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Anselmi C, Fuller GK, Stolfi A, Groves AK, Manni L. Sensory cells in tunicates: insights into mechanoreceptor evolution. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1359207. [PMID: 38550380 PMCID: PMC10973136 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1359207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Tunicates, the sister group of vertebrates, offer a unique perspective for evolutionary developmental studies (Evo-Devo) due to their simple anatomical organization. Moreover, the separation of tunicates from vertebrates predated the vertebrate-specific genome duplications. As adults, they include both sessile and pelagic species, with very limited mobility requirements related mainly to water filtration. In sessile species, larvae exhibit simple swimming behaviors that are required for the selection of a suitable substrate on which to metamorphose. Despite their apparent simplicity, tunicates display a variety of mechanoreceptor structures involving both primary and secondary sensory cells (i.e., coronal sensory cells). This review encapsulates two decades of research on tunicate mechanoreception focusing on the coronal organ's sensory cells as prime candidates for understanding the evolution of vertebrate hair cells of the inner ear and the lateral line organ. The review spans anatomical, cellular and molecular levels emphasizing both similarity and differences between tunicate and vertebrate mechanoreception strategies. The evolutionary significance of mechanoreception is discussed within the broader context of Evo-Devo studies, shedding light on the intricate pathways that have shaped the sensory system in chordates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Anselmi
- Hopkins Marine Station, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Pacific Grove, CA, United States
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Gwynna K. Fuller
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alberto Stolfi
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Andrew K. Groves
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lucia Manni
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Padova, Italy
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Dinges SS, Amini K, Notarangelo LD, Delmonte OM. Primary and secondary defects of the thymus. Immunol Rev 2024; 322:178-211. [PMID: 38228406 PMCID: PMC10950553 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13306] [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] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah S. Dinges
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kayla Amini
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Luigi D. Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ottavia M. Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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3
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Gill E, Bamforth SD. Molecular Pathways and Animal Models of Semilunar Valve and Aortic Arch Anomalies. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1441:777-796. [PMID: 38884748 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44087-8_46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The great arteries of the vertebrate carry blood from the heart to the systemic circulation and are derived from the pharyngeal arch arteries. In higher vertebrates, the pharyngeal arch arteries are a symmetrical series of blood vessels that rapidly remodel during development to become the asymmetric aortic arch arteries carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle via the outflow tract. At the base of the aorta, as well as the pulmonary trunk, are the semilunar valves. These valves each have three leaflets and prevent the backflow of blood into the heart. During development, the process of aortic arch and valve formation may go wrong, resulting in cardiovascular defects, and these may, at least in part, be caused by genetic mutations. In this chapter, we will review models harboring genetic mutations that result in cardiovascular defects affecting the great arteries and the semilunar valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Gill
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Simon D Bamforth
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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Ankamreddy H, Thawani A, Birol O, Zhang H, Groves AK. Foxi3 GFP and Foxi3 CreER mice allow identification and lineage labeling of pharyngeal arch ectoderm and endoderm, and tooth and hair placodes. Dev Dyn 2023; 252:1462-1470. [PMID: 37543988 PMCID: PMC10841876 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.645] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND FOXI3 is a forkhead family transcription factor that is expressed in the progenitors of craniofacial placodes, epidermal placodes, and the ectoderm and endoderm of the pharyngeal arch region. Loss of Foxi3 in mice and pathogenic Foxi3 variants in dogs and humans cause a variety of craniofacial defects including absence of the inner ear, severe truncations of the jaw, loss or reduction in external and middle ear structures, and defects in teeth and hair. RESULTS To allow for the identification, isolation, and lineage tracing of Foxi3-expressing cells in developing mice, we targeted the Foxi3 locus to create Foxi3GFP and Foxi3CreER mice. We show that Foxi3GFP mice faithfully recapitulate the expression pattern of Foxi3 mRNA at all ages examined, and Foxi3CreER mice can trace the derivatives of pharyngeal arch ectoderm and endoderm, the pharyngeal pouches and clefts that separate each arch, and the derivatives of hair and tooth placodes. CONCLUSIONS Foxi3GFP and Foxi3CreER mice are new tools that will be of use in identifying and manipulating pharyngeal arch ectoderm and endoderm and hair and tooth placodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harinarayana Ankamreddy
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Current Address: Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, Chennai. 603203
| | - Ankita Thawani
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Onur Birol
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Current Address: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
| | - Hongyuan Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | - Andrew K. Groves
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
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Zbasnik N, Fish JL. Fgf8 regulates first pharyngeal arch segmentation through pouch-cleft interactions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1186526. [PMID: 37287454 PMCID: PMC10242020 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1186526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The pharyngeal arches are transient developmental structures that, in vertebrates, give rise to tissues of the head and neck. A critical process underlying the specification of distinct arch derivatives is segmentation of the arches along the anterior-posterior axis. Formation of ectodermal-endodermal interfaces is a key mediator of this process, and although it is essential, mechanisms regulating the establishment of these interfaces vary between pouches and between taxa. Methods: Here, we focus on the patterning and morphogenesis of epithelia associated with the first pharyngeal arch, the first pharyngeal pouch (pp1) and the first pharyngeal cleft (pc1), and the role of Fgf8 dosage in these processes in the mouse model system. Results: We find that severe reductions of Fgf8 levels disrupt both pp1 and pc1 development. Notably, out-pocketing of pp1 is largely robust to Fgf8 reductions, however, pp1 extension along the proximal-distal axis fails when Fgf8 is low. Our data indicate that Fgf8 is required for specification of regional identity in both pp1 and pc1, for localized changes in cell polarity, and for elongation and extension of both pp1 and pc1. Discussion: Based on Fgf8-mediated changes in tissue relationships between pp1 and pc1, we hypothesize that extension of pp1 requires physical interaction with pc1. Overall, our data indicate a critical role for the lateral surface ectoderm in segmentation of the first pharyngeal arch that has previously been under-appreciated.
