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Tomasso A, Disela V, Longaker MT, Bartscherer K. Marvels of spiny mouse regeneration: cellular players and their interactions in restoring tissue architecture in mammals. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2024; 87:102228. [PMID: 39047585 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2024.102228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the cellular and molecular determinants of mammalian tissue regeneration and repair is crucial for developing effective therapies that restore tissue architecture and function. In this review, we focus on the cell types involved in scarless wound response and regeneration of spiny mice (Acomys). Comparative -omics approaches with scar-prone mammals have revealed species-specific peculiarities in cellular behavior during the divergent healing trajectories. We discuss the developing views on which cell types engage in restoring the architecture of spiny mouse tissues through a co-ordinated spatiotemporal response to injury. While yet at the beginning of understanding how cells interact in these fascinating animals to regenerate tissues, spiny mice hold great promise for scar prevention and anti-fibrotic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Tomasso
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University - School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück 49076, Germany; Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences), Utrecht 3584CT, the Netherlands. https://twitter.com/@anto_tomasso
| | - Vanessa Disela
- Department of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück 49076, Germany; Hubrecht Institute-KNAW (Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences), Utrecht 3584CT, the Netherlands. https://twitter.com/@VDisela
| | - Michael T Longaker
- Hagey Laboratory for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University - School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. https://twitter.com/@LongakerLab
| | - Kerstin Bartscherer
- Department of Biology/Chemistry, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück 49076, Germany.
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2
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Malchow J, Eberlein J, Li W, Hogan BM, Okuda KS, Helker CSM. Neural progenitor-derived Apelin controls tip cell behavior and vascular patterning. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk1174. [PMID: 38968355 PMCID: PMC11225789 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk1174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
During angiogenesis, vascular tip cells guide nascent vascular sprouts to form a vascular network. Apelin, an agonist of the G protein-coupled receptor Aplnr, is enriched in vascular tip cells, and it is hypothesized that vascular-derived Apelin regulates sprouting angiogenesis. We identify an apelin-expressing neural progenitor cell population in the dorsal neural tube. Vascular tip cells exhibit directed elongation and migration toward and along the apelin-expressing neural progenitor cells. Notably, restoration of neural but not vascular apelin expression in apelin mutants remedies the angiogenic defects of mutants. By functional analyses, we show the requirement of Apelin signaling for tip cell behaviors, like filopodia formation and cell elongation. Through genetic interaction studies and analysis of transgenic activity reporters, we identify Apelin signaling as a modulator of phosphoinositide 3-kinase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in tip cells in vivo. Our results suggest a previously unidentified neurovascular cross-talk mediated by Apelin signaling that is important for tip cell function during sprouting angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Malchow
- Faculty of Biology, Cell Signaling and Dynamics, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Jean Eberlein
- Faculty of Biology, Cell Signaling and Dynamics, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Wei Li
- Faculty of Biology, Cell Signaling and Dynamics, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin M. Hogan
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Kazuhide S. Okuda
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christian S. M. Helker
- Faculty of Biology, Cell Signaling and Dynamics, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior (CMBB), University of Marburg and Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Marburg, Germany
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3
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Greenspan LJ, Cisneros I, Weinstein BM. Dermal Dive: An Overview of Cutaneous Wounding Techniques in Zebrafish. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1430-1439. [PMID: 38752940 PMCID: PMC11218931 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Cutaneous wounds are common injuries that affect millions of people around the world. In vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with diabetes, defects in wound healing can lead to the development of chronic open wounds. Although mammalian models are commonly used to study cutaneous wound healing, the challenges of in vivo imaging in mammals have hampered detailed observation of cell coordination and cell signaling during wound healing. The zebrafish is becoming increasingly popular for studying cutaneous wound healing owing to its genetic accessibility, suitability for experimental manipulation, and the ability to perform live, in vivo imaging with cellular or even subcellular resolution. In this paper, we review some of the techniques that have been developed for eliciting cutaneous wounds in the zebrafish, including an economical method we recently developed using a rotary tool that generates consistent and reproducible full-thickness wounds. Combined with the thousands of transgenic lines and experimental assays available in zebrafish, the ability to generate reproducible cutaneous wounds makes it possible to study key cellular and molecular events during wound healing using this powerful experimental model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah J Greenspan
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Isabella Cisneros
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Brant M Weinstein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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4
