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Effect of Larval Nutrition on Maternal mRNA Contribution to the Drosophila Egg. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2018; 8:1933-1941. [PMID: 29666195 PMCID: PMC5982822 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic development begins under the control of maternal gene products, mRNAs and proteins that the mother deposits into the egg; the zygotic genome is activated some time later. Maternal control of early development is conserved across metazoans. Gene products contributed by mothers are critical to many early developmental processes, and set up trajectories for the rest of development. Maternal deposition of these factors is an often-overlooked aspect of parental investment. If the mother experiences challenging environmental conditions, such as poor nutrition, previous studies in Drosophila melanogaster have demonstrated a plastic response wherein these mothers may produce larger eggs to buffer the offspring against the same difficult environment. This additional investment can produce offspring that are more fit in the challenging environment. With this study, we ask whether D. melanogaster mothers who experience poor nutrition during their own development change their gene product contribution to the egg. We perform mRNA-Seq on eggs at a stage where all mRNAs are maternally derived, from mothers with different degrees of nutritional limitation. We find that nutritional limitation produces similar transcript changes at all degrees of limitation tested. Genes that have lower transcript abundance in nutritionally limited mothers are those involved in translation, which is likely one of the most energetically costly processes occurring in the early embryo. We find an increase in transcripts for transport and localization of macromolecules, and for the electron transport chain. The eggs produced by nutrition-limited mothers show a plastic response in mRNA deposition, which may better prepare the future embryo for development in a nutrition-limited environment.
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52
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Fernández-Díez C, González-Rojo S, Lombó M, Herráez MP. Tolerance to paternal genotoxic damage promotes survival during embryo development in zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Biol Open 2018; 7:7/5/bio030130. [PMID: 29712649 PMCID: PMC5992526 DOI: 10.1242/bio.030130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatozoa carry DNA damage that must be repaired by the oocyte machinery upon fertilization. Different strategies could be adopted by different vertebrates to face the paternal genotoxic damage. Mammals have strong sperm selection mechanisms and activate a zygotic DNA damage response (DDR) (including cell cycle arrest, DNA repair and alternative apoptosis) in order to guarantee the genomic conformity of the reduced progeny. However, external fertilizers, with different reproductive strategies, seem to proceed distinctively. Previous results from our group showed a downregulation of apoptotic activity in trout embryos with a defective DNA repairing ability, suggesting that mechanisms of tolerance to damaged DNA could be activated in fish to maintain cell survival and to progress with development. In this work, zebrafish embryos were obtained from control or UV-irradiated sperm (carrying more than 10% of fragmented DNA but still preserving fertilization ability). DNA repair (γH2AX and 53BP1 foci), apoptotic activity, expression of genes related to DDR and malformation rates were analyzed throughout development. Results showed in the progeny from damaged sperm, an enhanced repairing activity at the mid-blastula transition stage that returned to its basal level at later stages, rendering at hatching a very high rate of multimalformed larvae. The study of transcriptional and post-translational activity of tp53 (ZDF-GENE-990415-270) revealed the activation of an intense DDR in those progenies. However, the downstream pro-apoptotic factor noxa (ZDF-GENE-070119-3) showed a significant downregulation, whereas the anti-apoptotic gene bcl2 (ZDF-GENE-051015-1) was upregulated, triggering a repressive apoptotic scenario in spite of a clear genomic instability. This repression can be explained by the observed upregulation of p53 isoform Δ113p53, which is known to enhance bcl2 transcription. Our results showed that tp53 is involved in DNA damage tolerance (DDT) pathways, allowing the embryo survival regardless of the paternal DNA damage. DDT could be an evolutionary mechanism in fish: tolerance to unrepaired sperm DNA could introduce new mutations, some of them potentially advantageous to face a changing environment. Summary: In fish embryos, genomic instability generated by fertilization with DNA damaged sperm activates mechanisms of DNA damage tolerance, which seems to be mediated by Δ113p53 expression, promoting survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Fernández-Díez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, s/n 24071, León, Spain
| | - Silvia González-Rojo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, s/n 24071, León, Spain
| | - Marta Lombó
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, s/n 24071, León, Spain
| | - M Paz Herráez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad de León, Campus de Vegazana, s/n 24071, León, Spain
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53
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Oda-Ishii I, Abe T, Satou Y. Dynamics of two key maternal factors that initiate zygotic regulatory programs in ascidian embryos. Dev Biol 2018; 437:50-59. [PMID: 29550363 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In animal embryos, transcription is repressed for a definite period of time after fertilization. In the embryo of the ascidian, Ciona intestinalis (type A; or Ciona robusta), transcription of regulatory genes is repressed before the 8- or 16-cell stages. This initial transcriptional quiescence is important to enable the establishment of initial differential gene expression patterns along the animal-vegetal axis by maternal factors, because the third cell division separates the animal and vegetal hemispheres into distinct blastomeres. Indeed, maternal transcription factors directly activate zygotic gene expression by the 16-cell stage; Tcf7/β-catenin activates genes in the vegetal hemisphere, and Gata.a activates genes in the animal hemisphere. In the present study, we revealed the dynamics of Gata.a and β-catenin, and expression profiles of their target genes precisely. β-catenin began to translocate into the nuclei at the 16-cell stage, and thus expression of β-catenin targets began at the 16-cell stage. Although Gata.a is abundantly present before the 8-cell stage, transcription of Gata.a targets was repressed at and before the 4-cell stage, and their expression began at the 8-cell stage. Transcription of the β-catenin targets may be repressed by the same mechanism in early embryos, because β-catenin targets were not expressed in 4-cell embryos treated with a GSK inhibitor, in which β-catenin translocated to the nuclei. Thus, these two maternal factors have different dynamics, which establish the pre-pattern for zygotic genetic programs in 16-cell embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Oda-Ishii
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Abe
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Yutaka Satou
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
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54
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Lefebvre FA, Lécuyer É. Flying the RNA Nest: Drosophila Reveals Novel Insights into the Transcriptome Dynamics of Early Development. J Dev Biol 2018; 6:jdb6010005. [PMID: 29615554 PMCID: PMC5875563 DOI: 10.3390/jdb6010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Early development is punctuated by a series of pervasive and fast paced transitions. These events reshape a differentiated oocyte into a totipotent embryo and allow it to gradually mount a genetic program of its own, thereby framing a new organism. Specifically, developmental transitions that ensure the maternal to embryonic control of developmental events entail a deep remodeling of transcriptional and transcriptomic landscapes. Drosophila provides an elegant and genetically tractable system to investigate these conserved changes at a dazzling developmental pace. Here, we review recent studies applying emerging technologies such as ribosome profiling, in situ Hi-C chromatin probing and live embryo RNA imaging to investigate the transcriptional dynamics at play during Drosophila embryogenesis. In light of this new literature, we revisit the main models of zygotic genome activation (ZGA). We also review the contributions played by zygotic transcription in shaping embryogenesis and explore emerging concepts of processes such as transcriptional bursting and transcriptional memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Alexis Lefebvre
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada.
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
| | - Éric Lécuyer
- Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal (IRCM), Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada.
- Département de Biochimie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
- IRCM, RNA Biology Laboratory, 110 Avenue des Pins, Ouest, Montréal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada.
