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Plummer NW, Smith KG, Jensen P. A knock-in allele of Hand2 expressing Dre recombinase. Genesis 2024; 62:e23601. [PMID: 38703044 PMCID: PMC11088872 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23601] [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: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
HAND2 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor with diverse functions during development. To facilitate the investigation of genetic and functional diversity among Hand2-expressing cells in the mouse, we have generated Hand2Dre, a knock-in allele expressing Dre recombinase. To avoid disrupting Hand2 function, the Dre cDNA is inserted at the 3' end of the Hand2 coding sequence following a viral 2A peptide. Hand2Dre homozygotes can therefore be used in complex crosses to increase the proportion of useful genotypes among offspring. Dre expression in mid-gestation Hand2Dre embryos is indistinguishable from wild-type Hand2 expression, and HandDre efficiently recombines rox target sites in vivo. In combination with existing Cre and Flp mouse lines, Hand2Dre will therefore extend the ability to perform genetic intersectional labeling, fate mapping, and functional manipulation of subpopulations of cells characterized by developmental expression of Hand2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W. Plummer
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Kathleen G. Smith
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
| | - Patricia Jensen
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
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2
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Ferguson CA, Firulli BA, Zoia M, Osterwalder M, Firulli AB. Identification and characterization of Hand2 upstream genomic enhancers active in developing stomach and limbs. Dev Dyn 2024; 253:215-232. [PMID: 37551791 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.646] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The bHLH transcription factor HAND2 plays important roles in the development of the embryonic heart, face, limbs, and sympathetic and enteric nervous systems. To define how and when HAND2 regulates these developmental systems, requires understanding the transcriptional regulation of Hand2. RESULTS Remarkably, Hand2 is flanked by an extensive upstream gene desert containing a potentially diverse enhancer landscape. Here, we screened the regulatory interval 200 kb proximal to Hand2 for putative enhancers using evolutionary conservation and histone marks in Hand2-expressing tissues. H3K27ac signatures across embryonic tissues pointed to only two putative enhancer regions showing deep sequence conservation. Assessment of the transcriptional enhancer potential of these elements using transgenic reporter lines uncovered distinct in vivo enhancer activities in embryonic stomach and limb mesenchyme, respectively. Activity of the identified stomach enhancer was restricted to the developing antrum and showed expression within the smooth muscle and enteric neurons. Surprisingly, the activity pattern of the limb enhancer did not overlap Hand2 mRNA but consistently yielded a defined subectodermal anterior expression pattern within multiple transgenic lines. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results start to uncover the diverse regulatory potential inherent to the Hand2 upstream regulatory interval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe A Ferguson
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Beth A Firulli
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Matteo Zoia
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Osterwalder
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anthony B Firulli
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Department of Pediatrics, Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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3
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Nguyen TT, Mitchell JM, Kiel MD, Kenny CP, Li H, Jones KL, Cornell RA, Williams TJ, Nichols JT, Van Otterloo E. TFAP2 paralogs regulate midfacial development in part through a conserved ALX genetic pathway. Development 2024; 151:dev202095. [PMID: 38063857 PMCID: PMC10820886 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202095] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Cranial neural crest development is governed by positional gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Fine-tuning of the GRN components underlies facial shape variation, yet how those networks in the midface are connected and activated remain poorly understood. Here, we show that concerted inactivation of Tfap2a and Tfap2b in the murine neural crest, even during the late migratory phase, results in a midfacial cleft and skeletal abnormalities. Bulk and single-cell RNA-seq profiling reveal that loss of both TFAP2 family members dysregulates numerous midface GRN components involved in midface morphogenesis, patterning and differentiation. Notably, Alx1, Alx3 and Alx4 (ALX) transcript levels are reduced, whereas ChIP-seq analyses suggest TFAP2 family members directly and positively regulate ALX gene expression. Tfap2a, Tfap2b and ALX co-expression in midfacial neural crest cells of both mouse and zebrafish implies conservation of this regulatory axis across vertebrates. Consistent with this notion, tfap2a zebrafish mutants present with abnormal alx3 expression patterns, Tfap2a binds ALX loci and tfap2a-alx3 genetic interactions are observed. Together, these data demonstrate TFAP2 paralogs regulate vertebrate midfacial development in part by activating expression of ALX transcription factor genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy T. Nguyen
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Jennyfer M. Mitchell
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michaela D. Kiel
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Colin P. Kenny
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kenneth L. Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Robert A. Cornell
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, University of Washington, School of Dentistry, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Trevor J. Williams
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - James T. Nichols
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Eric Van Otterloo
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Craniofacial Anomalies Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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4
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Nguyen TT, Mitchell JM, Kiel MD, Jones KL, Williams TJ, Nichols JT, Van Otterloo E. TFAP2 paralogs regulate midfacial development in part through a conserved ALX genetic pathway. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.16.545376. [PMID: 37398373 PMCID: PMC10312788 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.16.545376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Cranial neural crest development is governed by positional gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Fine-tuning of the GRN components underly facial shape variation, yet how those in the midface are connected and activated remain poorly understood. Here, we show that concerted inactivation of Tfap2a and Tfap2b in the murine neural crest even during the late migratory phase results in a midfacial cleft and skeletal abnormalities. Bulk and single-cell RNA-seq profiling reveal that loss of both Tfap2 members dysregulated numerous midface GRN components involved in midface fusion, patterning, and differentiation. Notably, Alx1/3/4 (Alx) transcript levels are reduced, while ChIP-seq analyses suggest TFAP2 directly and positively regulates Alx gene expression. TFAP2 and ALX co-expression in midfacial neural crest cells of both mouse and zebrafish further implies conservation of this regulatory axis across vertebrates. Consistent with this notion, tfap2a mutant zebrafish present abnormal alx3 expression patterns, and the two genes display a genetic interaction in this species. Together, these data demonstrate a critical role for TFAP2 in regulating vertebrate midfacial development in part through ALX transcription factor gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy T Nguyen
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Jennyfer M Mitchell
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michaela D Kiel
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Kenneth L Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Trevor J Williams
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - James T Nichols
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Eric Van Otterloo
- Iowa Institute for Oral Health Research, College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Periodontics, College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Craniofacial Anomalies Research Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
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5
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Liu S, Xiang K, Yuan F, Xiang M. Generation of self-organized autonomic ganglion organoids from fibroblasts. iScience 2023; 26:106241. [PMID: 36922996 PMCID: PMC10009094 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural organoids have been shown to serve as powerful tools for studying the mechanism of neural development and diseases as well as for screening drugs and developing cell-based therapeutics. Somatic cells have previously been reprogrammed into scattered autonomic ganglion (AG) neurons but not AG organoids. Here we have identified a combination of triple transcription factors (TFs) Ascl1, Phox2a/b, and Hand2 (APH) capable of efficiently reprogramming mouse fibroblasts into self-organized and networked induced AG (iAG) organoids, and characterized them by immunostaining, qRT-PCR, patch-clamping, and scRNA-seq approaches. The iAG neurons exhibit molecular properties, subtype diversity, and electrophysiological characteristics of autonomic neurons. Moreover, they can integrate into the superior cervical ganglia following transplantation and innervate and control the beating rate of co-cultured ventricular myocytes. Thus, iAG organoids may provide a valuable tool to study the pathogenesis of autonomic nervous system diseases and screen for drugs, as well as a source for cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Kangjian Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Fa Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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6
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Lazarov NE, Atanasova DY. Stem Cell Niche in the Mammalian Carotid Body. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2023; 237:139-153. [PMID: 37946081 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44757-0_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the mammalian carotid body (CB) constitutes a neurogenic center that contains a functionally active germinal niche. A variety of transcription factors is required for the generation of a precursor cell pool in the developing CB. Most of them are later silenced in their progeny, thus allowing for the maturation of the differentiated neurons. In the adult CB, neurotransmitters and vascular cytokines released by glomus cells upon exposure to chronic hypoxia act as paracrine signals that induce proliferation and differentiation of pluripotent stem cells, neuronal and vascular progenitors. Key proliferation markers such as Ki-67 and BrdU are widely used to evaluate the proliferative status of the CB parenchymal cells in the initial phase of this neurogenesis. During hypoxia sustentacular cells which are dormant cells in normoxic conditions can proliferate and differentiate into new glomus cells. However, more recent data have revealed that the majority of the newly formed glomus cells is derived from the glomus cell lineage itself. The mature glomus cells express numerous trophic and growth factors, and their corresponding receptors, which act on CB cell populations in autocrine or paracrine ways. Some of them initially serve as target-derived survival factors and then as signaling molecules in developing vascular targets. Morphofunctional insights into the cellular interactions in the CB stem cell microenvironment can be helpful in further understanding the therapeutic potential of the CB cell niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolai E Lazarov
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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7
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Generation of a recombinant version of a biologically active cell-permeant human HAND2 transcription factor from E. coli. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16129. [PMID: 36167810 PMCID: PMC9515176 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-19745-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor HAND2 has a significant role in vascularization, angiogenesis, and cardiac neural crest development. It is one of the key cardiac factors crucial for the enhanced derivation of functional and mature myocytes from non-myocyte cells. Here, we report the generation of the recombinant human HAND2 fusion protein from the heterologous system. First, we cloned the full-length human HAND2 gene (only protein-coding sequence) after codon optimization along with the fusion tags (for cell penetration, nuclear translocation, and affinity purification) into the expression vector. We then transformed and expressed it in Escherichia coli strain, BL21(DE3). Next, the effect (in terms of expression) of tagging fusion tags with this recombinant protein at two different terminals was also investigated. Using affinity chromatography, we established the one-step homogeneous purification of recombinant human HAND2 fusion protein; and through circular dichroism spectroscopy, we established that this purified protein had retained its secondary structure. We then showed that this purified human protein could transduce the human cells and translocate to its nucleus. The generated recombinant HAND2 fusion protein showed angiogenic potential in the ex vivo chicken embryo model. Following transduction in MEF2C overexpressing cardiomyoblast cells, this purified recombinant protein synergistically activated the α-MHC promoter and induced GFP expression in the α-MHC-eGFP reporter assay. Prospectively, the purified bioactive recombinant HAND2 protein can potentially be a safe and effective molecular tool in the direct cardiac reprogramming process and other biological applications.