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Mao K, Borel C, Ansar M, Jolly A, Makrythanasis P, Froehlich C, Iwaszkiewicz J, Wang B, Xu X, Li Q, Blanc X, Zhu H, Chen Q, Jin F, Ankamreddy H, Singh S, Zhang H, Wang X, Chen P, Ranza E, Paracha SA, Shah SF, Guida V, Piceci-Sparascio F, Melis D, Dallapiccola B, Digilio MC, Novelli A, Magliozzi M, Fadda MT, Streff H, Machol K, Lewis RA, Zoete V, Squeo GM, Prontera P, Mancano G, Gori G, Mariani M, Selicorni A, Psoni S, Fryssira H, Douzgou S, Marlin S, Biskup S, De Luca A, Merla G, Zhao S, Cox TC, Groves AK, Lupski JR, Zhang Q, Zhang YB, Antonarakis SE. FOXI3 pathogenic variants cause one form of craniofacial microsomia. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2026. [PMID: 37041148 PMCID: PMC10090152 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37703-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Craniofacial microsomia (CFM; also known as Goldenhar syndrome), is a craniofacial developmental disorder of variable expressivity and severity with a recognizable set of abnormalities. These birth defects are associated with structures derived from the first and second pharyngeal arches, can occur unilaterally and include ear dysplasia, microtia, preauricular tags and pits, facial asymmetry and other malformations. The inheritance pattern is controversial, and the molecular etiology of this syndrome is largely unknown. A total of 670 patients belonging to unrelated pedigrees with European and Chinese ancestry with CFM, are investigated. We identify 18 likely pathogenic variants in 21 probands (3.1%) in FOXI3. Biochemical experiments on transcriptional activity and subcellular localization of the likely pathogenic FOXI3 variants, and knock-in mouse studies strongly support the involvement of FOXI3 in CFM. Our findings indicate autosomal dominant inheritance with reduced penetrance, and/or autosomal recessive inheritance. The phenotypic expression of the FOXI3 variants is variable. The penetrance of the likely pathogenic variants in the seemingly dominant form is reduced, since a considerable number of such variants in affected individuals were inherited from non-affected parents. Here we provide suggestive evidence that common variation in the FOXI3 allele in trans with the pathogenic variant could modify the phenotypic severity and accounts for the incomplete penetrance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Mao
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Christelle Borel
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical Faculty, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
| | - Muhammad Ansar
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical Faculty, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
- Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Lausanne, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Angad Jolly
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Periklis Makrythanasis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical Faculty, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Justyna Iwaszkiewicz
- Molecular Modeling Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Bingqing Wang
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100144, China
| | - Xiaopeng Xu
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data-Based Precision Medicine (Beihang University), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Xavier Blanc
- Medigenome, Swiss Institute of Genomic Medicine, 1207, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hao Zhu
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100144, China
| | - Fujun Jin
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data-Based Precision Medicine (Beihang University), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Harinarayana Ankamreddy
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRMIST, Kattankulathur, Tamilnadu, 603203, India
| | - Sunita Singh
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hongyuan Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaogang Wang
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
- Key Laboratory of Big Data-Based Precision Medicine (Beihang University), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Peiwei Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Emmanuelle Ranza
- Medigenome, Swiss Institute of Genomic Medicine, 1207, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sohail Aziz Paracha
- Anatomy Department, Khyber Medical University Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Syed Fahim Shah
- Department of Medicine, KMU Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), DHQ Hospital KDA, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Valentina Guida
- Medical Genetics Division, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Melis
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Dentistry, Università University degli of Studi di Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Bruno Dallapiccola
- Medical Genetics and Rare Disease Research Division, Pediatric Cardiology, Medical Genetics Laboratory, Neuropsychiatry, Scientific Rectorate, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Novelli
- Sezione di Genetica Medica, Ospedale 'Bambino Gesù', Rome, Italy
| | - Monia Magliozzi
- Sezione di Genetica Medica, Ospedale 'Bambino Gesù', Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Fadda
- Department of Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Policlinico Umberto I, Rome, Italy
| | - Haley Streff
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Keren Machol
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Richard A Lewis
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Vincent Zoete
- Molecular Modeling Group, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne University, Epalinges, 1066, Switzerland
| | - Gabriella Maria Squeo
- Laboratory of Regulatory & Functional Genomics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Paolo Prontera
- Medical Genetics Unit, Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mancano
- Medical Genetics Unit, University of Perugia Hospital SM della Misericordia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giulia Gori
- Medical Genetics Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Milena Mariani
- Pediatric Department, ASST Lariana, Santa Anna General Hospital, Como, Italy
| | - Angelo Selicorni
- Pediatric Department, ASST Lariana, Santa Anna General Hospital, Como, Italy
| | - Stavroula Psoni
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Helen Fryssira
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Douzgou
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sandrine Marlin
- Centre de Référence Surdités Génétiques, Hôpital Necker, Institut Imagine, Paris, France
| | - Saskia Biskup
- CeGaT GmbH and Praxis für Humangenetik Tuebingen, Tuebingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Alessandro De Luca
- Medical Genetics Division, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Laboratory of Regulatory & Functional Genomics, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Via S. Pansini 5, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Shouqin Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Timothy C Cox
- Departments of Oral & Craniofacial Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, 64108, USA
| | - Andrew K Groves
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - James R Lupski
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Qingguo Zhang
- Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100144, China.
