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Kaise T, Kageyama R. Transcriptional control of neural stem cell activity. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:617-626. [PMID: 38477464 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230439] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
In the adult brain, neural stem cells (NSCs) are under the control of various molecular mechanisms to produce an appropriate number of neurons that are essential for specific brain functions. Usually, the majority of adult NSCs stay in a non-proliferative and undifferentiated state known as quiescence, occasionally transitioning to an active state to produce newborn neurons. This transition between the quiescent and active states is crucial for the activity of NSCs. Another significant state of adult NSCs is senescence, in which quiescent cells become more dormant and less reactive, ceasing the production of newborn neurons. Although many genes involved in the regulation of NSCs have been identified using genetic manipulation and omics analyses, the entire regulatory network is complicated and ambiguous. In this review, we focus on transcription factors, whose importance has been elucidated in NSCs by knockout or overexpression studies. We mainly discuss the transcription factors with roles in the active, quiescent, and rejuvenation states of adult NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kaise
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako 351-0198, Japan
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Vainorius G, Novatchkova M, Michlits G, Baar JC, Raupach C, Lee J, Yelagandula R, Wernig M, Elling U. Ascl1 and Ngn2 convert mouse embryonic stem cells to neurons via functionally distinct paths. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5341. [PMID: 37660160 PMCID: PMC10475046 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40803-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ascl1 and Ngn2, closely related proneural transcription factors, are able to convert mouse embryonic stem cells into induced neurons. Despite their similarities, these factors elicit only partially overlapping transcriptional programs, and it remains unknown whether cells are converted via distinct mechanisms. Here we show that Ascl1 and Ngn2 induce mutually exclusive side populations by binding and activating distinct lineage drivers. Furthermore, Ascl1 rapidly dismantles the pluripotency network and installs neuronal and trophoblast cell fates, while Ngn2 generates a neural stem cell-like intermediate supported by incomplete shutdown of the pluripotency network. Using CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening, we find that Ascl1 relies more on factors regulating pluripotency and the cell cycle, such as Tcf7l1. In the absence of Tcf7l1, Ascl1 still represses core pluripotency genes but fails to exit the cell cycle. However, overexpression of Cdkn1c induces cell cycle exit and restores the generation of neurons. These findings highlight that cell type conversion can occur through two distinct mechanistic paths, even when induced by closely related transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gintautas Vainorius
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria.
- Vienna Biocenter PhD Program, a Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, A-1030, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Maria Novatchkova
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Campus-Vienna-BioCenter 1, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Michlits
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Biocenter PhD Program, a Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
- JLP Health GmbH, Himmelhofgasse 62, 1130, Vienna, Austria
| | - Juliane Christina Baar
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Cecilia Raupach
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joonsun Lee
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Biocenter PhD Program, a Doctoral School of the University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, A-1030, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ramesh Yelagandula
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Cell Fate & Disease, Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Uppal, Hyderabad, 500039, India
| | - Marius Wernig
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ulrich Elling
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Science (IMBA), Dr. Bohr-Gasse 3, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030, Vienna, Austria.
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Herrera A, Menendez A, Ochoa A, Bardia L, Colombelli J, Pons S. Neurogenesis redirects β-catenin from adherens junctions to the nucleus to promote axonal growth. Development 2023; 150:dev201651. [PMID: 37519286 PMCID: PMC10482005 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201651] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Here, we show that, in the developing spinal cord, after the early Wnt-mediated Tcf transcription activation that confers dorsal identity to neural stem cells, neurogenesis redirects β-catenin from the adherens junctions to the nucleus to stimulate Tcf-dependent transcription in a Wnt-independent manner. This new β-catenin activity regulates genes implicated in several aspects of contralateral axon growth, including axon guidance and adhesion. Using live imaging of ex-vivo chick neural tube, we showed that the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and the rise in Tcf-dependent transcription both initiate before the dismantling of the adherens junctions and remain during the axon elongation process. Notably, we demonstrated that β-catenin activity in post-mitotic cells depends on TCF7L2 and is central to spinal commissural axon growth. Together, our results reveal Wnt-independent Tcf/β-catenin regulation of genes that control the growth and guidance of commissural axons in chick spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Herrera
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Anghara Menendez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Andrea Ochoa
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Lídia Bardia
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Julien Colombelli
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri Reixac 10, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Sebastian Pons
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, Baldiri Reixac 10-12, Barcelona 08028, Spain
