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McNamara HM, Jia BZ, Guyer A, Parot VJ, Dobbs C, Schier AF, Cohen AE, Lord ND. Optogenetic control of Nodal signaling patterns. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.11.588875. [PMID: 38645239 PMCID: PMC11030342 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.11.588875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
A crucial step in early embryogenesis is the establishment of spatial patterns of signaling activity. Tools to perturb morphogen signals with high resolution in space and time can help reveal how embryonic cells decode these signals to make appropriate fate decisions. Here, we present new optogenetic reagents and an experimental pipeline for creaHng designer Nodal signaling patterns in live zebrafish embryos. Nodal receptors were fused to the light-sensitive heterodimerizing pair Cry2/CIB1N, and the Type II receptor was sequestered to the cytosol. The improved optoNodal2 reagents eliminate dark activity and improve response kinetics, without sacrificing dynamic range. We adapted an ultra-widefield microscopy platform for parallel light patterning in up to 36 embryos and demonstrated precise spatial control over Nodal signaling activity and downstream gene expression. Patterned Nodal activation drove precisely controlled internalization of endodermal precursors. Further, we used patterned illumination to generate synthetic signaling patterns in Nodal signaling mutants, rescuing several characteristic developmental defects. This study establishes an experimental toolkit for systematic exploration of Nodal signaling patterns in live embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bill Z. Jia
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alison Guyer
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vicente J. Parot
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Caleb Dobbs
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Adam E. Cohen
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nathan D. Lord
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- McGowan Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA
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2
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Horvat Mercnik M, Schliefsteiner C, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Wadsack C. TGFβ signalling: a nexus between inflammation, placental health and preeclampsia throughout pregnancy. Hum Reprod Update 2024:dmae007. [PMID: 38519450 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmae007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placenta is a unique and pivotal organ in reproduction, controlling crucial growth and cell differentiation processes that ensure a successful pregnancy. Placental development is a tightly regulated and dynamic process, in which the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily plays a central role. This family of pleiotropic growth factors is heavily involved in regulating various aspects of reproductive biology, particularly in trophoblast differentiation during the first trimester of pregnancy. TGFβ signalling precisely regulates trophoblast invasion and the cell transition from cytotrophoblasts to extravillous trophoblasts, which is an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-like process. Later in pregnancy, TGFβ signalling ensures proper vascularization and angiogenesis in placental endothelial cells. Beyond its role in trophoblasts and endothelial cells, TGFβ signalling contributes to the polarization and function of placental and decidual macrophages by promoting maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic foetus. Disturbances in early placental development have been associated with several pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia (PE) which is one of the severe complications. Emerging evidence suggests that TGFβ is involved in the pathogenesis of PE, thereby offering a potential target for intervention in the human placenta. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This comprehensive review aims to explore and elucidate the roles of the major members of the TGFβ superfamily, including TGFβs, bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), activins, inhibins, nodals, and growth differentiation factors (GDFs), in the context of placental development and function. The review focusses on their interactions within the major cell types of the placenta, namely trophoblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, in both normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by PE throughout pregnancy. SEARCH METHODS A literature search was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar, searching terms: 'TGF signalling preeclampsia', 'pregnancy TGF signalling', 'preeclampsia tgfβ', 'preeclampsia bmp', 'preeclampsia gdf', 'preeclampsia activin', 'endoglin preeclampsia', 'endoglin pregnancy', 'tgfβ signalling pregnancy', 'bmp signalling pregnancy', 'gdf signalling pregnancy', 'activin signalling pregnancy', 'Hofbauer cell tgfβ signalling', 'placental macrophages tgfβ', 'endothelial cells tgfβ', 'endothelium tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ signalling', 'trophoblast invasion Smad', 'trophoblast invasion bmp', 'trophoblast invasion tgfβ', 'tgfβ preeclampsia', 'tgfβ placental development', 'TGFβ placental function', 'endothelial dysfunction preeclampsia tgfβ signalling', 'vascular remodelling placenta TGFβ', 'inflammation pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune response pregnancy tgfβ', 'immune tolerance pregnancy tgfβ', 'TGFβ pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy NK cells', 'bmp pregnancy tregs', 'tgfβ pregnancy tregs', 'TGFβ placenta NK cells', 'TGFβ placenta tregs', 'NK cells preeclampsia', 'Tregs preeclampsia'. Only articles published in English until 2023 were used. OUTCOMES A comprehensive understanding of TGFβ signalling and its role in regulating interconnected cell functions of the main placental cell types provides valuable insights into the processes essential for successful placental development and growth of the foetus during pregnancy. By orchestrating trophoblast invasion, vascularization, immune tolerance, and tissue remodelling, TGFβ ligands contribute to the proper functioning of a healthy maternal-foetal interface. However, dysregulation of TGFβ signalling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of PE, where the shallow trophoblast invasion, defective vascular remodelling, decreased uteroplacental perfusion, and endothelial cell and immune dysfunction observed in PE, are all affected by an altered TGFβ signalling. WIDER IMPLICATIONS The dysregulation of TGFβ signalling in PE has important implications for research and clinical practice. Further investigation is required to understand the underlying mechanisms, including the role of different ligands and their regulation under pathophysiological conditions, in order to discover new therapeutic targets. Distinguishing between clinically manifested subtypes of PE and studying TGFβ signalling in different placental cell types holistically is an important first step. To put this knowledge into practice, pre-clinical animal models combined with new technologies are needed. This may also lead to improved human research models and identify potential therapeutic targets, ultimately improving outcomes for affected pregnancies and reducing the burden of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gonzalo Sanchez-Duffhues
- Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology Research Center (CINN-CSIC), Tissue-Specific BMP Signalling ISPA-HUCA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Christian Wadsack
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria
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3
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Fox SC, Waskiewicz AJ. Transforming growth factor beta signaling and craniofacial development: modeling human diseases in zebrafish. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1338070. [PMID: 38385025 PMCID: PMC10879340 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1338070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans and other jawed vertebrates rely heavily on their craniofacial skeleton for eating, breathing, and communicating. As such, it is vital that the elements of the craniofacial skeleton develop properly during embryogenesis to ensure a high quality of life and evolutionary fitness. Indeed, craniofacial abnormalities, including cleft palate and craniosynostosis, represent some of the most common congenital abnormalities in newborns. Like many other organ systems, the development of the craniofacial skeleton is complex, relying on specification and migration of the neural crest, patterning of the pharyngeal arches, and morphogenesis of each skeletal element into its final form. These processes must be carefully coordinated and integrated. One way this is achieved is through the spatial and temporal deployment of cell signaling pathways. Recent studies conducted using the zebrafish model underscore the importance of the Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathways in craniofacial development. Although both pathways contain similar components, each pathway results in unique outcomes on a cellular level. In this review, we will cover studies conducted using zebrafish that show the necessity of these pathways in each stage of craniofacial development, starting with the induction of the neural crest, and ending with the morphogenesis of craniofacial elements. We will also cover human skeletal and craniofacial diseases and malformations caused by mutations in the components of these pathways (e.g., cleft palate, craniosynostosis, etc.) and the potential utility of zebrafish in studying the etiology of these diseases. We will also briefly cover the utility of the zebrafish model in joint development and biology and discuss the role of TGF-β/BMP signaling in these processes and the diseases that result from aberrancies in these pathways, including osteoarthritis and multiple synostoses syndrome. Overall, this review will demonstrate the critical roles of TGF-β/BMP signaling in craniofacial development and show the utility of the zebrafish model in development and disease.