| | - Yong-Biao Zhang
- School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Key Laboratory of Big Data-Based Precision Medicine (Beihang University), Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Stylianos E Antonarakis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical Faculty, Geneva, 1211, Switzerland.
- Medigenome, Swiss Institute of Genomic Medicine, 1207, Geneva, Switzerland.
- iGE3 Institute of Genetics and Genomes in Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Zbasnik N, Fish JL. Fgf8 regulates first pharyngeal arch segmentation through pouch-cleft interactions. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.15.532781. [PMID: 36993764 PMCID: PMC10055162 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.15.532781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The pharyngeal arches are transient developmental structures that, in vertebrates, give rise to tissues of the head and neck. A critical process underlying the specification of distinct arch derivatives is segmentation of the arches along the anterior-posterior axis. Out-pocketing of the pharyngeal endoderm between the arches is a key mediator of this process, and although it is essential, mechanisms regulating out-pocketing vary between pouches and between taxa. Here, we focus on the patterning and morphogenesis of epithelia associated with the first pharyngeal arch, the first pharyngeal pouch (pp1) and the first pharyngeal cleft (pc1), and the role of Fgf8 dosage in these processes. We find that severe reductions of Fgf8 levels disrupt both pp1 and pc1 development. Notably, out-pocketing of pp1 is largely robust to Fgf8 reductions, however, pp1 extension along the proximal-distal axis fails when Fgf8 is low. Our data indicate that extension of pp1 requires physical interaction with pc1, and that multiple aspects of pc1 morphogenesis require Fgf8 . In particular, Fgf8 is required for specification of regional identity in both pp1 and pc1, for localized changes in cell polarity, and for elongation and extension of both pp1 and pc1. Overall, our data indicate a critical role for the lateral surface ectoderm in segmentation of the first pharyngeal arch that has previously been under-appreciated.
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8
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Bosticardo M, Notarangelo LD. Human thymus in health and disease: Recent advances in diagnosis and biology. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101732. [PMID: 36863139 PMCID: PMC10134747 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
The thymus is the crucial tissue where thymocytes develop from hematopoietic precursors that originate from the bone marrow and differentiate to generate a repertoire of mature T cells able to respond to foreign antigens while remaining tolerant to self-antigens. Until recently, most of the knowledge on thymus biology and its cellular and molecular complexity have been obtained through studies in animal models, because of the difficulty to gain access to thymic tissue in humans and the lack of in vitro models able to faithfully recapitulate the thymic microenvironment. This review focuses on recent advances in the understanding of human thymus biology in health and disease obtained through the use of innovative experimental techniques (eg. single cell RNA sequencing, scRNAseq), diagnostic tools (eg. next generation sequencing), and in vitro models of T-cell differentiation (artificial thymic organoids) and thymus development (eg. thymic epithelial cell differentiation from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Ghosh R, Bosticardo M, Singh S, Similuk M, Delmonte OM, Pala F, Peng C, Jodarski C, Keller MD, Chinn IK, Groves AK, Notarangelo LD, Walkiewicz MA, Chinen J, Bundy V. FOXI3 haploinsufficiency contributes to low T-cell receptor excision circles and T-cell lymphopenia. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 150:1556-1562. [PMID: 35987349 PMCID: PMC9742176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Newborn screening can identify neonatal T-cell lymphopenia through detection of a low number of copies of T-cell receptor excision circles in dried blood spots collected at birth. After a positive screening result, further diagnostic testing is required to determine whether the subject has severe combined immunodeficiency or other causes of T-cell lymphopenia. Even after thorough evaluation, approximately 15% of children with a positive result of newborn screening for T-cell receptor excision circles remain genetically undiagnosed. Identifying the underlying genetic etiology is necessary to guide subsequent clinical management and family planning. OBJECTIVE We sought to elucidate the genetic basis of patients with T-cell lymphopenia without an apparent genetic diagnosis. METHODS We used clinical genomic testing as well as functional and immunologic assays to identify and elucidate the genetic and mechanistic basis of T-cell lymphopenia. RESULTS We report 2 unrelated individuals with nonsevere T-cell lymphopenia and abnormal T-cell receptor excision circles who harbor heterozygous loss-of-function variants in forkhead box I3 transcription factor (FOXI3). CONCLUSION Our findings support the notion that haploinsufficiency of FOXI3 results in T-cell lymphopenia with variable expressivity and that FOXI3 may be a key modulator of thymus development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajarshi Ghosh
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Sunita Singh
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Morgan Similuk
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Ottavia M Delmonte
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Francesca Pala
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Christine Peng
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Colleen Jodarski
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Michael D Keller
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Ivan K Chinn
- Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Retrovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Andrew K Groves
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex; Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.