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Santos VC, Ostler JB, Harrison KS, Jones C. Slug, a Stress-Induced Transcription Factor, Stimulates Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Replication and Transactivates a cis-Regulatory Module within the VP16 Promoter. J Virol 2023; 97:e0007323. [PMID: 37022165 PMCID: PMC10134811 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00073-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-mediated activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and specific stress-induced transcription factors stimulate herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) productive infection, explant-induced reactivation, and immediate early (IE) promoters that drive expression of infected cell protein 0 (ICP0), ICP4, and ICP27. Several published studies concluded the virion tegument protein VP16, ICP0, and/or ICP4 drives early steps of reactivation from latency. Notably, VP16 protein expression was induced in trigeminal ganglionic neurons of Swiss Webster or C57BL/6J mice during early stages of stress-induced reactivation. If VP16 mediates reactivation, we hypothesized stress-induced cellular transcription factors would stimulate its expression. To address this hypothesis, we tested whether stress-induced transcription factors transactivate a VP16 cis-regulatory module (CRM) located upstream of the VP16 TATA box (-249 to -30). Initial studies revealed the VP16 CRM cis-activated a minimal promoter more efficiently in mouse neuroblastoma cells (Neuro-2A) than mouse fibroblasts (NIH-3T3). GR and Slug, a stress-induced transcription factor that binds enhancer boxes (E-boxes), were the only stress-induced transcription factors examined that transactivated the VP16 CRM construct. GR- and Slug-mediated transactivation was reduced to basal levels when the E-box, two 1/2 GR response elements (GREs), or NF-κB binding site was mutated. Previous studies revealed GR and Slug cooperatively transactivated the ICP4 CRM, but not ICP0 or ICP27. Silencing of Slug expression in Neuro-2A cells significantly reduced viral replication, indicating Slug-mediated transactivation of ICP4 and VP16 CRM activity correlates with enhanced viral replication and reactivation from latency. IMPORTANCE Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) establishes lifelong latency in several types of neurons. Periodically cellular stressors trigger reactivation from latency. Viral regulatory proteins are not abundantly expressed during latency, indicating cellular transcription factors mediate early stages of reactivation. Notably, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and certain stress-induced transcription factors transactivate cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) essential for expression of infected cell protein 0 (ICP0) and ICP4, key viral transcriptional regulatory proteins linked to triggering reactivation from latency. Virion protein 16 (VP16) specifically transactivates IE promoter and was also reported to mediate early stages of reactivation from latency. GR and Slug, a stress-induced enhancer box (E-box) binding protein, transactivate a minimal promoter downstream of VP16 CRM, and these transcription factors occupy VP16 CRM sequences in transfected cells. Notably, Slug stimulates viral replication in mouse neuroblastoma cells suggesting Slug, by virtue of transactivating VP16 and ICP4 CRM sequences, can trigger reactivation in certain neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Claire Santos
- Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Jeffery B. Ostler
- Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Kelly S. Harrison
- Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Clinton Jones
- Oklahoma State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
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Višnjar T, Maver A, Writzl K, Maloku O, Bergant G, Jaklič H, Neubauer D, Fogolari F, Pečarič Meglič N, Peterlin B. Biallelic ATOH1 Gene Variant in Siblings With Pontocerebellar Hypoplasia, Developmental Delay, and Hearing Loss. Neurol Genet 2022; 8:e677. [PMID: 35518571 PMCID: PMC9067583 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives To report on the novel association of biallelic variant in atonal basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor 1 (ATOH1) gene and pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH), severe global developmental delay, intellectual disability, and hearing loss in a family with 2 affected siblings. Methods A detailed clinical assessment and exome sequencing of peripheral blood sample were performed. Segregation analysis with Sanger sequencing and structural modeling of the variant was performed to support the pathogenicity of the variant. Results A homozygous missense variant (NM_005172.1:c.481C>G) in the ATOH1 gene was identified in the proband and his affected sister. The segregation analysis subsequently confirmed its segregation with an apparently recessive PCH in this family. ATOH1 encodes for the atonal basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor 1, a core transcription factor in the developing cerebellum, brainstem, and dorsal spinal cord, and in the ear. The identified variant results in the p.(Arg161Gly) amino acid substitution in the evolutionarily conserved DNA-binding bHLH domain of the ATOH1 protein. Biallelic missense variants in this domain were previously reported to result in disordered cerebellar development and hearing loss in animal models. In silico homology modeling revealed that p.Arg161Gly in ATOH1 protein probably disrupts a salt bridge with DNA backbone phosphate and increases the flexibility of the bHLH helix-both of which together affect the binding capability of the bHLH domain to the DNA. Discussion Based on the sequencing results and evidence from structural modeling of the identified variant, as well as with previous reports of ATOH1 gene disruption, we conclude that ATOH1 may represent a novel candidate gene associated with the phenotype of PCH, global developmental delay, and hearing loss in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Višnjar
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine (T.V., A.M., K.W., G.B., H.J., B.P.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Medical Faculty (K.W., D.N.), University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Division of Paediatrics (D.N.), Department of Child, Adolescent & Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Clinical Institute of Radiology (N.P.M.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Department of Mathematics (O.M., F.F.), Informatics and Physics, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Aleš Maver
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine (T.V., A.M., K.W., G.B., H.J., B.P.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Medical Faculty (K.W., D.N.), University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Division of Paediatrics (D.N.), Department of Child, Adolescent & Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Clinical Institute of Radiology (N.P.M.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Department of Mathematics (O.M., F.F.), Informatics and Physics, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Karin Writzl
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine (T.V., A.M., K.W., G.B., H.J., B.P.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Medical Faculty (K.W., D.N.), University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Division of Paediatrics (D.N.), Department of Child, Adolescent & Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Clinical Institute of Radiology (N.P.M.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Department of Mathematics (O.M., F.F.), Informatics and Physics, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Ornela Maloku