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55
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Arias Escayola D, Neugebauer KM. Dynamics and Function of Nuclear Bodies during Embryogenesis. Biochemistry 2018; 57:2462-2469. [PMID: 29473743 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b01262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear bodies are RNA-rich membraneless organelles in the cell nucleus that concentrate specific sets of nuclear proteins and RNA-protein complexes. Nuclear bodies such as the nucleolus, Cajal body (CB), and the histone locus body (HLB) concentrate factors required for nuclear steps of RNA processing. Formation of these nuclear bodies occurs on genomic loci and is frequently associated with active sites of transcription. Whether nuclear body formation is dependent on a particular gene element, an active process such as transcription, or the nascent RNA present at gene loci is a topic of debate. Recently, this question has been addressed through studies in model organisms and their embryos. The switch from maternally provided RNA and protein to zygotic gene products in early embryos has been well characterized in a variety of organisms. This process, termed maternal-to-zygotic transition, provides an excellent model for studying formation of nuclear bodies before, during, and after the transcriptional activation of the zygotic genome. Here, we review findings in embryos that reveal key principles in the study of the formation and function of nucleoli, CBs, and HLBs. We propose that while particular gene elements may contribute to formation of these nuclear bodies, active transcription promotes maturation of nuclear bodies and efficient RNA processing within them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahyana Arias Escayola
- Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry , Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut 06520-8114 , United States
| | - Karla M Neugebauer
- Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry , Yale University , New Haven , Connecticut 06520-8114 , United States
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56
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Zhang Z, Sun H, Chen Y, Cao T, Songyang Z, Huang J, Huang Y. Analysis of hpf1 expression and function in early embryonic development of zebrafish. Dev Genes Evol 2018; 228:141-147. [PMID: 29549427 DOI: 10.1007/s00427-018-0608-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
About 70% of zebrafish (Danio rerio) genes are orthologues of the human's, which are of great interests, but still largely unknown for their functions. Recently, a report on human histone PARylation factor 1 (HPF1/C4orf27) showed that it is involved in DNA damage response along with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1). However, its function in living organism remains unclear. Given that zebrafish has showed its values in modeling human diseases and physiology, we characterized a zebrafish homolog of human HPF1 by sequence alignment. We also analyzed its expression pattern during early development and among adult tissues. Furthermore, knocking down hpf1 by morpholinos affected zebrafish early development. Our work provides a novel clue for the mechanism of genome stability and early embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Healthy Aging Research and State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Hongwei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Healthy Aging Research and State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Healthy Aging Research and State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Tianqi Cao
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Healthy Aging Research and State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Zhou Songyang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Healthy Aging Research and State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Junjiu Huang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Healthy Aging Research and State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Healthy Aging Research and State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, SYSU-BCM Joint Research Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
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57
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Spickard EA, Joshi PM, Rothman JH. The multipotency-to-commitment transition in Caenorhabditis elegans-implications for reprogramming from cells to organs. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:838-851. [PMID: 29334121 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In animal embryos, cells transition from a multipotential state, with the capacity to adopt multiple fates, into an irreversible, committed state of differentiation. This multipotency-to-commitment transition (MCT) is evident from experiments in which cell fate is reprogrammed by transcription factors for cell type-specific differentiation, as has been observed extensively in Caenorhabditis elegans. Although factors that direct differentiation into each of the three germ layer types cannot generally reprogram cells after the MCT in this animal, transcription factors for endoderm development are able to do so in multiple differentiated cell types. In one case, these factors can redirect the development of an entire organ in the process of "transorganogenesis". Natural transdifferentiation also occurs in a small number of differentiated cells during normal C. elegans development. We review these reprogramming and transdifferentiation events, highlighting the cellular and developmental contexts in which they occur, and discuss common themes underlying direct cell lineage reprogramming. Although certain aspects may be unique to the model system, growing evidence suggests that some mechanisms are evolutionarily conserved and may shed light on cellular plasticity and disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik A Spickard
- Department of MCD Biology and Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Pradeep M Joshi
- Department of MCD Biology and Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Joel H Rothman
- Department of MCD Biology and Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, CA, USA
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58
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Skariah G, Perry KJ, Drnevich J, Henry JJ, Ceman S. RNA helicase Mov10 is essential for gastrulation and central nervous system development. Dev Dyn 2018; 247:660-671. [PMID: 29266590 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mov10 is an RNA helicase that modulates access of Argonaute 2 to microRNA recognition elements in mRNAs. We examined the role of Mov10 in Xenopus laevis development and show a critical role for Mov10 in gastrulation and in the development of the central nervous system (CNS). RESULTS Knockdown of maternal Mov10 in Xenopus embryos using a translation blocking morpholino led to defects in gastrulation and the development of notochord and paraxial mesoderm, and a failure to neurulate. RNA sequencing of the Mov10 knockdown embryos showed significant upregulation of many mRNAs when compared with controls at stage 10.5 (including those related to the cytoskeleton, adhesion, and extracellular matrix, which are involved in those morphogenetic processes). Additionally, the degradation of the miR-427 target mRNA, cyclin A1, was delayed in the Mov10 knockdowns. These defects suggest that Mov10's role in miRNA-mediated regulation of the maternal to zygotic transition could lead to pleiotropic effects that cause the gastrulation defects. Additionally, the knockdown of zygotic Mov10 showed that it was necessary for normal head, eye, and brain development in Xenopus consistent with a recent study in the mouse. CONCLUSIONS Mov10 is essential for gastrulation and normal CNS development. Developmental Dynamics 247:660-671, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geena Skariah
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Kimberly J Perry
- Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Jenny Drnevich
- High-Performance Biological Computing, Roy J. Carver Biotechnology Center, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Jonathan J Henry
- Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Stephanie Ceman
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,College of Medicine, University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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59
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Gagnon JA, Obbad K, Schier AF. The primary role of zebrafish nanog is in extra-embryonic tissue. Development 2018; 145:dev.147793. [PMID: 29180571 DOI: 10.1242/dev.147793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The role of the zebrafish transcription factor Nanog has been controversial. It has been suggested that Nanog is primarily required for the proper formation of the extra-embryonic yolk syncytial layer (YSL) and only indirectly regulates gene expression in embryonic cells. In an alternative scenario, Nanog has been proposed to directly regulate transcription in embryonic cells during zygotic genome activation. To clarify the roles of Nanog, we performed a detailed analysis of zebrafish nanog mutants. Whereas zygotic nanog mutants survive to adulthood, maternal-zygotic (MZnanog) and maternal mutants exhibit developmental arrest at the blastula stage. In the absence of Nanog, YSL formation and epiboly are abnormal, embryonic tissue detaches from the yolk, and the expression of dozens of YSL and embryonic genes is reduced. Epiboly defects can be rescued by generating chimeric embryos of MZnanog embryonic tissue with wild-type vegetal tissue that includes the YSL and yolk cell. Notably, cells lacking Nanog readily respond to Nodal signals and when transplanted into wild-type hosts proliferate and contribute to embryonic tissues and adult organs from all germ layers. These results indicate that zebrafish Nanog is necessary for proper YSL development but is not directly required for embryonic cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Gagnon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Kamal Obbad
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Alexander F Schier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA .,Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.,The Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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60
