1
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Iyer N, Al Qaryoute A, Kacham M, Jagadeeswaran P. Identification of zebrafish ortholog for human coagulation factor IX and its age-dependent expression. J Thromb Haemost 2021; 19:2137-2150. [PMID: 33974340 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coagulation factor IX (FIX) is a serine protease zymogen involved in the intrinsic blood coagulation pathway, and its deficiency causes hemophilia B. Zebrafish has three f9 genes, and the ortholog to human F9 is unknown. OBJECTIVE To identify the zebrafish ortholog to F9 using sequence analysis and piggyback knockdown technology. METHODS Gene and protein sequence analysis for three f9 genes, f9a, f9b, and f9l, present in the zebrafish genome was performed. In vivo and in vitro assays after knockdown of each gene and immunodepletion using specific antibodies were carried out. RESULTS Sequence analysis revealed that f9a and f9b are similar to human F9, whereas f9l is similar to human F10. RNA analysis showed an age-dependent increase in expression of all three genes. Zebrafish f9a gene knockdown and Fixa immunodepletion prolonged kinetic partial thromboplastin time (kPTT), whereas f9l knockdown and Fixl immunodepletion prolonged kPTT, kinetic prothrombin time, and kinetic Russell viper venom activation time. Laser-assisted venous thrombosis increased time to occlusion after f9a and f9l knockdown and antibody inhibition of Fixa and Fixl. Further, analysis of plasma proteins by mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry detected all three proteins. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that zebrafish f9a has functional activity similar to human F9. Fixl is functionally similar to Fx. The age-dependent increases of these factors are comparable to those observed in mice and humans. Thus, the zebrafish model could be used to study factors involved in increasing f9a expression during aging. It could also be used to test whether normal human Factor IX and Factor IX Leyden promoter work in zebrafish background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Iyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Ayah Al Qaryoute
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Meghana Kacham
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| | - Pudur Jagadeeswaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
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2
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Using antisense oligonucleotides for the physiological modulation of the alternative splicing of NF1 exon 23a during PC12 neuronal differentiation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3661. [PMID: 33574490 PMCID: PMC7878752 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83152-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition affecting approximately 1:3500 persons worldwide. The NF1 gene codes for neurofibromin protein, a GTPase activating protein (GAP) and a negative regulator of RAS. The NF1 gene undergoes alternative splicing of exon 23a (E23a) that codes for 21 amino acids placed at the center of the GAP related domain (GRD). E23a-containing type II neurofibromin exhibits a weaker Ras-GAP activity compared to E23a-less type I isoform. Exon E23a has been related with the cognitive impairment present in NF1 individuals. We designed antisense Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers (PMOs) to modulate E23a alternative splicing at physiological conditions of gene expression and tested their impact during PC12 cell line neuronal differentiation. Results show that any dynamic modification of the natural ratio between type I and type II isoforms disturbed neuronal differentiation, altering the proper formation of neurites and deregulating both the MAPK/ERK and cAMP/PKA signaling pathways. Our results suggest an opposite regulation of these pathways by neurofibromin and the possible existence of a feedback loop sensing neurofibromin-related signaling. The present work illustrates the utility of PMOs to study alternative splicing that could be applied to other alternatively spliced genes in vitro and in vivo.
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3
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Zimmer AM, Pan YK, Chandrapalan T, Kwong RWM, Perry SF. Loss-of-function approaches in comparative physiology: is there a future for knockdown experiments in the era of genome editing? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 222:222/7/jeb175737. [PMID: 30948498 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.175737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function technologies, such as morpholino- and RNAi-mediated gene knockdown, and TALEN- and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout, are widely used to investigate gene function and its physiological significance. Here, we provide a general overview of the various knockdown and knockout technologies commonly used in comparative physiology and discuss the merits and drawbacks of these technologies with a particular focus on research conducted in zebrafish. Despite their widespread use, there is an ongoing debate surrounding the use of knockdown versus knockout approaches and their potential off-target effects. This debate is primarily fueled by the observations that, in some studies, knockout mutants exhibit phenotypes different from those observed in response to knockdown using morpholinos or RNAi. We discuss the current debate and focus on the discrepancies between knockdown and knockout phenotypes, providing literature and primary data to show that the different phenotypes are not necessarily a direct result of the off-target effects of the knockdown agents used. Nevertheless, given the recent evidence of some knockdown phenotypes being recapitulated in knockout mutants lacking the morpholino or RNAi target, we stress that results of knockdown experiments need to be interpreted with caution. We ultimately argue that knockdown experiments should not be discontinued if proper control experiments are performed, and that with careful interpretation, knockdown approaches remain useful to complement the limitations of knockout studies (e.g. lethality of knockout and compensatory responses).
