1
|
Chambers BE, Weaver NE, Lara CM, Nguyen TK, Wingert RA. (Zebra)fishing for nephrogenesis genes. Tissue Barriers 2024; 12:2219605. [PMID: 37254823 PMCID: PMC11042071 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2023.2219605] [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: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Kidney disease is a devastating condition affecting millions of people worldwide, where over 100,000 patients in the United States alone remain waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Concomitant with a surge in personalized medicine, single-gene mutations, and polygenic risk alleles have been brought to the forefront as core causes of a spectrum of renal disorders. With the increasing prevalence of kidney disease, it is imperative to make substantial strides in the field of kidney genetics. Nephrons, the core functional units of the kidney, are epithelial tubules that act as gatekeepers of body homeostasis by absorbing and secreting ions, water, and small molecules to filter the blood. Each nephron contains a series of proximal and distal segments with explicit metabolic functions. The embryonic zebrafish provides an ideal platform to systematically dissect the genetic cues governing kidney development. Here, we review the use of zebrafish to discover nephrogenesis genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E. Chambers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| | - Nicole E. Weaver
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| | - Caroline M. Lara
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| | - Thanh Khoa Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| | - Rebecca A. Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana (IN), USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Nguyen TK, Petrikas M, Chambers BE, Wingert RA. Principles of Zebrafish Nephron Segment Development. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:jdb11010014. [PMID: 36976103 PMCID: PMC10052950 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephrons are the functional units which comprise the kidney. Each nephron contains a number of physiologically unique populations of specialized epithelial cells that are organized into discrete domains known as segments. The principles of nephron segment development have been the subject of many studies in recent years. Understanding the mechanisms of nephrogenesis has enormous potential to expand our knowledge about the basis of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT), and to contribute to ongoing regenerative medicine efforts aimed at identifying renal repair mechanisms and generating replacement kidney tissue. The study of the zebrafish embryonic kidney, or pronephros, provides many opportunities to identify the genes and signaling pathways that control nephron segment development. Here, we describe recent advances of nephron segment patterning and differentiation in the zebrafish, with a focus on distal segment formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Khoa Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Madeline Petrikas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Brooke E Chambers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Rebecca A Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Warren Center for Drug Discovery, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Drummond BE, Ercanbrack WS, Wingert RA. Modeling Podocyte Ontogeny and Podocytopathies with the Zebrafish. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:jdb11010009. [PMID: 36810461 PMCID: PMC9944608 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Podocytes are exquisitely fashioned kidney cells that serve an essential role in the process of blood filtration. Congenital malformation or damage to podocytes has dire consequences and initiates a cascade of pathological changes leading to renal disease states known as podocytopathies. In addition, animal models have been integral to discovering the molecular pathways that direct the development of podocytes. In this review, we explore how researchers have used the zebrafish to illuminate new insights about the processes of podocyte ontogeny, model podocytopathies, and create opportunities to discover future therapies.
Collapse
|
4
|
Estrogen Signaling Influences Nephron Segmentation of the Zebrafish Embryonic Kidney. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040666. [PMID: 36831333 PMCID: PMC9955091 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in understanding nephron segment patterning, many questions remain about the underlying genes and signaling pathways that orchestrate renal progenitor cell fate choices and regulate differentiation. In an effort to identify elusive regulators of nephron segmentation, our lab conducted a high-throughput drug screen using a bioactive chemical library and developing zebrafish, which are a conserved vertebrate model and particularly conducive to large-scale screening approaches. 17β-estradiol (E2), which is the dominant form of estrogen in vertebrates, was a particularly interesting hit from this screen. E2 has been extensively studied in the context of gonad development, but roles for E2 in nephron development were unknown. Here, we report that exogenous estrogen treatments affect distal tubule composition, namely, causing an increase in the distal early segment and a decrease in the neighboring distal late. These changes were noted early in development but were not due to changes in cell dynamics. Interestingly, exposure to the xenoestrogens ethinylestradiol and genistein yielded the same changes in distal segments. Further, upon treatment with an estrogen receptor 2 (Esr2) antagonist, PHTPP, we observed the opposite phenotypes. Similarly, genetic deficiency of the Esr2 analog, esr2b, revealed phenotypes consistent with that of PHTPP treatment. Inhibition of E2 signaling also resulted in decreased expression of essential distal transcription factors, irx3b and its target irx1a. These data suggest that estrogenic compounds are essential for distal segment fate during nephrogenesis in the zebrafish pronephros and expand our fundamental understanding of hormone function during kidney organogenesis.