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Greenspan LJ, Ameyaw KK, Castranova D, Mertus CA, Weinstein BM. Live Imaging of Cutaneous Wound Healing after Rotary Tool Injury in Zebrafish. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:888-897.e6. [PMID: 37979772 PMCID: PMC10960721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous wounds are common afflictions that follow a stereotypical healing process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling phases. In the elderly and those suffering from vascular or metabolic diseases, poor healing after cutaneous injuries can lead to open chronic wounds susceptible to infection. The discovery of new therapeutic strategies to improve this defective wound healing requires a better understanding of the cellular behaviors and molecular mechanisms that drive the different phases of wound healing and how these are altered with age or disease. The zebrafish provides an ideal model for visualization and experimental manipulation of the cellular and molecular events during wound healing in the context of an intact, living vertebrate. To facilitate studies of cutaneous wound healing in zebrafish, we have developed an inexpensive, simple, and effective method for generating reproducible cutaneous injuries in adult zebrafish using a rotary tool. We demonstrate that our injury system can be used in combination with high-resolution live imaging to monitor skin re-epithelialization, immune cell recruitment and activation, and vessel regrowth in the same animal over time. This injury system provides a valuable experimental platform to study key cellular and molecular events during wound healing in vivo with unprecedented resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah J Greenspan
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Keith K Ameyaw
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Castranova
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Caleb A Mertus
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Brant M Weinstein
- Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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5
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Zhang XS, Wei L, Zhang W, Zhang FX, Li L, Li L, Wen Y, Zhang JH, Liu S, Yuan D, Liu Y, Ren C, Li S. ERK-activated CK-2 triggers blastema formation during appendage regeneration. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk8331. [PMID: 38507478 PMCID: PMC10954200 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk8331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Appendage regeneration relies on the formation of blastema, a heterogeneous cellular structure formed at the injury site. However, little is known about the early injury-activated signaling pathways that trigger blastema formation during appendage regeneration. Here, we provide compelling evidence that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-activated casein kinase 2 (CK-2), which has not been previously implicated in appendage regeneration, triggers blastema formation during leg regeneration in the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana. After amputation, CK-2 undergoes rapid activation through ERK-induced phosphorylation within blastema cells. RNAi knockdown of CK-2 severely impairs blastema formation by repressing cell proliferation through down-regulating mitosis-related genes. Evolutionarily, the regenerative role of CK-2 is conserved in zebrafish caudal fin regeneration via promoting blastema cell proliferation. Together, we find and demonstrate that the ERK-activated CK-2 triggers blastema formation in both cockroach and zebrafish, helping explore initiation factors during appendage regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Shuai Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Lin Wei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Fei-Xue Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Lin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Liang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Yejie Wen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Jia-Hui Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Suning Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China
| | - Dongwei Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China
| | - Yanmei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Sciences, Ministry of Education, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Chonghua Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Insect Development Regulation and Application Research, Institute of Insect Science and Technology & School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
- Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou 514779, China
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6
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Ng MF, Da Silva Viana J, Tan PJ, Britto DD, Choi SB, Kobayashi S, Samat N, Song DSS, Ogawa S, Parhar IS, Astin JW, Hogan BM, Patel V, Okuda KS. Canthin-6-One Inhibits Developmental and Tumour-Associated Angiogenesis in Zebrafish. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:108. [PMID: 38256941 PMCID: PMC10819238 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumour-associated angiogenesis play key roles in tumour growth and cancer metastasis. Consequently, several anti-angiogenic drugs such as sunitinib and axitinib have been approved for use as anti-cancer therapies. However, the majority of these drugs target the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA)/VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) pathway and have shown mixed outcome, largely due to development of resistances and increased tumour aggressiveness. In this study, we used the zebrafish model to screen for novel anti-angiogenic molecules from a library of compounds derived from natural products. From this, we identified canthin-6-one, an indole alkaloid, which inhibited zebrafish intersegmental vessel (ISV) and sub-intestinal vessel development. Further characterisation revealed that treatment of canthin-6-one reduced ISV endothelial cell number and inhibited proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), suggesting that canthin-6-one inhibits endothelial cell proliferation. Of note, canthin-6-one did not inhibit VEGFA-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2 in HUVECs and downstream phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) in leading ISV endothelial cells in zebrafish, suggesting that canthin-6-one inhibits angiogenesis independent of the VEGFA/VEGFR2 pathway. Importantly, we found that canthin-6-one impairs tumour-associated angiogenesis in a zebrafish B16F10 melanoma cell xenograft model and synergises with VEGFR inhibitor sunitinib malate to inhibit developmental angiogenesis. In summary, we showed that canthin-6-one exhibits anti-angiogenic properties in both developmental and pathological contexts in zebrafish, independent of the VEGFA/VEGFR2 pathway and demonstrate that canthin-6-one may hold value for further development as a novel anti-angiogenic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Fong Ng
- Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.F.N.); (P.J.T.); (N.S.); (D.S.S.S.); (V.P.)
