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Li D, Cheng K, Zhu X. Construction and Identification of a Novel Mice Model of Microphthalmia. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:11. [PMID: 39007834 PMCID: PMC467107 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.7.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Microphthalmia is a rare developmental eye disease that affects 1 in 7000 births. Currently, there is no cure for this condition. This study aimed to construct a stable mouse model of microphthalmia, thus providing a new tool for the study of the etiology of microphthalmia. Methods The Hedgehog signaling pathway plays a crucial role in eye development. One of the key mechanisms of the Sonic Hedgehog signaling is the strong transcriptional activation ability of GLI3, a major mediator of this pathway. This study used CRISPR/Cas9 system to construct a novel TgGli3Ki/Ki lens-specific over-expression mouse line. To identify the ocular characteristics of this line, quantitative PCR, Western blot, hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunofluorescent staining, and RNA-seq were performed on the ocular tissues of this line and normal mice. Results The TgGli3Ki/Ki lens-specific over-expression mouse model exhibits the ocular phenotype of microphthalmia. In the TgGli3Ki/Ki mouse, Gli3 is over-expressed in the lens, and the size of the eyeball and lens is significantly smaller than the normal one. RNA-seq analysis using the lens and the retina samples from TgGli3Ki/Ki and normal mice indicates that the phototransduction pathway is ectopically activated in the lens. Immunofluorescent staining of the lens samples confirmed this activation. Conclusions The TgGli3Ki/Ki mouse model consistently manifests the stereotypical microphthalmia phenotype across generations, making it an excellent tool for studying this severe eye disease. Translational Relevance This study developed a novel animal model to facilitate clinical research on microphthalmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaiwen Cheng
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangjia Zhu
- Eye Institute, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Shanghai, China
- Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
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2
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Perez RC, Yang X, Familari M, Martinez G, Lovicu FJ, Hime GR, de Iongh RU. TOB1 and TOB2 mark distinct RNA processing granules in differentiating lens fiber cells. J Mol Histol 2024; 55:121-138. [PMID: 38165569 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-023-10177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Differentiation of lens fiber cells involves a complex interplay of signals from growth factors together with tightly regulated gene expression via transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulators. Various studies have demonstrated that RNA-binding proteins, functioning in ribonucleoprotein granules, have important roles in regulating post-transcriptional expression during lens development. In this study, we examined the expression and localization of two members of the BTG/TOB family of RNA-binding proteins, TOB1 and TOB2, in the developing lens and examined the phenotype of mice that lack Tob1. By RT-PCR, both Tob1 and Tob2 mRNA were detected in epithelial and fiber cells of embryonic and postnatal murine lenses. In situ hybridization showed Tob1 and Tob2 mRNA were most intensely expressed in the early differentiating fibers, with weaker expression in anterior epithelial cells, and both appeared to be downregulated in the germinative zone of E15.5 lenses. TOB1 protein was detected from E11.5 to E16.5 and was predominantly detected in large cytoplasmic puncta in early differentiating fiber cells, often co-localizing with the P-body marker, DCP2. Occasional nuclear puncta were also observed. By contrast, TOB2 was detected in a series of interconnected peri-nuclear granules, in later differentiating fiber cells of the inner cortex. TOB2 did not appear to co-localize with DCP2 but did partially co-localize with an early stress granule marker (EIF3B). These data suggest that TOB1 and TOB2 are involved with different aspects of the mRNA processing cycle in lens fiber cells. In vitro experiments using rat lens epithelial explants treated with or without a fiber differentiating dose of FGF2 showed that both TOB1 and TOB2 were up-regulated during FGF-induced differentiation. In differentiating explants, TOB1 also co-localized with DCP2 in large cytoplasmic granules. Analyses of Tob1-/- mice revealed relatively normal lens morphology but a subtle defect in cell cycle arrest of some cells at the equator and in the lens fiber mass of E13.5 embryos. Overall, these findings suggest that TOB proteins play distinct regulatory roles in RNA processing during lens fiber differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela C Perez
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Xenia Yang
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Mary Familari
- School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Gemma Martinez
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Frank J Lovicu
- Molecular and Cellular Biomedicine, School of Medical Sciences and Save Sight Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Gary R Hime
- Stem Cell Genetics Laboratory, Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Robb U de Iongh
- Ocular Development Laboratory, Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia.