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wesselman HM, Gatz AE, Wingert RA. Visualizing multiciliated cells in the zebrafish. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 175:129-161. [PMID: 36967138 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Ciliated cells serve vital functions in the body ranging from mechano- and chemo-sensing to fluid propulsion. Specialized cells with bundles dozens to hundreds of motile cilia known as multiciliated cells (MCCs) are essential as well, where they direct fluid movement in locations such as the respiratory, central nervous and reproductive systems. Intriguingly, the appearance of MCCs has been noted in the kidney in several disease conditions, but knowledge about their contributions to the pathobiology of these states has remained a mystery. As the mechanisms contributing to ciliopathic diseases are not yet fully understood, animal models serve as valuable tools for studying cilia development and how alterations in ciliated cell function impacts disease progression. Like other vertebrates, the zebrafish, Danio rerio, has numerous ciliated tissues. Among these, the embryonic kidney (or pronephros) is comprised of both monociliated cells and MCCs and therefore provides a setting to investigate both ciliated cell fate choice and ciliogenesis. Considering the zebrafish nephron resembles the segmentation and function of human nephrons, the zebrafish provide a tractable model for studying conserved ciliogenesis pathways in vivo. In this chapter, we provide an overview of ciliated cells with a special focus on MCCs, and present a suite of methods that can be used to visualize ciliated cells and their features in the developing zebrafish. Further, these methods enable precise quantification of ciliated cell number and various cilia-related characteristics.
Collapse
|
6
|
Advances in Understanding the Genetic Mechanisms of Zebrafish Renal Multiciliated Cell Development. J Dev Biol 2022; 11:jdb11010001. [PMID: 36648903 PMCID: PMC9844391 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cilia are microtubule-based organelles that project from the cell surface. In humans and other vertebrates, possession of a single cilium structure enables an assortment of cellular processes ranging from mechanosensation to fluid propulsion and locomotion. Interestingly, cells can possess a single cilium or many more, where so-called multiciliated cells (MCCs) possess apical membrane complexes with several dozen or even hundreds of motile cilia that beat in a coordinated fashion. Development of MCCs is, therefore, integral to control fluid flow and/or cellular movement in various physiological processes. As such, MCC dysfunction is associated with numerous pathological states. Understanding MCC ontogeny can be used to address congenital birth defects as well as acquired disease conditions. Today, researchers used both in vitro and in vivo experimental models to address our knowledge gaps about MCC specification and differentiation. In this review, we summarize recent discoveries from our lab and others that have illuminated new insights regarding the genetic pathways that direct MCC ontogeny in the embryonic kidney using the power of the zebrafish animal model.
Collapse
|
7
|
Glentis A, Blanch-Mercader C, Balasubramaniam L, Saw TB, d’Alessandro J, Janel S, Douanier A, Delaval B, Lafont F, Lim CT, Delacour D, Prost J, Xi W, Ladoux B. The emergence of spontaneous coordinated epithelial rotation on cylindrical curved surfaces. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn5406. [PMID: 36103541 PMCID: PMC9473582 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn5406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional collective epithelial rotation around a given axis represents a coordinated cellular movement driving tissue morphogenesis and transformation. Questions regarding these behaviors and their relationship with substrate curvatures are intimately linked to spontaneous active matter processes and to vital morphogenetic and embryonic processes. Here, using interdisciplinary approaches, we study the dynamics of epithelial layers lining different cylindrical surfaces. We observe large-scale, persistent, and circumferential rotation in both concavely and convexly curved cylindrical tissues. While epithelia of inverse curvature show an orthogonal switch in actomyosin network orientation and opposite apicobasal polarities, their rotational movements emerge and vary similarly within a common curvature window. We further reveal that this persisting rotation requires stable cell-cell adhesion and Rac-1-dependent cell polarity. Using an active polar gel model, we unveil the different relationships of collective cell polarity and actin alignment with curvatures, which lead to coordinated rotational behavior despite the inverted curvature and cytoskeleton order.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Glentis
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Carles Blanch-Mercader
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, UMR 168, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
| | | | - Thuan Beng Saw
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | | | - Sebastien Janel
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | | | | | - Frank Lafont
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur Lille, U1019–UMR 9017–CIIL–Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore
| | - Delphine Delacour
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Jacques Prost
- Laboratoire Physico Chimie Curie, UMR 168, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, 75005 Paris, France
