1
|
Morin A, Chu C, Pavlidis P. Identifying Reproducible Transcription Regulator Coexpression Patterns with Single Cell Transcriptomics. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.15.580581. [PMID: 38559016 PMCID: PMC10979919 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.15.580581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The proliferation of single cell transcriptomics has potentiated our ability to unveil patterns that reflect dynamic cellular processes, rather than cell type compositional effects that emerge from bulk tissue samples. In this study, we leverage a broad collection of single cell RNA-seq data to identify the gene partners whose expression is most coordinated with each human and mouse transcription regulator (TR). We assembled 120 human and 103 mouse scRNA-seq datasets from the literature (>28 million cells), constructing a single cell coexpression network for each. We aimed to understand the consistency of TR coexpression profiles across a broad sampling of biological contexts, rather than examine the preservation of context-specific signals. Our workflow therefore explicitly prioritizes the patterns that are most reproducible across cell types. Towards this goal, we characterize the similarity of each TR's coexpression within and across species. We create single cell coexpression rankings for each TR, demonstrating that this aggregated information recovers literature curated targets on par with ChIP-seq data. We then combine the coexpression and ChIP-seq information to identify candidate regulatory interactions supported across methods and species. Finally, we highlight interactions for the important neural TR ASCL1 to demonstrate how our compiled information can be adopted for community use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Morin
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chingpan Chu
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Graduate Program in Bioinformatics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul Pavlidis
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ashfield LR. The dynamics of Notch signaling in the neuron-glia switch: a balancing act. J Neurophysiol 2024; 131:872-875. [PMID: 38533940 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00441.2023] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A recent study by Tran et al. (Tran LN, Loew SK, Franco SJ. J Neurosci 43: 6854-6871, 2023) investigated the cellular processes underlying the timing and regulation of oligodendrocyte production, focusing on the role of Notch signaling in the dorsal forebrain of mouse embryos. They found that although Notch signaling is required to specify oligodendrocyte precursor cell fate during embryonic development, overexpression prevents oligodendrogenesis through several mechanisms. This critical review highlights their findings and offers suggestions for future research investigating the precise spatiotemporal control of Notch signaling throughout the development of the central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R Ashfield
- Department of BiologyMount Allison UniversitySackvilleNew BrunswickCanada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Papageorgiou L, Papa L, Papakonstantinou E, Mataragka A, Dragoumani K, Chaniotis D, Beloukas A, Iliopoulos C, Bongcam-Rudloff E, Chrousos GP, Kossida S, Eliopoulos E, Vlachakis D. SNP and Structural Study of the Notch Superfamily Provides Insights and Novel Pharmacological Targets against the CADASIL Syndrome and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:529. [PMID: 38790158 PMCID: PMC11120892 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050529] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolutionary conserved Notch signaling pathway functions as a mediator of direct cell-cell communication between neighboring cells during development. Notch plays a crucial role in various fundamental biological processes in a wide range of tissues. Accordingly, the aberrant signaling of this pathway underlies multiple genetic pathologies such as developmental syndromes, congenital disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer. Over the last two decades, significant data have shown that the Notch signaling pathway displays a significant function in the mature brains of vertebrates and invertebrates beyond neuronal development and specification during embryonic development. Neuronal connection, synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory appear to be regulated by this pathway. Specific mutations in human Notch family proteins have been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, CADASIL, and ischemic injury. Neurodegenerative diseases are incurable disorders of the central nervous system that cause the progressive degeneration and/or death of brain nerve cells, affecting both mental function and movement (ataxia). There is currently a lot of study being conducted to better understand the molecular mechanisms by which Notch plays an essential role in the mature brain. In this study, an in silico analysis of polymorphisms and mutations in human Notch family members that lead to neurodegenerative diseases was performed in order to investigate the correlations among Notch family proteins and neurodegenerative diseases. Particular emphasis was placed on the study of mutations in the Notch3 protein and the structure analysis of the mutant Notch3 protein that leads to the manifestation of the CADASIL syndrome in order to spot possible conserved mutations and interpret the effect of these mutations in the Notch3 protein structure. Conserved mutations of cysteine residues may be candidate pharmacological targets for the potential therapy of CADASIL syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Papageorgiou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (D.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Lefteria Papa
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Eleni Papakonstantinou
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Antonia Mataragka
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Konstantina Dragoumani
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Dimitrios Chaniotis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (D.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Apostolos Beloukas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Care Sciences, University of West Attica, Agioy Spyridonos, 12243 Egaleo, Greece; (D.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Costas Iliopoulos
- School of Informatics, Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences, King’s College London, Bush House, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
| | - Erik Bongcam-Rudloff
- Department of Animal Biosciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - George P. Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Sofia Kossida
- IMGT, The International ImMunoGenetics Information System, Laboratoire d’ImmunoGénétique Moléculaire LIGM, Institut de Génétique Humaine, (IGH), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Montpellier (UM), 34000 Montpellier, France;
| | - Elias Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
| | - Dimitrios Vlachakis
- Laboratory of Genetics, Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied Biology and Biotechnology, Agricultural University of Athens, 75 Iera Odos, 11855 Athens, Greece; (L.P.); (L.P.); (E.P.); (A.M.); (K.D.); (E.E.)
