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Iguchi R, Usui K, Nakayama S, Sasakura Y, Sekiguchi T, Ogasawara M. Multi-regional expression of pancreas-related digestive enzyme genes in the intestinal chamber of the ascidian Ciona intestinalis type A. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 394:423-430. [PMID: 37878073 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-023-03839-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Bilateria share sequential steps in their digestive systems, and digestion occurs in a pre-absorption step within a chamber-like structure. Previous studies on the ascidian Ciona intestinalis type A, an evolutionary research model of vertebrate organs, revealed that Ciona homologs of pancreas-related exocrine digestive enzymes (XDEs) are exclusively expressed in the chamber-like bulging stomach. In the development of the gastrointestinal tract, genes for the pancreas-related transcription factors, namely Ptf1a, Nr5a2, and Pdx, are expressed near the stomach. Recent organ/tissue RNA-seq studies on two Ciona species reported that transcripts of the XDE homologs exist in the intestinal regions, as well as in the stomach. In the present study, we investigated the spatial gene expression of XDE homologs in the gastrointestinal region of the C. intestinalis type A. Whole-mount in situ hybridization using adult and juvenile specimens revealed apparent expression signals of XDE homologs in a small number of gastrointestinal epithelial cells. Furthermore, two pancreas-related transcription factor genes, Nr5a2 and Pdx, exhibited multi-regional expression along the Ciona juvenile intestines. These results imply that ascidians may form multiple digestive regions corresponding to the vertebrate pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rin Iguchi
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan
| | - Kanae Usui
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nakayama
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sasakura
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 5-10-1 Shimoda, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan
| | - Toshio Sekiguchi
- The Noto Marine Laboratory, Division of Marine Environmental Studies, Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Housu-gun, Ishikawa, 927-0553, Japan
| | - Michio Ogasawara
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan.
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2
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Lin B, Shi W, Lu Q, Shito TT, Yu H, Dong B. Establishment of a developmental atlas and transgenetic tools in the ascidian Styela clava. MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 5:435-454. [PMID: 38045543 PMCID: PMC10689645 DOI: 10.1007/s42995-023-00200-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The ascidian Styela clava is an ecologically important species that is distributed along coastal regions worldwide. It has a long history as a model animal for evolutionary and developmental biology research owing to its phylogenetic position between vertebrates and invertebrates, and its classical mosaic expression patterns. However, the standard developmental atlas and protocols and tools for molecular manipulation of this organism are inadequate. In this study, we established a standard developmental table and provided a web-based digital image resource for S. clava embryogenesis at each developmental stage from fertilized eggs to hatching larvae by utilizing confocal laser microscopy and 3D reconstruction images. It takes around 10 h for fertilized eggs to develop into swimming larvae and 20-30 min to complete the tail regression processes at the metamorphic stage. We observed that the notochord cells in S. clava embryos did not produce an extracellular lumen like Ciona robusta, but showed polarized elongation behaviors, providing us an ideal comparative model to study tissue morphogenesis. In addition, we established a chemical-washing procedure to remove the chorion easily from the fertilized eggs. Based on the dechorionation technique, we further realized transgenic manipulation by electroporation and successfully applied tissue-specific fluorescent labeling in S. clava embryos. Our work provides a standard imaging atlas and powerful genetic tools for investigating embryogenesis and evolution using S. clava as a model organism. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42995-023-00200-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyan Lin
- Fang Zongxi Center, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Wenjie Shi
- Fang Zongxi Center, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Qiongxuan Lu
- Fang Zongxi Center, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Takumi T. Shito
- Department of Bioscience and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, 223-8522 Japan
| | - Haiyan Yu
- Fang Zongxi Center, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
| | - Bo Dong
- Fang Zongxi Center, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
- Laoshan Laboratory, Qingdao, 266237 China
- MoE Key Laboratory of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003 China
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3
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Treen N, Konishi S, Nishida H, Onuma TA, Sasakura Y. Zic-r.b controls cell numbers in Ciona embryos by activating CDKN1B. Dev Biol 2023; 498:26-34. [PMID: 36965841 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
The control of cell numbers and the establishment of cell types are two processes that are essential in early embryonic development. We have a reasonable understanding of how these processes occur individually, but we have considerably less sophisticated understanding of how these processes are linked. Tunicates have fixed cell lineages with predictable cell cycles, making them well suited to investigate these processes. In the ascidian Ciona, we show that the transcription factor Zic-r.b, known to be involved in establishing several cell types in early development also activates the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor CDKN1B. Zic-r.b is a major missing component of the cell division clock establishing specific cell numbers. We also show that a larvacean homolog of Zic-r.b is expressed one cell cycle earlier than its Ciona counterpart. The early expression in larvaceans may explain why they have half as many notochord cells as ascidians and may illustrate a general mechanism to evolve changes in morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Treen
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 5-10-1, Shimoda, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan.