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Zimmer
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Yihang K Pan
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | | | | | - Steve F Perry
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
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4
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Lightfoot JT, DE Geus EJC, Booth FW, Bray MS, DEN Hoed M, Kaprio J, Kelly SA, Pomp D, Saul MC, Thomis MA, Garland T, Bouchard C. Biological/Genetic Regulation of Physical Activity Level: Consensus from GenBioPAC. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2019; 50:863-873. [PMID: 29166322 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000001499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Physical activity unquestionably maintains and improves health; however, physical activity levels globally are low and not rising despite all the resources devoted to this goal. Attention in both the research literature and the public policy domain has focused on social-behavioral factors; however, a growing body of literature suggests that biological determinants play a significant role in regulating physical activity levels. For instance, physical activity level, measured in various manners, has a genetic component in both humans and nonhuman animal models. This consensus article, developed as a result of an American College of Sports Medicine-sponsored round table, provides a brief review of the theoretical concepts and existing literature that supports a significant role of genetic and other biological factors in the regulation of physical activity. CONCLUSIONS Future research on physical activity regulation should incorporate genetics and other biological determinants of physical activity instead of a sole reliance on social and other environmental determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Timothy Lightfoot
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Eco J C DE Geus
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Frank W Booth
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Molly S Bray
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Marcel DEN Hoed
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Scott A Kelly
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Daniel Pomp
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Michael C Saul
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Martine A Thomis
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Theodore Garland
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Claude Bouchard
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX.,Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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5
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Zhang X, Kim CY, Worthen T, Witola WH. Morpholino-mediated in vivo silencing of Cryptosporidium parvum lactate dehydrogenase decreases oocyst shedding and infectivity. Int J Parasitol 2018. [PMID: 29530646 PMCID: PMC6018611 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2018.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
An in vivo morpholino-based approach for targeted gene knockdown of genes in Cryptosporidium parvum was developed. Cryptosporidium parvum lactate dehydrogenase, and sporozoite 60K were knocked down sustainably in infected mice. Cryptosporidium parvum lactate dehydrogenase knockdown significantly decreased oocyst shedding and infectivity.
Cryptosporidium is a highly prevalent protozoan parasite that is the second leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality due to diarrhoea in developing countries, and causes a serious diarrheal syndrome in calves, lambs and goat kids worldwide. Development of fully effective drugs against Cryptosporidium has mainly been hindered by the lack of genetic tools for functional characterization and validation of potential molecular drug targets in the parasite. Herein, we report the development of a morpholino-based in vivo approach for Cryptosporidium parvum gene knockdown to facilitate determination of the physiological roles of the parasite’s genes in a murine model. We show that, when administered intraperitoneally at non-toxic doses, morpholinos targeting C. parvum lactate dehydrogenase (CpLDH) and sporozoite 60K protein (Cp15/60) were able to specifically and sustainably down-regulate the expression of CpLDH and Cp15/60 proteins, respectively, in C. parvum-infected interferon-γ knockout mice. Over a period of 6 days of daily administration of target morpholinos, CpLDH and Cp15/60 proteins were down-regulated by 20- to 50-fold, and 10- to 20-fold, respectively. Knockdown of CpLDH resulted in approximately 80% reduction in oocyst load in the feces of mice, and approximately 70% decrease in infectivity of the sporozoites excysted from the shed oocysts. Cp15/60 knockdown did not affect oocyst shedding nor infectivity but, nevertheless, provided a proof-of-principle for the resilience of the morpholino-mediated C. parvum gene knockdown system in vivo. Together, our findings provide a genetic tool for deciphering the physiological roles of C. parvum genes in vivo, and validate CpLDH as an essential gene for the growth and viability of C. parvum in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejin Zhang
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Chi Yong Kim
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Tori Worthen
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - William H Witola
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA.