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
- School of Informatics, Faculty of Natural & Mathematical Sciences, King’s College London, Bush House, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chang Z, Liu Q, Fan P, Xu W, Xie Y, Gong K, Zhang C, Zhao Z, Sun K, Shao G. Hypoxia preconditioning increases Notch1 activity by regulating DNA methylation in vitro and in vivo. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:507. [PMID: 38622406 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09308-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous research has demonstrated that hypoxic preconditioning (HPC) can improve spatial learning and memory abilities in adult mice. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis has been associated with learning and memory. The Neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (Notch) was involved in adult hippocampal neurogenesis, as well as in learning and memory. It is currently unclear whether the Notch pathway regulates hippocampal neuroregeneration by modifying the DNA methylation status of the Notch gene following HPC. METHOD The HPC animal model and cell model were established through repeated hypoxia exposure using mice and the mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line HT22. Step-down test was conducted on HPC mice. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of Notch1 and hairy and enhancer of split1 (HES1). The presence of BrdU-positive cells and Notch1 expression in the hippocampal dental gyrus (DG) were examined with confocal microscopy. The methylation status of the Notch1 was analyzed using methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR). HT22 cells were employed to elucidate the impact of HPC on Notch1 in vitro. RESULTS HPC significantly improved the step-down test performance of mice with elevated levels of mRNA and protein expression of Notch1 and HES1 (P < 0.05). The intensities of the Notch1 signal in the control group, the H group and the HPC group were 2.62 ± 0.57 × 107, 2.87 ± 0.84 × 107, and 3.32 ± 0.14 × 107, respectively, and the number of BrdU (+) cells in the hippocampal DG were 1.83 ± 0.54, 3.71 ± 0.64, and 7.29 ± 0.68 respectively. Compared with that in C and H group, the intensity of the Notch1 signal and the number of BrdU (+) cells increased significantly in HPC group (P < 0.05). The methylation levels of the Notch1 promoter 0.82 ± 0.03, 0.65 ± 0.03, and 0.60 ± 0.02 in the C, H, and HPC groups, respectively. The methylation levels of Notch1 decreased significantly (P < 0.05). The effect of HPC on HT22 cells exhibited similarities to that observed in the hippocampus. CONCLUSION HPC may confer neuroprotection by activating the Notch1 signaling pathway and regulating its methylation level, resulting in the regeneration of hippocampal neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhehan Chang
- Center for Translational Medicine, The Third People's Hospital of Longgang District, Shenzhen, China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Translational Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Conditioning Translational Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Peijia Fan
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenqiang Xu
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Translational Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Conditioning Translational Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yabin Xie
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Translational Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Conditioning Translational Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kerui Gong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Chunyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Zhijun Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China.
| | - Kai Sun
- Center for Translational Medicine, The Third People's Hospital of Longgang District, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Guo Shao
- Center for Translational Medicine, The Third People's Hospital of Longgang District, Shenzhen, China.
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Translational Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Conditioning Translational Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China.
