influence the timing of the halt in elongation, which in turn is important for
determining the total number of somites that form. Understanding how
Hox genes control the formation of the cells that will make up
the somites and influence Wnt signaling is a major challenge for the future. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04379.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Denans
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Tadahiro Iimura
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, United States
| | - Olivier Pourquié
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, University of Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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29
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Hox gene regulation and timing in embryogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 34:76-84. [PMID: 24930771 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hox genes are critical regulators of embryonic development in bilaterian animals. They exhibit a unique mode of transcriptional regulation where the position of the genes along the chromosome corresponds to the time and place of their expression during development. The sequential temporal activation of these genes in the primitive streak helps determining their subsequent pattern of expression along the anterior-posterior axis of the embryo, yet the precise correspondence between these two collinear processes is not fully understood. In addition, vertebrate Hox genes evolved similar modes of regulation along secondary body axes, such as the developing limbs. We review the current understanding of the mechanisms operating during activation, maintenance and silencing of Hox gene expression in these various contexts, and discuss the evolutionary significance of their genomic organization.
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30
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Noordermeer D, Leleu M, Schorderet P, Joye E, Chabaud F, Duboule D. Temporal dynamics and developmental memory of 3D chromatin architecture at Hox gene loci. eLife 2014; 3:e02557. [PMID: 24843030 PMCID: PMC4017647 DOI: 10.7554/elife.02557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox genes are essential regulators of embryonic development. Their step-wise transcriptional activation follows their genomic topology and the various states of activation are subsequently memorized into domains of progressively overlapping gene products. We have analyzed the 3D chromatin organization of Hox clusters during their early activation in vivo, using high-resolution circular chromosome conformation capture. Initially, Hox clusters are organized as single chromatin compartments containing all genes and bivalent chromatin marks. Transcriptional activation is associated with a dynamic bi-modal 3D organization, whereby the genes switch autonomously from an inactive to an active compartment. These local 3D dynamics occur within a framework of constitutive interactions within the surrounding Topological Associated Domains, indicating that this regulation process is mostly cluster intrinsic. The step-wise progression in time is fixed at various body levels and thus can account for the chromatin architectures previously described at a later stage for different anterior to posterior levels.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.02557.001.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan Noordermeer
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marion Leleu
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Schorderet
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland Department of Molecular Biology, Harvard University, Boston, United States
| | - Elisabeth Joye
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fabienne Chabaud
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Denis Duboule
- School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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31
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Mulgrew NM, Kettyle LMJ, Ramsey JM, Cull S, Smyth LJ, Mervyn DM, Bijl JJ, Thompson A. c-Met inhibition in a HOXA9/Meis1 model of CN-AML. Dev Dyn 2013; 243:172-81. [PMID: 24307265 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2013] [Revised: 09/16/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematopoiesis is a paradigm for developmental processes, hierarchically organized, with stem cells at its origin. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) replenish progenitor and precursor cells of multiple lineages, which normally differentiate into short-lived mature circulating cells. Hematopoiesis has provided insight into the molecular basis of tissue homeostasis and malignancy. Malignant hematopoiesis, in particular acute myeloid leukemia (AML), results from impaired development or differentiation of HSCs and progenitors. Co-overexpression of HOX and TALE genes, particularly the HOXA cluster and MEIS1, is associated with AML. Clinically relevant models of AML are required to advance drug development for an aging patient cohort. RESULTS Molecular analysis identified altered gene, microRNA, and protein expression in HOXA9/Meis1 leukemic bone marrow compared to normal controls. A candidate drug screen identified the c-Met inhibitor SU11274 for further analysis. Altered cell cycle status, apoptosis, differentiation, and impaired colony formation were shown for SU11274 in AML cell lines and primary leukemic bone marrow. CONCLUSIONS The clonal HOXA9/Meis1 AML model is amenable to drug screening analysis. The data presented indicate that human AML cells respond in a similar manner to the HOXA9/Meis1 cells, indicating pre-clinical relevance of the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuala M Mulgrew
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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32