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6
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Ankenbruck N, Courtney T, Naro Y, Deiters A. Optochemical Control of Biological Processes in Cells and Animals. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018; 57:2768-2798. [PMID: 28521066 PMCID: PMC6026863 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201700171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 292] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Biological processes are naturally regulated with high spatial and temporal control, as is perhaps most evident in metazoan embryogenesis. Chemical tools have been extensively utilized in cell and developmental biology to investigate cellular processes, and conditional control methods have expanded applications of these technologies toward resolving complex biological questions. Light represents an excellent external trigger since it can be controlled with very high spatial and temporal precision. To this end, several optically regulated tools have been developed and applied to living systems. In this review we discuss recent developments of optochemical tools, including small molecules, peptides, proteins, and nucleic acids that can be irreversibly or reversibly controlled through light irradiation, with a focus on applications in cells and animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Ankenbruck
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA
| | - Taylor Courtney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA
| | - Yuta Naro
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15260, USA
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7
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Ankenbruck N, Courtney T, Naro Y, Deiters A. Optochemische Steuerung biologischer Vorgänge in Zellen und Tieren. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201700171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Ankenbruck
- Department of Chemistry University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15260 USA
| | - Taylor Courtney
- Department of Chemistry University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15260 USA
| | - Yuta Naro
- Department of Chemistry University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15260 USA
| | - Alexander Deiters
- Department of Chemistry University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Pennsylvania 15260 USA
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8
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Enhancing the cytotoxicity of chemoradiation with radiation-guided delivery of anti-MGMT morpholino oligonucleotides in non-methylated solid tumors. Cancer Gene Ther 2017; 24:348-357. [PMID: 28752860 PMCID: PMC5605678 DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2017.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The DNA repair enzyme O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is epigenetically silenced in some tumors by MGMT gene promoter methylation. MGMT-hypermethylated solid tumors have enhanced susceptibility to the cytotoxic effects of alkylating chemotherapy such as temozolomide, compared with non-methylated tumors. In glioblastoma, subjects with MGMT hypermethylation have significantly longer survival rates after chemoradiotherapy. We report the first successful use of a non-ablative dose of ionizing radiation to prime human cancer cells to enhance the uptake of unmodified anti-MGMT morpholino oligonucleotide (AMON) sequences. We demonstrate >40% reduction in the in vitro proliferation index and cell viability in radiation-primed MGMT-expressing human solid tumor cells treated with a single dose of AMONs and temozolomide. We further demonstrate the feasibility of using a non-ablative dose of radiation in vivo to guide and enhance the delivery of intravenously administered AMONs to achieve 50% MGMT knockdown only at radiation-primed tumor sites in a subcutaneous tumor model. Local upregulation of physiological endocytosis after radiation may have a role in radiation-guided uptake of AMONs. This approach holds direct translational significance in glioblastoma and brain metastases where radiation is part of the standard of care; our approach to silence MGMT could overcome the significant problem of MGMT-mediated chemoresistance.