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8
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George RM, Guo S, Firulli BA, Rubart M, Firulli AB. Neonatal Deletion of Hand1 and Hand2 within Murine Cardiac Conduction System Reveals a Novel Role for HAND2 in Rhythm Homeostasis. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2022; 9:jcdd9070214. [PMID: 35877576 PMCID: PMC9324487 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9070214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiac conduction system, a network of specialized cells, is required for the functioning of the heart. The basic helix loop helix factors Hand1 and Hand2 are required for cardiac morphogenesis and have been implicated in cardiac conduction system development and maintenance. Here we use embryonic and post-natal specific Cre lines to interrogate the role of Hand1 and Hand2 in the function of the murine cardiac conduction system. Results demonstrate that loss of HAND1 in the post-natal conduction system does not result in any change in electrocardiogram parameters or within the ventricular conduction system as determined by optical voltage mapping. Deletion of Hand2 within the post-natal conduction system results in sex-dependent reduction in PR interval duration in these mice, suggesting a novel role for HAND2 in regulating the atrioventricular conduction. Surprisingly, results show that loss of both HAND factors within the post-natal conduction system does not cause any consistent changes in cardiac conduction system function. Deletion of Hand2 in the embryonic left ventricle results in inconsistent prolongation of PR interval and susceptibility to atrial arrhythmias. Thus, these results suggest a novel role for HAND2 in homeostasis of the murine cardiac conduction system and that HAND1 loss potentially rescues the shortened HAND2 PR phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajani M. George
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Departments of Pediatrics, Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (R.M.G.); (B.A.F.)
| | - Shuai Guo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Beth A. Firulli
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Departments of Pediatrics, Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (R.M.G.); (B.A.F.)
| | - Michael Rubart
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Departments of Pediatrics, Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (R.M.G.); (B.A.F.)
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Krannert Institute of Cardiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (A.B.F.); Tel.: +317-278-5814 (M.R.); +317-274-8909 (A.B.F.)
| | - Anthony B. Firulli
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Departments of Pediatrics, Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; (R.M.G.); (B.A.F.)
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (A.B.F.); Tel.: +317-278-5814 (M.R.); +317-274-8909 (A.B.F.)
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9
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Lasorsa VA, Montella A, Cantalupo S, Tirelli M, de Torres C, Aveic S, Tonini GP, Iolascon A, Capasso M. Somatic mutations enriched in cis-regulatory elements affect genes involved in embryonic development and immune system response in neuroblastoma. Cancer Res 2022; 82:1193-1207. [PMID: 35101866 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-3788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Noncoding cis-regulatory variants have gained interest as cancer drivers, yet progress in understanding their significance is hindered by the numerous challenges and limitations of variant prioritization. To overcome these limitations, we focused on active cis-regulatory elements (aCRE) in order to design a customized panel for the deep sequencing of 56 neuroblastoma tumor and normal DNA sample pairs. In order to search for driver mutations, aCREs were defined by reanalysis of H3K27ac ChiP-seq peaks in 25 neuroblastoma cell lines. These regulatory genomic regions were tested for an excess of somatic mutations and assessed for statistical significance using a global approach that accounted for chromatin accessibility and replication timing. Additional validation was provided by whole genome sequence analysis of 151 neuroblastomas. Analysis of Hi-C data determined the presence of candidate target genes interacting with mutated regions. An excess of somatic mutations in aCREs of diverse genes were identified, including IPO7, HAND2, and ARID3A. CRISPR-Cas9 editing was utilized to assess the functional consequences of mutations in the IPO7 aCRE. Patients with noncoding mutations in aCREs showed inferior overall and event-free survival independent of age at diagnosis, stage, risk stratification, and MYCN status. Expression of aCRE-interacting genes correlated strongly with negative prognostic markers and low survival rates. Moreover, a convergence between the biological functions of aCRE target genes and transcription factors with mutated binding motifs was associated with embryonic development and immune system response. Overall, this strategy enabled the identification of somatic mutations in regulatory elements that collectively promote neuroblastoma tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Alessandro Lasorsa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
| | - Annalaura Montella
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Federico II di Napoli, CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate
| | | | | | - Carmen de Torres
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory and Department of Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona
| | - Sanja Aveic
- Neuroblastoma Laboratory, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Citta della Speranza
| | | | - Achille Iolascon
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
| | - Mario Capasso
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
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10
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Abstract
Breathing (or respiration) is a complex motor behavior that originates in the brainstem. In minimalistic terms, breathing can be divided into two phases: inspiration (uptake of oxygen, O2) and expiration (release of carbon dioxide, CO2). The neurons that discharge in synchrony with these phases are arranged in three major groups along the brainstem: (i) pontine, (ii) dorsal medullary, and (iii) ventral medullary. These groups are formed by diverse neuron types that coalesce into heterogeneous nuclei or complexes, among which the preBötzinger complex in the ventral medullary group contains cells that generate the respiratory rhythm (Chapter 1). The respiratory rhythm is not rigid, but instead highly adaptable to the physic demands of the organism. In order to generate the appropriate respiratory rhythm, the preBötzinger complex receives direct and indirect chemosensory information from other brainstem respiratory nuclei (Chapter 2) and peripheral organs (Chapter 3). Even though breathing is a hard-wired unconscious behavior, it can be temporarily altered at will by other higher-order brain structures (Chapter 6), and by emotional states (Chapter 7). In this chapter, we focus on the development of brainstem respiratory groups and highlight the cell lineages that contribute to central and peripheral chemoreflexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eser Göksu Isik
- Brainstem Group, Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luis R Hernandez-Miranda
- Brainstem Group, Institute for Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.
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11
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Rodrigues ACZ, Messi ML, Wang ZM, Bonilla HJ, Freeman WM, Delbono O. Long-term, induced expression of Hand2 in peripheral sympathetic neurons ameliorates sarcopenia in geriatric mice. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2021; 12:1908-1924. [PMID: 34546662 PMCID: PMC8718059 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery of adrenoceptors, which mediate the effects of the sympathetic nervous system neurotransmitter norepinephrine on specific tissues, sparked the development of sympathomimetics that have profound influence on skeletal muscle mass. However, chronic administration has serious side effects that preclude their use for muscle-wasting conditions such as sarcopenia, the age-dependent decline in muscle mass, force, and power. Devising interventions that can adjust neurotransmitter release to changing physiological demands will require understanding how the sympathetic nervous system affects muscle motor innervation and muscle mass, which will prevent sarcopenia-associated impaired mobility, falls, institutionalization, co-morbidity, and premature death. Here, we tested the hypothesis that prolonged heart and neural crest derivative 2 (Hand2) expression in peripheral sympathetic neurons (SNs) ameliorates sympathetic muscle denervation, motor denervation, and sarcopenia in geriatric mice. METHODS We delivered either a viral vector encoding the transcription factor Hand2 or an empty vector (EV) driven to SNs by the PRSx8 promoter by injecting the saphenous vein in 16-month-old C57BL/6 mice that were sacrificed 10-11 months later. Studies relied on sympathetic and muscle immunohistochemistry analysed by confocal microscopy, nerve and muscle protein expression assessed by immunoblots, nerve-evoked and muscle-evoked maximal muscle contraction force, extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle RNA sequencing, SN real-time PCR, and tests of physical performance using an inverted-cling grip test and in an open-arena setting. RESULTS Examining the mice 10-11 months later, we found that inducing Hand2 expression in peripheral SNs preserved (i) the number of neurons (EV: 0.32 ± 0.03/μm2 , n = 6; Hand2: 0.92 ± 0.08/μm2 , n = 7; P < 0.0001) and size (EV: 279 ± 18 μm2 , n = 6; Hand2: 396 ± 18 μm2 , n = 7; P < 0.0001); (ii) lumbricalis muscle sympathetic innervation (EV: 1.4 ± 1.5 μm/μm2 , n = 5; Hand2: 12 ± 1.8 μm/μm2 , n = 5; P < 0.001); (iii) tibialis anterior, gastrocnemius, EDL, and soleus muscles weight and whole-body strength (EV: 48 ± 6.4 s, n = 6; Hand2: 102 ± 6.8 s, n = 6; P < 0.001); (iv) EDL type IIb, IIx, and II/IIx and soleus type I, IIa, IIx, IIa/IIx, and IIb/IIx myofibre cross-sectional area; (v) nerve-evoked (EV: 16 ± 2.7 mN; Hand2: 30 ± 4.4 mN; P < 0.001) and muscle-evoked (EV: 24 ± 3.8 mN, n = 5; Hand2: 38 ± 3.0 mN, n = 8; P < 0.001) muscle force by 150 Hz-3 s pulses; and (vi) motor innervation assessed by measuring presynaptic/postsynaptic neuromuscular junction area overlay. CONCLUSIONS Preserving Hand2 expression in SNs from middle-aged to very old mice attenuates decreases in muscle mass and force by (i) maintaining skeletal muscle sympathetic and motor innervation, (ii) improving membrane and total acetylcholine receptor stability and nerve-evoked and muscle-evoked muscle contraction, (iii) preventing the elevation of inflammation and myofibrillar protein degradation markers, and (iv) increasing muscle autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carolina Zaia Rodrigues
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,The Neuroscience Program, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - María Laura Messi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Zhong-Min Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Henry Jacob Bonilla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | - Osvaldo Delbono
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,The Neuroscience Program, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,The Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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12
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Reynolds S, Pierce C, Powell B, Kite A, Hall-Ruiz N, Schilling T, Le Pabic P. A show of Hands: Novel and conserved expression patterns of teleost hand paralogs during craniofacial, heart, fin, peripheral nervous system and gut development. Dev Dyn 2021; 250:1796-1809. [PMID: 34091971 PMCID: PMC8639631 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand genes are required for the development of the vertebrate jaw, heart, peripheral nervous system, limb, gut, placenta, and decidua. Two Hand paralogues, Hand1 and Hand2, are present in most vertebrates, where they mediate different functions yet overlap in expression. In ray-finned fishes, Hand gene expression and function is only known for the zebrafish, which represents the rare condition of having a single Hand gene, hand2. Here we describe the developmental expression of hand1 and hand2 in the cichlid Copadichromis azureus. RESULTS hand1 and hand2 are expressed in the cichlid heart, paired fins, pharyngeal arches, peripheral nervous system, gut, and lateral plate mesoderm with different degrees of overlap. CONCLUSIONS Hand gene expression in the gut, peripheral nervous system, and pharyngeal arches may have already been fixed in the lobe- and ray-finned fish common ancestor. In other embryonic regions, such as paired appendages, hand2 expression was fixed, while hand1 expression diverged in lobe- and ray-finned fish lineages. In the lateral plate mesoderm and arch associated catecholaminergic cells, hand1 and hand2 swapped expression between divergent lineages. Distinct expression of cichlid hand1 and hand2 in the epicardium and myocardium of the developing heart may represent the ancestral pattern for bony fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Reynolds
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina
| | - Christian Pierce
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina
| | - Benjamin Powell
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina
| | - Alexandra Kite
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina
| | - Nicholas Hall-Ruiz
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina
| | - Thomas Schilling
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Pierre Le Pabic
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina
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13
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Nestor-Kalinoski A, Smith-Edwards KM, Meerschaert K, Margiotta JF, Rajwa B, Davis BM, Howard MJ. Unique Neural Circuit Connectivity of Mouse Proximal, Middle, and Distal Colon Defines Regional Colonic Motor Patterns. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 13:309-337.e3. [PMID: 34509687 PMCID: PMC8703201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Colonic motor patterns have been described by a number of different groups, but the neural connectivity and ganglion architecture supporting patterned motor activity have not been elucidated. Our goals were to describe quantitatively, by region, the structural architecture of the mouse enteric nervous system and use functional calcium imaging, pharmacology, and electrical stimulation to show regional underpinnings of different motor patterns. METHODS Excised colon segments from mice expressing the calcium indicator GCaMP6f or GCaMP6s were used to examine spontaneous and evoked (pharmacologic or electrical) changes in GCaMP-mediated fluorescence and coupled with assessment of colonic motor activity, immunohistochemistry, and confocal imaging. Three-dimensional image reconstruction and statistical methods were used to describe quantitatively mouse colon myenteric ganglion structure, neural and vascular network patterning, and neural connectivity. RESULTS In intact colon, regionally specific myenteric ganglion size, architecture, and neural circuit connectivity patterns along with neurotransmitter-receptor expression underlie colonic motor patterns that define functional differences along the colon. Region-specific effects on spontaneous, evoked, and chemically induced neural activity contribute to regional motor patterns, as does intraganglionic functional connectivity. We provide direct evidence of neural circuit structural and functional regional differences that have only been inferred in previous investigations. We include regional comparisons between quantitative measures in mouse and human colon that represent an important advance in showing the usefulness and relevance of the mouse system for translation to the human colon. CONCLUSIONS There are several neural mechanisms dependent on myenteric ganglion architecture and functional connectivity that underlie neurogenic control of patterned motor function in the mouse colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nestor-Kalinoski
- Department of Surgery, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Kristen M Smith-Edwards
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kimberly Meerschaert
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Joseph F Margiotta
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio
| | - Bartek Rajwa
- Bindley Bioscience Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Brian M Davis
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marthe J Howard
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, Ohio.