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3
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Aniridia-related keratopathy relevant cell signaling pathways in human fetal corneas. Histochem Cell Biol 2022; 158:169-180. [PMID: 35551459 PMCID: PMC9338123 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-022-02099-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to study aniridia-related keratopathy (ARK) relevant cell signaling pathways [Notch1, Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and mTOR] in normal human fetal corneas compared with normal human adult corneas and ARK corneas. We found that fetal corneas at 20 weeks of gestation (wg) and normal adult corneas showed similar staining patterns for Notch1; however 10–11 wg fetal corneas showed increased presence of Notch1. Numb and Dlk1 had an enhanced presence in the fetal corneas compared with the adult corneas. Fetal corneas showed stronger immunolabeling with antibodies against β-catenin, Wnt5a, Wnt7a, Gli1, Hes1, p-rpS6, and mTOR when compared with the adult corneas. Gene expression of Notch1, Wnt5A, Wnt7A, β-catenin, Hes1, mTOR, and rps6 was higher in the 9–12 wg fetal corneas compared with adult corneas. The cell signaling pathway differences found between human fetal and adult corneas were similar to those previously found in ARK corneas with the exception of Notch1. Analogous profiles of cell signaling pathway activation between human fetal corneas and ARK corneas suggests that there is a less differentiated host milieu in ARK.
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4
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Shhedding New Light on the Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Corneal Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073630. [PMID: 35408986 PMCID: PMC8998466 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The cornea, an anterior ocular tissue that notably serves to protect the eye from external insults and refract light, requires constant epithelium renewal and efficient healing following injury to maintain ocular homeostasis. Although several key cell populations and molecular pathways implicated in corneal wound healing have already been thoroughly investigated, insufficient/impaired or excessive corneal wound healing remains a major clinical issue in ophthalmology, and new avenues of research are still needed to further improve corneal wound healing. Because of its implication in numerous cellular/tissular homeostatic processes and oxidative stress, there is growing evidence of the role of Hedgehog signaling pathway in physiological and pathological corneal wound healing. Reviewing current scientific evidence, Hedgehog signaling and its effectors participate in corneal wound healing mainly at the level of the corneal and limbal epithelium, where Sonic Hedgehog-mediated signaling promotes limbal stem cell proliferation and corneal epithelial cell proliferation and migration following corneal injury. Hedgehog signaling could also participate in corneal epithelial barrier homeostasis and in pathological corneal healing such as corneal injury-related neovascularization. By gaining a better understanding of the role of this double-edged sword in physiological and pathological corneal wound healing, fascinating new research avenues and therapeutic strategies will undoubtedly emerge.
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Disatham J, Brennan L, Jiao X, Ma Z, Hejtmancik JF, Kantorow M. Changes in DNA methylation hallmark alterations in chromatin accessibility and gene expression for eye lens differentiation. Epigenetics Chromatin 2022; 15:8. [PMID: 35246225 PMCID: PMC8897925 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-022-00440-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Methylation at cytosines (mCG) is a well-known regulator of gene expression, but its requirements for cellular differentiation have yet to be fully elucidated. A well-studied cellular differentiation model system is the eye lens, consisting of a single anterior layer of epithelial cells that migrate laterally and differentiate into a core of fiber cells. Here, we explore the genome-wide relationships between mCG methylation, chromatin accessibility and gene expression during differentiation of eye lens epithelial cells into fiber cells. Results Whole genome bisulfite sequencing identified 7621 genomic loci exhibiting significant differences in mCG levels between lens epithelial and fiber cells. Changes in mCG levels were inversely correlated with the differentiation state-specific expression of 1285 genes preferentially expressed in either lens fiber or lens epithelial cells (Pearson correlation r = − 0.37, p < 1 × 10–42). mCG levels were inversely correlated with chromatin accessibility determined by assay for transposase-accessible sequencing (ATAC-seq) (Pearson correlation r = − 0.86, p < 1 × 10–300). Many of the genes exhibiting altered regions of DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility and gene expression levels in fiber cells relative to epithelial cells are associated with lens fiber cell structure, homeostasis and transparency. These include lens crystallins (CRYBA4, CRYBB1, CRYGN, CRYBB2), lens beaded filament proteins (BFSP1, BFSP2), transcription factors (HSF4, SOX2, HIF1A), and Notch signaling pathway members (NOTCH1, NOTCH2, HEY1, HES5). Analysis of regions exhibiting cell-type specific alterations in DNA methylation revealed an overrepresentation of consensus sequences of multiple transcription factors known to play key roles in lens cell differentiation including HIF1A, SOX2, and the MAF family of transcription factors. Conclusions Collectively, these results link DNA methylation with control of chromatin accessibility and gene expression changes required for eye lens differentiation. The results also point to a role for DNA methylation in the regulation of transcription factors previously identified to be important for lens cell differentiation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13072-022-00440-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Disatham
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Lisa Brennan
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Xiaodong Jiao
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zhiwei Ma
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - J Fielding Hejtmancik
- Ophthalmic Genetics and Visual Function Branch, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marc Kantorow
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