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine (T.V., A.M., K.W., G.B., H.J., B.P.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Medical Faculty (K.W., D.N.), University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Division of Paediatrics (D.N.), Department of Child, Adolescent & Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Clinical Institute of Radiology (N.P.M.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Department of Mathematics (O.M., F.F.), Informatics and Physics, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Gaber Bergant
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine (T.V., A.M., K.W., G.B., H.J., B.P.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Medical Faculty (K.W., D.N.), University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Division of Paediatrics (D.N.), Department of Child, Adolescent & Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Clinical Institute of Radiology (N.P.M.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Department of Mathematics (O.M., F.F.), Informatics and Physics, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Helena Jaklič
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine (T.V., A.M., K.W., G.B., H.J., B.P.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Medical Faculty (K.W., D.N.), University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Division of Paediatrics (D.N.), Department of Child, Adolescent & Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Clinical Institute of Radiology (N.P.M.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Department of Mathematics (O.M., F.F.), Informatics and Physics, University of Udine, Italy
| | - David Neubauer
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine (T.V., A.M., K.W., G.B., H.J., B.P.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Medical Faculty (K.W., D.N.), University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Division of Paediatrics (D.N.), Department of Child, Adolescent & Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Clinical Institute of Radiology (N.P.M.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Department of Mathematics (O.M., F.F.), Informatics and Physics, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Federico Fogolari
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine (T.V., A.M., K.W., G.B., H.J., B.P.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Medical Faculty (K.W., D.N.), University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Division of Paediatrics (D.N.), Department of Child, Adolescent & Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Clinical Institute of Radiology (N.P.M.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Department of Mathematics (O.M., F.F.), Informatics and Physics, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Nuška Pečarič Meglič
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine (T.V., A.M., K.W., G.B., H.J., B.P.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Medical Faculty (K.W., D.N.), University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Division of Paediatrics (D.N.), Department of Child, Adolescent & Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Clinical Institute of Radiology (N.P.M.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Department of Mathematics (O.M., F.F.), Informatics and Physics, University of Udine, Italy
| | - Borut Peterlin
- Clinical Institute of Genomic Medicine (T.V., A.M., K.W., G.B., H.J., B.P.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Medical Faculty (K.W., D.N.), University of Ljubljana, Slovenia; Division of Paediatrics (D.N.), Department of Child, Adolescent & Developmental Neurology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; Clinical Institute of Radiology (N.P.M.), University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Department of Mathematics (O.M., F.F.), Informatics and Physics, University of Udine, Italy
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Brown RE, Jacobse J, Anant SA, Blunt KM, Chen B, Vega PN, Jones CT, Pilat JM, Revetta F, Gorby AH, Stengel KR, Choksi YA, Palin K, Piazuelo MB, Washington MK, Lau KS, Goettel JA, Hiebert SW, Short SP, Williams CS. MTG16 (CBFA2T3) regulates colonic epithelial differentiation, colitis, and tumorigenesis by repressing E protein transcription factors. JCI Insight 2022; 7:153045. [PMID: 35503250 PMCID: PMC9220854 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.153045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant epithelial differentiation and regeneration contribute to colon pathologies including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis-associated cancer (CAC). MTG16 (CBFA2T3) is a transcriptional corepressor expressed in the colonic epithelium. MTG16 deficiency in mice exacerbates colitis and increases tumor burden in CAC, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we identified MTG16 as a central mediator of epithelial differentiation, promoting goblet and restraining enteroendocrine cell development in homeostasis and enabling regeneration following dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Transcriptomic analyses implicated increased E box-binding transcription factor (E protein) activity in MTG16-deficient colon crypts. Using a novel mouse model with a point mutation that attenuates MTG16:E protein interactions (Mtg16P209T), we established that MTG16 exerts control over colonic epithelial differentiation and regeneration by repressing E protein-mediated transcription. Mimicking murine colitis, MTG16 expression was increased in biopsies from patients with active IBD compared to unaffected controls. Finally, uncoupling MTG16:E protein interactions partially phenocopied the enhanced tumorigenicity of Mtg16-/- colon in the azoxymethane(AOM)/DSS-induced model of CAC, indicating that MTG16 protects from tumorigenesis through additional mechanisms. Collectively, our results demonstrate that MTG16, via its repression of E protein targets, is a key regulator of cell fate decisions during colon homeostasis, colitis, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Brown
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Justin Jacobse
- Willem-Alexander Children's Hospital, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Shruti A Anant
- Department of Medicine, Health, and Society, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Koral M Blunt
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Bob Chen
- Program in Chemical and Physical Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Paige N Vega
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Chase T Jones
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Jennifer M Pilat
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Frank Revetta
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Aidan H Gorby
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Kristy R Stengel
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Yash A Choksi
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Kimmo Palin
- Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - M Blanca Piazuelo
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Mary K Washington
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Ken S Lau
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Jeremy A Goettel
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Scott W Hiebert
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Sarah P Short
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
| | - Christopher S Williams
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, United States of America