- Joint Laboratory of South China Hospital Affiliated to Shenzhen University and Third People's Hospital of Longgang District, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pushchina EV, Kapustyanov IA, Kluka GG. Adult Neurogenesis of Teleost Fish Determines High Neuronal Plasticity and Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3658. [PMID: 38612470 PMCID: PMC11012045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073658] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Studying the properties of neural stem progenitor cells (NSPCs) in a fish model will provide new information about the organization of neurogenic niches containing embryonic and adult neural stem cells, reflecting their development, origin cell lines and proliferative dynamics. Currently, the molecular signatures of these populations in homeostasis and repair in the vertebrate forebrain are being intensively studied. Outside the telencephalon, the regenerative plasticity of NSPCs and their biological significance have not yet been practically studied. The impressive capacity of juvenile salmon to regenerate brain suggests that most NSPCs are likely multipotent, as they are capable of replacing virtually all cell lineages lost during injury, including neuroepithelial cells, radial glia, oligodendrocytes, and neurons. However, the unique regenerative profile of individual cell phenotypes in the diverse niches of brain stem cells remains unclear. Various types of neuronal precursors, as previously shown, are contained in sufficient numbers in different parts of the brain in juvenile Pacific salmon. This review article aims to provide an update on NSPCs in the brain of common models of zebrafish and other fish species, including Pacific salmon, and the involvement of these cells in homeostatic brain growth as well as reparative processes during the postraumatic period. Additionally, new data are presented on the participation of astrocytic glia in the functioning of neural circuits and animal behavior. Thus, from a molecular aspect, zebrafish radial glia cells are seen to be similar to mammalian astrocytes, and can therefore also be referred to as astroglia. However, a question exists as to if zebrafish astroglia cells interact functionally with neurons, in a similar way to their mammalian counterparts. Future studies of this fish will complement those on rodents and provide important information about the cellular and physiological processes underlying astroglial function that modulate neural activity and behavior in animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniya Vladislavovna Pushchina
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far East Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, 690041 Vladivostok, Russia; (I.A.K.); (G.G.K.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhang L, Bai W, Peng Y, Lin Y, Tian M. Role of O-GlcNAcylation in Central Nervous System Development and Injuries: A Systematic Review. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04045-3. [PMID: 38367136 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04045-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
The development of central nervous system (CNS) can form perceptual, memory, and cognitive functions, while injuries to CNS often lead to severe neurological dysfunction and even death. As one of the prevalent post-translational modifications (PTMs), O-GlcNAcylation has recently attracted great attentions due to its functions in regulating the activity, subcellular localization, and stability of target proteins. It has been indicated that O-GlcNAcylation could interact with phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and methylation to jointly regulate the function and activity of proteins. Furthermore, a growing number of studies have suggested that O-GlcNAcylation played an important role in the CNS. During development, O-GlcNAcylation participated in the neurogenesis, neuronal development, and neuronal function. In addition, O-GlcNAcylation was involved in the progress of CNS injuries including ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and played a crucial role in the improvement of brain damage such as attenuating cognitive impairment, inhibiting neuroinflammation, suppressing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and maintaining blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Therefore, O-GlcNAcylation showed great promise as a potential target in CNS development and injuries. In this article, we presented a review highlighting the role of O-GlcNAcylation in CNS development and injuries. Hence, on the basis of these properties and effects, intervention with O-GlcNAcylation may be developed as therapeutic agents for CNS diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanshan Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaonan Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yixing Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Velikic G, Maric DM, Maric DL, Supic G, Puletic M, Dulic O, Vojvodic D. Harnessing the Stem Cell Niche in Regenerative Medicine: Innovative Avenue to Combat Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:993. [PMID: 38256066 PMCID: PMC10816024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Regenerative medicine harnesses the body's innate capacity for self-repair to restore malfunctioning tissues and organs. Stem cell therapies represent a key regenerative strategy, but to effectively harness their potential necessitates a nuanced understanding of the stem cell niche. This specialized microenvironment regulates critical stem cell behaviors including quiescence, activation, differentiation, and homing. Emerging research reveals that dysfunction within endogenous neural stem cell niches contributes to neurodegenerative pathologies and impedes regeneration. Strategies such as modifying signaling pathways, or epigenetic interventions to restore niche homeostasis and signaling, hold promise for revitalizing neurogenesis and neural repair in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Comparative studies of highly regenerative species provide evolutionary clues into niche-mediated renewal mechanisms. Leveraging endogenous bioelectric cues and crosstalk between gut, brain, and vascular niches further illuminates promising therapeutic opportunities. Emerging techniques like single-cell transcriptomics, organoids, microfluidics, artificial intelligence, in silico modeling, and transdifferentiation will continue to unravel niche complexity. By providing a comprehensive synthesis integrating diverse views on niche components, developmental transitions, and dynamics, this review unveils new layers of complexity integral to niche behavior and function, which unveil novel prospects to modulate niche function and provide revolutionary treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Velikic
- Department for Research and Development, Clinic Orto MD-Parks Dr. Dragi Hospital, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Hajim School of Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Dusan M. Maric
- Department for Research and Development, Clinic Orto MD-Parks Dr. Dragi Hospital, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Faculty of Stomatology Pancevo, University Business Academy, 26000 Pancevo, Serbia;
| | - Dusica L. Maric
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Gordana Supic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (G.S.); (D.V.)
- Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miljan Puletic
- Faculty of Stomatology Pancevo, University Business Academy, 26000 Pancevo, Serbia;
| | - Oliver Dulic
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Danilo Vojvodic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (G.S.); (D.V.)
- Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|