| | - Juliana Da Silva Viana
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (J.D.S.V.); (S.K.); (B.M.H.)
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Pei Jean Tan
- Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.F.N.); (P.J.T.); (N.S.); (D.S.S.S.); (V.P.)
| | - Denver D. Britto
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (D.D.B.); (J.W.A.)
| | - Sy Bing Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras 56000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia;
| | - Sakurako Kobayashi
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (J.D.S.V.); (S.K.); (B.M.H.)
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Norazwana Samat
- Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.F.N.); (P.J.T.); (N.S.); (D.S.S.S.); (V.P.)
| | - Dedrick Soon Seng Song
- Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.F.N.); (P.J.T.); (N.S.); (D.S.S.S.); (V.P.)
| | - Satoshi Ogawa
- Brain Research Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.O.); (I.S.P.)
| | - Ishwar S. Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; (S.O.); (I.S.P.)
| | - Jonathan W. Astin
- Department of Molecular Medicine & Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (D.D.B.); (J.W.A.)
| | - Benjamin M. Hogan
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (J.D.S.V.); (S.K.); (B.M.H.)
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Division of Genomics of Development and Disease, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Vyomesh Patel
- Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.F.N.); (P.J.T.); (N.S.); (D.S.S.S.); (V.P.)
| | - Kazuhide S. Okuda
- Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.F.N.); (P.J.T.); (N.S.); (D.S.S.S.); (V.P.)
- Organogenesis and Cancer Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia; (J.D.S.V.); (S.K.); (B.M.H.)
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease Research, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
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7
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Ram A, Murphy D, DeCuzzi N, Patankar M, Hu J, Pargett M, Albeck JG. A guide to ERK dynamics, part 2: downstream decoding. Biochem J 2023; 480:1909-1928. [PMID: 38038975 PMCID: PMC10754290 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230277] [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: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Signaling by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway controls many cellular processes, including cell division, death, and differentiation. In this second installment of a two-part review, we address the question of how the ERK pathway exerts distinct and context-specific effects on multiple processes. We discuss how the dynamics of ERK activity induce selective changes in gene expression programs, with insights from both experiments and computational models. With a focus on single-cell biosensor-based studies, we summarize four major functional modes for ERK signaling in tissues: adjusting the size of cell populations, gradient-based patterning, wave propagation of morphological changes, and diversification of cellular gene expression states. These modes of operation are disrupted in cancer and other related diseases and represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention. By understanding the dynamic mechanisms involved in ERK signaling, there is potential for pharmacological strategies that not only simply inhibit ERK, but also restore functional activity patterns and improve disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhineet Ram
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - Devan Murphy
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - Nicholaus DeCuzzi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - Madhura Patankar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - Jason Hu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - Michael Pargett
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
| | - John G. Albeck
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, U.S.A
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8
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Wilcockson SG, Guglielmi L, Araguas Rodriguez P, Amoyel M, Hill CS. An improved Erk biosensor detects oscillatory Erk dynamics driven by mitotic erasure during early development. Dev Cell 2023; 58:2802-2818.e5. [PMID: 37714159 PMCID: PMC7615346 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.08.021] [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: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) signaling dynamics elicit distinct cellular responses in a variety of contexts. The early zebrafish embryo is an ideal model to explore the role of Erk signaling dynamics in vivo, as a gradient of activated diphosphorylated Erk (P-Erk) is induced by fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling at the blastula margin. Here, we describe an improved Erk-specific biosensor, which we term modified Erk kinase translocation reporter (modErk-KTR). We demonstrate the utility of this biosensor in vitro and in developing zebrafish and Drosophila embryos. Moreover, we show that Fgf/Erk signaling is dynamic and coupled to tissue growth during both early zebrafish and Drosophila development. Erk activity is rapidly extinguished just prior to mitosis, which we refer to as mitotic erasure, inducing periods of inactivity, thus providing a source of heterogeneity in an asynchronously dividing tissue. Our modified reporter and transgenic lines represent an important resource for interrogating the role of Erk signaling dynamics in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott G Wilcockson