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Despic V, Neugebauer KM. RNA tales – how embryos read and discard messages from mom. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:jcs.201996. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.201996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Following fertilization, embryos develop for a substantial amount of time with a transcriptionally silent genome. Thus, early development is maternally programmed, as it solely relies on RNAs and proteins that are provided by the female gamete. However, these maternal instructions are not sufficient to support later steps of embryogenesis and are therefore gradually replaced by novel products synthesized from the zygotic genome. This switch in the origin of molecular players that drive early development is known as the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT). MZT is a universal phenomenon among all metazoans and comprises two interconnected processes: maternal mRNA degradation and the transcriptional awakening of the zygotic genome. The recent adaptation of high-throughput methods for use in embryos has deepened our knowledge of the molecular principles underlying MZT. These mechanisms comprise conserved strategies for RNA regulation that operate in many well-studied cellular contexts but that have adapted differently to early development. In this Review, we will discuss advances in our understanding of post-transcriptional regulatory pathways that drive maternal mRNA clearance during MZT, with an emphasis on recent data in zebrafish embryos on codon-mediated mRNA decay, the contributions of microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins to this process, and the roles of RNA modifications in the stability control of maternal mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Despic
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Karla M. Neugebauer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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61
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Geuverink E, Rensink AH, Rondeel I, Beukeboom LW, van de Zande L, Verhulst EC. Maternal provision of transformer-2 is required for female development and embryo viability in the wasp Nasonia vitripennis. INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 90:23-33. [PMID: 28927841 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In insect sex determination a primary signal starts the genetic sex determination cascade that, in most insect orders, is subsequently transduced down the cascade by a transformer (tra) ortholog. Only a female-specifically spliced tra mRNA yields a functional TRA-protein that forms a complex with TRA2, encoded by a transformer-2 (tra2) ortholog, to act as a sex specific splicing regulator of the downstream transcription factors doublesex (dsx) and fruitless (fru). Here, we identify the tra2 ortholog of the haplodiploid parasitoid wasp N. vitripennis (Nv-tra2) and confirm its function in N. vitripennis sex determination. Knock down of Nv-tra2 by parental RNA interference (pRNAi) results in complete sex reversal of diploid offspring from female to male, indicating the requirement of Nv-tra2 for female sex determination. As Nv-tra2 pRNAi leads to frequent lethality in early developmental stages, maternal provision of Nv-tra2 transcripts is apparently also required for another, non-sex determining function during embryogenesis. In addition, lethality following Nv-tra2 pRNAi appears more pronounced in diploid than in haploid offspring. This diploid lethal effect was also observed following Nv-tra pRNAi, which served as a positive control in our experiments. As diploid embryos from fertilized eggs have a paternal chromosome set in addition to the maternal one, this suggests that either the presence of this paternal chromosome set or the dosage effect resulting from the diploid state is incompatible with the induced male development in N. vitripennis caused by either Nv-tra2 or Nv-tra pRNAi. The role of Nv-tra2 in activating the female sex determination pathway yields more insight into the sex determination mechanism of Nasonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzemiek Geuverink
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna H Rensink
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Rondeel
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Leo W Beukeboom
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Louis van de Zande
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eveline C Verhulst
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands; Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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62
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Adamkova K, Yi YJ, Petr J, Zalmanova T, Hoskova K, Jelinkova P, Moravec J, Kralickova M, Sutovsky M, Sutovsky P, Nevoral J. SIRT1-dependent modulation of methylation and acetylation of histone H3 on lysine 9 (H3K9) in the zygotic pronuclei improves porcine embryo development. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2017; 8:83. [PMID: 29118980 PMCID: PMC5664433 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-017-0214-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The histone code is an established epigenetic regulator of early embryonic development in mammals. The lysine residue K9 of histone H3 (H3K9) is a prime target of SIRT1, a member of NAD+-dependent histone deacetylase family of enzymes targeting both histone and non-histone substrates. At present, little is known about SIRT1-modulation of H3K9 in zygotic pronuclei and its association with the success of preimplantation embryo development. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of SIRT1 activity on H3K9 methylation and acetylation in porcine zygotes and the significance of H3K9 modifications for early embryonic development. Results Our results show that SIRT1 activators resveratrol and BML-278 increased H3K9 methylation and suppressed H3K9 acetylation in both the paternal and maternal pronucleus. Inversely, SIRT1 inhibitors nicotinamide and sirtinol suppressed methylation and increased acetylation of pronuclear H3K9. Evaluation of early embryonic development confirmed positive effect of selective SIRT1 activation on blastocyst formation rate (5.2 ± 2.9% versus 32.9 ± 8.1% in vehicle control and BML-278 group, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). Stimulation of SIRT1 activity coincided with fluorometric signal intensity of ooplasmic ubiquitin ligase MDM2, a known substrate of SIRT1 and known limiting factor of epigenome remodeling. Conclusions We conclude that SIRT1 modulates zygotic histone code, obviously through direct deacetylation and via non-histone targets resulting in increased H3K9me3. These changes in zygotes lead to more successful pre-implantation embryonic development and, indeed, the specific SIRT1 activation due to BML-278 is beneficial for in vitro embryo production and blastocyst achievement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Adamkova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 6-Suchdol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Young-Joo Yi
- Division of Biotechnology, Safety, Environment and Life Science Institute, College of Environmental and Bioresource Sciences, Chonbuk National University, Iksan, 54596 South Korea
| | - Jaroslav Petr
- Institute of Animal Science, 10-Uhrineves, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Zalmanova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 6-Suchdol, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Animal Science, 10-Uhrineves, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Hoskova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 6-Suchdol, Prague, Czech Republic.,Institute of Animal Science, 10-Uhrineves, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Jelinkova
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 6-Suchdol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Moravec
- Proteomic Laboratory, Biomedical Center of Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Milena Kralickova
- Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Biomedical Center, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Miriam Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
| | - Peter Sutovsky
- Division of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA.,Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
| | - Jan Nevoral
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 6-Suchdol, Prague, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine of Biomedical Center, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
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63
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Abstract
Controlling the exchange of genetic information between sexually reproducing populations has applications in agriculture, eradication of disease vectors, control of invasive species, and the safe study of emerging biotechnology applications. Here we introduce an approach to engineer a genetic barrier to sexual reproduction between otherwise compatible populations. Programmable transcription factors drive lethal gene expression in hybrid offspring following undesired mating events. As a proof of concept, we target the ACT1 promoter of the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae using a dCas9-based transcriptional activator. Lethal overexpression of actin results from mating this engineered strain with a strain containing the wild-type ACT1 promoter. Genetic isolation of a genetically modified organism represents a useful strategy for biocontainment. Here the authors use dCas9-VP64-driven gene expression to construct a ‘species-like’ barrier to reproduction between two otherwise compatible populations.
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64
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Chk1 Inhibition of the Replication Factor Drf1 Guarantees Cell-Cycle Elongation at the Xenopus laevis Mid-blastula Transition. Dev Cell 2017; 42:82-96.e3. [PMID: 28697335 PMCID: PMC5505860 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The early cell divisions of many metazoan embryos are rapid and occur in the near absence of transcription. At the mid-blastula transition (MBT), the cell cycle elongates and several processes become established including the onset of bulk transcription and cell-cycle checkpoints. How these events are timed and coordinated is poorly understood. Here we show in Xenopus laevis that developmental activation of the checkpoint kinase Chk1 at the MBT results in the SCFβ-TRCP-dependent degradation of a limiting replication initiation factor Drf1. Inhibition of Drf1 is the primary mechanism by which Chk1 blocks cell-cycle progression in the early embryo and is an essential function of Chk1 at the blastula-to-gastrula stage of development. This study defines the downregulation of Drf1 as an important mechanism to coordinate the lengthening of the cell cycle and subsequent developmental processes. Activation of Chk1 at the Xenopus MBT results in the degradation of Drf1 Drf1 degradation is SCFβ-TRCP dependent Chk1 blocks the cell cycle in the early embryo through inhibition of Drf1 Inhibition of Drf1 is an essential function of Chk1 during gastrulation
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65