| | - Shohei Konishi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-0043, Japan
| | - Hiroki Nishida
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-0043, Japan
| | - Takeshi A Onuma
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-0043, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sasakura
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, 5-10-1, Shimoda, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan
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4
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Improved Genome Editing in the Ascidian Ciona with CRISPR/Cas9 and TALEN. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2637:375-388. [PMID: 36773161 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3016-7_28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
The ascidian Ciona intestinalis type A (or Ciona robusta) is an important organism for elucidating the mechanisms that make the chordate body plan. CRISPR/Cas9 and TAL effector nuclease (TALEN) are widely used to quickly address genetic functions in Ciona. Our previously reported method of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis in this animal has inferior mutation rates compared to those of TALENs. We here describe an updated way to effectively mutate genes with CRISPR/Cas9 in Ciona. Although the construction of TALENs is much more laborious than that of CRISPR/Cas9, this technique is useful for tissue-specific knockouts that are not easy even by the optimized CRISPR/Cas9 method.
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5
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Sakamoto A, Hozumi A, Shiraishi A, Satake H, Horie T, Sasakura Y. The
TRP
channel
PKD2
is involved in sensing the mechanical stimulus of adhesion for initiating metamorphosis in the chordate
Ciona. Dev Growth Differ 2022; 64:395-408. [DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aya Sakamoto
- Shimoda Marine Research Center University of Tsukuba, Shimoda Shizuoka Japan
| | - Akiko Hozumi
- Shimoda Marine Research Center University of Tsukuba, Shimoda Shizuoka Japan
| | - Akira Shiraishi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences Kyoto Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences Kyoto Japan
| | - Takeo Horie
- Shimoda Marine Research Center University of Tsukuba, Shimoda Shizuoka Japan
| | - Yasunori Sasakura
- Shimoda Marine Research Center University of Tsukuba, Shimoda Shizuoka Japan
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6
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Krasovec G, Hozumi A, Yoshida T, Obita T, Hamada M, Shiraishi A, Satake H, Horie T, Mori H, Sasakura Y. d-Serine controls epidermal vesicle release via NMDA receptor, allowing tissue migration during the metamorphosis of the chordate Ciona. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn3264. [PMID: 35275721 PMCID: PMC8916719 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn3264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
d-Serine, a free amino acid synthesized by serine racemase, is a coagonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate-type glutamate receptor (NMDAR). d-Serine in the mammalian central nervous system modulates glutamatergic transmission. Functions of d-serine in mammalian peripheral tissues such as skin have also been described. However, d-serine's functions in nonmammals are unclear. Here, we characterized d-serine-dependent vesicle release from the epidermis during metamorphosis of the tunicate Ciona. d-Serine leads to the formation of a pocket that facilitates the arrival of migrating tissue during tail regression. NMDAR is the receptor of d-serine in the formation of the epidermal pocket. The epidermal pocket is formed by the release of epidermal vesicles' content mediated by d-serine/NMDAR. This mechanism is similar to observations of keratinocyte vesicle exocytosis in mammalian skin. Our findings provide a better understanding of the maintenance of epidermal homeostasis in animals and contribute to further evolutionary perspectives of d-amino acid function among metazoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Krasovec
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka, Japan
- Center for Chromosome Biology, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Akiko Hozumi
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yoshida
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takayuki Obita
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Mayuko Hamada
- Ushimado Marine Institute, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Akira Shiraishi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takeo Horie
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hisashi Mori
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sasakura
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka, Japan
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7
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Yamaji S, Hozumi A, Matsunobu S, Sasakura Y. Orchestration of the distinct morphogenetic movements in different tissues drives tail regression during ascidian metamorphosis. Dev Biol 2020; 465:66-78. [PMID: 32697971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Metamorphosis is the dramatic conversion of an animal body from larva to adult. In ascidians, tadpole-shaped, swimming larvae become sessile juveniles by losing their tail during metamorphosis. This study investigated the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this metamorphic event called tail regression, in the model ascidian Ciona. The ascidian tail consists of internal organs such as muscle, notochord, nerve cord, and the outer epidermal layer surrounding them. We found that the epidermis and internal organs show different regression strategies. Epidermal cells are shortened along the anterior-posterior axis and gather at the posterior region. The epidermal mass is then invaginated into the trunk by apical constriction. The internal tissues, by contrast, enter into the trunk by forming coils. During coiling, notches are introduced into the muscle cells, which likely reduces their rigidness to promote coiling. Actin filament is the major component necessary for the regression events in both the epidermis and internal tissues. The shortening and invagination of the epidermis depend on the phosphorylation of the myosin regulatory light chain (mrlc) regulated by rho-kinase (ROCK). The coiling of internal tissues does not require ROCK-dependent phosphorylation of mrlc, and they can complete coiling without epidermis, although epidermis can facilitate the coiling of internal tissues. We conclude that tail regression in ascidians consists of active morphogenetic movements in which each tissue's independent mechanism is orchestrated with the others to complete this event within the available time window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sota Yamaji
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan
| | - Akiko Hozumi
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan
| | - Shohei Matsunobu
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sasakura
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan.