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Luca Guglielmi
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Pablo Araguas Rodriguez
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Marc Amoyel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Caroline S Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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9
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Dinsmore CJ, Soriano P. Conditional fluorescent mouse translocation reporters for ERK1/2 and AKT signaling. Dev Biol 2023; 503:113-119. [PMID: 37660778 PMCID: PMC10529872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.08.007] [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: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how cells activate intracellular signaling pathways in response to external signals, such as growth factors, is a longstanding goal of cell and developmental biology. Recently, live-cell signaling reporters have greatly expanded our understanding of signaling dynamics in response to wide-ranging stimuli and chemical or genetic perturbation, both ex vivo (cell lines) and in vivo (whole embryos or animals). Among the many varieties of reporter systems, translocation reporters that change sub-cellular localization in response to pathway activation have received considerable attention for their ease of use compared to FRET systems and favorable response times compared to transcriptional reporters. We reasoned that mouse reporter lines expressed in a conditional fashion would be a useful addition to the arsenal of mouse genetic tools, as such lines remain undeveloped despite widespread use of these sensors. We therefore created and validated two novel mouse reporter lines at the ROSA26 locus. One expresses an ERK1/2 pathway reporter and a nuclear marker from a single transcript, while the second additionally expresses an AKT reporter in order to simultaneously interrogate both pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J Dinsmore
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Philippe Soriano
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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10
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Lyons AC, Mehta S, Zhang J. Fluorescent biosensors illuminate the spatial regulation of cell signaling across scales. Biochem J 2023; 480:1693-1717. [PMID: 37903110 PMCID: PMC10657186 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
As cell signaling research has advanced, it has become clearer that signal transduction has complex spatiotemporal regulation that goes beyond foundational linear transduction models. Several technologies have enabled these discoveries, including fluorescent biosensors designed to report live biochemical signaling events. As genetically encoded and live-cell compatible tools, fluorescent biosensors are well suited to address diverse cell signaling questions across different spatial scales of regulation. In this review, methods of examining spatial signaling regulation and the design of fluorescent biosensors are introduced. Then, recent biosensor developments that illuminate the importance of spatial regulation in cell signaling are highlighted at several scales, including membranes and organelles, molecular assemblies, and cell/tissue heterogeneity. In closing, perspectives on how fluorescent biosensors will continue enhancing cell signaling research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C. Lyons
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
| | - Sohum Mehta
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
- Shu Chien-Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, U.S.A
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11
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Meng Y, Lv T, Zhang J, Shen W, Li L, Li Y, Liu X, Lei X, Lin X, Xu H, Meng A, Jia S. Temporospatial inhibition of Erk signaling is required for lymphatic valve formation. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:342. [PMID: 37691058 PMCID: PMC10493226 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01571-9] [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: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Intraluminal lymphatic valves (LVs) and lymphovenous valves (LVVs) are critical to ensure the unidirectional flow of lymphatic fluid. Morphological abnormalities in these valves always cause lymph or blood reflux, and result in lymphedema. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of valve development remains poorly understood. We here report the implication of Efnb2-Ephb4-Rasa1 regulated Erk signaling axis in lymphatic valve development with identification of two new valve structures. Dynamic monitoring of phospho-Erk activity indicated that Erk signaling is spatiotemporally inhibited in some lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) during the valve cell specification. Inhibition of Erk signaling via simultaneous depletion of zygotic erk1 and erk2 or treatment with MEK inhibitor selumetinib causes lymphatic vessel hypoplasia and lymphatic valve hyperplasia, suggesting opposite roles of Erk signaling during these two processes. ephb4b mutants, efnb2a;efnb2b or rasa1a;rasa1b double mutants all have defective LVs and LVVs and exhibit blood reflux into lymphatic vessels with an edema phenotype. Importantly, the valve defects in ephb4b or rasa1a;rasa1b mutants are mitigated with high-level gata2 expression in the presence of MEK inhibitors. Therefore, Efnb2-Ephb4 signaling acts to suppress Erk activation in