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Almirantis Y, Provata A, Papageorgiou S. Evolutionary constraints favor a biophysical model explaining hox gene collinearity. Curr Genomics 2013; 14:279-88. [PMID: 24294108 PMCID: PMC3731818 DOI: 10.2174/13892029113149990003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hox gene collinearity enigma has often been approached using models based on biomolecular mechanisms. The biophysical model is an alternative approach based on the hypothesis that collinearity is caused by physical forces pulling the Hox genes from a territory where they are inactive to a distinct spatial domain where they are activated in a step by step manner. Such Hox gene translocations have recently been observed in support of the biophysical model. Genetic engineering experiments, performed on embryonic mice, gave rise to several unexpected mutant expressions that the biomolecular models cannot predict. On the contrary, the biophysical model offers convincing explanation. Evolutionary constraints consolidate the Hox clusters and as a result, denser and well organized clusters may create more efficient physical forces and a more emphatic manifestation of gene collinearity. This is demonstrated by stochastic modeling with white noise perturbing the expression of Hox genes. As study cases the genomes of mouse and amphioxus are used. The results support the working hypothesis that vertebrates have adopted their comparably more compact Hox clustering as a tool needed to develop more complex body structures. Several experiments are proposed in order to test further the physical forces hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannis Almirantis
- National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos", Institute of Biosciences and Applications, 153 10 Athens, Greece
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33
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Mallo M, Alonso CR. The regulation of Hox gene expression during animal development. Development 2013; 140:3951-63. [PMID: 24046316 DOI: 10.1242/dev.068346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hox genes encode a family of transcriptional regulators that elicit distinct developmental programmes along the head-to-tail axis of animals. The specific regional functions of individual Hox genes largely reflect their restricted expression patterns, the disruption of which can lead to developmental defects and disease. Here, we examine the spectrum of molecular mechanisms controlling Hox gene expression in model vertebrates and invertebrates and find that a diverse range of mechanisms, including nuclear dynamics, RNA processing, microRNA and translational regulation, all concur to control Hox gene outputs. We propose that this complex multi-tiered regulation might contribute to the robustness of Hox expression during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Mallo
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
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34
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Neijts R, Simmini S, Giuliani F, van Rooijen C, Deschamps J. Region-specific regulation of posterior axial elongation during vertebrate embryogenesis. Dev Dyn 2013; 243:88-98. [PMID: 23913366 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vertebrate body axis extends sequentially from the posterior tip of the embryo, fueled by the gastrulation process at the primitive streak and its continuation within the tailbud. Anterior structures are generated early, and subsequent nascent tissues emerge from the posterior growth zone and continue to elongate the axis until its completion. The underlying processes have been shown to be disrupted in mouse mutants, some of which were described more than half a century ago. RESULTS Important progress in elucidating the cellular and genetic events involved in body axis elongation has recently been made on several fronts. Evidence for the residence of self-renewing progenitors, some of which are bipotential for neurectoderm and mesoderm, has been obtained by embryo-grafting techniques and by clonal analyses in the mouse embryo. Transcription factors of several families including homeodomain proteins have proven instrumental for regulating the axial progenitor niche in the growth zone. A complex genetic network linking these transcription factors and signaling molecules is being unraveled that underlies the phenomenon of tissue lengthening from the axial stem cells. The concomitant events of cell fate decision among descendants of these progenitors begin to be better understood at the levels of molecular genetics and cell behavior. CONCLUSIONS The emerging picture indicates that the ontogenesis of the successive body regions is regulated according to different rules. In addition, parameters controlling vertebrate axial length during evolution have emerged from comparative experimental studies. It is on these issues that this review will focus, mainly addressing the study of axial extension in the mouse embryo with some comparison with studies in chick and zebrafish, aiming at unveiling the recent progress, and pointing at still unanswered questions for a thorough understanding of the process of embryonic axis elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roel Neijts
- Hubrecht Institute and University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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35