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Duly AMP, Kao FCL, Teo WS, Kavallaris M. βIII-Tubulin Gene Regulation in Health and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:851542. [PMID: 35573698 PMCID: PMC9096907 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.851542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microtubule proteins form a dynamic component of the cytoskeleton, and play key roles in cellular processes, such as vesicular transport, cell motility and mitosis. Expression of microtubule proteins are often dysregulated in cancer. In particular, the microtubule protein βIII-tubulin, encoded by the TUBB3 gene, is aberrantly expressed in a range of epithelial tumours and is associated with drug resistance and aggressive disease. In normal cells, TUBB3 expression is tightly restricted, and is found almost exclusively in neuronal and testicular tissues. Understanding the mechanisms that control TUBB3 expression, both in cancer, mature and developing tissues will help to unravel the basic biology of the protein, its role in cancer, and may ultimately lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches to target this protein. This review is devoted to the transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of TUBB3 in normal and cancerous tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair M. P. Duly
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Felicity C. L. Kao
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Australian Center for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Women and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wee Siang Teo
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Australian Center for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children’s Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Center, UNSW Sydney, Randwick, NSW, Australia
- Australian Center for NanoMedicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Women and Children’s Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- UNSW RNA Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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8
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ASCL1 phosphorylation and ID2 upregulation are roadblocks to glioblastoma stem cell differentiation. Sci Rep 2022; 12:2341. [PMID: 35149717 PMCID: PMC8837758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06248-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The growth of glioblastoma (GBM), one of the deadliest adult cancers, is fuelled by a subpopulation of stem/progenitor cells, which are thought to be the source of resistance and relapse after treatment. Re-engagement of a latent capacity of these cells to re-enter a trajectory resulting in cell differentiation is a potential new therapeutic approach for this devastating disease. ASCL1, a proneural transcription factor, plays a key role in normal brain development and is also expressed in a subset of GBM cells, but fails to engage a full differentiation programme in this context. Here, we investigated the barriers to ASCL1-driven differentiation in GBM stem cells. We see that ASCL1 is highly phosphorylated in GBM stem cells where its expression is compatible with cell proliferation. However, overexpression of a form of ASCL1 that cannot be phosphorylated on Serine–Proline sites drives GBM cells down a neuronal lineage and out of cell cycle more efficiently than its wild-type counterpart, an effect further enhanced by deletion of the inhibitor of differentiation ID2, indicating mechanisms to reverse the block to GBM cell differentiation.
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9
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Singh A, Mahesh A, Noack F, Cardoso de Toledo B, Calegari F, Tiwari VK. Tcf12 and NeuroD1 cooperatively drive neuronal migration during cortical development. Development 2022; 149:274349. [PMID: 35147187 PMCID: PMC8918803 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Corticogenesis consists of a series of synchronised events, including fate transition of cortical progenitors, neuronal migration, specification and connectivity. NeuroD1, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor (TF), contributes to all of these events, but how it coordinates these independently is still unknown. Here, we demonstrate that NeuroD1 expression is accompanied by a gain of active chromatin at a large number of genomic loci. Interestingly, transcriptional activation of these loci relied on a high local density of adjacent bHLH TFs motifs, including, predominantly, Tcf12. We found that activity and expression levels of Tcf12 were high in cells with induced levels of NeuroD1 that spanned the transition of cortical progenitors from proliferative to neurogenic divisions. Moreover, Tcf12 forms a complex with NeuroD1 and co-occupies a subset of NeuroD1 target loci. This Tcf12-NeuroD1 cooperativity is essential for gaining active chromatin and targeted expression of genes involved in cell migration. By functional manipulation in vivo, we further show that Tcf12 is essential during cortical development for the correct migration of newborn neurons and, hence, for proper cortical lamination. Summary: How the functional cooperativity of Tcf12 and NeuroD1 in specific subpopulations of the developing cortex creates the gene regulatory program essential for neuronal migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Singh
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Arun Mahesh
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Florian Noack
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies, School of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Beatriz Cardoso de Toledo
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies, School of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Federico Calegari
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies, School of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Vijay K. Tiwari
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Biomedical Science, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
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10
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Le Dréau G. BuMPing Into Neurogenesis: How the Canonical BMP Pathway Regulates Neural Stem Cell Divisions Throughout Space and Time. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:819990. [PMID: 35153664 PMCID: PMC8829030 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.819990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are secreted factors that contribute to many aspects of the formation of the vertebrate central nervous system (CNS), from the initial shaping of the neural primordium to the maturation of the brain and spinal cord. In particular, the canonical (SMAD1/5/8-dependent) BMP pathway appears to play a key role during neurogenesis, its activity dictating neural stem cell fate decisions and thereby regulating the growth and homeostasis of the CNS. In this mini-review, I summarize accumulating evidence demonstrating how the canonical BMP activity promotes the amplification and/or maintenance of neural stem cells at different times and in diverse regions of the vertebrate CNS, and highlight findings suggesting that this function is evolutionarily conserved.