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Ma J, Bi L, Spurlin J, Lwigale P. Nephronectin-Integrin α8 signaling is required for proper migration of periocular neural crest cells during chick corneal development. eLife 2022; 11:74307. [PMID: 35238772 PMCID: PMC8916771 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During development, cells aggregate at tissue boundaries to form normal tissue architecture of organs. However, how cells are segregated into tissue precursors remains largely unknown. Cornea development is a perfect example of this process whereby neural crest cells aggregate in the periocular region prior to their migration and differentiation into corneal cells. Our recent RNA-seq analysis identified upregulation of nephronectin (Npnt) transcripts during early stages of corneal development where its function has not been investigated. We found that Npnt mRNA and protein are expressed by various ocular tissues, including the migratory periocular neural crest (pNC), which also express the integrin alpha 8 (Itgα8) receptor. Knockdown of either Npnt or Itgα8 attenuated cornea development, whereas overexpression of Npnt resulted in cornea thickening. Moreover, overexpression of Npnt variants lacking RGD-binding sites did not affect corneal thickness. Neither the knockdown nor augmentation of Npnt caused significant changes in cell proliferation, suggesting that Npnt directs pNC migration into the cornea. In vitro analyses showed that Npnt promotes pNC migration from explanted periocular mesenchyme, which requires Itgα8, focal adhesion kinase, and Rho kinase. Combined, these data suggest that Npnt augments cell migration into the presumptive cornea extracellular matrix by functioning as a substrate for Itgα8-positive pNC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Ma
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, United States
| | - Lian Bi
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, United States
| | - James Spurlin
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, United States
| | - Peter Lwigale
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, United States
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7
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Chinnery HR, Zhang XY, Wu CY, Downie LE. Corneal immune cell morphometry as an indicator of local and systemic pathology: A review. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 49:729-740. [PMID: 34240800 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.13972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The corneal epithelium contains a population of resident immune cells commonly referred to as dendritic cells (DCs), or Langerhans cells. A unique advantage of the transparent cornea being situated at the surface of the eye is that these cells can be readily visualised using in vivo confocal microscopy. Over the past decade, interest in the involvement of corneal DCs in a range of ocular and systemic diseases has surged. For most studies, the number of corneal DCs has been the main outcome of interest. However, more recently attention has shifted towards understanding how DC morphology may provide insights into the inflammatory status of the cornea, and in some cases, the health of the peripheral nervous system. In this review, we provide examples of recent methodologies that have been used to classify and measure corneal DC morphology and discuss how this relates to local and systemic inflammatory conditions in humans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly R Chinnery
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xin Yuan Zhang
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ching Yi Wu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura E Downie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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8
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Zhang A, Aslam H, Sharma N, Warmflash A, Fakhouri WD. Conservation of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Process in Neural Crest Cells and Metastatic Cancer. Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 210:151-172. [PMID: 34218225 DOI: 10.1159/000516466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a highly conserved cellular process in several species, from worms to humans. EMT plays a fundamental role in early embryogenesis, wound healing, and cancer metastasis. For neural crest cell (NCC) development, EMT typically results in forming a migratory and potent cell population that generates a wide variety of cell and tissue, including cartilage, bone, connective tissue, endocrine cells, neurons, and glia amongst many others. The degree of conservation between the signaling pathways that regulate EMT during development and metastatic cancer (MC) has not been fully established, despite ample studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis dissects the major signaling pathways involved in EMT of NCC development and MC to unravel the similarities and differences. While the FGF, TGFβ/BMP, SHH, and NOTCH pathways have been rigorously investigated in both systems, the EGF, IGF, HIPPO, Factor Receptor Superfamily, and their intracellular signaling cascades need to be the focus of future NCC studies. In general, meta-analyses of the associated signaling pathways show a significant number of overlapping genes (particularly ligands, transcription regulators, and targeted cadherins) involved in each signaling pathway of both systems without stratification by body segments and cancer type. Lack of stratification makes it difficult to meaningfully evaluate the intracellular downstream effectors of each signaling pathway. Finally, pediatric neuroblastoma and melanoma are NCC-derived malignancies, which emphasize the importance of uncovering the EMT events that convert NCC into treatment-resistant malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Zhang
- Center for Craniofacial Research, Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hira Aslam
- Center for Craniofacial Research, Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Neha Sharma
- Center for Craniofacial Research, Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Aryeh Warmflash
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Walid D Fakhouri
- Center for Craniofacial Research, Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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9