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4
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Dingal PCDP, Carte AN, Montague TG, Lim Suan MB, Schier AF. Molecular mechanisms controlling the biogenesis of the TGF-β signal Vg1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2307203120. [PMID: 37844219 PMCID: PMC10614602 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307203120] [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: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The TGF-beta signals Vg1 (Dvr1/Gdf3) and Nodal form heterodimers to induce vertebrate mesendoderm. The Vg1 proprotein is a monomer retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is processed and secreted upon heterodimerization with Nodal, but the mechanisms underlying Vg1 biogenesis are largely elusive. Here, we clarify the mechanisms underlying Vg1 retention, processing, secretion, and signaling and introduce a Synthetic Processing (SynPro) system that enables the programmed cleavage of ER-resident and extracellular proteins. First, we find that Vg1 can be processed by intra- or extracellular proteases. Second, Vg1 can be processed without Nodal but requires Nodal for secretion and signaling. Third, Vg1-Nodal signaling activity requires Vg1 processing, whereas Nodal can remain unprocessed. Fourth, Vg1 employs exposed cysteines, glycosylated asparagines, and BiP chaperone-binding motifs for monomer retention in the ER. These observations suggest two mechanisms for rapid mesendoderm induction: Chaperone-binding motifs help store Vg1 as an inactive but ready-to-heterodimerize monomer in the ER, and the flexibility of Vg1 processing location allows efficient generation of active heterodimers both intra- and extracellularly. These results establish SynPro as an in vivo processing system and define molecular mechanisms and motifs that facilitate the generation of active TGF-beta heterodimers.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. C. Dave P. Dingal
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Adam N. Carte
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Tessa G. Montague
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
| | - Medel B. Lim Suan
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX75080
| | - Alexander F. Schier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA02138
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4056Basel, Switzerland
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98109
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5
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Sun H, Chen Y, Yan K, Shao Y, Zhang QC, Lin Y, Xi Q. Recruitment of TRIM33 to cell-context specific PML nuclear bodies regulates nodal signaling in mESCs. EMBO J 2023; 42:e112058. [PMID: 36524443 PMCID: PMC9890237 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022112058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
TRIM33 is a chromatin reader required for mammalian mesendoderm differentiation after activation of Nodal signaling, while its role in mESCs is still elusive. Here, we report that TRIM33 co-localizes with promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) specifically in mESCs, to mediate Nodal signaling-directed transcription of Lefty1/2. We show that TRIM33 puncta formation in mESCs depends on PML and on specific assembly of PML-NBs. Moreover, TRIM33 and PML co-regulate Lefty1/2 expression in mESCs, with both PML protein and formation of mESCs-specific PML-NBs being required for TRIM33 recruitment to these loci, and PML-NBs directly associating with the Lefty1/2 loci. Finally, a TurboID proximity-labeling experiment confirmed that TRIM33 is highly enriched only in mESCs-specific PML-NBs. Thus, our study supports a model in which TRIM33 condensates regulate Nodal signaling-directed transcription in mESCs and shows that PML-NBs can recruit distinct sets of client proteins in a cell-context-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyao Sun
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Joint Graduate Program of Peking‐Tsinghua‐NIBSTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yutong Chen
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Kun Yan
- Tsinghua‐Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yanqiu Shao
- Tsinghua‐Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Qiangfeng C Zhang
- Joint Graduate Program of Peking‐Tsinghua‐NIBSTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- Tsinghua‐Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yi Lin
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain ResearchTsinghua‐Peking Joint Centre for Life SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Qiaoran Xi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
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6
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Kong X, Yan K, Deng P, Fu H, Sun H, Huang W, Jiang S, Dai J, Zhang QC, Liu JJG, Xi Q. LncRNA-Smad7 mediates cross-talk between Nodal/TGF-β and BMP signaling to regulate cell fate determination of pluripotent and multipotent cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:10526-10543. [PMID: 36134711 PMCID: PMC9561265 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac780] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily proteins are potent regulators of cellular development and differentiation. Nodal/Activin/TGF-β and BMP ligands are both present in the intra- and extracellular milieu during early development, and cross-talk between these two branches of developmental signaling is currently the subject of intense research focus. Here, we show that the Nodal induced lncRNA-Smad7 regulates cell fate determination via repression of BMP signaling