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14
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Abe M, Cox TC, Firulli AB, Kanai SM, Dahlka J, Lim KC, Engel JD, Clouthier DE. GATA3 is essential for separating patterning domains during facial morphogenesis. Development 2021; 148:dev199534. [PMID: 34383890 PMCID: PMC8451945 DOI: 10.1242/dev.199534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Neural crest cells (NCCs) within the mandibular and maxillary prominences of the first pharyngeal arch are initially competent to respond to signals from either region. However, mechanisms that are only partially understood establish developmental tissue boundaries to ensure spatially correct patterning. In the 'hinge and caps' model of facial development, signals from both ventral prominences (the caps) pattern the adjacent tissues whereas the intervening region, referred to as the maxillomandibular junction (the hinge), maintains separation of the mandibular and maxillary domains. One cap signal is GATA3, a member of the GATA family of zinc-finger transcription factors with a distinct expression pattern in the ventral-most part of the mandibular and maxillary portions of the first arch. Here, we show that disruption of Gata3 in mouse embryos leads to craniofacial microsomia and syngnathia (bony fusion of the upper and lower jaws) that results from changes in BMP4 and FGF8 gene regulatory networks within NCCs near the maxillomandibular junction. GATA3 is thus a crucial component in establishing the network of factors that functionally separate the upper and lower jaws during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Abe
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Department of Oral Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Timothy C. Cox
- Departments of Oral & Craniofacial Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Anthony B. Firulli
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Departments of Pediatrics, Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Stanley M. Kanai
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Jacob Dahlka
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kim-Chew Lim
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - James Douglas Engel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - David E. Clouthier
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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15
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Margiotta JF, Smith-Edwards KM, Nestor-Kalinoski A, Davis BM, Albers KM, Howard MJ. Synaptic Components, Function and Modulation Characterized by GCaMP6f Ca 2+ Imaging in Mouse Cholinergic Myenteric Ganglion Neurons. Front Physiol 2021; 12:652714. [PMID: 34408655 PMCID: PMC8365335 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.652714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The peristaltic contraction and relaxation of intestinal circular and longitudinal smooth muscles is controlled by synaptic circuit elements that impinge upon phenotypically diverse neurons in the myenteric plexus. While electrophysiological studies provide useful information concerning the properties of such synaptic circuits, they typically involve tissue disruption and do not correlate circuit activity with biochemically defined neuronal phenotypes. To overcome these limitations, mice were engineered to express the sensitive, fast Ca2+ indicator GCaMP6f selectively in neurons that express the acetylcholine (ACh) biosynthetic enzyme choline acetyltransfarse (ChAT) thereby allowing rapid activity-driven changes in Ca2+ fluorescence to be observed without disrupting intrinsic connections, solely in cholinergic myenteric ganglion (MG) neurons. Experiments with selective receptor agonists and antagonists reveal that most mouse colonic cholinergic (i.e., GCaMP6f+/ChAT+) MG neurons express nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs), particularly the ganglionic subtype containing α3 and β4 subunits, and most express ionotropic serotonin receptors (5-HT3Rs). Cholinergic MG neurons also display small, spontaneous Ca2+ transients occurring at ≈ 0.2 Hz. Experiments with inhibitors of Na+ channel dependent impulses, presynaptic Ca2+ channels and postsynaptic receptor function reveal that the Ca2+ transients arise from impulse-driven presynaptic activity and subsequent activation of postsynaptic nAChRs or 5-HT3Rs. Electrical stimulation of axonal connectives to MG evoked Ca2+ responses in the neurons that similarly depended on nAChRs or/and 5-HT3Rs. Responses to single connective shocks had peak amplitudes and rise and decay times that were indistinguishable from the spontaneous Ca2+ transients and the largest fraction had brief synaptic delays consistent with activation by monosynaptic inputs. These results indicate that the spontaneous Ca2+ transients and stimulus evoked Ca2+ responses in MG neurons originate in circuits involving fast chemical synaptic transmission mediated by nAChRs or/and 5-HT3Rs. Experiments with an α7-nAChR agonist and antagonist, and with pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) reveal that the same synaptic circuits display extensive capacity for presynaptic modulation. Our use of non-invasive GCaMP6f/ChAT Ca2+ imaging in colon segments with intrinsic connections preserved, reveals an abundance of direct and modulatory synaptic influences on cholinergic MG neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Margiotta
- Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Kristen M Smith-Edwards
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Andrea Nestor-Kalinoski
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Brian M Davis
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kathryn M Albers
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Marthe J Howard
- Department of Neurosciences, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
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16
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The emerging role of the sympathetic nervous system in skeletal muscle motor innervation and sarcopenia. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 67:101305. [PMID: 33610815 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Examining neural etiologic factors'role in the decline of neuromuscular function with aging is essential to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying sarcopenia, the age-dependent decline in muscle mass, force and power. Innervation of the skeletal muscle by both motor and sympathetic axons has been established, igniting interest in determining how the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) affect skeletal muscle composition and function throughout the lifetime. Selective expression of the heart and neural crest derivative 2 gene in peripheral SNs increases muscle mass and force regulating skeletal muscle sympathetic and motor innervation; improving acetylcholine receptor stability and NMJ transmission; preventing inflammation and myofibrillar protein degradation; increasing autophagy; and probably enhancing protein synthesis. Elucidating the role of central SNs will help to define the coordinated response of the visceral and neuromuscular system to physiological and pathological challenges across ages. This review discusses the following questions: (1) Does the SNS regulate skeletal muscle motor innervation? (2) Does the SNS regulate presynaptic and postsynaptic neuromuscular junction (NMJ) structure and function? (3) Does sympathetic neuron (SN) regulation of NMJ transmission decline with aging? (4) Does maintenance of SNs attenuate aging sarcopenia? and (5) Do central SN group relays influence sympathetic and motor muscle innervation?
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17
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Kameda Y. Comparative morphological and molecular studies on the oxygen-chemoreceptive cells in the carotid body and fish gills. Cell Tissue Res 2021; 384:255-273. [PMID: 33852077 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03421-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Oxygen-chemoreceptive cells play critical roles for the respiration control. This review summarizes the chemoreceptive cells in the carotid body and fish gills from a morphological and molecular perspective. The cells synthesize and secrete biogenic amines, neuropeptides, and neuroproteins and also express many signaling molecules and transcription factors. In mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, the carotid body primordium is consistently formed in the wall of the third arch artery which gives rise to the common carotid artery and the basal portion of the internal carotid artery. Consequently, the carotid body is located in the carotid bifurcation region, except birds in which the organ is situated at the lateral side of the common carotid artery. The carotid body receives branches of the cranial nerves IX and/or X dependent on the location of the organ. The glomus cell progenitors in mammals and birds are derived from the neighboring ganglion, i.e., the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion and the nodose ganglion, respectively, and immigrate into the carotid body primordium, constituting a solid cell cluster. In other animal species, the glomus cells are dispersed singly or forming small cell groups in intervascular stroma of the carotid body. In fishes, the neuroepithelial cells, corresponding to the glomus cells, are distributed in the gill filaments and lamellae. All oxygen-chemoreceptive cells sensitively respond to acute or chronic hypoxia, exhibiting degranulation, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, and upregulated expression of many genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Kameda
- Department of Anatomy, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan.