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11
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Direct neuronal reprogramming: Fast forward from new concepts toward therapeutic approaches. Neuron 2021; 110:366-393. [PMID: 34921778 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Differentiated cells have long been considered fixed in their identity. However, about 20 years ago, the first direct conversion of glial cells into neurons in vitro opened the field of "direct neuronal reprogramming." Since then, neuronal reprogramming has achieved the generation of fully functional, mature neurons with remarkable efficiency, even in diseased brain environments. Beyond their clinical implications, these discoveries provided basic insights into crucial mechanisms underlying conversion of specific cell types into neurons and maintenance of neuronal identity. Here we discuss such principles, including the importance of the starter cell for shaping the outcome of neuronal reprogramming. We further highlight technical concerns for in vivo reprogramming and propose a code of conduct to avoid artifacts and pitfalls. We end by pointing out next challenges for development of less invasive cell replacement therapies for humans.
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12
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Gupta S, Butler SJ. Getting in touch with your senses: Mechanisms specifying sensory interneurons in the dorsal spinal cord. WIREs Mech Dis 2021; 13:e1520. [PMID: 34730293 PMCID: PMC8459260 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The spinal cord is functionally and anatomically divided into ventrally derived motor circuits and dorsally derived somatosensory circuits. Sensory stimuli originating either at the periphery of the body, or internally, are relayed to the dorsal spinal cord where they are processed by distinct classes of sensory dorsal interneurons (dIs). dIs convey sensory information, such as pain, heat or itch, either to the brain, and/or to the motor circuits to initiate the appropriate response. They also regulate the intensity of sensory information and are the major target for the opioid analgesics. While the developmental mechanisms directing ventral and dorsal cell fates have been hypothesized to be similar, more recent research has suggested that dI fates are specified by novel mechanisms. In this review, we will discuss the molecular events that specify dorsal neuronal patterning in the spinal cord, thereby generating diverse dI identities. We will then discuss how this molecular understanding has led to the development of robust stem cell methods to derive multiple spinal cell types, including the dIs, and the implication of these studies for treating spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. This article is categorized under: Neurological Diseases > Stem Cells and Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Gupta
- Department of NeurobiologyUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Samantha J. Butler
- Department of NeurobiologyUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell ResearchUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research CenterUniversity of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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13
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Mechanisms of Binding Specificity among bHLH Transcription Factors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179150. [PMID: 34502060 PMCID: PMC8431614 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptome of every cell is orchestrated by the complex network of interaction between transcription factors (TFs) and their binding sites on DNA. Disruption of this network can result in many forms of organism malfunction but also can be the substrate of positive natural selection. However, understanding the specific determinants of each of these individual TF-DNA interactions is a challenging task as it requires integrating the multiple possible mechanisms by which a given TF ends up interacting with a specific genomic region. These mechanisms include DNA motif preferences, which can be determined by nucleotide sequence but also by DNA’s shape; post-translational modifications of the TF, such as phosphorylation; and dimerization partners and co-factors, which can mediate multiple forms of direct or indirect cooperative binding. Binding can also be affected by epigenetic modifications of putative target regions, including DNA methylation and nucleosome occupancy. In this review, we describe how all these mechanisms have a role and crosstalk in one specific family of TFs, the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), with a very conserved DNA binding domain and a similar DNA preferred motif, the E-box. Here, we compile and discuss a rich catalog of strategies used by bHLH to acquire TF-specific genome-wide landscapes of binding sites.