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Seritrakul P, Gross JM. Tet-mediated DNA hydroxymethylation regulates retinal neurogenesis by modulating cell-extrinsic signaling pathways. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006987. [PMID: 28926578 PMCID: PMC5621703 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA hydroxymethylation has recently been shown to play critical roles in regulating gene expression and terminal differentiation events in a variety of developmental contexts. However, little is known about its function during eye development. Methylcytosine dioxygenases of the Tet family convert 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), an epigenetic mark thought to serve as a precursor for DNA demethylation and as a stable mark in neurons. Here, we report a requirement for Tet activity during zebrafish retinal neurogenesis. In tet2-/-;tet3-/- mutants, retinal neurons are specified but most fail to terminally differentiate. While differentiation of the first born retinal neurons, the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), is less affected in tet2-/-;tet3-/- mutants than other retinal cell types, the majority of RGCs do not undergo terminal morphogenesis and form axons. Moreover, the few photoreceptors that differentiate in tet2-/-;tet3-/- mutants fail to form outer segments, suggesting that Tet function is also required for terminal morphogenesis of differentiated retinal neurons. Mosaic analyses revealed a surprising cell non-autonomous requirement for tet2 and tet3 activity in facilitating retinal neurogenesis. Through a combination of candidate gene analysis, transcriptomics and pharmacological manipulations, we identified the Notch and Wnt pathways as cell-extrinsic pathways regulated by tet2 and tet3 activity during RGC differentiation and morphogenesis. Transcriptome analyses also revealed the ectopic expression of non-retinal genes in tet2-/-;tet3-/- mutant retinae, and this correlated with locus-specific reduction in 5hmC. These data provide the first evidence that Tet-dependent regulation of 5hmC formation is critical for retinal neurogenesis, and highlight an additional layer of complexity in the progression from retinal progenitor cell to differentiated retinal neuron during development of the vertebrate retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawat Seritrakul
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America
- Departments of Ophthalmology, and Developmental Biology, The Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Gross
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States of America
- Departments of Ophthalmology, and Developmental Biology, The Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, The McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
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66
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Félix LM, Serafim C, Valentim AM, Antunes LM, Matos M, Coimbra AM. Apoptosis-related genes induced in response to ketamine during early life stages of zebrafish. Toxicol Lett 2017; 279:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.07.888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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67
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Ogura Y, Sasakura Y. Emerging mechanisms regulating mitotic synchrony during animal embryogenesis. Dev Growth Differ 2017; 59:565-579. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Ogura
- Laboratory for Morphogenetic Signaling; RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology; Kobe Japan
| | - Yasunori Sasakura
- Shimoda Marine Research Center; University of Tsukuba; Shizuoka Japan
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68
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Gupta P, Martin R, Knölker HJ, Nihalani D, Kumar Sinha D. Myosin-1 inhibition by PClP affects membrane shape, cortical actin distribution and lipid droplet dynamics in early Zebrafish embryos. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180301. [PMID: 28678859 PMCID: PMC5498032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Myosin-1 (Myo1) represents a mechanical link between the membrane and actin-cytoskeleton in animal cells. We have studied the effect of Myo1 inhibitor PClP in 1-8 cell Zebrafish embryos. Our results indicate a unique involvement of Myo1 in early development of Zebrafish embryos. Inhibition of Myo1 (by PClP) and Myo2 (by Blebbistatin) lead to arrest in cell division. While Myo1 isoforms appears to be important for both the formation and the maintenance of cleavage furrows, Myo2 is required only for the formation of furrows. We found that the blastodisc of the embryo, which contains a thick actin cortex (~13 μm), is loaded with cortical Myo1. Myo1 appears to be crucial for maintaining the blastodisc morphology and the actin cortex thickness. In addition to cell division and furrow formation, inhibition of Myo1 has a drastic effect on the dynamics and distribution of lipid droplets (LDs) in the blastodisc near the cleavage furrow. All these results above are effects of Myo1 inhibition exclusively; Myo2 inhibition by blebbistatin does not show such phenotypes. Therefore, our results demonstrate a potential role for Myo1 in the maintenance and formation of furrow, blastodisc morphology, cell-division and LD organization within the blastodisc during early embryogenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Actin Cytoskeleton/drug effects
- Actin Cytoskeleton/metabolism
- Actins/genetics
- Actins/metabolism
- Animals
- Blastomeres/cytology
- Blastomeres/metabolism
- Blastomeres/ultrastructure
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Division/drug effects
- Cell Division/genetics
- Cell Membrane/metabolism
- Embryo, Nonmammalian/embryology
- Embryo, Nonmammalian/metabolism
- Embryo, Nonmammalian/ultrastructure
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Heterocyclic Compounds, 4 or More Rings/pharmacology
- Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/pharmacology
- Lipid Droplets/metabolism
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Myosin Heavy Chains/antagonists & inhibitors
- Myosin Heavy Chains/genetics
- Myosin Heavy Chains/metabolism
- Pyrroles/pharmacology
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Zebrafish/embryology
- Zebrafish/genetics
- Zebrafish/metabolism
- Zebrafish Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Zebrafish Proteins/genetics
- Zebrafish Proteins/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
| | - René Martin
- Department Chemie, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Deepak Nihalani
- Dept. Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States of America
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69
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DAS DEBABRATA, ARUR SWATHI. Conserved insulin signaling in the regulation of oocyte growth, development, and maturation. Mol Reprod Dev 2017; 84:444-459. [PMID: 28379636 PMCID: PMC5477485 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Insulin signaling regulates various aspects of physiology, such as glucose homeostasis and aging, and is a key determinant of female reproduction in metazoans. That insulin signaling is crucial for female reproductive health is clear from clinical data linking hyperinsulinemic and hypoinsulinemic condition with certain types of ovarian dysfunction, such as altered steroidogenesis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and infertility. Thus, understanding the signaling mechanisms that underlie the control of insulin-mediated ovarian development is important for the accurate diagnosis of and intervention for female infertility. Studies of invertebrate and vertebrate model systems have revealed the molecular determinants that transduce insulin signaling as well as which biological processes are regulated by the insulin-signaling pathway. The molecular determinants of the insulin-signaling pathway, from the insulin receptor to its downstream signaling components, are structurally and functionally conserved across evolution, from worms to mammals-yet, physiological differences in signaling still exist. Insulin signaling acts cooperatively with gonadotropins in mammals and lower vertebrates to mediate various aspects of ovarian development, mainly owing to evolution of the endocrine system in vertebrates. In contrast, insulin signaling in Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans directly regulates oocyte growth and maturation. In this review, we compare and contrast insulin-mediated regulation of ovarian functions in mammals, lower vertebrates, C. elegans, and Drosophila, and highlight conserved signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms in general while illustrating insulin's unique role in specific reproductive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- DEBABRATA DAS
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - SWATHI ARUR
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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70
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Miccoli A, Dalla Valle L, Carnevali O. The maternal control in the embryonic development of zebrafish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2017; 245:55-68. [PMID: 27013380 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The maternal control directing the very first hours of life is of pivotal importance for ensuring proper development to the growing embryo. Thanks to the finely regulated inheritance of maternal factors including mRNAs and proteins produced during oogenesis and stored into the mature oocyte, the embryo is sustained throughout the so-called maternal-to-zygotic transition, a period in development characterized by a species-specific length in time, during which critical biological changes regarding cell cycle and zygotic transcriptional activation occur. In order not to provoke any kind of persistent damage, the process must be delicately balanced. Surprisingly, our knowledge as to the possible effects of beneficial bacteria regarding the modulation of the quality and/or quantity of both maternally-supplied and zygotically-transcribed mRNAs, is very limited. To date, only one group has investigated the consequences of the parentally-supplied Lactobacillus rhamnosus on the storage of mRNAs into mature oocytes, leading to an altered maternal control process in the F1 generation. Particular attention was called on the monitoring of several biomarkers involved in autophagy, apoptosis and axis patterning, while data on miRNA generation and pluripotency maintenance are herein presented for the first time, and can assist in laying the ground for further investigations in this field. In this review, the reader is supplied with the current knowledge on the above-mentioned biological process, first by drawing the general background and then by emphasizing the most important findings that have highlighted their focal role in normal animal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Miccoli
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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71
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Aldrich JC, Ferree PM. Genome Silencing and Elimination: Insights from a "Selfish" B Chromosome. Front Genet 2017; 8:50. [PMID: 28487723 PMCID: PMC5403880 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2017.00050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
B chromosomes are non-essential components of numerous plant and animal genomes. Because many of these "extra" chromosomes enhance their own transmission in ways that are detrimental to the rest of the genome, they can be thought of as genome parasites. An extreme example is a paternally inherited B chromosome known as paternal sex ratio (PSR), which is found in natural populations of the jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis. In order to ensure its own propagation, PSR severely biases the wasp sex ratio by converting diploid female-destined embryos into transmitting haploid males. This action occurs at the expense of the other paternally inherited chromosomes, which fail to resolve during the first round of division and are thus eliminated. Recent work has revealed that paternal genome elimination by PSR occurs through the disruption of a number of specific histone post-translational modifications, suggesting a central role for chromatin regulation in this phenomenon. In this review, we describe these recent advances in the light of older ones and in the context of what is currently understood about the molecular mechanisms of targeted genome silencing and elimination in other systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick M. Ferree