| | - Magdalena A Walkiewicz
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.
| | - Javier Chinen
- Division of Immunology, Allergy, and Retrovirology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex; Texas Children's Hospital, The Woodlands, Tex.
| | - Vanessa Bundy
- Clinical Development, Immunology, Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pa.
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Pala F, Notarangelo LD, Bosticardo M. Inborn errors of immunity associated with defects of thymic development. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13832. [PMID: 36003043 PMCID: PMC11077434 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The main function of the thymus is to support the establishment of a wide repertoire of T lymphocytes capable of eliminating foreign pathogens, yet tolerant to self-antigens. Thymocyte development in the thymus is dependent on the interaction with thymic stromal cells, a complex mixture of cells comprising thymic epithelial cells (TEC), mesenchymal and endothelial cells. The exchange of signals between stromal cells and thymocytes is referred to as "thymic cross-talk". Genetic defects affecting either side of this interaction result in defects in thymic development that ultimately lead to a decreased output of T lymphocytes to the periphery. In the present review, we aim at providing a summary of inborn errors of immunity (IEI) characterized by T-cell lymphopenia due to defects of the thymic stroma, or to hematopoietic-intrinsic defects of T-cell development, with a special focus on recently discovered disorders. Additionally, we review the novel diagnostic tools developed to discover and study new genetic causes of IEI due to defects in thymic development. Finally, we discuss therapeutic approaches to correct thymic defects that are currently available, in addition to potential novel therapies that could be applied in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pala
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Luigi D Notarangelo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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11
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Wang X, Liang Y, Zhu Z, Li W, Shi B, Deng Y, Li C, Sha O. Fn1 Regulates the Third Pharyngeal Pouch Patterning and Morphogenesis. J Dent Res 2022; 101:1082-1091. [PMID: 35259939 DOI: 10.1177/00220345221078775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The parathyroid and thymus are derived from the common primordia, the third pharyngeal pouch. During their development, endodermal cells actively interact with surrounding mesenchymal cells, mainly derived from neural crest cells (NCCs). However, the mechanism by which NCCs regulate the development of the third pharyngeal pouch remains largely unknown. In this study, we showed that fibronectin 1 (Fn1), which is synthesized by NCCs, modulates the functions of NCCs in the third pharyngeal pouch patterning and in the morphogenesis of the thymus/parathyroid. Loss of Fn1 in NCCs leads to decreased Foxn1 expression in the presumptive thymus domain at E11.5. In the mutant, we detected upregulation of the Hedgehog signaling activity in the presumptive parathyroid domain and downregulation of Bmp4 in the presumptive thymus domain. Tbx1, a Hedgehog signaling target gene in endoderm development, was ectopically expanded to the presumptive mutant thymus domain at E11.5. Fgf10, an important gene regulating the proliferation of endoderm development, was downregulated in the mutant NCCs. At later organogenesis stages, derivatives of the third pharyngeal pouch endoderm of mutant embryos were abnormal, showing conditions such as hypoparathyroidism, hypoplastic thymus, and ectopic thymus and parathyroid. These data support that Fn1 plays an important role in NCCs by regulating the patterning of the third pharyngeal pouch and morphogenesis of the thymus/parathyroid.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Y Liang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Z Zhu
- School of Dentistry, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - W Li
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - B Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Oral Diseases, and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Y Deng
- Department of Somatology, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - C Li
- Department of Anatomy, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - O Sha
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
- School of Dentistry, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
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12
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Anderson RH, Bamforth SD. Morphogenesis of the Mammalian Aortic Arch Arteries. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:892900. [PMID: 35620058 PMCID: PMC9127140 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.892900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The major vessels in mammals that take blood away from the heart and deliver it to the arms and the head take their origin from the aortic arch and are derived from the arteries formed within the embryonic pharyngeal arches. These pharyngeal arch arteries, initially symmetrical, form in a cranial to caudal sequence within the pharyngeal mesenchyme. They then undergo a complex process of remodeling to produce the asymmetrical brachiocephalic arteries as seen in the adult. A complex interaction between the tissues of the pharyngeal arches and the genes they express is required to ensure that arterial formation and remodeling is able to proceed normally. If this process is disrupted, life-threatening congenital cardiovascular malformations can occur, such as interruption of the aortic arch, isolation of individual arteries, or so-called vascular rings. Here, using state-of-the-art imaging techniques, we describe the morphogenesis of the arteries in humans and mice and the cardiovascular defects in the Tbx1 mutant mouse model. We provide details of the process of remodeling, clarifying also the morphogenesis of the external carotid artery and the so-called "migration" of the left subclavian artery.