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9
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Bowen RS, Cates BE, Combs EB, Dillard BM, Epting JT, Foster BR, Patterson SV, Spivey TP. Stabilization of the wheel running phenotype in mice. Physiol Behav 2016; 155:149-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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10
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Walters BJ, Azam AB, Gillon CJ, Josselyn SA, Zovkic IB. Advanced In vivo Use of CRISPR/Cas9 and Anti-sense DNA Inhibition for Gene Manipulation in the Brain. Front Genet 2016; 6:362. [PMID: 26793235 PMCID: PMC4709581 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene editing tools are essential for uncovering how genes mediate normal brain-behavior relationships and contribute to neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Recent progress in gene editing technology now allows neuroscientists unprecedented access to edit the genome efficiently. Although many important tools have been developed, here we focus on approaches that allow for rapid gene editing in the adult nervous system, particularly CRISPR/Cas9 and anti-sense nucleotide-based techniques. CRISPR/Cas9 is a flexible gene editing tool, allowing the genome to be manipulated in diverse ways. For instance, CRISPR/Cas9 has been successfully used to knockout genes, knock-in mutations, overexpress or inhibit gene activity, and provide scaffolding for recruiting specific epigenetic regulators to individual genes and gene regions. Moreover, the CRISPR/Cas9 system may be modified to target multiple genes at one time, affording simultaneous inhibition and overexpression of distinct genetic targets. Although many of the more advanced applications of CRISPR/Cas9 have not been applied to the nervous system, the toolbox is widely accessible, such that it is poised to help advance neuroscience. Anti-sense nucleotide-based technologies can be used to rapidly knockdown genes in the brain. The main advantage of anti-sense based tools is their simplicity, allowing for rapid gene delivery with minimal technical expertise. Here, we describe the main applications and functions of each of these systems with an emphasis on their many potential applications in neuroscience laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Walters
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amber B Azam
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - Colleen J Gillon
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sheena A Josselyn
- Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick ChildrenToronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of TorontoToronto, ON, Canada
| | - Iva B Zovkic
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga Mississauga, ON, Canada
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11
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Ferguson DP, Dangott LJ, Vellers HL, Schmitt EE, Lightfoot JT. Differential protein expression in the nucleus accumbens of high and low active mice. Behav Brain Res 2015; 291:283-288. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 05/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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12
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Lam S, Chen H, Chen CK, Min N, Chu JJH. Antiviral Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers are Protective against Chikungunya Virus Infection on Cell-based and Murine Models. Sci Rep 2015. [PMID: 26224141 PMCID: PMC4649900 DOI: 10.1038/srep12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection in human is associated with debilitating and persistent arthralgia and arthritis. Currently, there is no specific vaccine or effective antiviral available. Anti-CHIKV Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomer (CPMO) was evaluated for its antiviral efficacy and cytotoxcity in human cells and neonate murine model. Two CPMOs were designed to block translation initiation of a highly conserved sequence in CHIKV non-structural and structural polyprotein, respectively. Pre-treatment of HeLa cells with CPMO1 significantly suppressed CHIKV titre, CHIKV E2 protein expression and prevented CHIKV-induced CPE. CPMO1 activity was also CHIKV-specific as shown by the lack of cross-reactivity against SINV or DENV replication. When administered prophylactically in neonate mice, 15 μg/g CPMO1v conferred 100% survival against CHIKV disease. In parallel, these mice demonstrated significant reduction in viremia and viral load in various tissues. Immunohistological examination of skeletal muscles and liver of CPMO1v-treated mice also showed healthy tissue morphology, in contrast to evident manifestation of CHIKV pathogenesis in PBS- or scrambled sCPMO1v-treated groups. Taken together, our findings highlight for the first time that CPMO1v has strong protective effect against CHIKV infection. This warrants future development of morpholino as an alternative antiviral agent to address CHIKV infection in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Lam
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huixin Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Caiyun Karen Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nyo Min
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Justin Jang Hann Chu
- Laboratory of Molecular RNA Virology and Antiviral Strategies, Department of Microbiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Dawes M, Kochan KJ, Riggs PK, Timothy Lightfoot J. Differential miRNA expression in inherently high- and low-active inbred mice. Physiol Rep 2015; 3:3/7/e12469. [PMID: 26229004 PMCID: PMC4552544 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite established health benefits of regular exercise, the majority of Americans do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity. While it is known that voluntary activity levels are largely heritable, the genetic mechanisms that regulate activity are not well understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that inhibit transcription by binding to a target gene, inhibiting protein production. The purpose of this study was to investigate differential miRNA expression between inherently high- (C57L/J) and low- (C3H/HeJ) active inbred mice in soleus, extensor digitorum longus (EDL), and nucleus accumbens tissues. Expression was initially determined by miRNA microarray analysis, and selected miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR. Expression of 13 miRNAs varied between strains in the nucleus accumbens, 20 in soleus, and eight in EDL, by microarray analysis. Two miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR in the nucleus accumbens; miR-466 was downregulated (∼4 fold; P < 0.0004), and miR-342-5p was upregulated (∼115 fold; P < 0.0001) in high-active mice. MiR-466 was downregulated (∼5 fold; P < 0.0001) in the soleus of high-active mice as well. Interestingly, miR-466 is one of several miRNA families with sequence located in intron 10 of Sfmbt2; miRNAs at this locus are thought to drive imprinting of this gene. “Pathways in cancer” and “TGFβ signaling” were the most significant pathways of putative target genes in both the soleus and nucleus accumbens. Our results are the first to consider differential miRNA expression between high- and low-active mice, and suggest that miRNAs may play a role in regulation of physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Dawes
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Kelli J Kochan
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Penny K Riggs
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - J Timothy Lightfoot
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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14
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Evers MM, Toonen LJ, van Roon-Mom WM. Antisense oligonucleotides in therapy for neurodegenerative disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2015; 87:90-103. [PMID: 25797014 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2015.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides are synthetic single stranded strings of nucleic acids that bind to RNA and thereby alter or reduce expression of the target RNA. They can not only reduce expression of mutant proteins by breakdown of the targeted transcript, but also restore protein expression or modify proteins through interference with pre-mRNA splicing. There has been a recent revival of interest in the use of antisense oligonucleotides to treat several neurodegenerative disorders using different approaches to prevent disease onset or halt disease progression and the first clinical trials for spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis showing promising results. For these trials, intrathecal delivery is being used but direct infusion into the brain ventricles and several methods of passing the blood brain barrier after peripheral administration are also under investigation.