- W.M. Keck Science Department, Claremont McKenna College, Pitzer College and Scripps College, ClaremontCA, USA
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72
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Despic V, Dejung M, Gu M, Krishnan J, Zhang J, Herzel L, Straube K, Gerstein MB, Butter F, Neugebauer KM. Dynamic RNA-protein interactions underlie the zebrafish maternal-to-zygotic transition. Genome Res 2017; 27:1184-1194. [PMID: 28381614 PMCID: PMC5495070 DOI: 10.1101/gr.215954.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
During the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT), transcriptionally silent embryos rely on post-transcriptional regulation of maternal mRNAs until zygotic genome activation (ZGA). RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are important regulators of post-transcriptional RNA processing events, yet their identities and functions during developmental transitions in vertebrates remain largely unexplored. Using mRNA interactome capture, we identified 227 RBPs in zebrafish embryos before and during ZGA, hereby named the zebrafish MZT mRNA-bound proteome. This protein constellation consists of many conserved RBPs, some of which are potential stage-specific mRNA interactors that likely reflect the dynamics of RNA-protein interactions during MZT. The enrichment of numerous splicing factors like hnRNP proteins before ZGA was surprising, because maternal mRNAs were found to be fully spliced. To address potentially unique roles of these RBPs in embryogenesis, we focused on Hnrnpa1. iCLIP and subsequent mRNA reporter assays revealed a function for Hnrnpa1 in the regulation of poly(A) tail length and translation of maternal mRNAs through sequence-specific association with 3' UTRs before ZGA. Comparison of iCLIP data from two developmental stages revealed that Hnrnpa1 dissociates from maternal mRNAs at ZGA and instead regulates the nuclear processing of pri-mir-430 transcripts, which we validated experimentally. The shift from cytoplasmic to nuclear RNA targets was accompanied by a dramatic translocation of Hnrnpa1 and other pre-mRNA splicing factors to the nucleus in a transcription-dependent manner. Thus, our study identifies global changes in RNA-protein interactions during vertebrate MZT and shows that Hnrnpa1 RNA-binding activities are spatially and temporally coordinated to regulate RNA metabolism during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Despic
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Mario Dejung
- Institute of Molecular Biology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mengting Gu
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.,Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Jayanth Krishnan
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.,Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.,Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Lydia Herzel
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Korinna Straube
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Mark B Gerstein
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.,Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Falk Butter
- Institute of Molecular Biology, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Karla M Neugebauer
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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73
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Mahadevan S, Sathappan V, Utama B, Lorenzo I, Kaskar K, Van den Veyver IB. Maternally expressed NLRP2 links the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC) to fertility, embryogenesis and epigenetic reprogramming. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44667. [PMID: 28317850 PMCID: PMC5357799 DOI: 10.1038/srep44667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian parental genomes contribute differently to early embryonic development. Before activation of the zygotic genome, the maternal genome provides all transcripts and proteins required for the transition from a highly specialized oocyte to a pluripotent embryo. Depletion of these maternally-encoded transcripts frequently results in failure of preimplantation embryonic development, but their functions in this process are incompletely understood. We found that female mice lacking NLRP2 are subfertile because of early embryonic loss and the production of fewer offspring that have a wide array of developmental phenotypes and abnormal DNA methylation at imprinted loci. By demonstrating that NLRP2 is a member of the subcortical maternal complex (SCMC), an essential cytoplasmic complex in oocytes and preimplantation embryos with poorly understood function, we identified imprinted postzygotic DNA methylation maintenance, likely by directing subcellular localization of proteins involved in this process, such as DNMT1, as a new crucial role of the SCMC for mammalian reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangeetha Mahadevan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA.,Century Scholars Program, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, USA.,Shared Equipment Authority, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, USA
| | - Varsha Sathappan
- Department of Molecular Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Budi Utama
- Interdepartmental Graduate Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Isabel Lorenzo
- Jan and Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Khalied Kaskar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
| | - Ignatia B Van den Veyver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA.,Century Scholars Program, Rice University, Houston, Texas, 77005, USA.,Jan and Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, 77030, USA
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74
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Cherr GN, Fairbairn E, Whitehead A. Impacts of Petroleum-Derived Pollutants on Fish Development. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2017; 5:185-203. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-022516-022928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The teleost fish embryo is particularly sensitive to petroleum hydrocarbons (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAHs) at two distinct stages of development. The first is early during cleavage stages when PAHs alter normal signaling associated with establishment of the dorsal-ventral axis. This disruption involves the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and results in hyperdorsalized embryos that do not survive to hatching. The second, more sensitive period is during heart development, when oil and PAHs cause abnormal development of the heart as well as cardiac edema and arrhythmia. Even at extremely low levels (ng/L), PAHs cause subtle edema and altered contractility and heart rate, which impair swimming performance. Some PAHs are extremely phototoxic, such that exposures to trace concentrations result in severe membrane damage and mortality in sunlight. The developing fish embryo is a sensitive indicator of petroleum constituents in the environment, and healthy populations of fish likely require limited PAH exposure during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary N. Cherr
- Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California, Davis, Bodega Bay, California 94923;,
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis, California 95616
| | - Elise Fairbairn
- Bodega Marine Laboratory, University of California, Davis, Bodega Bay, California 94923;,
| | - Andrew Whitehead
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Davis, California 95616
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75
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Zhang M, Skirkanich J, Lampson MA, Klein PS. Cell Cycle Remodeling and Zygotic Gene Activation at the Midblastula Transition. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 953:441-487. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-46095-6_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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76
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Mechanisms of Vertebrate Germ Cell Determination. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 953:383-440. [PMID: 27975276 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-46095-6_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Two unique characteristics of the germ line are the ability to persist from generation to generation and to retain full developmental potential while differentiating into gametes. How the germ line is specified that allows it to retain these characteristics within the context of a developing embryo remains unknown and is one focus of current research. Germ cell specification proceeds through one of two basic mechanisms: cell autonomous or inductive. Here, we discuss how germ plasm driven germ cell specification (cell autonomous) occurs in both zebrafish and the frog Xenopus. We describe the segregation of germ cells during embryonic development of solitary and colonial ascidians to provide an evolutionary context to both mechanisms. We conclude with a discussion of the inductive mechanism as exemplified by both the mouse and axolotl model systems. Regardless of mechanism, several general themes can be recognized including the essential role of repression and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression.
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77
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Session AM, Uno Y, Kwon T, Chapman JA, Toyoda A, Takahashi S, Fukui A, Hikosaka A, Suzuki A, Kondo M, van Heeringen SJ, Quigley I, Heinz S, Ogino H, Ochi H, Hellsten U, Lyons JB, Simakov O, Putnam N, Stites J, Kuroki Y, Tanaka T, Michiue T, Watanabe M, Bogdanovic O, Lister R, Georgiou G, Paranjpe SS, van Kruijsbergen I, Shu S, Carlson J, Kinoshita T, Ohta Y, Mawaribuchi S, Jenkins J, Grimwood J, Schmutz J, Mitros T, Mozaffari SV, Suzuki Y, Haramoto Y, Yamamoto TS, Takagi C, Heald R, Miller K, Haudenschild C, Kitzman J, Nakayama T, Izutsu Y, Robert J, Fortriede J, Burns K, Lotay V, Karimi K, Yasuoka Y, Dichmann DS, Flajnik MF, Houston DW, Shendure J, DuPasquier L, Vize PD, Zorn AM, Ito M, Marcotte EM, Wallingford JB, Ito Y, Asashima M, Ueno N, Matsuda Y, Veenstra GJC, Fujiyama A, Harland RM, Taira M, Rokhsar DS. Genome evolution in the allotetraploid frog Xenopus laevis. Nature 2016; 538:336-343. [PMID: 27762356 PMCID: PMC5313049 DOI: 10.1038/nature19840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 690] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To explore the origins and consequences of tetraploidy in the African clawed frog, we sequenced the Xenopus laevis genome and compared it to the related diploid X. tropicalis genome. We demonstrate the allotetraploid origin of X. laevis by partitioning its genome into two homeologous subgenomes, marked by distinct families of “fossil” transposable elements. Based on the activity of these elements and the age of hundreds of unitary pseudogenes, we estimate that the two diploid progenitor species diverged ~34 million years ago (Mya) and combined to form an allotetraploid ~17–18 Mya. 56% of all genes are retained in two homeologous copies. Protein function, gene expression, and the amount of flanking conserved sequence all correlate with retention rates. The subgenomes have evolved asymmetrically, with one chromosome set more often preserving the ancestral state and the other experiencing more gene loss, deletion, rearrangement, and reduced gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam M Session