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Annunziata R, Martinez P, Arnone MI. Intact cluster and chordate-like expression of ParaHox genes in a sea star. BMC Biol 2013; 11:68. [PMID: 23803323 PMCID: PMC3710244 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-11-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The ParaHox genes are thought to be major players in patterning the gut of several bilaterian taxa. Though this is a fundamental role that these transcription factors play, their activities are not limited to the endoderm and extend to both ectodermal and mesodermal tissues. Three genes compose the ParaHox group: Gsx, Xlox and Cdx. In some taxa (mostly chordates but to some degree also in protostomes) the three genes are arranged into a genomic cluster, in a similar fashion to what has been shown for the better-known Hox genes. Sea urchins possess the full complement of ParaHox genes but they are all dispersed throughout the genome, an arrangement that, perhaps, represented the primitive condition for all echinoderms. In order to understand the evolutionary history of this group of genes we cloned and characterized all ParaHox genes, studied their expression patterns and identified their genomic loci in a member of an earlier branching group of echinoderms, the asteroid Patiria miniata. Results We identified the three ParaHox orthologs in the genome of P. miniata. While one of them, PmGsx is provided as maternal message, with no zygotic activation afterwards, the other two, PmLox and PmCdx are expressed during embryogenesis, within restricted domains of both endoderm and ectoderm. Screening of a Patiria bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library led to the identification of a clone containing the three genes. The transcriptional directions of PmGsx and PmLox are opposed to that of the PmCdx gene within the cluster. Conclusions The identification of P. miniata ParaHox genes has revealed the fact that these genes are clustered in the genome, in contrast to what has been reported for echinoids. Since the presence of an intact cluster, or at least a partial cluster, has been reported in chordates and polychaetes respectively, it becomes clear that within echinoderms, sea urchins have modified the original bilaterian arrangement. Moreover, the sea star ParaHox domains of expression show chordate-like features not found in the sea urchin, confirming that the dynamics of gene expression for the respective genes and their putative regulatory interactions have clearly changed over evolutionary time within the echinoid lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Annunziata
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn di Napoli, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy
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36
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Garstang M, Ferrier DEK. Time is of the essence for ParaHox homeobox gene clustering. BMC Biol 2013; 11:72. [PMID: 23803337 PMCID: PMC3694477 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7007-11-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
ParaHox genes, and their evolutionary sisters the Hox genes, are integral to patterning the anterior-posterior axis of most animals. Like the Hox genes, ParaHox genes can be clustered and exhibit the phenomenon of colinearity - gene order within the cluster matching gene activation. Two new instances of ParaHox clustering provide the first examples of intact clusters outside chordates, with gene expression lending weight to the argument that temporal colinearity is the key to understanding clustering. See research articles:
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7007/11/68 and
http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2148/13/129
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Affiliation(s)
- Myles Garstang
- The Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, East Sands, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8LB, UK
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37
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Montavon T, Duboule D. Chromatin organization and global regulation of Hox gene clusters. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2013; 368:20120367. [PMID: 23650639 PMCID: PMC3682730 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2012.0367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, a properly coordinated expression of Hox genes, within their different genomic clusters is critical for patterning the body plans of many animals with a bilateral symmetry. The fascinating correspondence between the topological organization of Hox clusters and their transcriptional activation in space and time has served as a paradigm for understanding the relationships between genome structure and function. Here, we review some recent observations, which revealed highly dynamic changes in the structure of chromatin at Hox clusters, in parallel with their activation during embryonic development. We discuss the relevance of these findings for our understanding of large-scale gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Montavon
- National Research Centre 'Frontiers in Genetics', School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale, Lausanne, Switzerland
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38
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39
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Papageorgiou S. Comparison of models for the collinearity of hox genes in the developmental axes of vertebrates. Curr Genomics 2012; 13:245-51. [PMID: 23115525 PMCID: PMC3382278 DOI: 10.2174/138920212800543093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Revised: 12/03/2011] [Accepted: 12/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hox gene clusters are very frequent in many animal genomes and their role in development is pivotal. Particularly in vertebrates, intensive efforts have established several properties of Hox clusters. The collinearity of Hox gene expressions (spatial, temporal and quantitative) is a common feature of the vertebrates. During the last decade, genetic engineering experiments have revealed some important facets of collinearity during limb and trunk development in mice. Two models have been proposed to explain all these properties. On one hand the ‘two-phases model’ makes use of the molecular regulatory mechanisms acting on the Hox genes. On the other hand, the’biophysical model’ is based on the signals transduced inside the cell nucleus and the generation of forces which apply on the cluster and lead to a coordinated activation of Hox genes. The two models differ fundamentally and a critical and detailed comparison is presented. Furthermore, experiments are proposed for which the two models provide divergent predictions. The outcome of these experiments will help to decide which of the two models is valid (if any).