in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Depletion of lncRNA-Smad7 dramatically impairs cardiomyocyte differentiation in mESCs. Moreover, lncRNA-Smad7 represses Bmp2 expression through binding with the Bmp2 promoter region via (CA)12-repeats that forms an R-loop. Importantly, Bmp2 knockdown rescues defects in cardiomyocyte differentiation induced by lncRNA-Smad7 knockdown. Hence, lncRNA-Smad7 antagonizes BMP signaling in mESCs, and similarly regulates cell fate determination between osteocyte and myocyte formation in C2C12 mouse myoblasts. Moreover, lncRNA-Smad7 associates with hnRNPK in mESCs and hnRNPK binds at the Bmp2 promoter, potentially contributing to Bmp2 expression repression. The antagonistic effects between Nodal/TGF-β and BMP signaling via lncRNA-Smad7 described in this work provides a framework for understanding cell fate determination in early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Kong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Kun Yan
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Pujuan Deng
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Haipeng Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Hongyao Sun
- Joint Graduate Program of Peking-Tsinghua-NIBS, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wenze Huang
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuangying Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Junbiao Dai
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Synthetic Genomics, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Qiangfeng Cliff Zhang
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jun-Jie Gogo Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qiaoran Xi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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7
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Fu H, Wang T, Kong X, Yan K, Yang Y, Cao J, Yuan Y, Wang N, Kee K, Lu ZJ, Xi Q. A Nodal enhanced micropeptide NEMEP regulates glucose uptake during mesendoderm differentiation of embryonic stem cells. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3984. [PMID: 35810171 PMCID: PMC9271079 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31762-x] [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: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β family proteins including Nodal are known as central regulators of early development in metazoans, yet our understanding of the scope of Nodal signaling’s downstream targets and associated physiological mechanisms in specifying developmentally appropriate cell fates is far from complete. Here, we identified a highly conserved, transmembrane micropeptide—NEMEP—as a direct target of Nodal signaling in mesendoderm differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), and this micropeptide is essential for mesendoderm differentiation. We showed that NEMEP interacts with the glucose transporters GLUT1/GLUT3 and promotes glucose uptake likely through these interactions. Thus, beyond expanding the scope of known Nodal signaling targets in early development and showing that this target micropeptide augments the glucose uptake during mesendoderm differentiation, our study provides a clear example for the direct functional impact of altered glucose metabolism on cell fate determination. Fu et al. identify the highly conserved, transmembrane micropeptide, NEMEP, as a direct target of Nodal signaling, essential for mesendoderm differentiation. NEMEP interacts with the glucose transporters GLUT1/GLUT3 and promotes glucose uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Fu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Tingyu Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xiaohui Kong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Kun Yan
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yang Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,Joint Graduate Program of Peking-Tsinghua-NIBS, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Jingyi Cao
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yafei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Kehkooi Kee
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhi John Lu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.,MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Qiaoran Xi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Protein Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China. .,Joint Graduate Program of Peking-Tsinghua-NIBS, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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8
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Knowles H, Santucci N, Studdert J, Goh HN, Kaufman-Francis K, Salehin N, Tam PPL, Osteil P. Differential impact of TGFβ/SMAD signaling activity elicited by Activin A and Nodal on endoderm differentiation of epiblast stem cells. Genesis 2022; 60:e23466. [PMID: 35104045 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23466] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Allocation of cells to an endodermal fate in the gastrulating embryo is driven by Nodal signaling and consequent activation of TGFβ pathway. In vitro methodologies striving to recapitulate the process of endoderm differentiation, however, use TGFβ family member Activin in place of Nodal. This is despite Activin not known to have an in vivo role in endoderm differentiation. In this study, five epiblast stem cell lines were subjected to directed differentiation using both Activin A and Nodal to induce endodermal fate. A reporter line harboring endoderm markers FoxA2 and Sox17 was further analyzed for TGFβ pathway activation and WNT response. We demonstrated that Activin A-treated cells remain more primitive streak-like when compared to Nodal-treated cells that have a molecular profile suggestive of more advanced differentiation. Activin A elicited a robust TGFβ/SMAD activity, enhanced WNT signaling activity and promoted the generation of DE precursors. Nodal treatment resulted in lower TGFβ/SMAD activity, and a weaker, sustained WNT response, and ultimately failed to upregulate endoderm markers. This is despite signaling response resembling more closely the activity seen in vivo. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding the downstream activities of Activin A and Nodal signaling in directing in vitro endoderm differentiation of primed-state epiblast stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Knowles