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Le TL, Sribudiani Y, Dong X, Huber C, Kois C, Baujat G, Gordon CT, Mayne V, Galmiche L, Serre V, Goudin N, Zarhrate M, Bole-Feysot C, Masson C, Nitschké P, Verheijen FW, Pais L, Pelet A, Sadedin S, Pugh JA, Shur N, White SM, El Chehadeh S, Christodoulou J, Cormier-Daire V, Hofstra RMW, Lyonnet S, Tan TY, Attié-Bitach T, Kerstjens-Frederikse WS, Amiel J, Thomas S. Bi-allelic Variations of SMO in Humans Cause a Broad Spectrum of Developmental Anomalies Due to Abnormal Hedgehog Signaling. Am J Hum Genet 2020; 106:779-792. [PMID: 32413283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved hedgehog (Hh) pathway is essential for organogenesis and plays critical roles in postnatal tissue maintenance and renewal. A unique feature of the vertebrate Hh pathway is that signal transduction requires the primary cilium (PC) where major pathway components are dynamically enriched. These factors include smoothened (SMO) and patched, which constitute the core reception system for sonic hedgehog (SHH) as well as GLI transcription factors, the key mediators of the pathway. Here, we report bi-allelic loss-of-function variations in SMO in seven individuals from five independent families; these variations cause a wide phenotypic spectrum of developmental anomalies affecting the brain (hypothalamic hamartoma and microcephaly), heart (atrioventricular septal defect), skeleton (postaxial polydactyly, narrow chest, and shortening of long bones), and enteric nervous system (aganglionosis). Cells derived from affected individuals showed normal ciliogenesis but severely altered Hh-signal transduction as a result of either altered PC trafficking or abnormal activation of the pathway downstream of SMO. In addition, Hh-independent GLI2 accumulation at the PC tip in cells from the affected individuals suggests a potential function of SMO in regulating basal ciliary trafficking of GLI2 when the pathway is off. Thus, loss of SMO function results in abnormal PC dynamics of key components of the Hh signaling pathway and leads to a large continuum of malformations in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Linh Le
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Malformations, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Yunia Sribudiani
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung 40132, Indonesia
| | - Xiaomin Dong
- Brain and Mitochondrial Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010 Victoria, Australia
| | - Céline Huber
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Molecular and Physiopathological Bases of Osteochondrodysplasia, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Chelsea Kois
- Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Geneviève Baujat
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Molecular and Physiopathological Bases of Osteochondrodysplasia, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France; Fédération de Génétique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Christopher T Gordon
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Malformations, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Valerie Mayne
- Department of Medical Imaging, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia 3052
| | - Louise Galmiche
- Department of Pathology, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Valérie Serre
- Université de Paris, Institut Jacques Monod, UMR7592 CNRS, 15 Rue Hélène Brion, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Goudin
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Cell Imaging, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Mohammed Zarhrate
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, Genomic Platform, INSERM UMR 1163 and INSERM US24, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMS3633, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Christine Bole-Feysot
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Necker, Genomic Platform, INSERM UMR 1163 and INSERM US24, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMS3633, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Cécile Masson
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Bioinformatics Platform, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Patrick Nitschké
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Bioinformatics Platform, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Frans W Verheijen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lynn Pais
- Center for Mendelian Genomics, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Anna Pelet
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Malformations, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Simon Sadedin
- Brain and Mitochondrial Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010 Victoria, Australia
| | - John A Pugh
- Albany Medical Center, 43 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Natasha Shur
- Children's National, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20010, USA
| | - Susan M White
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia 3052
| | - Salima El Chehadeh
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital de Hautepierre, 67098 Strasbourg, France
| | - John Christodoulou
- Brain and Mitochondrial Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, 50 Flemington Rd, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010 Victoria, Australia
| | - Valérie Cormier-Daire
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Molecular and Physiopathological Bases of Osteochondrodysplasia, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France; Fédération de Génétique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - R M W Hofstra
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stanislas Lyonnet
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Malformations, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France; Fédération de Génétique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Tiong Yang Tan
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia 3052
| | - Tania Attié-Bitach
- Fédération de Génétique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 75015 Paris, France; Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Genetics and Development of the Cerebral Cortex, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France
| | | | - Jeanne Amiel
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Malformations, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France; Fédération de Génétique, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Sophie Thomas
- Université de Paris, Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Malformations, INSERM UMR 1163, 75015 Paris, France.