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15
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Sundaramoorthi H, Khandekar G, Kim S, Jagadeeswaran P. Knockdown of αIIb by RNA degradation by delivering deoxyoligonucleotides piggybacked with control vivo-morpholinos into zebrafish thrombocytes. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2014; 54:78-83. [PMID: 25135204 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2014.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Morpholino and vivo-morpholino gene knockdown methods have been used to study thrombocyte function in zebrafish. However, a large-scale knockdown of the entire zebrafish genome using these technologies to study thrombocyte function is prohibitively expensive. We have developed an inexpensive gene knockdown method, which uses a hybrid of a control vivo-morpholino and a standard antisense oligonucleotide specific for a gene. This hybrid molecule is able to deliver antisense deoxyoligonucleotides into zebrafish thrombocytes because it piggybacks on a control vivo-morpholino. To validate use of this hybrid molecule in gene knockdowns, we targeted the thrombocyte specific αIIb gene with a hybrid of a control vivo-morpholino and an oligonucleotide antisense to αIIb mRNA. The use of this piggyback technology resulted in degradation of αIIb mRNA and led to thrombocyte functional defect. This piggyback method to knockdown genes is inexpensive since one control vivo-morpholino can be used to target many different genes by making many independent gene-specific oligonucleotide hybrids. Thus, this novel piggyback technology can be utilized for cost-effective large-scale knockdowns of genes to study thrombocyte function in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gauri Khandekar
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Seongcheol Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA
| | - Pudur Jagadeeswaran
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76203, USA.
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16
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Ferguson DP, Dangott LJ, Lightfoot JT. Lessons learned from vivo-morpholinos: How to avoid vivo-morpholino toxicity. Biotechniques 2014; 56:251-6. [PMID: 24806225 DOI: 10.2144/000114167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Vivo-morpholinos are a promising tool for gene silencing. These oligonucleotide analogs transiently silence genes by blocking either translation or pre-mRNA splicing. Little to no toxicity has been reported for vivo-morpholino treatment. However, in a recent study conducted in our lab, treatment of mice with vivo-morpholinos resulted in high mortality rates. We hypothesized that the deaths were the result of oligonucleotide hybridization, causing an increased cationic charge associated with the dendrimer delivery moiety of the vivo-morpholino. The cationic charge increased blood clot formation in whole blood treated with vivo-morpholinos, suggesting that clotting could have caused cardiac arrest in the deceased mice. Therefore, we investigate the mechanism by which some vivo-morpholinos increase mortality rates and propose techniques to alleviate vivo-morpholino toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Ferguson
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX; Biology of Physical Activity Laboratory, Dept. of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Lawrence J Dangott
- Protein Chemistry Laboratory, Dept. of Biochemistry/Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - J Timothy Lightfoot
- Biology of Physical Activity Laboratory, Dept. of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Ferguson DP, Dangott LJ, Schmitt EE, Vellers HL, Lightfoot JT. Differential skeletal muscle proteome of high- and low-active mice. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2014; 116:1057-67. [PMID: 24505100 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00911.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical inactivity contributes to cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer. While the literature is clear that there is genetic regulation of physical activity with existing gene knockout data suggesting that skeletal muscle mechanisms contribute to the regulation of activity, actual differences in end-protein expression between high- and low-active mice have not been investigated. This study used two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry to evaluate the proteomic differences between high-active (C57L/J) and low-active (C3H/HeJ) mice in the soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL). Furthermore, vivo-morpholinos were used to transiently knockdown candidate proteins to confirm their involvement in physical activity regulation. Proteins