- Embryology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Santucci
- Embryology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joshua Studdert
- Embryology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hwee Ngee Goh
- Embryology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Keren Kaufman-Francis
- Embryology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nazmus Salehin
- Embryology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patrick P L Tam
- Embryology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pierre Osteil
- Embryology Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia.,Swiss Cancer Research Institute (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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9
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Pawlak JB, Blobe GC. TGF-β superfamily co-receptors in cancer. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:137-163. [PMID: 33797167 PMCID: PMC8484463 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily signaling via their cognate receptors is frequently modified by TGF-β superfamily co-receptors. Signaling through SMAD-mediated pathways may be enhanced or depressed depending on the specific co-receptor and cell context. This dynamic effect on signaling is further modified by the release of many of the co-receptors from the membrane to generate soluble forms that are often antagonistic to the membrane-bound receptors. The co-receptors discussed here include TβRIII (betaglycan), endoglin, BAMBI, CD109, SCUBE proteins, neuropilins, Cripto-1, MuSK, and RGMs. Dysregulation of these co-receptors can lead to altered TGF-β superfamily signaling that contributes to the pathophysiology of many cancers through regulation of growth, metastatic potential, and the tumor microenvironment. Here we describe the role of several TGF-β superfamily co-receptors on TGF-β superfamily signaling and the impact on cellular and physiological functions with a particular focus on cancer, including a discussion on recent pharmacological advances and potential clinical applications targeting these co-receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard C. Blobe
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center,Corresponding author: Gerard Blobe, B354 LSRC, Box 91004 DUMC, Durham, NC 27708, , 919-668-1352
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10
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Untiveros G, Dezi L, Gillette M, Sidor J, Strizzi L. Normal Skin Cells Increase Aggressiveness of Cutaneous Melanoma by Promoting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via Nodal and Wnt Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11719. [PMID: 34769150 PMCID: PMC8583838 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a lethal form of skin cancer triggered by genetic and environmental factors. Excision of early-stage, poorly aggressive melanoma often leads to a successful outcome; however, left undiagnosed these lesions can progress to metastatic disease. This research investigates whether the exposure of poorly aggressive melanoma to certain normal skin cells can explain how non-metastatic melanoma becomes more aggressive while still confined to the skin. To this end, we used a serial co-culture approach to sequentially expose cells from two different, poorly aggressive human melanoma cell lines against normal cells of the skin beginning with normal melanocytes, then epidermal keratinocytes, and finally dermal fibroblasts. Protein extraction of melanoma cells occurred at each step of the co-culture sequence for western blot (WB) analysis. In addition, morphological and functional changes were assessed to detect differences between the serially co-cultured melanoma cells and non-co-cultured cells. Results show that the co-cultured melanoma cells assumed a more mesenchymal morphology and displayed a significant increase in proliferation and invasiveness compared to control or reference cells. WB analysis of protein from the co-cultured melanoma cells showed increased expression of Snail and decreased levels of E-cadherin suggesting that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is occurring in these co-cultured cells. Additional WB analysis showed increased levels of Nodal protein and signaling and signs of increased Wnt activity in the co-cultured melanoma cells compared to reference cells. These data suggest that interaction between poorly aggressive melanoma cells with normal cells of the skin may regulate the transition from localized, poorly aggressive melanoma to invasive, metastatic disease via Nodal and/or Wnt induced EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Untiveros
- Department of Pathology, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA;
| | - Lindsay Dezi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA;
| | - Megan Gillette
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (M.G.); (J.S.)
| | - Julia Sidor
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (M.G.); (J.S.)