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10
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Wada Y, Kikuchi A, Kaga A, Shimizu N, Ito J, Onuma R, Fujishima F, Totsune E, Sato R, Niihori T, Shirota M, Funayama R, Sato K, Nakazawa T, Nakayama K, Aoki Y, Aiba S, Nakagawa K, Kure S. Metabolic and pathologic profiles of human LSS deficiency recapitulated in mice. PLoS Genet 2020; 16:e1008628. [PMID: 32101538 PMCID: PMC7062289 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin lesions, cataracts, and congenital anomalies have been frequently associated with inherited deficiencies in enzymes that synthesize cholesterol. Lanosterol synthase (LSS) converts (S)-2,3-epoxysqualene to lanosterol in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Biallelic mutations in LSS have been reported in families with congenital cataracts and, very recently, have been reported in cases of hypotrichosis. However, it remains to be clarified whether these phenotypes are caused by LSS enzymatic deficiencies in each tissue, and disruption of LSS enzymatic activity in vivo has not yet been validated. We identified two patients with novel biallelic LSS mutations who exhibited congenital hypotrichosis and midline anomalies but did not have cataracts. We showed that the blockade of the LSS enzyme reaction occurred in the patients by measuring the (S)-2,3-epoxysqualene/lanosterol ratio in the forehead sebum, which would be a good biomarker for the diagnosis of LSS deficiency. Epidermis-specific Lss knockout mice showed neonatal lethality due to dehydration, indicating that LSS could be involved in skin barrier integrity. Tamoxifen-induced knockout of Lss in the epidermis caused hypotrichosis in adult mice. Lens-specific Lss knockout mice had cataracts. These results confirmed that LSS deficiency causes hypotrichosis and cataracts due to loss-of-function mutations in LSS in each tissue. These mouse models will lead to the elucidation of the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with disrupted LSS and to the development of therapeutic treatments for LSS deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Wada
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Atsuo Kikuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Akimune Kaga
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku Kosai Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Naoki Shimizu
- Food and Biodynamic Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Junya Ito
- Food and Biodynamic Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Ryo Onuma
- Food and Biodynamic Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Fumiyoshi Fujishima
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Eriko Totsune
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Ryo Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Niihori
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Matsuyuki Shirota
- Division of Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences, United Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Ryo Funayama
- Division of Cell Proliferation, United Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kota Sato
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Collaborative Program for Ophthalmic Drug Discovery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Toru Nakazawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Collaborative Program for Ophthalmic Drug Discovery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Department of Retinal Disease Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Keiko Nakayama
- Division of Cell Proliferation, United Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yoko Aoki
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Setsuya Aiba
- Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Nakagawa
- Food and Biodynamic Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Shigeo Kure
- Department of Pediatrics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
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11
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Zhang J, Li Y, Fan Y, Wu D, Xu J. Compound heterozygous mutations in SMO associated with anterior segment dysgenesis and morning glory syndrome. Gene 2019; 713:143973. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.143973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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12
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Gath N, Gross JM. Zebrafish mab21l2 mutants possess severe defects in optic cup morphogenesis, lens and cornea development. Dev Dyn 2019; 248:514-529. [PMID: 31037784 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in MAB21L2 result in severe ocular defects including microphthalmia, anophthalmia, coloboma, microcornea, and cataracts. The molecular and cellular underpinnings of these defects are unknown, as is the normal cellular function of MAB21L2. Zebrafish mab21l2 au10 mutants possess ocular defects resembling those in humans with MAB21L2 mutations, providing an excellent model to characterize mab21l2 functions during eye development. RESULTS mab21l2 -/- mutants possessed a host of ocular defects including microphthalmia and colobomas as well as small, disorganized lenses and cornea dysgenesis. Decreased proliferation, increased cell death, and defects in marker gene expression were detected in the lens. Cell death in the optic stalk was elevated in mab21l2 -/- mutants and the basement membrane between the edges of the choroid fissure failed to break down. Neuronal differentiation in the retina was normal, however. mab21l2 -/- mutant corneas were disorganized, possessed an increased number of cells, some of which proliferated ectopically, and failed to differentiate the corneal stroma. CONCLUSIONS mab21l2 function is required for morphogenesis and cell survival in the lens and optic cup, and basement membrane breakdown in the choroid fissure. mab21l2 function also regulates proliferation in the lens and cornea; in its absence, the lens is small and mispatterned, and corneal morphogenesis and patterning are also disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Gath
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.,Departments of Ophthalmology and Developmental Biology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffrey M Gross