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40
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Allanson J, Smith A, Hare H, Albrecht B, Bijlsma E, Dallapiccola B, Donti E, Fitzpatrick D, Isidor B, Lachlan K, Le Caignec C, Prontera P, Raas-Rothschild A, Rogaia D, van Bon B, Aradhya S, Crocker SF, Jarinova O, McGowan-Jordan J, Boycott K, Bulman D, Fagerberg CR. Nablus mask-like facial syndrome: deletion of chromosome 8q22.1 is necessary but not sufficient to cause the phenotype. Am J Med Genet A 2012; 158A:2091-9. [PMID: 22821852 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.35446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nablus mask-like facial syndrome (NMLFS) has many distinctive phenotypic features, particularly tight glistening skin with reduced facial expression, blepharophimosis, telecanthus, bulky nasal tip, abnormal external ear architecture, upswept frontal hairline, and sparse eyebrows. Over the last few years, several individuals with NMLFS have been reported to have a microdeletion of 8q21.3q22.1, demonstrated by microarray analysis. The minimal overlapping region is 93.98-96.22 Mb (hg19). Here we present clinical and microarray data from five singletons and two mother-child pairs who have heterozygous deletions significantly overlapping the region associated with NMLFS. Notably, while one mother and child were said to have mild tightening of facial skin, none of these individuals exhibited reduced facial expression or the classical facial phenotype of NMLFS. These findings indicate that deletion of the 8q21.3q22.1 region is necessary but not sufficient for development of the NMLFS. We discuss possible genetic mechanisms underlying the complex pattern of inheritance for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Allanson
- Department of Genetics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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41
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Zakany J, Duboule D. A genetic basis for altered sexual behavior in mutant female mice. Curr Biol 2012; 22:1676-80. [PMID: 22863319 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2012.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Although neural substrates of mammalian female mating behavior have been described, the association between complex courtship activity and specific underlying mechanisms remains elusive. We have isolated a mouse line that unexpectedly shows altered female social behavior with increased investigation of males and increased genital biting. We investigated adult individuals by behavioral observation and genetic and molecular neuroanatomy methods. We report exacerbated inverse pursuits and incapacitating bites directed at the genitals of stud males. This extreme deviation from wild-type female courtship segregates with a deletion of the Hoxd1 to Hoxd9 genomic region. This dominant Atypical female courtship allele (HoxD(Afc)) induces ectopic Hoxd10 gene expression in several regions in newborn forebrain transitorily and stably in a sparse subpopulation of cells in the cornu ammonis fields of adult hippocampus, which may thus lead to an abnormal modulation in the sexual behavior of mutant females. The resulting compulsive sexual solicitation behavior displayed by the most affected individuals suggests new avenues to study the genetic and molecular bases of normal and pathological mammalian affect and raises the potential involvement of the hippocampus in the control of female courtship behavior. The potential relevance to human 2q.31.1 microdeletion syndrome is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jozsef Zakany
- National Research Centre Frontiers in Genetics, Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
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42
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Moreno E, Permanyer J, Martinez P. The origin of patterning systems in bilateria-insights from the Hox and ParaHox genes in Acoelomorpha. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2012; 9:65-76. [PMID: 21802044 PMCID: PMC5054442 DOI: 10.1016/s1672-0229(11)60010-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Hox and ParaHox genes constitute two families of developmental regulators that pattern the Anterior–Posterior body axis in all bilaterians. The members of these two groups of genes are usually arranged in genomic clusters and work in a coordinated fashion, both in space and in time. While the mechanistic aspects of their action are relatively well known, it is still unclear how these systems evolved. For instance, we still need a proper model of how the Hox and ParaHox clusters were assembled over time. This problem is due to the shortage of information on gene complements for many taxa (mainly basal metazoans) and the lack of a consensus phylogenetic model of animal relationships to which we can relate our new findings. Recently, several studies have shown that the Acoelomorpha most probably represent the first offshoot of the Bilateria. This finding has prompted us, and others, to study the Hox and ParaHox complements in these animals, as well as their activity during development. In this review, we analyze how the current knowledge of Hox and ParaHox genes in the Acoelomorpha is shaping our view of bilaterian evolution.