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Center for Integrative Genomics, Life Sciences Addition #3200, Berkeley, California 94720-3200, USA.,US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California 94598, USA
| | - Yoshinobu Uno
- Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Taejoon Kwon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan 689-798, Republic of Korea
| | - Jarrod A Chapman
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California 94598, USA
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Center for Information Biology, and Advanced Genomics Center, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Shuji Takahashi
- Amphibian Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Akimasa Fukui
- Laboratory of Tissue and Polymer Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Akira Hikosaka
- Division of Human Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-7-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Amphibian Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Mariko Kondo
- Misaki Marine Biological Station (MMBS), Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 1024 Koajiro, Misaki, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225, Japan
| | - Simon J van Heeringen
- Radboud University, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, 259 RIMLS, M850/2.97, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Ian Quigley
- Salk Institute, Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92037, USA
| | - Sven Heinz
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, California 92037, USA
| | - Hajime Ogino
- Department of Animal Bioscience, Nagahama Institute of Bio-Science and Technology, 1266 Tamura, Nagahama, Shiga 526-0829, Japan
| | - Haruki Ochi
- Institute for Promotion of Medical Science Research, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Uffe Hellsten
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California 94598, USA
| | - Jessica B Lyons
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Center for Integrative Genomics, Life Sciences Addition #3200, Berkeley, California 94720-3200, USA
| | - Oleg Simakov
- Molecular Genetics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | | | | | - Yoko Kuroki
- Department of Genome Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, NCCHD, 2-10-1, Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Tanaka
- Department of Life Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Michiue
- Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1, Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Minoru Watanabe
- Institute of Institution of Liberal Arts and Fundamental Education, Tokushima University, 1-1 Minamijosanjima-cho, Tokushima 770-8502, Japan
| | - Ozren Bogdanovic
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Ryan Lister
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research and ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| | - Georgios Georgiou
- Radboud University, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, 259 RIMLS, M850/2.97, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Sarita S Paranjpe
- Radboud University, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, 259 RIMLS, M850/2.97, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Ila van Kruijsbergen
- Radboud University, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, 259 RIMLS, M850/2.97, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Shengquiang Shu
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California 94598, USA
| | - Joseph Carlson
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California 94598, USA
| | - Tsutomu Kinoshita
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science, Rikkyo University, 3-34-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8501, Japan
| | - Yuko Ohta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, 655 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Shuuji Mawaribuchi
- Kitasato Institute for Life Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Jerry Jenkins
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California 94598, USA.,HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology, Huntsville, Alabama 35806, USA
| | - Jane Grimwood
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California 94598, USA.,HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology, Huntsville, Alabama 35806, USA
| | - Jeremy Schmutz
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California 94598, USA.,HudsonAlpha Institute of Biotechnology, Huntsville, Alabama 35806, USA
| | - Therese Mitros
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Center for Integrative Genomics, Life Sciences Addition #3200, Berkeley, California 94720-3200, USA
| | - Sahar V Mozaffari
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, 920 E. 58th St, CLSC 431F, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-8568, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Haramoto
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Takamasa S Yamamoto
- Division of Morphogenesis, Department of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Chiyo Takagi
- Division of Morphogenesis, Department of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Rebecca Heald
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Life Sciences Addition #3200, Berkeley California 94720-3200, USA
| | - Kelly Miller
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Life Sciences Addition #3200, Berkeley California 94720-3200, USA
| | | | - Jacob Kitzman
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Foege Building S-250, Box 355065, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle Washington 98195-5065, USA
| | - Takuya Nakayama
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia 22904, USA
| | - Yumi Izutsu
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Niigata University, 8050, Ikarashi 2-no-cho, Nishi-ku, Niigata 950-2181, Japan
| | - Jacques Robert
- Department of Microbiology &Immunology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA
| | - Joshua Fortriede
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA
| | - Kevin Burns
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA
| | - Vaneet Lotay
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Kamran Karimi
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Yuuri Yasuoka
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Darwin S Dichmann
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Center for Integrative Genomics, Life Sciences Addition #3200, Berkeley, California 94720-3200, USA
| | - Martin F Flajnik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, 655 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA
| | - Douglas W Houston
- The University of Iowa, Department of Biology, 257 Biology Building, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1324, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Foege Building S-250, Box 355065, 3720 15th Ave NE, Seattle Washington 98195-5065, USA
| | - Louis DuPasquier
- Department of Zoology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Basel, Basel CH-4051, Switzerland
| | - Peter D Vize
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Aaron M Zorn
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229-3039, USA
| | - Michihiko Ito
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Minamiku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0373, Japan
| | - Edward M Marcotte
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - John B Wallingford
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Yuzuru Ito
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Makoto Asashima
- Biotechnology Research Institute for Drug Discovery, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Central 5, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Naoto Ueno
- Division of Morphogenesis, Department of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan.,Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 38 Nishigonaka, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585, Japan
| | - Yoichi Matsuda
- Department of Applied Molecular Biosciences, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Gert Jan C Veenstra
- Radboud University, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Developmental Biology, 259 RIMLS, M850/2.97, Geert Grooteplein 28, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Asao Fujiyama
- Center for Information Biology, and Advanced Genomics Center, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan.,Principles of Informatics, National Institute of Informatics, 2-1-2 Hitotsubashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8430, Japan.,Department of Genetics, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Richard M Harland
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Center for Integrative Genomics, Life Sciences Addition #3200, Berkeley, California 94720-3200, USA
| | - Masanori Taira
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Daniel S Rokhsar
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Center for Integrative Genomics, Life Sciences Addition #3200, Berkeley, California 94720-3200, USA.,US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, California 94598, USA.,Molecular Genetics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Onna, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
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78
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Onichtchouk DV, Voronina AS. Regulation of Zygotic Genome and Cellular Pluripotency. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2016; 80:1723-33. [PMID: 26878577 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297915130088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Events, manifesting transition from maternal to zygotic period of development are studied for more than 100 years, but underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. We provide a brief historical overview of development of concepts and explain the specific terminology used in the field. We further discuss differences and similarities between the zygotic genome activation and in vitro reprogramming process. Finally, we envision the future research directions within the field, where biochemical methods will play increasingly important role.
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Affiliation(s)
- D V Onichtchouk
- University of Freiburg, Developmental Biology Unit, Biologie 1, Freiburg, 79194, Germany.