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas.,Departments of Ophthalmology and Developmental Biology, Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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13
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Wiegering A, Petzsch P, Köhrer K, Rüther U, Gerhardt C. GLI3 repressor but not GLI3 activator is essential for mouse eye patterning and morphogenesis. Dev Biol 2019; 450:141-154. [PMID: 30953627 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since 1967, it is known that the loss of GLI3 causes very severe defects in murine eye development. GLI3 is able to act as a transcriptional activator (GLI3-A) or as a transcriptional repressor (GLI3-R). Soon after the discovery of these GLI3 isoforms, the question arose which of the different isoforms is involved in eye formation - GLI3-A, GLI3-R or even both. For several years, this question remained elusive. By analysing the eye morphogenesis of Gli3XtJ/XtJ mouse embryos that lack GLI3-A and GLI3-R and of Gli3Δ699/Δ699 mouse embryos in which only GLI3-A is missing, we revealed that GLI3-A is dispensable in vertebrate eye formation. Remarkably, our study shows that GLI3-R is sufficient for the creation of morphologically normal eyes although the molecular setup deviates substantially from normality. In depth-investigations elucidated that GLI3-R controls numerous key players in eye development and governs lens and retina development at least partially via regulating WNT/β-CATENIN signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Wiegering
- Institute for Animal Developmental and Molecular Biology, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Patrick Petzsch
- Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory (GTL), Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Karl Köhrer
- Biological and Medical Research Center (BMFZ), Genomics and Transcriptomics Laboratory (GTL), Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Rüther
- Institute for Animal Developmental and Molecular Biology, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Christoph Gerhardt
- Institute for Animal Developmental and Molecular Biology, Heinrich Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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14
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Panzica DA, Findlay AS, van Ladesteijn R, Collinson JM. The core planar cell polarity gene, Vangl2, maintains apical-basal organisation of the corneal epithelium. J Anat 2019; 234:106-119. [PMID: 28833131 PMCID: PMC6284432 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of the core planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway protein, Vangl2, was investigated in the corneal epithelium of the mammalian eye, a paradigm anatomical model of planar cell migration. The gene was conditionally knocked out in vivo and knocked down by siRNA, followed by immunohistochemical, behavioural and morphological analysis of corneal epithelial cells. The primary defects observed in vivo were of apical-basal organisation of the corneal epithelium, with abnormal stratification throughout life, mislocalisation of the cell membrane protein, Scribble, to the basal side of cells, and partial loss of the epithelial basement membrane. Planar defects in migration after wounding and in the presence of an applied electric field were noted. However, knockdown of Vangl2 also retarded cell migration in individual cells that had no contact with their neighbours, which precluded a classic PCP mechanism. It is concluded that some of the planar polarity phenotypes in PCP mutants may arise from disruption of apical-basal polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Alessio Panzica
- School of MedicineMedical Sciences and NutritionUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | - Amy S. Findlay
- School of MedicineMedical Sciences and NutritionUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
| | | | - J. Martin Collinson
- School of MedicineMedical Sciences and NutritionUniversity of AberdeenAberdeenUK
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15
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Slavotinek A. Genetics of anophthalmia and microphthalmia. Part 2: Syndromes associated with anophthalmia-microphthalmia. Hum Genet 2018; 138:831-846. [PMID: 30374660 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-018-1949-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As new genes for A/M are identified in the genomic era, the number of syndromes associated with A/M has greatly expanded. In this review, we provide a brief synopsis of the clinical presentation and molecular genetic etiology of previously characterized pathways involved in A/M, including the Sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), Orthodenticle Homeobox 2 (OTX2) and Paired box protein-6 (PAX6) genes, and the Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 6 homolog (STRA6), Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 1 Family Member A3 (ALDH1A3), and RA Receptor Beta (RARβ) genes that are involved in retinoic acid synthesis. Less common genetic causes of A/M, including genes involved in BMP signaling [Bone Morphogenetic Protein 4 (BMP4), Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP7) and SPARC-related modular calcium-binding protein 1 (SMOC1)], genes involved in the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex [Holocytochrome c-type synthase (HCCS), Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit 7B (COX7B), and NADH:Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase subunit B11 (NDUFB11)], the BCL-6 corepressor gene (BCOR), Yes-Associated Protein 1 (YAP1) and Transcription Factor AP-2 Alpha (TFAP2α), are more briefly discussed. We also review several recently described genes and pathways associated with A/M, including Smoothened (SMO) that is involved in Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling, Structural maintenance of chromosomes flexible hinge domain containing 1 (SMCHD1) and Solute carrier family 25 member 24 (SLC25A24), emphasizing phenotype-genotype correlations and shared pathways where relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Slavotinek
- Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco Room RH384C, 1550 4th St, San Francisco, CA, 94143-2711, USA.