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411, Singapore
| | - Wang Xi
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Benoit Ladoux
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Visualizing multiciliated cells in the zebrafish. Methods Cell Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
|
9
|
Klingbeil K, Nguyen TQ, Fahrner A, Guthmann C, Wang H, Schoels M, Lilienkamp M, Franz H, Eckert P, Walz G, Yakulov TA. Corpuscles of Stannius development requires FGF signaling. Dev Biol 2021; 481:160-171. [PMID: 34666023 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.10.005] [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: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The corpuscles of Stannius (CS) represent a unique endocrine organ of teleostean fish that secrets stanniocalcin-1 (Stc1) to maintain calcium homeostasis. Appearing at 20-25 somite stage in the distal zebrafish pronephros, stc1-expressing cells undergo apical constriction, and are subsequently extruded to form a distinct gland on top of the distal pronephric tubules at 50 h post fertilization (hpf). Several transcription factors (e.g. Hnf1b, Irx3b, Tbx2a/b) and signaling pathways (e.g. Notch) control CS development. We report now that Fgf signaling is required to commit tubular epithelial cells to differentiate into stc1-expressing CS cells. Inhibition of Fgf signaling by SU5402, dominant-negative Fgfr1, or depletion of fgf8a prevented CS formation and stc1 expression. Ablation experiments revealed that CS have the ability to partially regenerate via active cell migration involving extensive filopodia and lamellipodia formation. Activation of Wnt signaling curtailed stc1 expression, but had no effect on CS formation. Thus, our observations identify Fgf signaling as a crucial component of CS cell fate commitment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Klingbeil
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thanh Quang Nguyen
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Fahrner
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Clara Guthmann
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hui Wang
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Schoels
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Miriam Lilienkamp
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Henriette Franz
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Priska Eckert
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gerd Walz
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Signaling Research Centers BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 19, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Toma Antonov Yakulov
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chambers BE, Clark EG, Gatz AE, Wingert RA. Kctd15 regulates nephron segment development by repressing Tfap2a activity. Development 2020; 147:dev.191973. [PMID: 33028614 DOI: 10.1242/dev.191973] [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: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A functional vertebrate kidney relies on structural units called nephrons, which are epithelial tubules with a sequence of segments each expressing a distinct repertoire of solute transporters. The transcriptiona`l codes driving regional specification, solute transporter program activation and terminal differentiation of segment populations remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the KCTD15 paralogs kctd15a and kctd15b function in concert to restrict distal early (DE)/thick ascending limb (TAL) segment lineage assignment in the developing zebrafish pronephros by repressing Tfap2a activity. During renal ontogeny, expression of these factors colocalized with tfap2a in distal tubule precursors. kctd15a/b loss primed nephron cells to adopt distal fates by driving slc12a1, kcnj1a.1 and stc1 expression. These phenotypes were the result of Tfap2a hyperactivity, where kctd15a/b-deficient embryos exhibited increased abundance of this transcription factor. Interestingly, tfap2a reciprocally promoted kctd15a and kctd15b transcription, unveiling a circuit of autoregulation operating in nephron progenitors. Concomitant kctd15b knockdown with tfap2a overexpression further expanded the DE population. Our study reveals that a transcription factor-repressor feedback module employs tight regulation of Tfap2a and Kctd15 kinetics to control nephron segment fate choice and differentiation during kidney development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E Chambers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Eleanor G Clark
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Allison E Gatz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Rebecca A Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
The vertebrate kidney is comprised of functional units known as nephrons. Defects in nephron development or activity are a common feature of kidney disease. Current medical treatments are unable to ameliorate the dire consequences of nephron deficit or injury. Although there have been tremendous advancements in our understanding of nephron ontogeny and the response to damage, many significant knowledge gaps still remain. The zebrafish embryo kidney, or pronephros, is an ideal model for many renal development and regeneration studies because it is comprised of nephrons that share conserved features with the nephron units that comprise the mammalian metanephric kidney. In this chapter, we provide an overview about the benefits of using the zebrafish pronephros to study the mechanisms underlying nephrogenesis as well as epithelial repair and regeneration. We subsequently detail methods for the spatiotemporal assessment of gene and protein expression in zebrafish embryos that can be used to extend the understanding of nephron development and disease, and thereby create new opportunities to identify therapeutic strategies for regenerative medicine.