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18
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Rodrigues ACZ, Wang ZM, Messi ML, Bonilla HJ, Liu L, Freeman WM, Delbono O. Heart and neural crest derivative 2-induced preservation of sympathetic neurons attenuates sarcopenia with aging. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2021; 12:91-108. [PMID: 33258279 PMCID: PMC7890150 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.12644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcopenia, or age-dependent decline in muscle force and power, impairs mobility, increasing the risk of falls, institutionalization, co-morbidity, and premature death. The discovery of adrenoceptors, which mediate the effects of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) neurotransmitter norepinephrine on specific tissues, sparked the development of sympathomimetics that have profound influence on skeletal muscle mass. However, chronic administration has serious side effects that preclude their use for muscle-wasting conditions. Interventions that can adjust neurotransmitter release to changing physiological demands depend on understanding how the SNS affects neuromuscular transmission, muscle motor innervation, and muscle mass. METHODS We examined age-dependent expression of the heart and neural crest derivative 2 (Hand2), a critical transcription factor for SN maintenance, and we tested the possibility that inducing its expression exclusively in sympathetic neurons (SN) will prevent (i) motor denervation, (ii) impaired neuromuscular junction (NMJ) transmission, and (iii) loss of muscle mass and function in old mice. To test this hypothesis, we delivered a viral vector carrying Hand2 expression or an empty vector exclusively in SNs by vein injection in 16-month-old C57BL/6 mice that were sacrificed 6 months later. Techniques include RNA-sequencing, real-time PCR, genomic DNA methylation, viral vector construct, tissue immunohistochemistry, immunoblot, confocal microscopy, electrophysiology, and in vivo mouse physical performance. RESULTS Hand2 expression declines throughout life, but inducing its expression increased (i) the number and size of SNs, (ii) muscle sympathetic innervation, (iii) muscle weight and force and whole-body strength, (iv) myofiber size but not muscle fibre-type composition, (v) NMJ transmission and nerve-evoked muscle force, and (vi) motor innervation in old mice. Additionally, the SN controls a set of genes to reduce inflammation and to promote transcription factor activity, cell signalling, and synapse in the skeletal muscle. Hand2 DNA methylation may contribute, at least partially, to gene silencing. CONCLUSIONS Selective expression of Hand2 in the mouse SNs from middle age through old age increases muscle mass and force by (i) regulating skeletal muscle sympathetic and motor innervation; (ii) improving acetylcholine receptor stability and NMJ transmission; (iii) preventing inflammation and myofibrillar protein degradation; (iv) increasing autophagy; and (v) probably enhancing protein synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Carolina Zaia Rodrigues
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Neuroscience Program, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Zhong-Min Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - María Laura Messi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Henry Jacob Bonilla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Liang Liu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | - Osvaldo Delbono
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Neuroscience Program, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer's Prevention, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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19
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Fedele L, Brand T. The Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System and Its Role in Cardiac Pacemaking and Conduction. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020; 7:jcdd7040054. [PMID: 33255284 PMCID: PMC7712215 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7040054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The cardiac autonomic nervous system (CANS) plays a key role for the regulation of cardiac activity with its dysregulation being involved in various heart diseases, such as cardiac arrhythmias. The CANS comprises the extrinsic and intrinsic innervation of the heart. The intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS) includes the network of the intracardiac ganglia and interconnecting neurons. The cardiac ganglia contribute to the tight modulation of cardiac electrophysiology, working as a local hub integrating the inputs of the extrinsic innervation and the ICNS. A better understanding of the role of the ICNS for the modulation of the cardiac conduction system will be crucial for targeted therapies of various arrhythmias. We describe the embryonic development, anatomy, and physiology of the ICNS. By correlating the topography of the intracardiac neurons with what is known regarding their biophysical and neurochemical properties, we outline their physiological role in the control of pacemaker activity of the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes. We conclude by highlighting cardiac disorders with a putative involvement of the ICNS and outline open questions that need to be addressed in order to better understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the ICNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fedele
- Correspondence: (L.F.); (T.B.); Tel.: +44-(0)-207-594-6531 (L.F.); +44-(0)-207-594-8744 (T.B.)
| | - Thomas Brand
- Correspondence: (L.F.); (T.B.); Tel.: +44-(0)-207-594-6531 (L.F.); +44-(0)-207-594-8744 (T.B.)
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20
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The diversity of neuronal phenotypes in rodent and human autonomic ganglia. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 382:201-231. [PMID: 32930881 PMCID: PMC7584561 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Selective sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways that act on target organs represent the terminal actors in the neurobiology of homeostasis and often become compromised during a range of neurodegenerative and traumatic disorders. Here, we delineate several neurotransmitter and neuromodulator phenotypes found in diverse parasympathetic and sympathetic ganglia in humans and rodent species. The comparative approach reveals evolutionarily conserved and non-conserved phenotypic marker constellations. A developmental analysis examining the acquisition of selected neurotransmitter properties has provided a detailed, but still incomplete, understanding of the origins of a set of noradrenergic and cholinergic sympathetic neuron populations, found in the cervical and trunk region. A corresponding analysis examining cholinergic and nitrergic parasympathetic neurons in the head, and a range of pelvic neuron populations, with noradrenergic, cholinergic, nitrergic, and mixed transmitter phenotypes, remains open. Of particular interest are the molecular mechanisms and nuclear processes that are responsible for the correlated expression of the various genes required to achieve the noradrenergic phenotype, the segregation of cholinergic locus gene expression, and the regulation of genes that are necessary to generate a nitrergic phenotype. Unraveling the neuron population-specific expression of adhesion molecules, which are involved in axonal outgrowth, pathway selection, and synaptic organization, will advance the study of target-selective autonomic pathway generation.
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21
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Méndez-Maldonado K, Vega-López GA, Aybar MJ, Velasco I. Neurogenesis From Neural Crest Cells: Molecular Mechanisms in the Formation of Cranial Nerves and Ganglia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:635. [PMID: 32850790 PMCID: PMC7427511 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural crest (NC) is a transient multipotent cell population that originates in the dorsal neural tube. Cells of the NC are highly migratory, as they travel considerable distances through the body to reach their final sites. Derivatives of the NC are neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the enteric nervous system as well as non-neural cells. Different signaling pathways triggered by Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs), Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs), Wnt proteins, Notch ligands, retinoic acid (RA), and Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) participate in the processes of induction, specification, cell migration and neural differentiation of the NC. A specific set of signaling pathways and transcription factors are initially expressed in the neural plate border and then in the NC cell precursors to the formation of cranial nerves. The molecular mechanisms of control during embryonic development have been gradually elucidated, pointing to an important role of transcriptional regulators when neural differentiation occurs. However, some of these proteins have an important participation in malformations of the cranial portion and their mutation results in aberrant neurogenesis. This review aims to give an overview of the role of cell signaling and of the function of transcription factors involved in the specification of ganglia precursors and neurogenesis to form the NC-derived cranial nerves during organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Méndez-Maldonado
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Guillermo A Vega-López
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Manuel J Aybar
- Instituto Superior de Investigaciones Biológicas (INSIBIO, CONICET-UNT), San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina.,Instituto de Biología "Dr. Francisco D. Barbieri", Facultad de Bioquímica, Química y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Iván Velasco
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular - Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", Ciudad de México, Mexico
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22
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Vincentz JW, Clouthier DE, Firulli AB. Mis-Expression of a Cranial Neural Crest Cell-Specific Gene Program in Cardiac Neural Crest Cells Modulates HAND Factor Expression, Causing Cardiac Outflow Tract Phenotypes. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020; 7:jcdd7020013. [PMID: 32325975 PMCID: PMC7344951 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7020013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart defects (CHDs) occur with such a frequency that they constitute a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in both children and adults. A significant portion of CHDs can be attributed to aberrant development of the cardiac outflow tract (OFT), and of one of its cellular progenitors known as the cardiac neural crest cells (NCCs). The gene regulatory networks that identify cardiac NCCs as a distinct NCC population are not completely understood. Heart and neural crest derivatives (HAND) bHLH transcription factors play essential roles in NCC morphogenesis. The Hand1PA/OFT enhancer is dependent upon bone morphogenic protein (BMP) signaling in both cranial and cardiac NCCs. The Hand1PA/OFT enhancer is directly repressed by the endothelin-induced transcription factors DLX5 and DLX6 in cranial but not cardiac NCCs. This transcriptional distinction offers the unique opportunity to interrogate NCC specification, and to understand why, despite similarities, cranial NCC fate determination is so diverse. We generated a conditionally active transgene that can ectopically express DLX5 within the developing mouse embryo in a Cre-recombinase-dependent manner. Ectopic DLX5 expression represses cranial NCC Hand1PA/OFT-lacZ reporter expression more effectively than cardiac NCC reporter expression. Ectopic DLX5 expression induces broad domains of NCC cell death within the cranial pharyngeal arches, but minimal cell death in cardiac NCC populations. This study shows that transcription control of NCC gene regulatory programs is influenced by their initial specification at the dorsal neural tube.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua W. Vincentz
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Departments of Pediatrics, Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence: (J.W.V.); (A.B.F.)
| | - David E. Clouthier
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Anthony B. Firulli
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Departments of Pediatrics, Anatomy and Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence: (J.W.V.); (A.B.F.)