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13
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Cheeney S, Wright JN, Sie KC, Chapman T. Pearls of Temporal Bone Imaging in Children with Hearing Loss. Semin Ultrasound CT MR 2022; 43:3-18. [PMID: 35164907 DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hearing loss is one of the most common indications for temporal bone imaging in children. Hearing loss may be congenital or acquired, and it may be conductive, sensorineural, or mixed audiologically. Temporal bone imaging plays an important role in the assessment and management of this condition. An understanding of the embryology of ear structures better enables the radiologist to interpret abnormalities on imaging of the temporal bone. Here, we provide a general review of ear development and a description of known genetic defects that contribute to congenital ear anomalies associated with hearing loss. We provide appropriate imaging techniques for the temporal bone depending on the clinical presentation and a systematic approach to imaging for children with hearing loss. Diagnostic imaging for developmental anomalies of the ear and cholesteatoma will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safia Cheeney
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Jason N Wright
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kathleen C Sie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Teresa Chapman
- Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.
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14
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Magaletta ME, Lobo M, Kernfeld EM, Aliee H, Huey JD, Parsons TJ, Theis FJ, Maehr R. Integration of single-cell transcriptomes and chromatin landscapes reveals regulatory programs driving pharyngeal organ development. Nat Commun 2022; 13:457. [PMID: 35075189 PMCID: PMC8786836 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28067-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maldevelopment of the pharyngeal endoderm, an embryonic tissue critical for patterning of the pharyngeal region and ensuing organogenesis, ultimately contributes to several classes of human developmental syndromes and disorders. Such syndromes are characterized by a spectrum of phenotypes that currently cannot be fully explained by known mutations or genetic variants due to gaps in characterization of critical drivers of normal and dysfunctional development. Despite the disease-relevance of pharyngeal endoderm, we still lack a comprehensive and integrative view of the molecular basis and gene regulatory networks driving pharyngeal endoderm development. To close this gap, we apply transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility single-cell sequencing technologies to generate a multi-omic developmental resource spanning pharyngeal endoderm patterning to the emergence of organ-specific epithelia in the developing mouse embryo. We identify cell-type specific gene regulation, distill GRN models that define developing organ domains, and characterize the role of an immunodeficiency-associated forkhead box transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Magaletta
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Macrina Lobo
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Eric M Kernfeld
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hananeh Aliee
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Jack D Huey
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Teagan J Parsons
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Fabian J Theis
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Department of Mathematics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - René Maehr
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
- Diabetes Center of Excellence, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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15
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Single cell multi-omic analysis identifies a Tbx1-dependent multilineage primed population in murine cardiopharyngeal mesoderm. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6645. [PMID: 34789765 PMCID: PMC8599455 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26966-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The poles of the heart and branchiomeric muscles of the face and neck are formed from the cardiopharyngeal mesoderm within the pharyngeal apparatus. They are disrupted in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, due to haploinsufficiency of TBX1, encoding a T-box transcription factor. Here, using single cell RNA-sequencing, we now identify a multilineage primed population within the cardiopharyngeal mesoderm, marked by Tbx1, which has bipotent properties to form cardiac and branchiomeric muscle cells. The multilineage primed cells are localized within the nascent mesoderm of the caudal lateral pharyngeal apparatus and provide a continuous source of cardiopharyngeal mesoderm progenitors. Tbx1 regulates the maturation of multilineage primed progenitor cells to cardiopharyngeal mesoderm derivatives while restricting ectopic non-mesodermal gene expression. We further show that TBX1 confers this balance of gene expression by direct and indirect regulation of enriched genes in multilineage primed progenitors and downstream pathways, partly through altering chromatin accessibility, the perturbation of which can lead to congenital defects in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
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16
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Khasawneh RR, Kist R, Queen R, Hussain R, Coxhead J, Schneider JE, Mohun TJ, Zaffran S, Peters H, Phillips HM, Bamforth SD. Msx1 haploinsufficiency modifies the Pax9-deficient cardiovascular phenotype. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2021; 21:14. [PMID: 34615475 PMCID: PMC8493722 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-021-00245-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Successful embryogenesis relies on the coordinated interaction between genes and tissues. The transcription factors Pax9 and Msx1 genetically interact during mouse craniofacial morphogenesis, and mice deficient for either gene display abnormal tooth and palate development. Pax9 is expressed specifically in the pharyngeal endoderm at mid-embryogenesis, and mice deficient for Pax9 on a C57Bl/6 genetic background also have cardiovascular defects affecting the outflow tract and aortic arch arteries giving double-outlet right ventricle, absent common carotid arteries and interruption of the aortic arch. RESULTS In this study we have investigated both the effect of a different genetic background and Msx1 haploinsufficiency on the presentation of the Pax9-deficient cardiovascular phenotype. Compared to mice on a C57Bl/6 background, congenic CD1-Pax9-/- mice displayed a significantly reduced incidence of