valve-forming cells to promote valve specification upstream of Rasa1. Not only do our findings reveal a molecular mechanism of lymphatic valve formation, but also provide a basis for the treatment of lymphatic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510320, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weimin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Lifang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yaqi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xing Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xuguang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Hanfang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Anming Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, 510320, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Shunji Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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12
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Pham DL, Niemi A, Blank R, Lomenzo G, Tham J, Ko ML, Ko GYP. Peptide Lv Promotes Trafficking and Membrane Insertion of K Ca3.1 through the MEK1-ERK and PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathways. Cells 2023; 12:1651. [PMID: 37371121 PMCID: PMC10296961 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptide Lv is a small endogenous secretory peptide that is proangiogenic through hyperpolarizing vascular endothelial cells (ECs) by enhancing the current densities of KCa3.1 channels. However, it is unclear how peptide Lv enhances these currents. One way to enhance the current densities of ion channels is to promote its trafficking and insertion into the plasma membrane. We hypothesized that peptide Lv-elicited KCa3.1 augmentation occurs through activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways, which are known to mediate ion channel trafficking and membrane insertion in neurons. To test this hypothesis, we employed patch-clamp electrophysiological recordings and cell-surface biotinylation assays on ECs treated with peptide Lv and pharmaceutical inhibitors of ERK and Akt. Blocking ERK or Akt activation diminished peptide Lv-elicited EC hyperpolarization and increase in KCa3.1 current densities. Blocking PI3K or Akt activation decreased the level of plasma membrane-bound, but not the total amount of KCa3.1 protein in ECs. Therefore, the peptide Lv-elicited EC hyperpolarization and KCa3.1 augmentation occurred in part through channel trafficking and insertion mediated by MEK1-ERK and PI3K-Akt activation. These results demonstrate the molecular mechanisms of how peptide Lv promotes EC-mediated angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan L. Pham
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Autumn Niemi
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Ria Blank
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Gabriella Lomenzo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Jenivi Tham
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
| | - Michael L. Ko
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
- Department of Biology, Division of Natural and Physical Sciences, Blinn College, Bryan, TX 77802, USA
| | - Gladys Y.-P. Ko
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.L.P.); (A.N.); (R.B.); (G.L.); (J.T.); (M.L.K.)
- Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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13
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Boezio GLM, Zhao S, Gollin J, Priya R, Mansingh S, Guenther S, Fukuda N, Gunawan F, Stainier DYR. The developing epicardium regulates cardiac chamber morphogenesis by promoting cardiomyocyte growth. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049571. [PMID: 36172839 PMCID: PMC9612869 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The epicardium, the outermost layer of the heart, is an important regulator of cardiac regeneration. However, a detailed understanding of the crosstalk between the epicardium and myocardium during development requires further investigation. Here, we generated three models of epicardial impairment in zebrafish by mutating the transcription factor genes tcf21 and wt1a, and ablating tcf21+ epicardial cells. Notably, all three epicardial impairment models exhibited smaller ventricles. We identified the initial cause of this phenotype as defective cardiomyocyte growth, resulting in reduced cell surface and volume. This failure of cardiomyocyte growth was followed by decreased proliferation and increased abluminal extrusion. By temporally manipulating its ablation, we show that the epicardium is required to support cardiomyocyte growth mainly during early cardiac morphogenesis. By transcriptomic profiling of sorted epicardial cells, we identified reduced expression of FGF and VEGF ligand genes in tcf21-/- hearts, and pharmacological inhibition of these signaling pathways in wild type partially recapitulated the ventricular growth defects. Taken together, these data reveal distinct roles of the epicardium during cardiac morphogenesis and signaling pathways underlying epicardial-myocardial crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia L. M. Boezio
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- DZHK German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Aulweg 130, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Shengnan Zhao
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Josephine Gollin
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Rashmi Priya
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Aulweg 130, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Shivani Mansingh