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23
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Kameda Y. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of the organogenesis and development of the mammalian carotid body. Dev Dyn 2019; 249:592-609. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Kameda
- Department of AnatomyKitasato University School of Medicine Sagamihara Japan
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24
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Vivancos Stalin L, Gualandi M, Schulte JH, Renella R, Shakhova O, Mühlethaler-Mottet A. Expression of the Neuroblastoma-Associated ALK-F1174L Activating Mutation During Embryogenesis Impairs the Differentiation of Neural Crest Progenitors in Sympathetic Ganglia. Front Oncol 2019; 9:275. [PMID: 31058082 PMCID: PMC6477091 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonal malignancy derived from the abnormal differentiation of the sympathetic nervous system. The Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) gene is frequently altered in NB, through copy number alterations and activating mutations, and represents a predisposition in NB-genesis when mutated. Our previously published data suggested that ALK activating mutations may impair the differentiation potential of neural crest (NC) progenitor cells. Here, we demonstrated that the expression of the endogenous ALK gene starts at E10.5 in the developing sympathetic ganglia (SG). To decipher the impact of deregulated ALK signaling during embryogenesis on the formation and differentiation of sympathetic neuroblasts, Sox10-Cre;LSL-ALK-F1174L embryos were produced to restrict the expression of the human ALK-F1174L transgene to migrating NC cells (NCCs). First, ALK-F1174L mediated an embryonic lethality at mid-gestation and an enlargement of SG with a disorganized architecture in Sox10-Cre;LSL-ALK-F1174L embryos at E10.5 and E11.5. Second, early sympathetic differentiation was severely impaired in Sox10-Cre;LSL-ALK-F1174L embryos. Indeed, their SG displayed a marked increase in the proportion of NCCs and a decrease of sympathetic neuroblasts at both embryonic stages. Third, neuronal and noradrenergic differentiations were blocked in Sox10-Cre;LSL-ALK-F1174L SG, as a reduced proportion of Phox2b+ sympathoblasts expressed βIII-tubulin and almost none were Tyrosine Hydroxylase (TH) positive. Finally, at E10.5, ALK-F1174L mediated an important increase in the proliferation of Phox2b+ progenitors, affecting the transient cell cycle exit observed in normal SG at this embryonic stage. Altogether, we report for the first time that the expression of the human ALK-F1174L mutation in NCCs during embryonic development profoundly disturbs early sympathetic progenitor differentiation, in addition to increasing their proliferation, both mechanisms being potential crucial events in NB oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Vivancos Stalin
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, DFME, University Hospital of Lausanne, CHUV-UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marco Gualandi
- Translational Oncology, Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Hubertus Schulte
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and SCT, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health Berlin, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Berlin and German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Raffaele Renella
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, DFME, University Hospital of Lausanne, CHUV-UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Olga Shakhova
- Translational Oncology, Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annick Mühlethaler-Mottet
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Research Laboratory, DFME, University Hospital of Lausanne, CHUV-UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland
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25
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Xu XF, Wang YC, Zong L, Wang XL. miR-151-5p modulates APH1a expression to participate in contextual fear memory formation. RNA Biol 2019; 16:282-294. [PMID: 30663934 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2019.1572435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term memory formation requires gene expression and new protein synthesis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a family of small non-coding RNAs that inhibit target gene mRNA expression, are involved in new memory formation. In this study, elevated miR-151-5p (miR-151) levels were found to be responsible for hippocampal contextual fear memory formation. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated that miR-151 targets APH1a, a protein that has been identified as a key factor in γ-secretase activity, namely APH1a. Blocking miR-151 can upregulate APH1a protein levels and subsequently impair hippocampal fear memory formation. These results indicate that miR-151 is involved in hippocampal contextual fear memory by inhibiting APH1a protein expression. This work provides novel evidence for the role of miRNAs in memory formation and demonstrates the implication of APH1a protein in miRNA processing in the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Feng Xu
- a Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine , Qingdao University , Qingdao , Shandong , People's Republic of China.,b The Royal, Department of Psychiatry, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine , University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research , Ottawa , Canada.,c Department of Cell and Neurobiology , School of Basic Medicine, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , People's Republic of China
| | - You-Cui Wang
- a Institute of Brain Science and Disease, School of Basic Medicine , Qingdao University , Qingdao , Shandong , People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Zong
- d BGI-Shenzhen , Shenzhen , People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Long Wang
- e Department of Breast Surgery , Qilu hospital, Shandong University , Jinan , Shandong , People's Republic of China
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26
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George RM, Firulli AB. Hand Factors in Cardiac Development. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2018; 302:101-107. [PMID: 30288953 DOI: 10.1002/ar.23910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Congenital heart defects account for 1% of infant mortality and 10% of in utero deaths. As the vertebrate embryo develops, multiple tissue types develop in tandem to morphologically pattern the functional heart. Underlying cardiac development is a network of transcription factors known to tightly control these morphological events. Members of the Twist family of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, Hand1 and Hand2, are essential to this process. The expression patterns and functional role of Hand factors in neural crest cells, endocardium, myocardium, and epicardium is indicative of their importance during cardiogenesis; however, to date, an extensive understanding of the transcriptional targets of Hand proteins and their overall mechanism of action remain unclear. In this review, we summarize the recent findings that further outline the crucial functions of Hand factors during heart development and in post-natal heart function. Anat Rec, 302:101-107, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajani M George
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research Department of Pediatrics, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Anthony B Firulli
- Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research Department of Pediatrics, Anatomy, Biochemistry, Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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27
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Ernsberger U, Rohrer H. Sympathetic tales: subdivisons of the autonomic nervous system and the impact of developmental studies. Neural Dev 2018; 13:20. [PMID: 30213267 PMCID: PMC6137933 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-018-0117-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Remarkable progress in a range of biomedical disciplines has promoted the understanding of the cellular components of the autonomic nervous system and their differentiation during development to a critical level. Characterization of the gene expression fingerprints of individual neurons and identification of the key regulators of autonomic neuron differentiation enables us to comprehend the development of different sets of autonomic neurons. Their individual functional properties emerge as a consequence of differential gene expression initiated by the action of specific developmental regulators. In this review, we delineate the anatomical and physiological observations that led to the subdivision into sympathetic and parasympathetic domains and analyze how the recent molecular insights melt into and challenge the classical description of the autonomic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uwe Ernsberger
- Institute for Clinical Neuroanatomy, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Hermann Rohrer
- Institute for Clinical Neuroanatomy, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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28
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Majewska M, Lipka A, Paukszto L, Jastrzebski JP, Gowkielewicz M, Jozwik M, Majewski MK. Preliminary RNA-Seq Analysis of Long Non-Coding RNAs Expressed in Human Term Placenta. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071894. [PMID: 29954144 PMCID: PMC6073670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Development of particular structures and proper functioning of the placenta are under the influence of sophisticated pathways, controlled by the expression of substantial genes that are additionally regulated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). To date, the expression profile of lncRNA in human term placenta has not been fully established. This study was conducted to characterize the lncRNA expression profile in human term placenta and to verify whether there are differences in the transcriptomic profile between the sex of the fetus and pregnancy multiplicity. RNA-Seq data were used to profile, quantify, and classify lncRNAs in human term placenta. The applied methodology enabled detection of the expression of 4463 isoforms from 2899 annotated lncRNA loci, plus 990 putative lncRNA transcripts from 607 intergenic regions. Those placentally expressed lncRNAs displayed features such as shorter transcript length, longer exon length, fewer exons, and lower expression levels compared to messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Among all placental transcripts, 175,268 were classified as mRNAs and 15,819 as lncRNAs, and 56,727 variants were discovered within unannotated regions. Five differentially expressed lncRNAs (HAND2-AS1, XIST, RP1-97J1.2, AC010084.1, TTTY15) were identified by a sex-bias comparison. Splicing events were detected within 37 genes and 4 lncRNA loci. Functional analysis of cis-related potential targets for lncRNAs identified 2021 enriched genes. It is presumed that the obtained data will expand the current knowledge of lncRNAs in placenta and human non-coding catalogs, making them more contemporary and specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Majewska
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Lipka
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-045 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Lukasz Paukszto
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Jan Pawel Jastrzebski
- Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Marek Gowkielewicz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-045 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Marcin Jozwik
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-045 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Krzysztof Majewski
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland.
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29
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Hockman D, Adameyko I, Kaucka M, Barraud P, Otani T, Hunt A, Hartwig AC, Sock E, Waithe D, Franck MCM, Ernfors P, Ehinger S, Howard MJ, Brown N, Reese J, Baker CVH. Striking parallels between carotid body glomus cell and adrenal chromaffin cell development. Dev Biol 2018; 444 Suppl 1:S308-S324. [PMID: 29807017 PMCID: PMC6453021 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 05/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Carotid body glomus cells mediate essential reflex responses to arterial blood hypoxia. They are dopaminergic and secrete growth factors that support dopaminergic neurons, making the carotid body a potential source of patient-specific cells for Parkinson's disease therapy. Like adrenal chromaffin cells, which are also hypoxia-sensitive, glomus cells are neural crest-derived and require the transcription factors Ascl1 and Phox2b; otherwise, their development is little understood at the molecular level. Here, analysis in chicken and mouse reveals further striking molecular parallels, though also some differences, between glomus and adrenal chromaffin cell development. Moreover, histology has long suggested that glomus cell precursors are ‘émigrés’ from neighbouring ganglia/nerves, while multipotent nerve-associated glial cells are now known to make a significant contribution to the adrenal chromaffin cell population in the mouse. We present conditional genetic lineage-tracing data from mice supporting the hypothesis that progenitors expressing the glial marker proteolipid protein 1, presumably located in adjacent ganglia/nerves, also contribute to glomus cells. Finally, we resolve a paradox for the ‘émigré’ hypothesis in the chicken - where the nearest ganglion to the carotid body is the nodose, in which the satellite glia are neural crest-derived, but the neurons are almost entirely placode-derived - by fate-mapping putative nodose neuronal 'émigrés' to the neural crest. Glomus cell precursors express the neuron-specific marker Elavl3/4 (HuC/D). Developing glomus cells express multiple ‘sympathoadrenal' genes. Glomus cell development requires Hand2 and Sox4/11, but not Ret or Tfap2b. Multipotent progenitors with a glial phenotype contribute to glomus cells. Fate-mapping resolves a paradox for the ganglionic 'émigré' hypothesis in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Hockman
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Anatomy Building, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom; Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom; Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Igor Adameyko
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Brain Research, Medical University Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marketa Kaucka
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Perrine Barraud
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Anatomy Building, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
| | - Tomoki Otani
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Anatomy Building, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Hunt
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Anatomy Building, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom
| | - Anna C Hartwig
- Institut für Biochemie, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Sock
- Institut für Biochemie, Emil-Fischer-Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Fahrstrasse 17, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dominic Waithe
- Wolfson Imaging Centre, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headley Way, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Marina C M Franck
- Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrik Ernfors
- Unit of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, S-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sean Ehinger
- Department of Neurosciences and Program in Neurosciences and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toledo Health Sciences Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Marthe J Howard
- Department of Neurosciences and Program in Neurosciences and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toledo Health Sciences Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Naoko Brown
- Depts. of Pediatrics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2215 B Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jeffrey Reese
- Depts. of Pediatrics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2215 B Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Clare V H Baker
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Anatomy Building, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, United Kingdom.
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30
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Barald KF, Shen YC, Bianchi LM. Chemokines and cytokines on the neuroimmunoaxis: Inner ear neurotrophic cytokines in development and disease. Prospects for repair? Exp Neurol 2018; 301:92-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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31
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Zimmerman MW, Liu Y, He S, Durbin AD, Abraham BJ, Easton J, Shao Y, Xu B, Zhu S, Zhang X, Li Z, Weichert-Leahey N, Young RA, Zhang J, Look AT. MYC Drives a Subset of High-Risk Pediatric Neuroblastomas and Is Activated through Mechanisms Including Enhancer Hijacking and Focal Enhancer Amplification. Cancer Discov 2018; 8:320-335. [PMID: 29284669 PMCID: PMC5856009 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-17-0993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The amplified MYCN gene serves as an oncogenic driver in approximately 20% of high-risk pediatric neuroblastomas. Here, we show that the family member MYC is a potent transforming gene in a separate subset of high-risk neuroblastoma cases (∼10%), based on (i) its upregulation by focal enhancer amplification or genomic rearrangements leading to enhancer hijacking, and (ii) its ability to transform neuroblastoma precursor cells in a transgenic animal model. The aberrant regulatory elements associated with oncogenic MYC activation include focally amplified distal enhancers and translocation of highly active enhancers from other genes to within topologically associating domains containing the MYC gene locus. The clinical outcome for patients with high levels of MYC expression is virtually identical to that of patients with amplification of the MYCN gene, a known high-risk feature of this disease. Together, these findings establish MYC as a bona fide oncogene in a clinically significant group of high-risk childhood neuroblastomas.Significance: Amplification of the MYCN oncogene is a recognized hallmark of high-risk pediatric neuroblastoma. Here, we demonstrate that MYC is also activated as a potent oncogene in a distinct subset of neuroblastoma cases through either focal amplification of distal enhancers or enhancer hijacking mediated by chromosomal translocation. Cancer Discov; 8(3); 320-35. ©2017 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 253.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Zimmerman
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Shuning He
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Adam D Durbin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Brian J Abraham
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - John Easton
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Ying Shao
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Beisi Xu
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee
| | - Shizhen Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Xiaoling Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Zhaodong Li
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nina Weichert-Leahey
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Richard A Young
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jinghui Zhang
- Department of Computational Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.
| | - A Thomas Look
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.