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16
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Azimi M, Le TT, Brown NL. Presenilin gene function and Notch signaling feedback regulation in the developing mouse lens. Differentiation 2018; 102:40-52. [PMID: 30059908 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Presenilins (Psen1 and Psen2 in mice) are polytopic transmembrane proteins that act in the γ-secretase complex to make intra-membrane cleavages of their substrates, including the well-studied Notch receptors. Such processing releases the Notch intracellular domain, allowing it to physically relocate from the cell membrane to the nucleus where it acts in a transcriptional activating complex to regulate downstream genes in the signal-receiving cell. Previous studies of Notch pathway mutants for Jagged1, Notch2, and Rbpj demonstrated that canonical signaling is a necessary component of normal mouse lens development. However, the central role of Psens within the γ-secretase complex has never been explored in any developing eye tissue or cell type. By directly comparing Psen single and double mutant phenotypes during mouse lens development, we found a stronger requirement for Psen1, although both genes are needed for progenitor cell growth and to prevent apoptosis. We also uncovered a novel genetic interaction between Psen1 and Jagged1. By quantifying protein and mRNA levels of key Notch pathway genes in Psen1/2 or Jagged1 mutant lenses, we identified multiple points in the overall signaling cascade where feedback regulation can occur. Our data are consistent with the loss of particular genes indirectly influencing the transcription level of another. However, we conclude that regulating Notch2 protein levels is particularly important during normal signaling, supporting the importance of post-translational regulatory mechanisms in this tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Azimi
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy; University of California, Davis One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Tien T Le
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Nadean L Brown
- Department of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy; University of California, Davis One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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17
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Mao M, Kiss M, Ou Y, Gould DB. Genetic dissection of anterior segment dysgenesis caused by a Col4a1 mutation in mouse. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:475-485. [PMID: 28237965 PMCID: PMC5399567 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.027888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Ocular anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) describes a spectrum of clinically and genetically heterogeneous congenital disorders affecting anterior structures that often lead to impaired vision. More importantly, 50-75% of patients with ASD develop early onset and aggressive glaucoma. Although several genes have been implicated in the etiology of ASD, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Type IV collagen alpha 1 (COL4A1) is an extracellular matrix protein and a critical component of nearly all basement membranes. COL4A1 mutations cause multi-system disorders in patients, including ASD (congenital cataracts, Axenfeld-Rieger's anomaly, Peter's anomaly and microphthalmia) and congenital or juvenile glaucoma. Here, we use a conditional Col4a1 mutation in mice to determine the location and timing of pathogenic events underlying COL4A1-related ocular dysgenesis. Our results suggest that selective expression of the Col4a1 mutation in neural crest cells and their derivatives is not sufficient to cause ocular dysgenesis and that selective expression of the Col4a1 mutation in vascular endothelial cells can lead to mild ASD and optic nerve hypoplasia but only on a sensitized background. In contrast, lens-specific expression of the conditional Col4a1 mutant allele led to cataracts, mild ASD and optic nerve hypoplasia, and age-related intraocular pressure dysregulation and optic nerve damage. Finally, ubiquitous expression of the conditional Col4a1 mutation at distinct developmental stages suggests that pathogenesis takes place before E12.5. Our results show that the lens and possibly vasculature play important roles in Col4a1-related ASD and that the pathogenic events occur at mid-embryogenesis in mice, during early stages of ocular development. Summary: Key pathogenic events in anterior segment dysgenesis, a congenital ocular disease with complex etiology, are recapitulated in a mouse model of Col4a1-related ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Mao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Human Genetics, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Márton Kiss
- Department of Genetics, University of Szeged, Középfasor 52, Szeged H-6726, Hungary
| | - Yvonne Ou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Human Genetics, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Douglas B Gould
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Human Genetics, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA .,Department of Anatomy, Institute for Human Genetics, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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18
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Smoothened is a poor prognosis factor and a potential therapeutic target in glioma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42630. [PMID: 28195165 PMCID: PMC5307388 DOI: 10.1038/srep42630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant gliomas are associated with a high mortality rate. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of novel targeted therapeutics. Aberrant Hedgehog signaling has been directly linked to glioma. GDC-0449 is a novel small molecule inhibitor of Hedgehog signaling that blocks the activity of smoothened (Smo). In this study, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo effects of the smoothened inhibitor GDC-0449 on cell proliferation in human gliomas. We found that high expression of smoothened in glioma is a predictor of short overall survival and poor patient outcome. Our data suggest that GDC-0449 significantly inhibits the proliferation of glioma cells by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase. Our results demonstrate that GDC-0449 can effectively inhibit the migration and invasion of glioma cells. Furthermore, GDC-0449 treatment significantly suppressed glioma cell xenograft tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, GDC-0449 treatment markedly decreases the expression levels of key Hedgehog pathway component genes (Shh, Patched-1, Patched-2, smoothened, Gli1 and Gli2). These results indicate that GDC-0449 works through targeting the Hedgehog pathway. Taken together, our study suggests that smoothened could be used as a prognostic marker and molecular therapeutic target for glioma.