Collapse
|
12
|
Chambers BE, Gerlach GF, Clark EG, Chen KH, Levesque AE, Leshchiner I, Goessling W, Wingert RA. Tfap2a is a novel gatekeeper of nephron differentiation during kidney development. Development 2019; 146:dev.172387. [PMID: 31160420 DOI: 10.1242/dev.172387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Renal functional units known as nephrons undergo patterning events during development that create a segmental array of cellular compartments with discrete physiological identities. Here, from a forward genetic screen using zebrafish, we report the discovery that transcription factor AP-2 alpha (tfap2a) coordinates a gene regulatory network that activates the terminal differentiation program of distal segments in the pronephros. We found that tfap2a acts downstream of Iroquois homeobox 3b (irx3b), a distal lineage transcription factor, to operate a circuit consisting of tfap2b, irx1a and genes encoding solute transporters that dictate the specialized metabolic functions of distal nephron segments. Interestingly, this regulatory node is distinct from other checkpoints of differentiation, such as polarity establishment and ciliogenesis. Thus, our studies reveal insights into the genetic control of differentiation, where tfap2a is essential for regulating a suite of segment transporter traits at the final tier of zebrafish pronephros ontogeny. These findings have relevance for understanding renal birth defects, as well as efforts to recapitulate nephrogenesis in vivo to facilitate drug discovery and regenerative therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooke E Chambers
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Gary F Gerlach
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Eleanor G Clark
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Karen H Chen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Anna E Levesque
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Ignaty Leshchiner
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Genetics and Gastroenterology Division, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Wolfram Goessling
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Genetics and Gastroenterology Division, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Rebecca A Wingert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Center for Zebrafish Research, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Iroquois transcription factor irx2a is required for multiciliated and transporter cell fate decisions during zebrafish pronephros development. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6454. [PMID: 31015532 PMCID: PMC6478698 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42943-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic regulation of nephron patterning during kidney organogenesis remains poorly understood. Nephron tubules in zebrafish are composed of segment populations that have unique absorptive and secretory roles, as well as multiciliated cells (MCCs) that govern fluid flow. Here, we report that the transcription factor iroquois 2a (irx2a) is requisite for zebrafish nephrogenesis. irx2a transcripts localized to the developing pronephros and maturing MCCs, and loss of function altered formation of two segment populations and reduced MCC number. Interestingly, irx2a deficient embryos had reduced expression of an essential MCC gene ets variant 5a (etv5a), and were rescued by etv5a overexpression, supporting the conclusion that etv5a acts downstream of irx2a to control MCC ontogeny. Finally, we found that retinoic acid (RA) signaling affects the irx2a expression domain in renal progenitors, positioning irx2a downstream of RA. In sum, this work reveals new roles for irx2a during nephrogenesis, identifying irx2a as a crucial connection between RA signaling, segmentation, and the control of etv5a mediated MCC formation. Further investigation of the genetic players involved in these events will enhance our understanding of the molecular pathways that govern renal development, which can be used help create therapeutics to treat congenital and acquired kidney diseases.
Collapse
|
14
|
Naylor RW, Chang HHG, Qubisi S, Davidson AJ. A novel mechanism of gland formation in zebrafish involving transdifferentiation of renal epithelial cells and live cell extrusion. eLife 2018; 7:38911. [PMID: 30394875 PMCID: PMC6250424 DOI: 10.7554/elife.38911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transdifferentiation is the poorly understood phenomenon whereby a terminally differentiated cell acquires a completely new identity. Here, we describe a rare example of a naturally occurring transdifferentiation event in zebrafish in which kidney distal tubule epithelial cells are converted into an endocrine gland known as the Corpuscles of Stannius (CS). We find that this process requires Notch signalling and is associated with the cytoplasmic sequestration of the Hnf1b transcription factor, a master-regulator of renal tubule fate. A deficiency in the Irx3b transcription factor results in ectopic transdifferentiation of distal tubule cells to a CS identity but in a Notch-dependent fashion. Using live-cell imaging we show that CS cells undergo apical constriction en masse and are then extruded from the tubule to form a distinct organ. This system provides a valuable new model to understand the molecular and morphological basis of transdifferentiation and will advance efforts to exploit this rare phenomenon therapeutically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard W Naylor
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Hao-Han G Chang
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Qubisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alan J Davidson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|