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Stefan Guenther
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Aulweg 130, 35392 Giessen, Germany
- Bioinformatics and Deep Sequencing Platform, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Nana Fukuda
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Felix Gunawan
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- DZHK German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Aulweg 130, 35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Didier Y. R. Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- DZHK German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Rhine-Main, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Aulweg 130, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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14
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Pozo-Morales M, Garteizgogeascoa I, Perazzolo C, So J, Shin D, Singh SP. In vivo imaging of calcium dynamics in zebrafish hepatocytes. Hepatology 2023; 77:789-801. [PMID: 35829917 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatocytes were the first cell type for which oscillations of cytoplasmic calcium levels in response to hormones were described. Since then, investigation of calcium dynamics in liver explants and culture has greatly increased our understanding of calcium signaling. A bottleneck, however, exists in observing calcium dynamics in a noninvasive manner because of the optical inaccessibility of the mammalian liver. Here, we aimed to take advantage of the transparency of the zebrafish larvae to image hepatocyte calcium dynamics in vivo at cellular resolution. APPROACH AND RESULTS We developed a transgenic model expressing a calcium sensor, GCaMP6s, specifically in zebrafish hepatocytes. Using this, we provide a quantitative assessment of intracellular calcium dynamics during multiple contexts, including growth, feeding, ethanol-induced stress, and cell ablation. Specifically, we show that synchronized calcium oscillations are present in vivo , which are lost upon starvation. Starvation induces lipid accumulation in the liver. Feeding recommences calcium waves in the liver, but in a spatially restricted manner, as well as resolves starvation-induced hepatic steatosis. By using a genetically encoded scavenger for calcium, we show that dampening of calcium signaling accelerates the accumulation of starvation-related lipid droplets in the liver. Furthermore, ethanol treatment, as well as cell ablation, induces calcium flux, but with different dynamics. The former causes asynchronous calcium oscillations, whereas the latter leads to a single calcium spike. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate the presence of oscillations, waves, and spikes in vivo . Calcium waves are present in response to nutrition and negatively regulate starvation-induced accumulation of lipid droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena Pozo-Morales
- IRIBHM , Free University of Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Inés Garteizgogeascoa
- IRIBHM , Free University of Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Camille Perazzolo
- IRIBHM , Free University of Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Brussels , Belgium
| | - Juhoon So
- Department of Developmental Biology , McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine , Pittsburgh Liver Research Center , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Donghun Shin
- Department of Developmental Biology , McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine , Pittsburgh Liver Research Center , University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania , USA
| | - Sumeet Pal Singh
- IRIBHM , Free University of Brussels, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) , Brussels , Belgium
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15
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Do Aging and Parity Affect VEGF-A/VEGFR Content and Signaling in the Ovary?-A Mouse Model Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043318. [PMID: 36834730 PMCID: PMC9966908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043318] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, the effects of aging and parity on VEGF-A/VEGFR protein content and signaling in the mice ovaries were determined. The research group consisted of nulliparous (virgins, V) and multiparous (M) mice during late-reproductive (L, 9-12 months) and post-reproductive (P, 15-18 months) stages. Whilst ovarian VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 remained unchanged in all the experimental groups (LM, LV, PM, PV), protein content of VEGF-A and phosphorylated VEGFR2 significantly decreased only in PM ovaries. VEGF-A/VEGFR2-dependent activation of ERK1/2, p38, as well as protein content of cyclin D1, cyclin E1, and Cdc25A were then assessed. In ovaries of LV and LM, all of these downstream effectors were maintained at a comparable low/undetectable level. Conversely, the decrease recorded in PM ovaries did not occur in the PV group, in which the significant increase of kinases and cyclins, as well phosphorylation levels mirrored the trend of the pro-angiogenic markers. Altogether, the present results demonstrated that, in mice, ovarian VEGF-A/VEGFR2 protein content and downstream signaling can be modulated in an age- and parity-dependent manner. Moreover, the lowest levels of pro-angiogenic and cell cycle progression markers detected in PM mouse ovaries sustains the hypothesis that parity could exert a protective role by downregulating the protein content of key mediators of pathological angiogenesis.