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19
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Xavier GM, Seppala M, Barrell W, Birjandi AA, Geoghegan F, Cobourne MT. Hedgehog receptor function during craniofacial development. Dev Biol 2016; 415:198-215. [PMID: 26875496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The Hedgehog signalling pathway plays a fundamental role in orchestrating normal craniofacial development in vertebrates. In particular, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is produced in three key domains during the early formation of the head; neuroectoderm of the ventral forebrain, facial ectoderm and the pharyngeal endoderm; with signal transduction evident in both ectodermal and mesenchymal tissue compartments. Shh signalling from the prechordal plate and ventral midline of the diencephalon is required for appropriate division of the eyefield and forebrain, with mutation in a number of pathway components associated with Holoprosencephaly, a clinically heterogeneous developmental defect characterized by a failure of the early forebrain vesicle to divide into distinct halves. In addition, signalling from the pharyngeal endoderm and facial ectoderm plays an essential role during development of the face, influencing cranial neural crest cells that migrate into the early facial processes. In recent years, the complexity of Shh signalling has been highlighted by the identification of multiple novel proteins that are involved in regulating both the release and reception of this protein. Here, we review the contributions of Shh signalling during early craniofacial development, focusing on Hedgehog receptor function and describing the consequences of disruption for inherited anomalies of this region in both mouse models and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme M Xavier
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King's College London Dental Institute, Floor 27, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK; Department of Orthodontics, King's College London Dental Institute, Floor 27, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Maisa Seppala
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King's College London Dental Institute, Floor 27, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK; Department of Orthodontics, King's College London Dental Institute, Floor 27, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - William Barrell
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King's College London Dental Institute, Floor 27, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Anahid A Birjandi
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King's College London Dental Institute, Floor 27, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Finn Geoghegan
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King's College London Dental Institute, Floor 27, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Martyn T Cobourne
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, King's College London Dental Institute, Floor 27, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK; Department of Orthodontics, King's College London Dental Institute, Floor 27, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK.
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20
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Sugiyama Y, Shelley EJ, Yoder BK, Kozmik Z, May-Simera HL, Beales PL, Lovicu FJ, McAvoy JW. Non-essential role for cilia in coordinating precise alignment of lens fibres. Mech Dev 2016; 139:10-7. [PMID: 26825015 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2016.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The primary cilium, a microtubule-based organelle found in most cells, is a centre for mechano-sensing fluid movement and cellular signalling, notably through the Hedgehog pathway. We recently found that each lens fibre cell has an apically situated primary cilium that is polarised to the side of the cell facing the anterior pole of the lens. The direction of polarity is similar in neighbouring cells so that in the global view, lens fibres exhibit planar cell polarity (PCP) along the equatorial-anterior polar axis. Ciliogenesis has been associated with the establishment of PCP, although the exact relationship between PCP and the role of cilia is still controversial. To test the hypothesis that the primary cilia have a role in coordinating the precise alignment/orientation of the fibre cells, IFT88, a key component of the intraflagellar transport (IFT) complex, was removed specifically from the lens at different developmental stages using several lens-specific Cre-expressing mouse lines (MLR10- and LR-Cre). Irrespective of which Cre-line was adopted, both demonstrated that in IFT88-depleted cells, the ciliary axoneme was absent or substantially shortened, confirming the disruption of primary cilia formation. However no obvious histological defects were detected even when IFT88 was removed from the lens placode as early as E9.5. Specifically, the lens fibres aligned/oriented towards the poles to form the characteristic Y-shaped sutures as normal. Consistent with this, in primary lens epithelial explants prepared from these conditional knockout mouse lenses, the basal bodies still showed polarised localisation at the apical surface of elongating cells upon FGF-induced fibre differentiation. We further investigated the lens phenotype in knockouts of Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) proteins 4 and 8, the components of the BBSome complex which modulate ciliary function. In these BBS4 and 8 knockout lenses, again we found the pattern of the anterior sutures formed by the apical tips of elongating/migrating fibres were comparable to the control lenses. Taken together, these results indicate that primary cilia do not play an essential role in the precise cellular alignment/orientation of fibre cells. Thus, it appears that in the lens cilia are not required to establish PCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Sugiyama
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
| | | | - Bradley K Yoder
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Zbynek Kozmik
- Department of Transcriptional Regulation, Institute of Molecular Genetics, Prague CZ-14220, Czech Republic
| | - Helen L May-Simera
- Institute of Zoology, Johannes-Gutenberg University, Mainz 55128, Germany
| | - Philip L Beales
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, University College London Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Frank J Lovicu
- Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - John W McAvoy
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
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