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32
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Chan WH, Anderson CR, Gonsalvez DG. From proliferation to target innervation: signaling molecules that direct sympathetic nervous system development. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 372:171-193. [PMID: 28971249 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2693-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system includes a variety of cells including neurons, endocrine cells and glial cells. A recent study (Furlan et al. 2017) has revised thinking about the developmental origin of these cells. It now appears that sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla do not have an immediate common ancestor in the form a "sympathoadrenal cell", as has been long believed. Instead, chromaffin cells arise from Schwann cell precursors. This review integrates the new findings with the expanding body of knowledge on the signalling pathways and transcription factors that regulate the origin of cells of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- W H Chan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - C R Anderson
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - David G Gonsalvez
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia.
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33
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Végh AMD, Duim SN, Smits AM, Poelmann RE, Ten Harkel ADJ, DeRuiter MC, Goumans MJ, Jongbloed MRM. Part and Parcel of the Cardiac Autonomic Nerve System: Unravelling Its Cellular Building Blocks during Development. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2016; 3:jcdd3030028. [PMID: 29367572 PMCID: PMC5715672 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd3030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2016] [Revised: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (cANS) is essential for proper heart function, and complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias and even sudden cardiac death are associated with an altered cANS function. A changed innervation state may underlie (part of) the atrial and ventricular arrhythmias observed after myocardial infarction. In other cardiac diseases, such as congenital heart disease, autonomic dysfunction may be related to disease outcome. This is also the case after heart transplantation, when the heart is denervated. Interest in the origin of the autonomic nerve system has renewed since the role of autonomic function in disease progression was recognized, and some plasticity in autonomic regeneration is evident. As with many pathological processes, autonomic dysfunction based on pathological innervation may be a partial recapitulation of the early development of innervation. As such, insight into the development of cardiac innervation and an understanding of the cellular background contributing to cardiac innervation during different phases of development is required. This review describes the development of the cANS and focuses on the cellular contributions, either directly by delivering cells or indirectly by secretion of necessary factors or cell-derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M D Végh
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Sjoerd N Duim
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Anke M Smits
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Robert E Poelmann
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 20, 2311 EZ Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Arend D J Ten Harkel
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Marco C DeRuiter
- Department of Anatomy & Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Marie José Goumans
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Monique R M Jongbloed
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Morrison MA, Zimmerman MW, Look AT, Stewart RA. Studying the peripheral sympathetic nervous system and neuroblastoma in zebrafish. Methods Cell Biol 2016; 134:97-138. [PMID: 27312492 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The zebrafish serves as an excellent model to study vertebrate development and disease. Optically clear embryos, combined with tissue-specific fluorescent reporters, permit direct visualization and measurement of peripheral nervous system formation in real time. Additionally, the model is amenable to rapid cellular, molecular, and genetic approaches to determine how developmental mechanisms contribute to disease states, such as cancer. In this chapter, we describe the development of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system (PSNS) in general, and our current understanding of genetic pathways important in zebrafish PSNS development specifically. We also illustrate how zebrafish genetics is used to identify new mechanisms controlling PSNS development and methods for interrogating the potential role of PSNS developmental pathways in neuroblastoma pathogenesis in vivo using the zebrafish MYCN-driven neuroblastoma model.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Morrison
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | | | - A T Look
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - R A Stewart
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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Stanzel S, Stubbusch J, Pataskar A, Howard MJ, Deller T, Ernsberger U, Tiwari VK, Rohrer H, Tsarovina K. Distinct roles of hand2 in developing and adult autonomic neurons. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 76:1111-24. [PMID: 26818017 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The bHLH transcription factor Hand2 is essential for the acquisition and maintenance of noradrenergic properties of embryonic sympathetic neurons and controls neuroblast proliferation. Hand2 is also expressed in embryonic and postnatal parasympathetic ganglia and remains expressed in sympathetic neurons up to the adult stage. Here, we address its function in developing parasympathetic and adult sympathetic neurons. We conditionally deleted Hand2 in the parasympathetic sphenopalatine ganglion by crossing a line of floxed Hand2 mice with DbhiCre transgenic mice, taking advantage of the transient Dbh expression in parasympathetic ganglia. Hand2 elimination does not affect Dbh expression and sphenopalatine ganglion size at E12.5 and E16.5, in contrast to sympathetic ganglia. These findings demonstrate different functions for Hand2 in the parasympathetic and sympathetic lineage. Our previous Hand2 knockdown in postmitotic, differentiated chick sympathetic neurons resulted in decreased expression of noradrenergic marker genes but it was unclear whether Hand2 is required for maintaining noradrenergic neuron identity in adult animals. We now show that Hand2 elimination in adult Dbh-expressing sympathetic neurons does not decrease the expression of Th and Dbh, in contrast to the situation during development. However, gene expression profiling of adult sympathetic neurons identified 75 Hand2-dependent target genes. Interestingly, a notable proportion of down-regulated genes (15%) encode for proteins with synaptic and neurotransmission functions. These results demonstrate a change in Hand2 target genes during maturation of sympathetic neurons. Whereas Hand2 controls genes regulating noradrenergic differentiation during development, Hand2 seems to be involved in the regulation of genes controlling neurotransmission in adult sympathetic neurons. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 1111-1124, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Stanzel
- Developmental Neurobiology, Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, Frankfurt/M, 60438, Germany
| | - Jutta Stubbusch
- Developmental Neurobiology, Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, Frankfurt/M, 60438, Germany
| | - Abhijeet Pataskar
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation, Ackermannweg 4, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Marthe J Howard
- Department of Neurosciences and Program in Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders, University of Toledo Health Sciences Campus, Toledo, Ohio, 43614
| | - Thomas Deller
- Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Goethe University Frankfurt/M, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt/M, 60590, Germany
| | - Uwe Ernsberger
- Developmental Neurobiology, Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, Frankfurt/M, 60438, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Goethe University Frankfurt/M, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt/M, 60590, Germany.,Ernst-Strüngmann-Institute, Deutschordenstr. 46, Frankfurt/M, 60528, Germany
| | - Vijay K Tiwari
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB) Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation, Ackermannweg 4, Mainz, 55128, Germany
| | - Hermann Rohrer
- Developmental Neurobiology, Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, Frankfurt/M, 60438, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Goethe University Frankfurt/M, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt/M, 60590, Germany.,Ernst-Strüngmann-Institute, Deutschordenstr. 46, Frankfurt/M, 60528, Germany
| | - Konstantina Tsarovina
- Developmental Neurobiology, Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, Frankfurt/M, 60438, Germany
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Holzmann J, Hennchen M, Rohrer H. Prox1 identifies proliferating neuroblasts and nascent neurons during neurogenesis in sympathetic ganglia. Dev Neurobiol 2015; 75:1352-67. [PMID: 25788138 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurogenesis in embryonic sympathetic ganglia involves neuroblasts that resume proliferation following neuronal differentiation. As cell cycle exit is not associated with neuronal differentiation, the identity of proliferating neuroblasts is incompletely understood. Here, we use sympathetic ganglia of chick embryos to define the timing of neurogenesis and neuroblast identity focusing on the expression and function of the transcription factor Prox1. We show that a large fraction of neuroblasts has initially withdrawn from the cell cycle at embryonic day 3 (E3), which is reflected by a high proportion of p27(+)/Islet1(+) neuroblasts (63%) and low numbers of EdU(+)/Islet1(+) cells (12%). The proportion of proliferating Islet1(+) neuroblasts, identified by EdU pulse labeling and by the absence of the postmitotic marker p27 increases to reach maximal levels at E5, when virtually all neuroblasts are in the cell cycle (95%). Subsequently, the proportion of EdU-labeled and p27(-) neuroblasts is reduced to reach low levels at E11. Interestingly, the expression of the transcription factor Prox1 is restricted to the neuronal lineage, that is, Sox10(+)/Phox2b(+) neuron progenitors, proliferating p27(-)/Islet1(+) neuroblasts and nascent neurons but is rapidly lost in postmitotic neurons. In vitro and in vivo knockdown and overexpression experiments demonstrate effects of Prox1 in the support of neuroblast proliferation and survival. Taken together, these results define the neurogenesis period in the chick paravertebral sympathetic ganglia including an initial cell cycle withdrawal and identify Prox1 as a marker and regulator of proliferating sympathetic neuroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Holzmann
- Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research; Research Group Developmental Neurobiology, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Melanie Hennchen
- Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research; Research Group Developmental Neurobiology, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Hermann Rohrer
- Max-Planck-Institute for Brain Research; Research Group Developmental Neurobiology, Max-von-Laue-Str. 4, 60438 Frankfurt/Main, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Neuroanatomy, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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Firulli BA, Fuchs RK, Vincentz JW, Clouthier DE, Firulli AB. Hand1 phosphoregulation within the distal arch neural crest is essential for craniofacial morphogenesis. Development 2014; 141:3050-61. [PMID: 25053435 DOI: 10.1242/dev.107680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study we examine the consequences of altering Hand1 phosphoregulation in the developing neural crest cells (NCCs) of mice. Whereas Hand1 deletion in NCCs reveals a nonessential role for Hand1 in craniofacial development and embryonic survival, altering Hand1 phosphoregulation, and consequently Hand1 dimerization affinities, in NCCs results in severe mid-facial clefting and neonatal death. Hand1 phosphorylation mutants exhibit a non-cell-autonomous increase in pharyngeal arch cell death accompanied by alterations in Fgf8 and Shh pathway expression. Together, our data indicate that the extreme distal pharyngeal arch expression domain of Hand1 defines a novel bHLH-dependent activity, and that disruption of established Hand1 dimer phosphoregulation within this domain disrupts normal craniofacial patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A Firulli
- Riley Heart Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Departments of Anatomy and Medical, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, 1044 W. Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5225, USA
| | - Robyn K Fuchs
- Department of Physical Therapy and the Center for Translational Musculoskeletal Research, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Joshua W Vincentz
- Riley Heart Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Departments of Anatomy and Medical, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, 1044 W. Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5225, USA
| | - David E Clouthier
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12801 E 17th Avenue, Rm. 11-109, MS 8120, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Anthony B Firulli
- Riley Heart Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Departments of Anatomy and Medical, Biochemistry, and Molecular Genetics, Indiana Medical School, 1044 W. Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5225, USA
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Segregation of neuronal and neuroendocrine differentiation in the sympathoadrenal lineage. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 359:333-41. [PMID: 25038743 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1947-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal and neuroendocrine cells possess the capacity for Ca(2+)-regulated discharge of messenger molecules, which they release into synapses or the blood stream, respectively. The neural-crest-derived sympathoadrenal lineage gives rise to the sympathetic neurons of the autonomic nervous system and the neuroendocrine chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. These cells provide an excellent model system for studying common and distinct developmental mechanisms underlying the acquisition of neuroendocrine and neuronal properties. As catecholaminergic cells, they possess common markers related to noradrenaline synthesis, storage and release, but they also display diverging gene expression patterns and are morphologically and functionally different. The precise mechanisms that underlie the diversification of sympathoadrenal cells into neurons and neuroendocrine cells are not fully understood. However, in the past we could show that the establishment of a chromaffin phenotype does not depend on signals from the adrenal cortex and that chromaffin cells and sympathetic neurons apparently differ from the onset of their catecholaminergic differentiation. Nevertheless, the cues that specifically induce neuroendocrine features remain elusive. The early development of the progenitors of chromaffin cells and sympathetic neurons depends on a common set of transcription factors with overlapping but distinct influences on their development. In addition to the well-defined role of transcription factors as developmental regulators, our understanding of post-transcriptional gene regulation by microRNAs has substantially increased within the last few decades. This review highlights the major similarities and differences between chromaffin cells and sympathetic neurons, summarizes our current knowledge of the roles of selected transcription factors, microRNAs and environmental signals for the neuroendocrine differentiation of sympathoadrenal cells, and draws comparisons with the development of other endocrine and neuronal cells.