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43
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Tschopp P, Duboule D. A genetic approach to the transcriptional regulation of Hox gene clusters. Annu Rev Genet 2012; 45:145-66. [PMID: 22060042 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genet-102209-163429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of vertebrate genomes was accompanied by an astounding increase in the complexity of their regulatory modalities. Genetic redundancy resulting from large-scale genome duplications at the base of the chordate tree was repeatedly exploited by the functional redeployment of paralogous genes via innovations in their regulatory circuits. As a paradigm of such regulatory evolution, we have extensively studied those control mechanisms at work in-cis over vertebrate Hox gene clusters. Here, we review the portfolio of genetic strategies that have been developed to tackle the intricate relationship between genomic topography and the transcriptional activities in this gene family, and we describe some of the mechanistic insights we gained by using the HoxD cluster as an example. We discuss the high heuristic value of this system in our general understanding of how changes in transcriptional regulation can diversify gene function and thereby fuel morphological evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Tschopp
- National Center of Competence in Research, Frontiers in Genetics, Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
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44
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Tschopp P, Christen AJ, Duboule D. Bimodal control of Hoxd gene transcription in the spinal cord defines two regulatory subclusters. Development 2012; 139:929-39. [PMID: 22278926 DOI: 10.1242/dev.076794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The importance of Hox genes in the specification of neuronal fates in the spinal cord has long been recognized. However, the transcriptional controls underlying their collinear expression domains remain largely unknown. Here we show in mice that the correspondence between the physical order of Hoxd genes and their rostral expression boundaries, although respecting spatial collinearity, does not display a fully progressive distribution. Instead, two major anteroposterior boundaries are detected, coinciding with the functional subdivision of the spinal cord. Tiling array analyses reveal two distinct blocks of transcription, regulated independently from one another, that define the observed expression boundaries. Targeted deletions in vivo that remove the genomic fragments separating the two blocks induce ectopic expression of posterior genes. We further evaluate the independent regulatory potential and transcription profile of each gene locus by a tiling array approach using a contiguous series of transgenes combined with locus-specific deletions. Our work uncovers a bimodal type of HoxD spatial collinearity in the developing spinal cord that relies on two separate 'enhancer mini-hubs' to ensure correct Hoxd gene expression levels while maintaining their appropriate anteroposterior boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Tschopp
- National Research Centre Frontiers in Genetics at Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Sciences III, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, Geneva 4, Switzerland
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45
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Noordermeer D, Leleu M, Splinter E, Rougemont J, De Laat W, Duboule D. The Dynamic Architecture of Hox Gene Clusters. Science 2011; 334:222-5. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1207194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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46