outflow tract defects but aortic arch defects were unchanged. Pax9-/- mice with Msx1 haploinsufficiency, however, have a reduced incidence of interrupted aortic arch, but more cases with cervical origins of the right subclavian artery and aortic arch, than seen in Pax9-/- mice. This alteration in arch artery defects was accompanied by a rescue in third pharyngeal arch neural crest cell migration and smooth muscle cell coverage of the third pharyngeal arch arteries. Although this change in phenotype could theoretically be compatible with post-natal survival, using tissue-specific inactivation of Pax9 to maintain correct palate development whilst inducing the cardiovascular defects was unable to prevent postnatal death in the mutant mice. Hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage formation were abnormal in Pax9-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Msx1 haploinsufficiency mitigates the arch artery defects in Pax9-/- mice, potentially by maintaining the survival of the 3rd arch artery through unimpaired migration of neural crest cells to the third pharyngeal arches. With the neural crest cell derived hyoid bone and thyroid cartilage also being defective in Pax9-/- mice, we speculate that the pharyngeal endoderm is a key signalling centre that impacts on neural crest cell behaviour highlighting the ability of cells in different tissues to act synergistically or antagonistically during embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramada R. Khasawneh
- grid.419328.50000 0000 9225 6820Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK ,grid.14440.350000 0004 0622 5497Present Address: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ralf Kist
- grid.419328.50000 0000 9225 6820Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK ,grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212School of Dental Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE2 4BW UK
| | - Rachel Queen
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Bioinformatics Support Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK
| | - Rafiqul Hussain
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Genomics Core Facility, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK
| | - Jonathan Coxhead
- grid.1006.70000 0001 0462 7212Genomics Core Facility, Newcastle University, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK
| | - Jürgen E. Schneider
- grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403Biomedical Imaging, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT UK
| | - Timothy J. Mohun
- grid.451388.30000 0004 1795 1830The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT UK
| | - Stéphane Zaffran
- grid.5399.60000 0001 2176 4817INSERM, Marseille Medical Genetics, U1251, Aix Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Heiko Peters
- grid.419328.50000 0000 9225 6820Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK
| | - Helen M. Phillips
- grid.419328.50000 0000 9225 6820Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK
| | - Simon D. Bamforth
- grid.419328.50000 0000 9225 6820Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle, NE1 3BZ UK
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17
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Collins C, Sharpe E, Silber A, Kulke S, Hsieh EWY. Congenital Athymia: Genetic Etiologies, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment. J Clin Immunol 2021; 41:881-895. [PMID: 33987750 PMCID: PMC8249278 DOI: 10.1007/s10875-021-01059-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Congenital athymia is an ultra-rare disease characterized by the absence of a functioning thymus. It is associated with several genetic and syndromic disorders including FOXN1 deficiency, 22q11.2 deletion, CHARGE Syndrome (Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia of the nasal choanae, Retardation of growth and development, Genitourinary anomalies, and Ear anomalies), and Complete DiGeorge Syndrome. Congenital athymia can result from defects in genes that impact thymic organ development such as FOXN1 and PAX1 or from genes that are involved in development of the entire midline region, such as TBX1 within the 22q11.2 region, CHD7, and FOXI3. Patients with congenital athymia have profound immunodeficiency, increased susceptibility to infections, and frequently, autologous graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Athymic patients often present with absent T cells but normal numbers of B cells and Natural Killer cells (T-B+NK+), similar to a phenotype of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID); these patients may require additional steps to confirm the diagnosis if no known genetic cause of athymia is identified. However, distinguishing athymia from SCID is crucial, as treatments differ for these conditions. Cultured thymus tissue is being investigated as a treatment for congenital athymia. Here, we review what is known about the epidemiology, underlying etiologies, clinical manifestations, and treatments for congenital athymia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathleen Collins
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy Immunology, Rady Children's Hospital, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Sarah Kulke
- Enzyvant Therapeutics, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Elena W Y Hsieh
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
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18
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Goliusova DV, Klementieva NV, Panova AV, Mokrysheva NG, Kiselev SL. The Role of Genetic Factors in Endocrine Tissues Development and Its Regulation In Vivo and In Vitro. RUSS J GENET+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s102279542103008x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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19
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Caprio C, Lania G, Bilio M, Ferrentino R, Chen L, Baldini A. EZH2 is required for parathyroid and thymic development through differentiation of the third pharyngeal pouch endoderm. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm.046789. [PMID: 33608392 PMCID: PMC7969367 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.046789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ezh2 gene encodes a histone methyltransferase of the polycomb repressive complex 2 that methylates histone H3 lysine 27. In this study, we investigated whether EZH2 has a role in the development of the pharyngeal apparatus and whether it regulates the expression of the Tbx1 gene, which encodes a key transcription factor required in pharyngeal development. To these ends, we performed genetic in vivo experiments with mouse embryos and used mouse embryonic stem cell (ESC)-based protocols to probe endoderm and cardiogenic mesoderm differentiation. Results showed that EZH2 occupies the Tbx1 gene locus in mouse embryos, and that suppression of EZH2 was associated with reduced expression of Tbx1 in differentiated mouse ESCs. Conditional deletion of Ezh2 in the Tbx1 expression domain, which includes the pharyngeal endoderm, did not cause cardiac defects but revealed that the gene has an important role in the morphogenesis of the third pharyngeal pouch (PP). We found that in conditionally deleted embryos the third PP was hypoplastic, had reduced expression of Tbx1, lacked the expression of Gcm2, a gene that marks the parathyroid domain, but expressed FoxN1, a gene marking the thymic domain. Consistently, the parathyroids did not develop, and the thymus was hypoplastic. Thus, Ezh2 is required for parathyroid and thymic development, probably through a function in the pouch endoderm. This discovery also provides a novel interpretational key for the finding of Ezh2 activating mutations in hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid cancer. Summary: EZH2 in the pharyngeal apparatus is required in the endoderm for the development of the parathyroids and thymus, and positively regulates the expression of the Tbx1 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Caprio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Marchesa Bilio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Li Chen
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, TX
| | - Antonio Baldini
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, Naples, Italy .,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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20
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Kreins AY, Maio S, Dhalla F. Inborn errors of thymic stromal cell development and function. Semin Immunopathol 2020; 43:85-100. [PMID: 33257998 PMCID: PMC7925491 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-020-00826-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
As the primary site for T cell development, the thymus is responsible for the production and selection of a functional, yet self-tolerant T cell repertoire. This critically depends on thymic stromal cells, derived from the pharyngeal apparatus during embryogenesis. Thymic epithelial cells, mesenchymal and vascular elements together form the unique and highly specialised microenvironment required to support all aspects of thymopoiesis and T cell central tolerance induction. Although rare, inborn errors of thymic stromal cells constitute a clinically important group of conditions because their immunological consequences, which include autoimmune disease and T cell immunodeficiency, can be life-threatening if unrecognised and untreated. In this review, we describe the molecular and environmental aetiologies of the thymic stromal cell defects known to cause disease in humans, placing particular emphasis on those with a propensity to cause thymic hypoplasia or aplasia and consequently severe congenital immunodeficiency. We discuss the principles underpinning their diagnosis and management, including the use of novel tools to aid in their identification and strategies for curative treatment, principally transplantation of allogeneic thymus tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Y Kreins
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK.,Department of Immunology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Stefano Maio
- Developmental Immunology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Fatima Dhalla
- Developmental Immunology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,Department of Clinical Immunology, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK.
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21
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Giardino G, Borzacchiello C, De Luca M, Romano R, Prencipe R, Cirillo E, Pignata C. T-Cell Immunodeficiencies With Congenital Alterations of Thymic Development: Genes Implicated and Differential Immunological and Clinical Features. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1837. [PMID: 32922396 PMCID: PMC7457079 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Combined Immunodeficiencies (CID) are rare congenital disorders characterized by defective T-cell development that may be associated with B- and NK-cell deficiency. They are usually due to alterations in genes expressed in hematopoietic precursors but in few cases, they are caused by impaired thymic development. Athymia was classically associated with DiGeorge Syndrome due to TBX1 gene haploinsufficiency. Other genes, implicated in thymic organogenesis include FOXN1, associated with Nude SCID syndrome, PAX1, associated with Otofaciocervical Syndrome type 2, and CHD7, one of the genes implicated in CHARGE syndrome. More recently, chromosome 2p11.2 microdeletion, causing FOXI3 haploinsufficiency, has been identified in 5 families with impaired thymus development. In this review, we will summarize the main genetic, clinical, and immunological features related to the abovementioned gene mutations. We will also focus on different therapeutic approaches to treat SCID in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliana Giardino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Carla Borzacchiello
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina De Luca
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberta Romano
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Prencipe
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Emilia Cirillo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Pignata
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Pediatric Section, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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22
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Thymus Inception: Molecular Network in the Early Stages of Thymus Organogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165765. [PMID: 32796710 PMCID: PMC7460828 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165765] [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: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The thymus generates central immune tolerance by producing self-restricted and self-tolerant T-cells as a result of interactions between the developing thymocytes and the stromal microenvironment, mainly formed by the thymic epithelial cells. The thymic epithelium derives from the endoderm of the pharyngeal pouches, embryonic structures that rely on environmental cues from the surrounding mesenchyme for its development. Here, we review the most recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in early thymic organogenesis at stages preceding the expression of the transcription factor Foxn1, the early marker of thymic epithelial cells identity. Foxn1-independent developmental stages, such as the specification of the pharyngeal endoderm, patterning of the pouches, and thymus fate commitment are discussed, with a special focus on epithelial–mesenchymal interactions.