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Maintenance of postmitotic neuronal cell identity. Nat Neurosci 2014; 17:899-907. [PMID: 24929660 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The identity of specific cell types in the nervous system is defined by the expression of neuron type-specific gene batteries. How the expression of such batteries is initiated during nervous system development has been under intensive study over the past few decades. However, comparatively little is known about how gene batteries that define the terminally differentiated state of a neuron type are maintained throughout the life of an animal. Here we provide an overview of studies in invertebrate and vertebrate model systems that have carved out the general and not commonly appreciated principle that neuronal identity is maintained in postmitotic neurons by the sustained, and often autoregulated, expression of the same transcription factors that initiate terminal differentiation in a developing organism. Disruption of postmitotic maintenance mechanisms may result in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions.
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Kameda Y. Signaling molecules and transcription factors involved in the development of the sympathetic nervous system, with special emphasis on the superior cervical ganglion. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 357:527-48. [PMID: 24770894 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1847-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The cells that constitute the sympathetic nervous system originate from the neural crest. This review addresses the current understanding of sympathetic ganglion development viewed from molecular and morphological perspectives. Development of the sympathetic nervous system is categorized into three main steps, as follows: (1) differentiation and migration of cells in the neural crest lineage for formation of the primary sympathetic chain, (2) differentiation of sympathetic progenitors, and (3) growth and survival of sympathetic ganglia. The signaling molecules and transcription factors involved in each of these developmental stages are elaborated mostly on the basis of the results of targeted mutation of respective genes. Analyses in mutant mice revealed differences between the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) and the other posterior sympathetic ganglia. This review provides a summary of the similarities and differences in the development of the SCG and other posterior sympathetic ganglia. Relevant to the development of sympathetic ganglia is the demonstration that neuroendocrine cells, such as adrenal chromaffin cells and carotid body glomus cells, share a common origin with the sympathetic ganglia. Neural crest cells at the trunk level give rise to common sympathoadrenal progenitors of sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells, while progenitors segregated from the SCG give rise to glomus cells. After separation from the sympathetic primordium, the progenitors of both chromaffin cells and glomus cells colonize the anlage of the adrenal gland and carotid body, respectively. This review highlights the biological properties of chromaffin cells and glomus cells, because, although both cell types are derivatives of sympathetic primordium, they are distinct in many respects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoko Kameda
- Department of Anatomy, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan,
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Loss of Hand2 in a population of Periostin lineage cells results in pronounced bradycardia and neonatal death. Dev Biol 2014; 388:149-58. [PMID: 24565998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Revised: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The Periostin Cre (Postn-Cre) lineage includes endocardial and neural crest derived mesenchymal cells of the cardiac cushions, neural crest-derived components of the sympathetic and enteric nervous systems, and cardiac fibroblasts. In this study, we use the Postn-Cre transgenic allele to conditionally ablate Hand2 (H2CKO). We find that Postn-Cre H2CKOs die shortly after birth despite a lack of obvious cardiac structural defects. To ascertain the cause of death, we performed a detailed comparison of the Postn-Cre lineage and Hand2 expression at mid and late stages of embryonic development. Gene expression analyses demonstrate that Postn-Cre ablates Hand2 from the adrenal medulla as well as the sphenopalatine ganglia of the head. In both cases, Hand2 loss-of-function dramatically reduces expression of Dopamine Beta Hydroxylase (Dbh), a gene encoding a crucial catecholaminergic biosynthetic enzyme. Expression of the genes Tyrosine Hydroxylase (Th) and Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (Pnmt), which also encode essential catecholaminergic enzymes, were severely reduced in postnatal adrenal glands. Electrocardiograms demonstrate that 3-day postnatal Postn-Cre H2CKO pups exhibit sinus bradycardia. In conjunction with the aforementioned gene expression analyses, these results strongly suggest that the observed postnatal lethality occurs due to a catecholamine deficiency and subsequent heart failure.
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Harrison C, Shepherd IT. Choices choices: regulation of precursor differentiation during enteric nervous system development. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2013; 25:554-62. [PMID: 23634805 PMCID: PMC4062358 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the largest subdivision of the peripheral nervous system and forms a complex circuit of neurons and glia that controls the function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Within this circuit, there are multiple subtypes of neurons and glia. Appropriate differentiation of these various cell subtypes is vital for normal ENS and GI function. Studies of the pediatric disorder Hirschprung's Disease (HSCR) have provided a number of important insights into the mechanisms and molecules involved in ENS development; however, there are numerous other GI disorders that potentially may result from defects in development/differentiation of only a subset of ENS neurons or glia. Purpose Our understanding of the mechanisms and molecules involved in enteric nervous system differentiation is far from complete. Critically, it remains unclear at what point the fates of enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) become committed to a specific subtype cell fate and how these cell fate choices are made. We will review our current understanding of ENS differentiation and highlight key questions that need to be addressed to gain a more complete understanding of this biological process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Harrison
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
| | - Iain T. Shepherd
- Department of Biology, Emory University, 1510 Clifton Road, Atlanta GA 30322, USA
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Distinct neuroblastoma-associated alterations of PHOX2B impair sympathetic neuronal differentiation in zebrafish models. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003533. [PMID: 23754957 PMCID: PMC3675015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous germline mutations and deletions in PHOX2B, a key regulator of autonomic neuron development, predispose to neuroblastoma, a tumor of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system. To gain insight into the oncogenic mechanisms engaged by these changes, we used zebrafish models to study the functional consequences of aberrant PHOX2B expression in the cells of the developing sympathetic nervous system. Allelic deficiency, modeled by phox2b morpholino knockdown, led to a decrease in the terminal differentiation markers th and dbh in sympathetic ganglion cells. The same effect was seen on overexpression of two distinct neuroblastoma-associated frameshift mutations, 676delG and K155X - but not the R100L missense mutation - in the presence of endogenous Phox2b, pointing to their dominant-negative effects. We demonstrate that Phox2b is capable of regulating itself as well as ascl1, and that phox2b deficiency uncouples this autoregulatory mechanism, leading to inhibition of sympathetic neuron differentiation. This effect on terminal differentiation is associated with an increased number of phox2b+, ascl1+, elavl3− cells that respond poorly to retinoic acid. These findings suggest that a reduced dosage of PHOX2B during development, through either a heterozygous deletion or dominant-negative mutation, imposes a block in the differentiation of sympathetic neuronal precursors, resulting in a cell population that is likely to be susceptible to secondary transforming events. Neuroblastoma, a tumor of the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, is the most common cancer diagnosed in infancy. Although most cases arise sporadically, familial predisposition also occurs in association with mutations in a single copy of the PHOX2B gene, a “master regulator” of sympathetic neuronal development. The exact mechanisms by which these mutations increase susceptibility to neuroblastoma are unclear, primarily because of the paucity of optimal models in which to study very early development of the sympathetic nervous system. We took advantage of the ex vivo development and transparent nature of zebrafish embryos to study the roles of both normal and mutated PHOX2B in development of the sympathetic nervous system. We present data indicating that aberrant PHOX2B expression causes an arrest in the normal maturation of sympathetic neurons, leading to immature cells that are resistant to drug-induced differentiation. Indeed, we demonstrate that phox2b gene “dosage” is important for normal differentiation of sympathetic neurons in the zebrafish and suggest that the population of immature cells resulting from a decreased dosage of this pivotal factor may be susceptible to secondary mutations that could ultimately lead to neuroblastoma.
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Abstract
Cell proliferation during nervous system development is poorly understood outside the mouse neocortex. We measured cell cycle dynamics in the embryonic mouse sympathetic stellate ganglion, where neuroblasts continue to proliferate following neuronal differentiation. At embryonic day (E) 9.5, when neural crest-derived cells were migrating and coalescing into the ganglion primordium, all cells were cycling, cell cycle length was only 10.6 h, and S-phase comprised over 65% of the cell cycle; these values are similar to those previously reported for embryonic stem cells. At E10.5, Sox10(+) cells lengthened their cell cycle to 38 h and reduced the length of S-phase. As cells started to express the neuronal markers Tuj1 and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) at E10.5, they exited the cell cycle. At E11.5, when >80% of cells in the ganglion were Tuj1(+)/TH(+) neuroblasts, all cells were again cycling. Neuroblast cell cycle length did not change significantly after E11.5, and 98% of Sox10(-)/TH(+) cells had exited the cell cycle by E18.5. The cell cycle length of Sox10(+)/TH(-) cells increased during late embryonic development, and ∼25% were still cycling at E18.5. Loss of Ret increased neuroblast cell cycle length at E16.5 and decreased the number of neuroblasts at E18.5. A mathematical model generated from our data successfully predicted the relative change in proportions of neuroblasts and non-neuroblasts in wild-type mice. Our results show that, like other neurons, sympathetic neuron differentiation is associated with exit from the cell cycle; sympathetic neurons are unusual in that they then re-enter the cell cycle before later permanently exiting.