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16
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Xu X, Wu G. Non-canonical Golgi-compartmentalized Gβγ signaling: mechanisms, functions, and therapeutic targets. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:98-111. [PMID: 36494204 PMCID: PMC9901158 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G protein Gβγ subunits are key mediators of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling under physiological and pathological conditions; their inhibitors have been tested for the treatment of human disease. Conventional wisdom is that the Gβγ complex is activated and subsequently exerts its functions at the plasma membrane (PM). Recent studies have revealed non-canonical activation of Gβγ at intracellular organelles, where the Golgi apparatus is a major locale, via translocation or local activation. Golgi-localized Gβγ activates specific signaling cascades and regulates fundamental cell processes such as membrane trafficking, proliferation, and migration. More recent studies have shown that inhibiting Golgi-compartmentalized Gβγ signaling attenuates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and prostate tumorigenesis, indicating new therapeutic targets. We review novel activation mechanisms and non-canonical functions of Gβγ at the Golgi, and discuss potential therapeutic interventions by targeting Golgi-biased Gβγ-directed signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Guangyu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
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17
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Chilamakuri R, Agarwal S. Direct Targeting of the Raf-MEK-ERK Signaling Cascade Inhibits Neuroblastoma Growth. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:6508-6522. [PMID: 36135081 PMCID: PMC9497977 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29090512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Raf-MEK-ERK signaling network has been the subject of intense research due to its role in the development of human cancers, including pediatric neuroblastoma (NB). MEK and ERK are the central components of this signaling pathway and are attractive targets for cancer therapy. Approximately 3–5% of the primary NB samples and about 80% of relapsed samples contain mutations in the Raf-MEK-ERK pathway. In the present study, we analyzed the NB patient datasets and revealed that high RAF and MEK expression leads to poor overall survival and directly correlates with cancer progression and relapse. Further, we repurposed a specific small-molecule MEK inhibitor CI-1040 to inhibit the Raf-MEK-ERK pathway in NB. Our results show that CI-1040 potently inhibits NB cell proliferation and clonogenic growth in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of the Raf-MEK-ERK pathway by CI-1040 significantly enhances apoptosis, blocks cell cycle progression at the S phase, inhibits expression of the cell cycle-related genes, and significantly inhibits phosphorylation and activation of the ERK1/2 protein. Furthermore, CI-1040 significantly inhibits tumor growth in different NB 3D spheroidal tumor models in a dose-dependent manner and by directly inhibiting spheroidal tumor cells. Overall, our findings highlight that direct inhibition of the Raf-MEK-ERK pathway is a novel therapeutic approach for NB, and further developing repurposing strategies using CI-1040 is a clinically tractable strategy for effectively treating NB.
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18
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Yuen AC, Prasad AR, Fernandes VM, Amoyel M. A kinase translocation reporter reveals real-time dynamics of ERK activity in Drosophila. Biol Open 2022; 11:bio059364. [PMID: 35608229 PMCID: PMC9167624 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) lies downstream of a core signalling cascade that controls all aspects of development and adult homeostasis. Recent developments have led to new tools to image and manipulate the pathway. However, visualising ERK activity in vivo with high temporal resolution remains a challenge in Drosophila. We adapted a kinase translocation reporter (KTR) for use in Drosophila, which shuttles out of the nucleus when phosphorylated by ERK. We show that ERK-KTR faithfully reports endogenous ERK signalling activity in developing and adult tissues, and that it responds to genetic perturbations upstream of ERK. Using ERK-KTR in time-lapse imaging, we made two novel observations: firstly, sustained hyperactivation of ERK by expression of dominant-active epidermal growth factor receptor raised the overall level but did not alter the kinetics of ERK activity; secondly, the direction of migration of retinal basal glia correlated with their ERK activity levels, suggesting an explanation for the heterogeneity in ERK activity observed in fixed tissue. Our results show that KTR technology can be applied in Drosophila to monitor ERK activity in real-time and suggest that this modular tool can be further adapted to study other kinases. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Marc Amoyel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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19
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Live imaging approach of dynamic multicellular responses in ERK signaling during vertebrate tissue development. Biochem J 2022; 479:129-143. [PMID: 35050327 PMCID: PMC8883488 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The chemical and mechanical responses of cells via the exchange of information during growth and development result in the formation of biological tissues. Information processing within the cells through the signaling pathways and networks inherent to the constituent cells has been well-studied. However, the cell signaling mechanisms responsible for generating dynamic multicellular responses in developing tissues remain unclear. Here, I review the dynamic multicellular response systems during the development and growth of vertebrate tissues based on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. First, an overview of the function of the ERK signaling network in cells is provided, followed by descriptions of biosensors essential for live imaging of the quantification of ERK activity in tissues. Then adducing four examples, I highlight the contribution of live imaging techniques for studying the involvement of spatio-temporal patterns of ERK activity change in tissue development and growth. In addition, theoretical implications of ERK signaling are also discussed from the viewpoint of dynamic systems. This review might help in understanding ERK-mediated dynamic multicellular responses and tissue morphogenesis.