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8
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Hozumi A, Matsunobu S, Mita K, Treen N, Sugihara T, Horie T, Sakuma T, Yamamoto T, Shiraishi A, Hamada M, Satoh N, Sakurai K, Satake H, Sasakura Y. GABA-Induced GnRH Release Triggers Chordate Metamorphosis. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1555-1561.e4. [PMID: 32220316 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Metamorphosis, a widespread life history strategy in metazoans, allows dispersal and use of different ecological niches through a dramatic body change from a larval stage [1, 2]. Despite its conservation and importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying its initiation and progression have been characterized in only a few animal models. In this study, through pharmacological and gene functional analyses, we identified neurotransmitters responsible for metamorphosis of the ascidian Ciona. Ciona metamorphosis converts swimming tadpole larvae into vase-like, sessile adults. Here, we show that the neurotransmitter GABA is a key regulator of metamorphosis. We found that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a downstream neuropeptide of GABA. Although GABA is generally thought of as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, we found that it positively regulates secretion of GnRH through the metabotropic GABA receptor during Ciona metamorphosis. GnRH is necessary for reproductive maturation in vertebrates, and GABA is an important excitatory regulator of GnRH in the hypothalamus during puberty [3, 4]. Our findings reveal another role of the GABA-GnRH axis in the regulation of post-embryonic development in chordates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Hozumi
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka 415-0025, Japan
| | - Shohei Matsunobu
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka 415-0025, Japan
| | - Kaoru Mita
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka 415-0025, Japan
| | - Nicholas Treen
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka 415-0025, Japan
| | - Takaho Sugihara
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Takeo Horie
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka 415-0025, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Sakuma
- Division of Integrated Sciences for Life, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamamoto
- Division of Integrated Sciences for Life, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 739-8526, Japan
| | - Akira Shiraishi
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan
| | - Mayuko Hamada
- Ushimado Marine Institute, Okayama University, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Satoh
- Marine Genomics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Keisuke Sakurai
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan
| | - Honoo Satake
- Bioorganic Research Institute, Suntory Foundation for Life Sciences, Kyoto 619-0284, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sasakura
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shizuoka 415-0025, Japan.
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9
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Tajima Y, Hozumi A, Yoshida K, Treen N, Sakuma T, Yamamoto T, Sasakura Y. Hox13 is essential for formation of a sensory organ at the terminal end of the sperm duct in Ciona. Dev Biol 2019; 458:120-131. [PMID: 31682808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Species-specific traits are thought to have been acquired by natural selection. Transcription factors play central roles in the evolution of species-specific traits. Hox genes encode a set of conserved transcription factors essential for establishing the anterior-posterior body axis of animals. Changes in the expression or function of Hox genes can lead to the diversification of animal-body plans. The tunicate ascidian Ciona intestinalis Type A has an orange-colored structure at the sperm duct terminus. This orange-pigmented organ (OPO) is the characteristic that can distinguish this ascidian from other closely related species. The OPO is formed by the accumulation of orange-pigmented cells (OPCs) that are present throughout the adult body. We show that Hox13 is essential for formation of the OPO. Hox13 is expressed in the epithelium of the sperm duct and neurons surrounding the terminal openings for sperm ejection, while OPCs themselves do not express this gene. OPCs are mobile cells that can move through the body vasculature by pseudopodia, suggesting that the OPO is formed by the accumulation of OPCs guided by Hox13-positive cells. Another ascidian species, Ciona savignyi, does not have an OPO. Like Hox13 of C. intestinalis, Hox13 of C. savignyi is expressed at the terminus of its sperm duct; however, its expression domain is limited to the circular area around the openings. The genetic changes responsible for the acquisition or loss of OPO are likely to occur in the expression pattern of Hox13.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukako Tajima
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan
| | - Akiko Hozumi
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan
| | - Keita Yoshida
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan
| | - Nicholas Treen
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Sakuma
- Department of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamamoto
- Department of Mathematical and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yasunori Sasakura
- Shimoda Marine Research Center, University of Tsukuba, Shimoda, Shizuoka, 415-0025, Japan.
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