with higher expression patterns generally fell into the calcium-regulating and Krebs (TCA) cycle pathways in the high-active mice (e.g., annexin A6, P = 0.0031; calsequestrin 1; P = 0.000025), while the overexpressed proteins in the low-active mice generally fell into cytoskeletal structure- and electron transport chain-related pathways (e.g., ATPase, P = 0.031; NADH dehydrogenase, P = 0.027). Transient knockdown of annexin A6 and calsequestrin 1 protein of high-active mice with vivo-morpholinos resulted in decreased physical activity levels (P = 0.001). These data suggest that high- and low-active mice have unique protein expression patterns and that each pattern contributes to the peripheral capability to be either high- or low-active, suggesting that different specific mechanisms regulate activity leading to the high- or low-activity status of the animal.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Ferguson
- Children's Nutritional Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Morpholino treatment improves muscle function and pathology of Pitx1 transgenic mice. Mol Ther 2013; 22:390-396. [PMID: 24232919 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2013.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 1 (PITX1) was proposed to be part of the disease mechanisms of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). We generated a tet-repressible muscle-specific Pitx1 transgenic mouse model which develops phenotypes of muscular dystrophy after the PITX1 expression is induced. In this study, we attempted to block the translation of PITX1 protein using morpholinos. Three groups of the transgenic mice received intravenous injections of phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMO) (100 mg/kg), octaguanidinium dendrimer-conjugated morpholino (vivo-morpholino) (10 mg/kg), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) after the PITX1 expression was induced. Immunoblotting data showed that PITX1 expression in the triceps and quadriceps was significantly reduced 70% and 63% by the vivo-morpholino treatment, respectively. Muscle pathology of the mice treated with the vivo-morpholino was improved by showing 44% fewer angular-shaped atrophic myofibers. Muscle function determined by grip strength was significantly improved by the vivo-morpholino treatment. The study showed that systemic delivery of the vivo-morpholino reduced the PITX1 expression and improved the muscle phenotypes. Aberrant expression of DUX4 from the last unit of the D4Z4 array has been proposed to be the cause of FSHD. The findings of this study suggest that the same principle may be applied to suppress the aberrantly expressed DUX4 in FSHD.
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Solomon-Lane TK, Crespi EJ, Grober MS. Stress and serial adult metamorphosis: multiple roles for the stress axis in socially regulated sex change. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:210. [PMID: 24265604 PMCID: PMC3820965 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Socially regulated sex change in teleost fishes is a striking example of social status information regulating biological function in the service of reproductive success. The establishment of social dominance in sex changing species is translated into a cascade of changes in behavior, physiology, neuroendocrine function, and morphology that transforms a female into a male, or vice versa. The hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis (HPI, homologous to HP-adrenal axis in mammals and birds) has been hypothesized to play a mechanistic role linking status to sex change. The HPA/I axis responds to environmental stressors by integrating relevant external and internal cues and coordinating biological responses including changes in behavior, energetics, physiology, and morphology (i.e., metamorphosis). Through actions of both corticotropin-releasing factor and glucocorticoids, the HPA/I axis has been implicated in processes central to sex change, including the regulation of agonistic behavior, social status, energetic investment, and life history transitions. In this paper, we review the hypothesized roles of the HPA/I axis in the regulation of sex change and how those hypotheses have been tested to date. We include original data on sex change in the bluebanded goby (Lythyrpnus dalli), a highly social fish capable of bidirectional sex change. We then propose a model for HPA/I involvement in sex change and discuss how these ideas might be tested in the future. Understanding the regulation of sex change has the potential to elucidate evolutionarily conserved mechanisms responsible for translating pertinent information about the environment into coordinated biological changes along multiple body axes.
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