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14
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Wittmann MT, Katada S, Sock E, Kirchner P, Ekici AB, Wegner M, Nakashima K, Lie DC, Reis A. scRNA sequencing uncovers a TCF4-dependent transcription factor network regulating commissure development in mouse. Development 2021; 148:269257. [PMID: 34184026 PMCID: PMC8327186 DOI: 10.1242/dev.196022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factor 4 (TCF4) is a crucial regulator of neurodevelopment and has been linked to the pathogenesis of autism, intellectual disability and schizophrenia. As a class I bHLH transcription factor (TF), it is assumed that TCF4 exerts its neurodevelopmental functions through dimerization with proneural class II bHLH TFs. Here, we aim to identify TF partners of TCF4 in the control of interhemispheric connectivity formation. Using a new bioinformatic strategy integrating TF expression levels and regulon activities from single cell RNA-sequencing data, we find evidence that TCF4 interacts with non-bHLH TFs and modulates their transcriptional activity in Satb2+ intercortical projection neurons. Notably, this network comprises regulators linked to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, e.g. FOXG1, SOX11 and BRG1. In support of the functional interaction of TCF4 with non-bHLH TFs, we find that TCF4 and SOX11 biochemically interact and cooperatively control commissure formation in vivo, and regulate the transcription of genes implicated in this process. In addition to identifying new candidate interactors of TCF4 in neurodevelopment, this study illustrates how scRNA-Seq data can be leveraged to predict TF networks in neurodevelopmental processes. Summary: Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies interactions of TCF4 with non-bHLH transcription factors linked to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disease in the regulation of interhemispheric projection neuron development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Theres Wittmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany.,Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sayako Katada
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Elisabeth Sock
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Philipp Kirchner
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arif B Ekici
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Wegner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Kinichi Nakashima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Dieter Chichung Lie
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil Fischer Center, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - André Reis
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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15
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Katsuyama T, Kadoya M, Shirai M, Sasai N. Sox14 is essential for initiation of neuronal differentiation in the chick spinal cord. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:350-361. [PMID: 34181293 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neural tube comprises several different types of progenitors and postmitotic neurons that co-ordinately act with each other to play integrated functions. Its development consists of two phases: proliferation of progenitor cells and differentiation into postmitotic neurons. How progenitor cells differentiate into each corresponding neuron is an important question for understanding the mechanisms of neuronal development. RESULTS Here we introduce one of the Sox transcription factors, Sox14, which plays an essential role in the promotion of neuronal differentiation. Sox14 belongs to the SoxB2 subclass and its expression starts in the progenitor regions before neuronal differentiation is initiated at the trunk level of the neural tube. After neuronal differentiation is initiated, Sox14 expression gradually becomes confined to the V2a region of the neural tube, where Chx10 is co-expressed. Overexpression of Sox14 restricts progenitor cell proliferation. Conversely, the blockade of Sox14 expression by the RNAi strategy inhibits V2a neuron differentiation and causes expansion of the progenitor domain. We further found that Sox14 acted as a transcriptional activator. CONCLUSIONS Sox14 acts as a modulator of cell proliferation and is essential for initiation of neuronal differentiation in the chick neural tube.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiki Katsuyama
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Minori Kadoya
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
| | - Manabu Shirai
- Omics Research Center (ORC), National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Noriaki Sasai
- Developmental Biomedical Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Japan
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16
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Oproescu AM, Han S, Schuurmans C. New Insights Into the Intricacies of Proneural Gene Regulation in the Embryonic and Adult Cerebral Cortex. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:642016. [PMID: 33658912 PMCID: PMC7917194 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.642016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Historically, the mammalian brain was thought to lack stem cells as no new neurons were found to be made in adulthood. That dogma changed ∼25 years ago with the identification of neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult rodent forebrain. However, unlike rapidly self-renewing mature tissues (e.g., blood, intestinal crypts, skin), the majority of adult NSCs are quiescent, and those that become 'activated' are restricted to a few neurogenic zones that repopulate specific brain regions. Conversely, embryonic NSCs are actively proliferating and neurogenic. Investigations into the molecular control of the quiescence-to-proliferation-to-differentiation continuum in the embryonic and adult brain have identified proneural genes encoding basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) as critical regulators. These bHLH TFs initiate genetic programs that remove NSCs from quiescence and drive daughter neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to differentiate into specific neural cell subtypes, thereby contributing to the enormous cellular diversity of the adult brain. However, new insights have revealed that proneural gene activities are context-dependent and tightly regulated. Here we review how proneural bHLH TFs are regulated, with a focus on the murine cerebral cortex, drawing parallels where appropriate to other organisms and neural tissues. We discuss upstream regulatory events, post-translational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitinylation), protein-protein interactions, epigenetic and metabolic mechanisms that govern bHLH TF expression, stability, localization, and consequent transactivation of downstream target genes. These tight regulatory controls help to explain paradoxical findings of changes to bHLH activity in different cellular contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Oproescu
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sisu Han
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Biological Sciences Platform, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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17
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Castellan M, Guarnieri A, Fujimura A, Zanconato F, Battilana G, Panciera T, Sladitschek HL, Contessotto P, Citron A, Grilli A, Romano O, Bicciato S, Fassan M, Porcù E, Rosato A, Cordenonsi M, Piccolo S. Single-cell analyses reveal YAP/TAZ as regulators of stemness and cell plasticity in Glioblastoma. NATURE CANCER 2021; 2:174-188. [PMID: 33644767 PMCID: PMC7116831 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-020-00150-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating human malignancy. GBM stem-like cells (GSCs) drive tumor initiation and progression. Yet, the molecular determinants defining GSCs in their native state in patients remain poorly understood. Here we used single cell datasets and identified GSCs at the apex of the differentiation hierarchy of GBM. By reconstructing the GSCs' regulatory network, we identified the YAP/TAZ coactivators as master regulators of this cell state, irrespectively of GBM subtypes. YAP/TAZ are required to install GSC properties in primary cells downstream of multiple oncogenic lesions, and required for tumor initiation and maintenance in vivo in different mouse and human GBM models. YAP/TAZ act as main roadblock of GSC differentiation and their inhibition irreversibly lock differentiated GBM cells into a non-tumorigenic state, preventing plasticity and regeneration of GSC-like cells. Thus, GSC identity is linked to a key molecular hub integrating genetics and microenvironmental inputs within the multifaceted biology of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Atsushi Fujimura
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Giusy Battilana
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Tito Panciera
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | - Anna Citron
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Grilli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Oriana Romano
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvio Bicciato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine - Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Porcù
- Department of Woman and Children Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Antonio Rosato
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Piccolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy.