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20
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Wen X, Jiao L, Tan H. MAPK/ERK Pathway as a Central Regulator in Vertebrate Organ Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031464. [PMID: 35163418 PMCID: PMC8835994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Damage to organs by trauma, infection, diseases, congenital defects, aging, and other injuries causes organ malfunction and is life-threatening under serious conditions. Some of the lower order vertebrates such as zebrafish, salamanders, and chicks possess superior organ regenerative capacity over mammals. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), as key members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, are serine/threonine protein kinases that are phylogenetically conserved among vertebrate taxa. MAPK/ERK signaling is an irreplaceable player participating in diverse biological activities through phosphorylating a broad variety of substrates in the cytoplasm as well as inside the nucleus. Current evidence supports a central role of the MAPK/ERK pathway during organ regeneration processes. MAPK/ERK signaling is rapidly excited in response to injury stimuli and coordinates essential pro-regenerative cellular events including cell survival, cell fate turnover, migration, proliferation, growth, and transcriptional and translational activities. In this literature review, we recapitulated the multifaceted MAPK/ERK signaling regulations, its dynamic spatio-temporal activities, and the profound roles during multiple organ regeneration, including appendages, heart, liver, eye, and peripheral/central nervous system, illuminating the possibility of MAPK/ERK signaling as a critical mechanism underlying the vastly differential regenerative capacities among vertebrate species, as well as its potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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21
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Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Vascular Development in Zebrafish. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101088. [PMID: 34685459 PMCID: PMC8539546 DOI: 10.3390/life11101088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment of a functional cardiovascular system is crucial for the development of all vertebrates. Defects in the development of the cardiovascular system lead to cardiovascular diseases, which are among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. However, we are just beginning to understand which signaling pathways guide blood vessel growth in different tissues and organs. The advantages of the model organism zebrafish (Danio rerio) helped to identify novel cellular and molecular mechanisms of vascular growth. In this review we will discuss the current knowledge of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in the zebrafish embryo. In particular, we describe the molecular mechanisms that contribute to the formation of blood vessels in different vascular beds within the embryo.
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22
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Nakamura A, Goto Y, Kondo Y, Aoki K. Shedding light on developmental ERK signaling with genetically encoded biosensors. Development 2021; 148:271153. [PMID: 34338283 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway governs cell proliferation, differentiation and migration, and therefore plays key roles in various developmental and regenerative processes. Recent advances in genetically encoded fluorescent biosensors have unveiled hitherto unrecognized ERK activation dynamics in space and time and their functional importance mainly in cultured cells. However, ERK dynamics during embryonic development have still only been visualized in limited numbers of model organisms, and we are far from a sufficient understanding of the roles played by developmental ERK dynamics. In this Review, we first provide an overview of the biosensors used for visualization of ERK activity in live cells. Second, we highlight the applications of the biosensors to developmental studies of model organisms and discuss the current understanding of how ERK dynamics are encoded and decoded for cell fate decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinobu Nakamura
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Yuhei Goto
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Yohei Kondo
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Aoki
- Division of Quantitative Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Quantitative Biology Research Group, Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji-cho, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan.,IRCC International Research Collaboration Center, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 4-3-13 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
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