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79
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Pechmann M. Formation of the germ-disc in spider embryos by a condensation-like mechanism. Front Zool 2016; 13:35. [PMID: 27525029 PMCID: PMC4982120 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-016-0166-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Determination of the embryonic body axes is a crucial developmental process in all animals. The establishment of the embryonic axes of spiders has been best studied in the common-house-spider Parasteatoda tepidariorum. Here, anteroposterior (AP) polarity arises during germ disc formation; the centre of the germ-disc marks the future posterior pole, and the rim of the disc the future anterior pole of the spider embryo. The centre of the germ disc is also needed for the formation of the cumulus, a group of migratory cells needed to establish dorsoventral (DV) polarity. Thus, both body axes depend on proper germ disc formation and patterning. However, these processes have not been fully analysed at the cellular and molecular level. Results Here I present new techniques to stain the cell membranes/outlines in live and fixed spider embryos. I show that the germ-disc is formed from a regular and contiguous blastoderm and that co-ordinated cell shape changes, rather than migration of single cells, are required to drive germ-disc formation in P. tepidariorum embryos. Furthermore, I show that the rate of cell divisions within the embryonic and extra-embryonic region is not involved in the rapid establishment of the germ-disc. Finally, I show that the process of germ-disc formation is dependent on the initiation of zygotic transcription. Conclusions The presented data provide new insights in to the formation of the germ-disc in spider embryos. The establishment of the germ-disc in Parasteatoda embryos is a highly dynamic process that involves wide scale cell-shape changes. While most of the blastodermal cells become cuboidal to form the dense germ-disc, the remaining blastodermal cells stay squamous and develop into huge extra-embryonic, yolk rich cells. In addition, this study shows that the onset of zygotic transcription is needed to establish the germ-disc itself, and that the mid-blastula transition of Parasteatoda tepidariorum embryos is prior to any overt axis establishment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12983-016-0166-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Pechmann
- University of Cologne, Cologne Biocenter, Zülpicher Str. 47B, 50674 Cologne, Germany
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80
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Yuan K, Seller CA, Shermoen AW, O'Farrell PH. Timing the Drosophila Mid-Blastula Transition: A Cell Cycle-Centered View. Trends Genet 2016; 32:496-507. [PMID: 27339317 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
At the mid-blastula transition (MBT), externally developing embryos refocus from increasing cell number to elaboration of the body plan. Studies in Drosophila reveal a sequence of changes in regulators of Cyclin:Cdk1 that increasingly restricts the activity of this cell cycle kinase to slow cell cycles during early embryogenesis. By reviewing these events, we provide an outline of the mechanisms slowing the cell cycle at and around the time of MBT. The perspectives developed should provide a guiding paradigm for the study of other MBT changes as the embryo transits from maternal control to a regulatory program centered on the expression of zygotic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yuan
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Charles A Seller
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Antony W Shermoen
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Patrick H O'Farrell
- Department of Biophysics and Biochemistry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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81
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Ma J, He F, Xie G, Deng WM. Maternal AP determinants in the Drosophila oocyte and embryo. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2016; 5:562-81. [PMID: 27253156 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
An animal embryo cannot initiate its journey of forming a new life on its own. It must rely on maternally provided resources and inputs to kick-start its developmental process. In Drosophila, the initial polarities of the embryo along both the anterior-posterior (AP) and dorsal-ventral (DV) axes are also specified by maternal determinants. Over the past several decades, genetic and molecular studies have identified and characterized such determinants, as well as the zygotic genetic regulatory networks that control patterning in the early embryo. Extensive studies of oogenesis have also led to a detailed knowledge of the cellular and molecular interactions that control the formation of a mature egg. Despite these efforts, oogenesis and embryogenesis have been studied largely as separate problems, except for qualitative aspects with regard to maternal regulation of the asymmetric localization of maternal determinants. Can oogenesis and embryogenesis be viewed from a unified perspective at a quantitative level, and can that improve our understanding of how robust embryonic patterning is achieved? Here, we discuss the basic knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms controlling oogenesis and embryonic patterning along the AP axis. We explore properties of the maternal Bicoid gradient in relation to embryo size in search for a unified framework for robust AP patterning. WIREs Dev Biol 2016, 5:562-581. doi: 10.1002/wdev.235 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ma
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Feng He
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gengqiang Xie
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Wu-Min Deng
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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82
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Evolution and functions of Oct4 homologs in non-mammalian vertebrates. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2016; 1859:770-9. [PMID: 27058398 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PouV class transcription factor Oct4/Pou5f1 is a central regulator of indefinite pluripotency in mammalian embryonic stem cells (ESCs) but also participates in cell lineage specification in mouse embryos and in differentiating cell cultures. The molecular basis for this versatility, which is shared between Oct4 and its non-mammalian homologs Pou5f1 and Pou5f3, is not yet completely understood. Here, I review the current understanding of the evolution of PouV class transcription factors and discuss equivalent and diverse roles of Oct4 homologs in pluripotency, differentiation, and cell behavior in different vertebrate embryos. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Oct Transcription Factor Family, edited by Dr. Dean Tantin.
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83
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Fulka H, Aoki F. Nucleolus Precursor Bodies and Ribosome Biogenesis in Early Mammalian Embryos: Old Theories and New Discoveries. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:143. [PMID: 26935600 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.136093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, mature oocytes and early preimplantation embryos contain transcriptionally inactive structures termed nucleolus precursor bodies instead of the typical fibrillo-granular nucleoli. These nuclear organelles are essential and strictly of maternal origin. If they are removed from oocytes, the resulting embryos are unable to replace them and consequently fail to develop. Historically, nucleolus precursor bodies have been perceived as a passive repository site of nucleolar proteins that are required for embryos to form fully functional nucleoli. Recent results, however, contradict this long-standing dogma and show that these organelles are dispensable for nucleologenesis and ribosome biogenesis. In this article, we discuss the possible roles of nucleolus precursor bodies and propose how they might be involved in embryogenesis. Furthermore, we argue that these organelles are essential only shortly after fertilization and suggest that they might actively participate in centromeric chromatin establishment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Fulka
- Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Fugaku Aoki
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
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84
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Onichtchouk D, Driever W. Zygotic Genome Activators, Developmental Timing, and Pluripotency. Curr Top Dev Biol 2016; 116:273-97. [PMID: 26970624 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factors Pou5f1, Sox2, and Nanog are central regulators of pluripotency in mammalian ES and iPS cells. In vertebrate embryos, Pou5f1/3, SoxB1, and Nanog control zygotic genome activation and participate in lineage decisions. We review the current knowledge of the roles of these genes in developing vertebrate embryos from fish to mammals and suggest a model for pluripotency gene regulatory network functions in early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Onichtchouk
- Developmental Biology Unit, Institute Biology I, Faculty of Biology, and Center for Biological Signaling Studies (BIOSS), Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Driever
- Developmental Biology Unit, Institute Biology I, Faculty of Biology, and Center for Biological Signaling Studies (BIOSS), Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany.
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85
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Qian D, Li Z, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Wu Q, Ru G, Chen M, Wang B. Response of Mouse Zygotes Treated with Mild Hydrogen Peroxide as a Model to Reveal Novel Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress-Induced Injury in Early Embryos. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2016; 2016:1521428. [PMID: 27738489 PMCID: PMC5055977 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1521428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Our study aimed to develop embryo models to evaluate the impact of oxidative stress on embryo development. Mouse zygotes, which stayed at G1 phase, were treated with prepared culture medium (containing 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, or 0.1 mM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)) for 30 min in experiment 1. The dose-effects of H2O2 on embryo development were investigated via comparisons of the formation rate at each stage (2- and 4-cell embryos and blastocysts). Experiment 2 was carried out to compare behaviors of embryos in a mild oxidative-stressed status (0.03 mM H2O2) with those in a control (0 mM H2O2). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, variation of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), expression of γH2AX, and cell apoptosis rate of blastocyst were detected. We observed a dose-dependent decrease on cleavage and blastocyst rates. Besides, higher level of ROS, rapid reduction of MMP, and the appearance of γH2AX revealed that embryos are injured early in mild oxidative stress. Additionally, γH2AX may involve during DNA damage response in early embryos. And the apoptotic rate of blastocyst may significantly increase when DNA damage repair is inadequate. Most importantly, our research provides embryo models to study cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response under condition of different levels of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diting Qian
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiling Li
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- *Zhiling Li:
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Que Wu
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Gaizhen Ru
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Man Chen
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Reproductive Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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86
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DeBruhl H, Albertson R, Swider Z, Sullivan W. Rop, the Sec1/Munc18 homolog in Drosophila, is required for furrow ingression and stable cell shape during cytokinesis. J Cell Sci 2015; 129:430-43. [PMID: 26631487 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.179200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Physically separating daughter cells during cytokinesis requires contraction of an actin-myosin ring and vesicle-mediated membrane addition at the cleavage furrow. To identify vesicle trafficking proteins that function in cytokinesis, we screened deficiencies and mutations of candidate genes by live imaging the mitotic domains of the Drosophila embryo. In embryos homozygous for some of these deficiencies, we observed several cytokinesis phenotypes, including slow furrow ingression and increased membrane blebbing. We also found that cytokinesis required the Sec1/Munc18 homolog Rop, which interacts with syntaxin and mediates exocytosis at the plasma membrane. In a temperature-sensitive Rop mutant (Rop(TS)), the contractile ring disassembled during furrow ingression, indicating that maintenance of the ring required vesicle addition. Furthermore, in some dividing Rop(TS) cells, the shape of the daughter cells became unstable, causing cytokinesis failure. These results further highlight the importance of vesicle trafficking in animal cytokinesis and show that vesicle fusion influences cell shape during cytokinesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather DeBruhl
- Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | | | - Zachary Swider
- Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - William Sullivan
- Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
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87
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Liu J, Ma J. Modulation of temporal dynamics of gene transcription by activator potency in the Drosophila embryo. Development 2015; 142:3781-90. [PMID: 26395487 DOI: 10.1242/dev.126946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Drosophila embryo at the mid-blastula transition (MBT) concurrently experiences a receding first wave of zygotic transcription and the surge of a massive second wave. It is not well understood how genes in the first wave become turned off transcriptionally and how their precise timing may impact embryonic development. Here we perturb the timing of the shutdown of Bicoid (Bcd)-dependent hunchback (hb) transcription in the embryo through the use of a Bcd mutant that has heightened activating potency. A delayed shutdown specifically increases Bcd-activated hb levels, and this alters spatial characteristics of the patterning outcome and causes developmental defects. Our study thus documents a specific participation of maternal activator input strength in the timing of molecular events in precise accordance with MBT morphological progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbo Liu
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Jun Ma
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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88
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Yang J, Aguero T, King ML. The Xenopus Maternal-to-Zygotic Transition from the Perspective of the Germline. Curr Top Dev Biol 2015; 113:271-303. [PMID: 26358876 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2015.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In Xenopus, the germline is specified by the inheritance of germ-plasm components synthesized at the beginning of oogenesis. Only the cells in the early embryo that receive germ plasm, the primordial germ cells (PGCs), are competent to give rise to the gametes. Thus, germ-plasm components continue the totipotent potential exhibited by the oocyte into the developing embryo at a time when most cells are preprogrammed for somatic differentiation as dictated by localized maternal determinants. When zygotic transcription begins at the mid-blastula transition, the maternally set program for somatic differentiation is realized. At this time, genetic control is ceded to the zygotic genome, and developmental potential gradually becomes more restricted within the primary germ layers. PGCs are a notable exception to this paradigm and remain transcriptionally silent until the late gastrula. How the germ-cell lineage retains full potential while somatic cells become fate restricted is a tale of translational repression, selective degradation of somatic maternal determinants, and delayed activation of zygotic transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Tristan Aguero
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mary Lou King
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
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89
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Yartseva V, Giraldez AJ. The Maternal-to-Zygotic Transition During Vertebrate Development: A Model for Reprogramming. Curr Top Dev Biol 2015; 113:191-232. [PMID: 26358874 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2015.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Cellular transitions occur at all stages of organismal life from conception to adult regeneration. Changing cellular state involves three main features: activating gene expression necessary to install the new cellular state, modifying the chromatin status to stabilize the new gene expression program, and removing existing gene products to clear out the previous cellular program. The maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) is one of the most profound changes in the life of an organism. It involves gene expression remodeling at all levels, including the active clearance of the maternal oocyte program to adopt the embryonic totipotency. In this chapter, we provide an overview of molecular mechanisms driving maternal mRNA clearance during the MZT, describe the developmental consequences of losing components of this gene regulation, and illustrate how remodeling of gene expression during the MZT is common to other cellular transitions with parallels to cellular reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Yartseva
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
| | - Antonio J Giraldez
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
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90
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Kowalski MP, Krude T. Functional roles of non-coding Y RNAs. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 66:20-9. [PMID: 26159929 PMCID: PMC4726728 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs are involved in a multitude of cellular processes but the biochemical function of many small non-coding RNAs remains unclear. The family of small non-coding Y RNAs is conserved in vertebrates and related RNAs are present in some prokaryotic species. Y RNAs are also homologous to the newly identified family of non-coding stem-bulge RNAs (sbRNAs) in nematodes, for which potential physiological functions are only now emerging. Y RNAs are essential for the initiation of chromosomal DNA replication in vertebrates and, when bound to the Ro60 protein, they are involved in RNA stability and cellular responses to stress in several eukaryotic and prokaryotic species. Additionally, short fragments of Y RNAs have recently been identified as abundant components in the blood and tissues of humans and other mammals, with potential diagnostic value. While the number of functional roles of Y RNAs is growing, it is becoming increasingly clear that the conserved structural domains of Y RNAs are essential for distinct cellular functions. Here, we review the biochemical functions associated with these structural RNA domains, as well as the functional conservation of Y RNAs in different species. The existing biochemical and structural evidence supports a domain model for these small non-coding RNAs that has direct implications for the modular evolution of functional non-coding RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madzia P Kowalski
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom
| | - Torsten Krude
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom.
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91
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Kowalski MP, Baylis HA, Krude T. Non-coding stem-bulge RNAs are required for cell proliferation and embryonic development in C. elegans. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:2118-29. [PMID: 25908866 PMCID: PMC4450293 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.166744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem bulge RNAs (sbRNAs) are a family of small non-coding stem-loop RNAs present in Caenorhabditis elegans and other nematodes, the function of which is unknown. Here, we report the first functional characterisation of nematode sbRNAs. We demonstrate that sbRNAs from a range of nematode species are able to reconstitute the initiation of chromosomal DNA replication in the presence of replication proteins in vitro, and that conserved nucleotide sequence motifs are essential for this function. By functionally inactivating sbRNAs with antisense morpholino oligonucleotides, we show that sbRNAs are required for S phase progression, early embryonic development and the viability of C. elegans in vivo. Thus, we demonstrate a new and essential role for sbRNAs during the early development of C. elegans. sbRNAs show limited nucleotide sequence similarity to vertebrate Y RNAs, which are also essential for the initiation of DNA replication. Our results therefore establish that the essential function of small non-coding stem-loop RNAs during DNA replication extends beyond vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madzia P Kowalski
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Howard A Baylis
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
| | - Torsten Krude
- Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EJ, UK
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92
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Martinho RG, Guilgur LG, Prudêncio P. How gene expression in fast-proliferating cells keeps pace. Bioessays 2015; 37:514-24. [PMID: 25823409 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201400195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The development of living organisms requires a precise coordination of all basic cellular processes, in space and time. Early embryogenesis of most species with externally deposited eggs starts with a series of extremely fast cleavage cycles. These divisions have a strong influence on gene expression as mitosis represses transcription and pre-mRNA processing. In this review, we will describe the distinct adaptations for efficient gene expression and discuss the emerging role of the multifunctional NineTeen Complex (NTC) in gene expression and genomic stability during fast proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui G Martinho
- Departamento de Ciências Biomédicas e Medicina, Regenerative Medicine Program, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal; Center for Biomedical Research, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro, Portugal; Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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93
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Campbell PD, Chao JA, Singer RH, Marlow FL. Dynamic visualization of transcription and RNA subcellular localization in zebrafish. Development 2015; 142:1368-74. [PMID: 25758462 DOI: 10.1242/dev.118968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Live imaging of transcription and RNA dynamics has been successful in cultured cells and tissues of vertebrates but is challenging to accomplish in vivo. The zebrafish offers important advantages to study these processes--optical transparency during embryogenesis, genetic tractability and rapid development. Therefore, to study transcription and RNA dynamics in an intact vertebrate organism, we have adapted the MS2 RNA-labeling system to zebrafish. By using this binary system to coexpress a fluorescent MS2 bacteriophage coat protein (MCP) and an RNA of interest tagged with multiple copies of the RNA hairpin MS2-binding site (MBS), live-cell imaging of RNA dynamics at single RNA molecule resolution has been achieved in other organisms. Here, using a Gateway-compatible MS2 labeling system, we generated stable transgenic zebrafish lines expressing MCP, validated the MBS-MCP interaction and applied the system to investigate zygotic genome activation (ZGA) and RNA localization in primordial germ cells (PGCs) in zebrafish. Although cleavage stage cells are initially transcriptionally silent, we detect transcription of MS2-tagged transcripts driven by the βactin promoter at ∼ 3-3.5 h post-fertilization, consistent with the previously reported ZGA. Furthermore, we show that MS2-tagged nanos3 3'UTR transcripts localize to PGCs, where they are diffusely cytoplasmic and within larger cytoplasmic accumulations reminiscent of those displayed by endogenous nanos3. These tools provide a new avenue for live-cell imaging of RNA molecules in an intact vertebrate. Together with new techniques for targeted genome editing, this system will be a valuable tool to tag and study the dynamics of endogenous RNAs during zebrafish developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Campbell
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Av, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Chao
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Av, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Friedrich Meischer Institute for Biomedical Research, Maulbeerstrasse 66, Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Robert H Singer
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Av, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Av, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Av, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Florence L Marlow
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Av, Bronx, NY 10461, USA Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Av, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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