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18
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Saade M, Ferrero DS, Blanco-Ameijeiras J, Gonzalez-Gobartt E, Flores-Mendez M, Ruiz-Arroyo VM, Martínez-Sáez E, Ramón Y Cajal S, Akizu N, Verdaguer N, Martí E. Multimerization of Zika Virus-NS5 Causes Ciliopathy and Forces Premature Neurogenesis. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 27:920-936.e8. [PMID: 33147489 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Zika virus (ZikV) is a flavivirus that infects neural tissues, causing congenital microcephaly. ZikV has evolved multiple mechanisms to restrict proliferation and enhance cell death, although the underlying cellular events involved remain unclear. Here we show that the ZikV-NS5 protein interacts with host proteins at the base of the primary cilia in neural progenitor cells, causing an atypical non-genetic ciliopathy and premature neuron delamination. Furthermore, in human microcephalic fetal brain tissue, ZikV-NS5 persists at the base of the motile cilia in ependymal cells, which also exhibit a severe ciliopathy. Although the enzymatic activity of ZikV-NS5 appears to be dispensable, the amino acids Y25, K28, and K29 that are involved in NS5 oligomerization are essential for localization and interaction with components of the cilium base, promoting ciliopathy and premature neurogenesis. These findings lay the foundation for therapies that target ZikV-NS5 multimerization and prevent the developmental malformations associated with congenital Zika syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Saade
- Developmental Biology Department, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/Baldiri i Reixac 20, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
| | - Diego S Ferrero
- Structural Biology Department, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/Baldiri i Reixac 20, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - José Blanco-Ameijeiras
- Developmental Biology Department, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/Baldiri i Reixac 20, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Elena Gonzalez-Gobartt
- Developmental Biology Department, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/Baldiri i Reixac 20, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Marco Flores-Mendez
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Victor M Ruiz-Arroyo
- Structural Biology Department, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/Baldiri i Reixac 20, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Elena Martínez-Sáez
- Department of Pathology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Spanish Biomedical Research Network Centre in Oncology (CIBERONC), Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Santiago Ramón Y Cajal
- Department of Pathology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Spanish Biomedical Research Network Centre in Oncology (CIBERONC), Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Naiara Akizu
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nuria Verdaguer
- Structural Biology Department, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/Baldiri i Reixac 20, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Elisa Martí
- Developmental Biology Department, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/Baldiri i Reixac 20, Barcelona 08028, Spain.
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19
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Koch MS, Czemmel S, Lennartz F, Beyeler S, Rajaraman S, Przystal JM, Govindarajan P, Canjuga D, Neumann M, Rizzu P, Zwirner S, Hoetker MS, Zender L, Walter B, Tatagiba M, Raineteau O, Heutink P, Nahnsen S, Tabatabai G. Experimental glioma with high bHLH expression harbor increased replicative stress and are sensitive toward ATR inhibition. Neurooncol Adv 2020; 2:vdaa115. [PMID: 33134924 PMCID: PMC7592426 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdaa115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The overexpression of (basic)helix-loop-helix ((b)HLH) transcription factors (TFs) is frequent in malignant glioma. We investigated molecular effects upon disruption of the (b)HLH network by a dominant-negative variant of the E47 protein (dnE47). Our goal was to identify novel molecular subgroup-specific therapeutic strategies. Methods Glioma cell lines LN229, LNZ308, and GS-2/GS-9 were lentivirally transduced. Functional characterization included immunocytochemistry, immunoblots, cytotoxic, and clonogenic survival assays in vitro, and latency until neurological symptoms in vivo. Results of cap analysis gene expression and RNA-sequencing were further validated by immunoblot, flow cytometry, and functional assays in vitro. Results The induction of dnE47-RFP led to cytoplasmic sequestration of (b)HLH TFs and antiglioma activity in vitro and in vivo. Downstream molecular events, ie, alterations in transcription start site usage and in the transcriptome revealed enrichment of cancer-relevant pathways, particularly of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. Pharmacologic validation of this result using ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3 related (ATR) inhibition led to a significantly enhanced early and late apoptotic effect compared with temozolomide alone. Conclusions Gliomas overexpressing (b)HLH TFs are sensitive toward inhibition of the ATR kinase. The combination of ATR inhibition plus temozolomide or radiation therapy in this molecular subgroup are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilin Sophia Koch
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Czemmel
- Quantitative Biology Center (QBiC), Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Lennartz
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sarah Beyeler
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Translational Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Srinath Rajaraman
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Justyna Magdalena Przystal
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Translational Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Parameswari Govindarajan
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Denis Canjuga
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Manfred Neumann
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Patrizia Rizzu
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Zwirner
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Stefan Hoetker
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lars Zender
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Translational Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Bianca Walter