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Abstract
Autonomic cardiac neurons have a common origin in the neural crest but undergo distinct developmental differentiation as they mature toward their adult phenotype. Progenitor cells respond to repulsive cues during migration, followed by differentiation cues from paracrine sources that promote neurochemistry and differentiation. When autonomic axons start to innervate cardiac tissue, neurotrophic factors from vascular tissue are essential for maintenance of neurons before they reach their targets, upon which target-derived trophic factors take over final maturation, synaptic strength and postnatal survival. Although target-derived neurotrophins have a central role to play in development, alternative sources of neurotrophins may also modulate innervation. Both developing and adult sympathetic neurons express proNGF, and adult parasympathetic cardiac ganglion neurons also synthesize and release NGF. The physiological function of these “non-classical” cardiac sources of neurotrophins remains to be determined, especially in relation to autocrine/paracrine sustenance during development.
Cardiac autonomic nerves are closely spatially associated in cardiac plexuses, ganglia and pacemaker regions and so are sensitive to release of neurotransmitter, neuropeptides and trophic factors from adjacent nerves. As such, in many cardiac pathologies, it is an imbalance within the two arms of the autonomic system that is critical for disease progression. Although this crosstalk between sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves has been well established for adult nerves, it is unclear whether a degree of paracrine regulation occurs across the autonomic limbs during development. Aberrant nerve remodeling is a common occurrence in many adult cardiovascular pathologies, and the mechanisms regulating outgrowth or denervation are disparate. However, autonomic neurons display considerable plasticity in this regard with neurotrophins and inflammatory cytokines having a central regulatory function, including in possible neurotransmitter changes. Certainly, neurotrophins and cytokines regulate transcriptional factors in adult autonomic neurons that have vital differentiation roles in development. Particularly for parasympathetic cardiac ganglion neurons, additional examinations of developmental regulatory mechanisms will potentially aid in understanding attenuated parasympathetic function in a number of conditions, including heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wohaib Hasan
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute; Oregon Health & Science University; Portland, OR USA
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Huber K, Narasimhan P, Shtukmaster S, Pfeifer D, Evans SM, Sun Y. The LIM-Homeodomain transcription factor Islet-1 is required for the development of sympathetic neurons and adrenal chromaffin cells. Dev Biol 2013; 380:286-98. [PMID: 23648511 PMCID: PMC5544970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Islet-1 is a LIM-Homeodomain transcription factor with important functions for the development of distinct neuronal and non-neuronal cell populations. We show here that Islet-1 acts genetically downstream of Phox2B in cells of the sympathoadrenal cell lineage and that the development of sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells is impaired in mouse embryos with a conditional deletion of Islet-1 controlled by the wnt1 promotor. Islet-1 is not essential for the initial differentiation of sympathoadrenal cells, as indicated by the correct expression of pan-neuronal and catecholaminergic subtype specific genes in primary sympathetic ganglia of Islet-1 deficient mouse embryos. However, our data indicate that the subsequent survival of sympathetic neuron precursors and their differentiation towards TrkA expressing neurons depends on Islet-1 function. In contrast to spinal sensory neurons, sympathetic neurons of Islet-1 deficient mice did not display ectopic expression of genes normally present in the CNS. In Islet-1 deficient mouse embryos the numbers of chromaffin cells were only mildly reduced, in contrast to that of sympathetic neurons, but the initiation of the adrenaline synthesizing enzyme PNMT was abrogated and the expression level of chromogranin A was diminished. Microarray analysis revealed that developing chromaffin cells of Islet-1 deficient mice displayed normal expression levels of TH, DBH and the transcription factors Phox2B, Mash-1, Hand2, Gata3 and Insm1, but the expression levels of the transcription factors Gata2 and Hand1, and AP-2β were significantly reduced. Together our data indicate that Islet-1 is not essentially required for the initial differentiation of sympathoadrenal cells, but has an important function for the correct subsequent development of sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Huber
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Embryology, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany.
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Obermayr F, Stamp LA, Anderson CR, Young HM. Genetic fate-mapping of tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing cells in the enteric nervous system. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2013; 25:e283-91. [PMID: 23438425 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.12105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During development of the enteric nervous system, a subpopulation of enteric neuron precursors transiently expresses catecholaminergic properties. The progeny of these transiently catecholaminergic (TC) cells have not been fully characterized. METHODS We combined in vivo Cre-lox-based genetic fate-mapping with phenotypic analysis to fate-map enteric neuron subtypes arising from tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing cells. KEY RESULTS Less than 3% of the total (Hu(+) ) neurons in the myenteric plexus of the small intestine of adult mice are generated from transiently TH-expressing cells. Around 50% of the neurons generated from transiently TH-expressing cells are calbindin neurons, but their progeny also include calretinin, neurofilament-M, and serotonin neurons. However, only 30% of the serotonin neurons and small subpopulations (<10%) of the calbindin, calretinin, and neurofilament-M neurons are generated from TH-expressing cells; only 0.2% of nitric oxide synthase neurons arise from TH-expressing cells. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Transiently, catecholaminergic cells give rise to subpopulations of multiple enteric neuron subtypes, but the majority of each of the neuron subtypes arises from non-TC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Obermayr
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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Vincentz JW, Firulli BA, Lin A, Spicer DB, Howard MJ, Firulli AB. Twist1 controls a cell-specification switch governing cell fate decisions within the cardiac neural crest. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003405. [PMID: 23555309 PMCID: PMC3605159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural crest cells are multipotent progenitor cells that can generate both ectodermal cell types, such as neurons, and mesodermal cell types, such as smooth muscle. The mechanisms controlling this cell fate choice are not known. The basic Helix-loop-Helix (bHLH) transcription factor Twist1 is expressed throughout the migratory and post-migratory cardiac neural crest. Twist1 ablation or mutation of the Twist-box causes differentiation of ectopic neuronal cells, which molecularly resemble sympathetic ganglia, in the cardiac outflow tract. Twist1 interacts with the pro-neural factor Sox10 via its Twist-box domain and binds to the Phox2b promoter to repress transcriptional activity. Mesodermal cardiac neural crest trans-differentiation into ectodermal sympathetic ganglia-like neurons is dependent upon Phox2b function. Ectopic Twist1 expression in neural crest precursors disrupts sympathetic neurogenesis. These data demonstrate that Twist1 functions in post-migratory neural crest cells to repress pro-neural factors and thereby regulate cell fate determination between ectodermal and mesodermal lineages. During vertebrate development, a unique population of cells, termed neural crest cells, migrates throughout the developing embryo, generating various cell types, for example, the smooth muscle that divides the aorta and pulmonary artery where they connect to the heart, and the autonomic neurons, which coordinate organ function. The distinctions between neural crest cells that will form smooth muscle and those that will become neurons are thought to occur prior to migration. Here, we show that, in mice with mutations of the transcription factor Twist1, a subpopulation of presumptive smooth muscle cells, following migration to the heart, instead mis-specify to resemble autonomic neurons. Twist1 represses transcription of the pro-neural factor Phox2b both through antagonism of its upstream effector, Sox10, and through direct binding to its promoter. Phox2b is absolutely required for autonomic neuron development, and indeed, the aberrant neurons in Twist1 mutants disappear when Phox2b is also mutated. Ectopic Twist1 expression within all neural crest cells disrupts the specification of normal autonomic neurons. Collectively, these data reveal that neural crest cells can alter their cell fate from mesoderm to ectoderm after they have migrated and that Twist1 functions to maintain neural crest cell potency during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua W Vincentz
- Riley Heart Research Center, Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Division of Pediatrics Cardiology, Departments of Anatomy, Indiana University Medical School, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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TFE2 and GATA3 enhance induction of POU4F3 and myosin VIIa positive cells in nonsensory cochlear epithelium by ATOH1. Dev Biol 2012; 372:68-80. [PMID: 22985730 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Revised: 08/01/2012] [Accepted: 09/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) can regulate different sets of genes to determine specific cell types by means of combinatorial codes. We previously identified closely-spaced TF binding motifs located 8.2-8.5 kb 5' to the ATG of the murine Pou4f3 gene, a gene required for late hair cell (HC) differentiation and survival. These motifs, 100% conserved among four mammalian species, include a cluster of E-boxes preferred by TCF3/ATOH1 heterodimers as well as motifs for GATA factors and SP1. We hypothesized that these factors might interact to regulate the Pou4f3 gene and possibly induce a HC phenotype in non-sensory cells of the cochlea. Cochlear sensory epithelium explants were prepared from postnatal day 1.5 transgenic mice in which expression of GFP is driven by 8.5 kb of Pou4f3 5' genomic DNA (Pou4f3/GFP). Electroporation was used to transfect cells of the greater epithelial ridge with multiple plasmids encoding human ATOH1 (hATOH1), hTCF3 (also known as E2A or TEF2), hGATA3, and hSP1. hATOH1 or hTCF3 alone induced Pou4f3/GFP cells but hGATA3 and hSP1 did not. hATOH1 but not hTCF3 induced conversion of greater epithelial ridge cells into Pou4f3/GFP and myosin VIIa double-positive cells. Transfection of hATOH1 in combination with hTCF3 or hGATA3 induced 2-3X more Pou4f3/GFP cells, and similarly enhanced Pou4f3/GFP and myosin VIIa double-positive cells, when compared to hATOH1 alone. Triple or quadruple TF combinations were generally not more effective than double TF combinations except in the middle turn, where co-transfection of hATOH1, hE2A, and hGATA3 was more effective than hATOH1 plus either hTCF3 or hGATA3. The results demonstrate that TFs can cooperate in regulation of the Pou4f3 gene and in the induction of at least one other element of a HC phenotype. Our data further indicate that combinations of TFs can be more effective than individual TFs in the inner ear.
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Vincentz JW, Rubart M, Firulli AB. Ontogeny of cardiac sympathetic innervation and its implications for cardiac disease. Pediatr Cardiol 2012; 33:923-8. [PMID: 22395650 PMCID: PMC3391355 DOI: 10.1007/s00246-012-0248-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate heart is innervated by the sympathetic and parasympathetic components of the peripheral autonomic nervous system, which regulates its contractile rate and force. Understanding the mechanisms that control sympathetic neuronal growth, differentiation, and innervation of the heart may provide insight into the etiology of cardiac arrhythmogenesis. This review provides an overview of the cell signaling pathways and transcriptional effectors that regulate both the noradrenergic gene program during sympathetic neurogenesis and regional nerve density during cardiac innervation. Recent studies exploring transcriptional regulation of the bHLH transcription factor Hand1 in developing sympathetic neurons are explored, and how the Hand1 sympathetic neuron-specific cis-regulatory element may be used further to assess the contribution of altered sympathetic innervation to human cardiac disease is discussed.
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