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23
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Stothard CA, Mazzotta S, Vyas A, Schneider JE, Mohun TJ, Henderson DJ, Phillips HM, Bamforth SD. Pax9 and Gbx2 Interact in the Pharyngeal Endoderm to Control Cardiovascular Development. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020; 7:jcdd7020020. [PMID: 32466118 PMCID: PMC7344924 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The correct formation of the aortic arch arteries depends on a coordinated and regulated gene expression profile within the tissues of the pharyngeal arches. Perturbation of the gene regulatory networks in these tissues results in congenital heart defects affecting the arch arteries and the outflow tract of the heart. Aberrant development of these structures leads to interruption of the aortic arch and double outlet right ventricle, abnormalities that are a leading cause of morbidity in 22q11 Deletion Syndrome (DS) patients. We have recently shown that Pax9 functionally interacts with the 22q11DS gene Tbx1 in the pharyngeal endoderm for 4th pharyngeal arch artery morphogenesis, with double heterozygous mice dying at birth with interrupted aortic arch. Mice lacking Pax9 die perinatally with complex cardiovascular defects and in this study we sought to validate further potential genetic interacting partners of Pax9, focussing on Gbx2 which is down-regulated in the pharyngeal endoderm of Pax9-null embryos. Here, we describe the Gbx2-null cardiovascular phenotype and demonstrate a genetic interaction between Gbx2 and Pax9 in the pharyngeal endoderm during cardiovascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A. Stothard
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK; (C.A.S.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (D.J.H.); (H.M.P.)
| | - Silvia Mazzotta
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK; (C.A.S.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (D.J.H.); (H.M.P.)
| | - Arjun Vyas
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK; (C.A.S.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (D.J.H.); (H.M.P.)
| | | | | | - Deborah J. Henderson
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK; (C.A.S.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (D.J.H.); (H.M.P.)
| | - Helen M. Phillips
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK; (C.A.S.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (D.J.H.); (H.M.P.)
| | - Simon D. Bamforth
- Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK; (C.A.S.); (S.M.); (A.V.); (D.J.H.); (H.M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-191-241-8764
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Roberts C. Regulating Retinoic Acid Availability during Development and Regeneration: The Role of the CYP26 Enzymes. J Dev Biol 2020; 8:jdb8010006. [PMID: 32151018 PMCID: PMC7151129 DOI: 10.3390/jdb8010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the role of the Cytochrome p450 subfamily 26 (CYP26) retinoic acid (RA) degrading enzymes during development and regeneration. Cyp26 enzymes, along with retinoic acid synthesising enzymes, are absolutely required for RA homeostasis in these processes by regulating availability of RA for receptor binding and signalling. Cyp26 enzymes are necessary to generate RA gradients and to protect specific tissues from RA signalling. Disruption of RA homeostasis leads to a wide variety of embryonic defects affecting many tissues. Here, the function of CYP26 enzymes is discussed in the context of the RA signalling pathway, enzymatic structure and biochemistry, human genetic disease, and function in development and regeneration as elucidated from animal model studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Roberts
- Developmental Biology of Birth Defects, UCL-GOS Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford St, London WC1N 1EH, UK;
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education St George’s, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, Tooting, London SW17 0RE, UK
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25
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Bernstock JD, Totten AH, Elkahloun AG, Johnson KR, Hurst AC, Goldman F, Groves AK, Mikhail FM, Atkinson TP. Recurrent microdeletions at chromosome 2p11.2 are associated with thymic hypoplasia and features resembling DiGeorge syndrome. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2019; 145:358-367.e2. [PMID: 31600545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2019.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thymic hypoplasia/aplasia occurs as a part of DiGeorge syndrome, which has several known genetic causes, and with loss-of-function mutations in forkhead box N1 (FOXN1). OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the cause of selective T-cell lymphopenia with inverted kappa/lambda ratio in several kindreds. METHODS Patients were identified through newborn screening for severe combined immunodeficiency using the T-cell receptor excision circle assay. Those found to have selective T-cell lymphopenia underwent testing with chromosomal microarray analysis. Three-week-old mice heterozygous for a loss-of-function mutation in forkhead box I3 (FOXI3), a candidate gene within the common deleted region found in patients, were compared with wild-type littermates. Assessments included body and organ weights, flow cytometric analysis of thymocytes and splenocytes, and histologic/transcriptomic analyses of thymic tissue. RESULTS Five kindreds with similar immunophenotypes that included selective T-cell lymphopenia had overlapping microdeletions at chromosome 2p11.2 that spanned FOXI3 and, in most cases, the immunoglobulin kappa light chain locus. Studies in a mouse knockout strain for FOXI3 revealed smaller body weights and relatively lower thymus weights in heterozygous compared with wild-type animals. Histology and flow cytometry on spleens and thymi from 3-week-old pups for T- and B-cell subsets and epithelial cells did not show any significant qualitative or quantitative differences. Transcriptomic analysis of thymic RNA revealed divergence in global transcriptomic signatures, and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed predicted dysfunction in epithelial adherens junctions. CONCLUSIONS Microdeletions at chromosome 2p11.2 are associated with T-cell lymphopenia and probable thymic hypoplasia in human subjects, and haploinsufficiency for FOXI3, a candidate gene within the deleted region, is the likely underlying cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Bernstock
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala
| | - Arthur H Totten
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala
| | - Abdel G Elkahloun
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Kory R Johnson
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md
| | - Anna C Hurst
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala
| | - Frederick Goldman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala
| | - Andrew K Groves
- Department of Neuroscience and Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Tex
| | - Fady M Mikhail
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala
| | - T Prescott Atkinson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Ala.
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