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Translational Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marcos Tatagiba
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Olivier Raineteau
- University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, Bron, France
| | - Peter Heutink
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sven Nahnsen
- Quantitative Biology Center (QBiC), Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ghazaleh Tabatabai
- Department of Neurology and Interdisciplinary Neuro-Oncology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Translational Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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20
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Najas S, Pijuan I, Esteve-Codina A, Usieto S, Martinez JD, Zwijsen A, Arbonés ML, Martí E, Le Dréau G. A SMAD1/5-YAP signalling module drives radial glia self-amplification and growth of the developing cerebral cortex. Development 2020; 147:dev.187005. [PMID: 32541003 DOI: 10.1242/dev.187005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The growth and evolutionary expansion of the cerebral cortex are defined by the spatial-temporal production of neurons, which itself depends on the decision of radial glial cells (RGCs) to self-amplify or to switch to neurogenic divisions. The mechanisms regulating these RGC fate decisions are still incompletely understood. Here, we describe a novel and evolutionarily conserved role of the canonical BMP transcription factors SMAD1/5 in controlling neurogenesis and growth during corticogenesis. Reducing the expression of both SMAD1 and SMAD5 in neural progenitors at early mouse cortical development caused microcephaly and an increased production of early-born cortical neurons at the expense of late-born ones, which correlated with the premature differentiation and depletion of the pool of cortical progenitors. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments performed during early cortical neurogenesis in the chick revealed that SMAD1/5 activity supports self-amplifying RGC divisions and restrains the neurogenic ones. Furthermore, we demonstrate that SMAD1/5 stimulate RGC self-amplification through the positive post-transcriptional regulation of the Hippo signalling effector YAP. We anticipate this SMAD1/5-YAP signalling module to be fundamental in controlling growth and evolution of the amniote cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Najas
- Department of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, CSIC, Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/ Baldiri Reixac 10-15, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Pijuan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, CSIC, Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/ Baldiri Reixac 10-15, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Esteve-Codina
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), Baldiri i Reixac 4, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Usieto
- Department of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, CSIC, Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/ Baldiri Reixac 10-15, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan D Martinez
- Department of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, CSIC, Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/ Baldiri Reixac 10-15, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - An Zwijsen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Maria L Arbonés
- Department of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, CSIC, Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/ Baldiri Reixac 10-15, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisa Martí
- Department of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, CSIC, Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/ Baldiri Reixac 10-15, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gwenvael Le Dréau
- Department of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, CSIC, Parc Científic de Barcelona, C/ Baldiri Reixac 10-15, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Belzunce I, Belmonte-Mateos C, Pujades C. The interplay of atoh1 genes in the lower rhombic lip during hindbrain morphogenesis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228225. [PMID: 32012186 PMCID: PMC6996848 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Lower Rhombic Lip (LRL) is a transient neuroepithelial structure of the dorsal hindbrain, which expands from r2 to r7, and gives rise to deep nuclei of the brainstem, such as the vestibular and auditory nuclei and most posteriorly the precerebellar nuclei. Although there is information about the contribution of specific proneural-progenitor populations to specific deep nuclei, and the distinct rhombomeric contribution, little is known about how progenitor cells from the LRL behave during neurogenesis and how their transition into differentiation is regulated. In this work, we investigated the atoh1 gene regulatory network operating in the specification of LRL cells, and the kinetics of cell proliferation and behavior of atoh1a-derivatives by using complementary strategies in the zebrafish embryo. We unveiled that atoh1a is necessary and sufficient for specification of LRL cells by activating atoh1b, which worked as a differentiation gene to transition progenitor cells towards neuron differentiation in a Notch-dependent manner. This cell state transition involved the release of atoh1a-derivatives from the LRL: atoh1a progenitors contributed first to atoh1b cells, which are committed non-proliferative precursors, and to the lhx2b-neuronal lineage as demonstrated by cell fate studies and functional analyses. Using in vivo cell lineage approaches we revealed that the proliferative cell capacity, as well as the mode of division, relied on the position of the atoh1a progenitors within the dorsoventral axis. We showed that atoh1a may behave as the cell fate selector gene, whereas atoh1b functions as a neuronal differentiation gene, contributing to the lhx2b neuronal population. atoh1a-progenitor cell dynamics (cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and neuronal migration) relies on their position, demonstrating the challenges that progenitor cells face in computing positional information from a dynamic two-dimensional grid in order to generate the stereotyped neuronal structures in the embryonic hindbrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Belzunce
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Belmonte-Mateos
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Pujades
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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