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Phua SLC, Sivakamasundari V, Shao Y, Cai X, Zhang LF, Lufkin T, Featherstone M. Nuclear accumulation of an uncapped RNA produced by Drosha cleavage of a transcript encoding miR-10b and HOXD4. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25689. [PMID: 21991333 PMCID: PMC3185001 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Patterning of the animal embryo's antero-posterior (AP) axis is dependent on spatially and temporally regulated Hox gene expression. The murine Hoxd4 gene has been proposed to harbour two promoters, an upstream promoter P2, and a downstream promoter P1, that lie 5.2 and 1.1 kilobase pairs (kb) upstream of the coding region respectively. The evolutionarily conserved microRNA-10b (miR-10b) gene lies in the Hoxd4 genomic locus in the intron separating the non-coding exons 4 and 5 of the P2 transcript and directly adjacent to the proposed P1 promoter. Hoxd4 transcription is regulated by a 3′ neural enhancer that harbours a retinoic acid response element (RARE). Here, we show that the expression profiles of Hoxd4 and miR-10b transcripts during neural differentiation of mouse embryonal carcinoma (EC) P19 cells are co-ordinately regulated, suggesting that both Hoxd4 and miR-10b expression is governed by the neural enhancer. Our observation that P1 transcripts are uncapped, together with the mapping of their 5′ ends, strongly suggests that they are generated by Drosha cleavage of P2 transcripts rather than by transcriptional initiation. This is supported by the colocalization of P1 and P2 transcripts to the same posterior expression domain in the mouse embryo. These uncapped P1 transcripts do not appear to possess an Internal Ribosomal Entry Site (IRES), but accumulate within multiple punctate bodies within the nucleus suggesting that they play a functional role. Finally, similar uncapped Drosha-cleaved P1-like transcripts originating from the paralogous Hoxb4/miR-10a locus were also identified. We propose that these transcripts may belong to a novel class of regulatory RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yu Shao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Xiaohan Cai
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Li-Feng Zhang
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | | | - Mark Featherstone
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- * E-mail:
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47
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Ten Tusscher KH, Hogeweg P. Evolution of networks for body plan patterning; interplay of modularity, robustness and evolvability. PLoS Comput Biol 2011; 7:e1002208. [PMID: 21998573 PMCID: PMC3188509 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1002208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2010] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A major goal of evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) is to understand how multicellular body plans of increasing complexity have evolved, and how the corresponding developmental programs are genetically encoded. It has been repeatedly argued that key to the evolution of increased body plan complexity is the modularity of the underlying developmental gene regulatory networks (GRNs). This modularity is considered essential for network robustness and evolvability. In our opinion, these ideas, appealing as they may sound, have not been sufficiently tested. Here we use computer simulations to study the evolution of GRNs' underlying body plan patterning. We select for body plan segmentation and differentiation, as these are considered to be major innovations in metazoan evolution. To allow modular networks to evolve, we independently select for segmentation and differentiation. We study both the occurrence and relation of robustness, evolvability and modularity of evolved networks. Interestingly, we observed two distinct evolutionary strategies to evolve a segmented, differentiated body plan. In the first strategy, first segments and then differentiation domains evolve (SF strategy). In the second scenario segments and domains evolve simultaneously (SS strategy). We demonstrate that under indirect selection for robustness the SF strategy becomes dominant. In addition, as a byproduct of this larger robustness, the SF strategy is also more evolvable. Finally, using a combined functional and architectural approach, we determine network modularity. We find that while SS networks generate segments and domains in an integrated manner, SF networks use largely independent modules to produce segments and domains. Surprisingly, we find that widely used, purely architectural methods for determining network modularity completely fail to establish this higher modularity of SF networks. Finally, we observe that, as a free side effect of evolving segmentation and differentiation in combination, we obtained in-silico developmental mechanisms resembling mechanisms used in vertebrate development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten H Ten Tusscher
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics Group, Department of Biology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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48
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Splinter E, de Laat W. The complex transcription regulatory landscape of our genome: control in three dimensions. EMBO J 2011; 30:4345-55. [PMID: 21952046 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2011.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The non-coding part of our genome contains sequence motifs that can control gene transcription over distance. Here, we discuss functional genomics studies that uncover and characterize these sequences across the mammalian genome. The picture emerging is of a genome being a complex regulatory landscape. We explore the principles that underlie the wiring of regulatory DNA sequences and genes. We argue transcriptional control over distance can be understood when considering action in the context of the folded genome. Genome topology is expected to differ between individual cells, and this may cause variegated expression. High-resolution three-dimensional genome topology maps, ultimately of single cells, are required to understand the cis-regulatory networks that underlie cellular transcriptomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Splinter
- Hubrecht Insitute-KNAW & University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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49
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van de Ven C, Bialecka M, Neijts R, Young T, Rowland JE, Stringer EJ, Van Rooijen C, Meijlink F, Nóvoa A, Freund JN, Mallo M, Beck F, Deschamps J. Concerted involvement of Cdx/Hox genes and Wnt signaling in morphogenesis of the caudal neural tube and cloacal derivatives from the posterior growth zone. Development 2011; 138:3451-62. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.066118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Decrease in Cdx dosage in an allelic series of mouse Cdx mutants leads to progressively more severe posterior vertebral defects. These defects are corrected by posterior gain of function of the Wnt effector Lef1. Precocious expression of Hox paralogous 13 genes also induces vertebral axis truncation by antagonizing Cdx function. We report here that the phenotypic similarity also applies to patterning of the caudal neural tube and uro-rectal tracts in Cdx and Wnt3a mutants, and in embryos precociously expressing Hox13 genes. Cdx2 inactivation after placentation leads to posterior defects, including incomplete uro-rectal septation. Compound mutants carrying one active Cdx2 allele in the Cdx4-null background (Cdx2/4), transgenic embryos precociously expressing Hox13 genes and a novel Wnt3a hypomorph mutant all manifest a comparable phenotype with similar uro-rectal defects. Phenotype and transcriptome analysis in early Cdx mutants, genetic rescue experiments and gene expression studies lead us to propose that Cdx transcription factors act via Wnt signaling during the laying down of uro-rectal mesoderm, and that they are operative in an early phase of these events, at the site of tissue progenitors in the posterior growth zone of the embryo. Cdx and Wnt mutations and premature Hox13 expression also cause similar neural dysmorphology, including ectopic neural structures that sometimes lead to neural tube splitting at caudal axial levels. These findings involve the Cdx genes, canonical Wnt signaling and the temporal control of posterior Hox gene expression in posterior morphogenesis in the different embryonic germ layers. They shed a new light on the etiology of the caudal dysplasia or caudal regression range of human congenital defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesca van de Ven
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Monika Bialecka
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Neijts
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Teddy Young
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Emma J. Stringer
- Biochemistry Department, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Carina Van Rooijen
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frits Meijlink
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Nóvoa
- Insituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Jean-Noel Freund
- INSERM, U682, Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Médecine, Strasbourg, F-67200, France
| | - Moises Mallo
- Insituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia, 2780-156 Oeiras, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1600 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Felix Beck
- Biochemistry Department, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 9HN, UK
| | - Jacqueline Deschamps
- Hubrecht Institute, Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
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50
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Oulion S, Borday-Birraux V, Debiais-Thibaud M, Mazan S, Laurenti P, Casane D. Evolution of repeated structures along the body axis of jawed vertebrates, insights from the Scyliorhinus canicula Hox code. Evol Dev 2011; 13:247-59. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-142x.2011.00477.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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