| | - Luigi Strizzi
- Department of Pathology, College of Graduate Studies, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
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11
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Garcia de Vinuesa A, Sanchez-Duffhues G, Blaney-Davidson E, van Caam A, Lodder K, Ramos Y, Kloppenburg M, Meulenbelt I, van der Kraan P, Goumans MJ, Ten Dijke P. Cripto favors chondrocyte hypertrophy via TGF-β SMAD1/5 signaling during development of osteoarthritis. J Pathol 2021; 255:330-342. [PMID: 34357595 PMCID: PMC9292799 DOI: 10.1002/path.5774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Chondrocytes in mice developing osteoarthritis (OA) exhibit an aberrant response to the secreted cytokine transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, consisting in a potentiation of intracellular signaling downstream of the transmembrane type I receptor kinase activin receptor‐like kinase (ALK)1 against canonical TGF‐β receptor ALK5‐mediated signaling. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In order to identify novel druggable targets for OA, we aimed to investigate novel molecules regulating the ALK1/ALK5 balance in OA chondrocytes. We performed gene expression analysis of TGF‐β signaling modulators in joints from three different mouse models of OA and found an upregulated expression of the TGF‐β co‐receptor Cripto (Tdgf1), which was validated in murine and human cartilage OA samples at the protein level. In vitro and ex vivo, elevated expression of Cripto favors the hypertrophic differentiation of chondrocytes, eventually contributing to tissue calcification. Furthermore, we found that Cripto participates in a TGF‐β–ALK1–Cripto receptor complex in the plasma membrane, thereby inducing catabolic SMAD1/5 signaling in chondrocytes. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Cripto is expressed in OA and plays a functional role promoting chondrocyte hypertrophy, thereby becoming a novel potential therapeutic target in OA, for which there is no efficient cure or validated biomarker. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya Garcia de Vinuesa
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Oncode Institute, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gonzalo Sanchez-Duffhues
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Esmeralda Blaney-Davidson
- Experimental Rheumatology & Advanced Therapeutics, Radboud University, Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan van Caam
- Experimental Rheumatology & Advanced Therapeutics, Radboud University, Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Lodder
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Yolande Ramos
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Margreet Kloppenburg
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Meulenbelt
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter van der Kraan
- Experimental Rheumatology & Advanced Therapeutics, Radboud University, Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Oncode Institute, Leiden, The Netherlands
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12
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Krsteski J, Gorenjak M, But I, Pakiž M, Potočnik U. Dysregulation of Synaptic Signaling Genes Is Involved in Biology of Uterine Leiomyoma. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1179. [PMID: 34440356 PMCID: PMC8394462 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas are tumors, which are hormone driven and originate from the smooth muscle layer of the uterine wall. In addition to known genes in leiomyoma pathogenesis, recent approaches also highlight epigenetic malfunctions as an important mechanism of gene dysregulation. RNA sequencing raw data from pair-matched normal myometrium and fibroid tumors from two independent studies were used as discovery and validation sets and reanalyzed. RNA extracted from normal myometrium and fibroid tumors from 58 Slovenian patients was used as independent confirmation of most significant differentially expressed genes. Subsequently, GWA data from leiomyoma patients were used in order to identify genetic variants at epigenetic marks. Gene Ontology analysis of the overlap of two independent RNA-seq analyses showed that NPTX1, NPTX2, CHRM2, DRD2 and CACNA1A were listed as significant for several enriched GO terms. All five genes were subsequently confirmed in the independent Slovenian cohort. Additional integration and functional analysis showed that genetic variants in these five gene regions are listed at a chromatin structure and state, predicting promoters, enhancers, DNase hypersensitivity and altered transcription factor binding sites. We identified a unique subgroup of dysregulated synaptic signaling genes involved in the biology and pathogenesis of leiomyomas, adding to the complexity of tumor biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovan Krsteski
- Centre for Human Molecular Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (J.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Mario Gorenjak
- Centre for Human Molecular Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (J.K.); (M.G.)
| | - Igor But
- Department of General Gynecology and Gynecological Urology, University Clinical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska ulica 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (I.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Maja Pakiž
- Department of General Gynecology and Gynecological Urology, University Clinical Centre Maribor, Ljubljanska ulica 5, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (I.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Uroš Potočnik
- Centre for Human Molecular Genetics and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Taborska ulica 8, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia; (J.K.); (M.G.)
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genomics, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
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13
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Arboretto P, Cillo M, Leonardi A. New Insights into Cancer Targeted Therapy: Nodal and Cripto-1 as Attractive Candidates. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157838. [PMID: 34360603 PMCID: PMC8345935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling is fundamental for correct embryonic development. However, alterations of this pathway have been correlated with oncogenesis, tumor progression and sustaining of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Cripto-1 (CR-1) and Nodal are two embryonic proteins involved in TGF-β signaling. Their expression is almost undetectable in terminally differentiated cells, but they are often re-expressed in tumor cells, especially in CSCs. Moreover, cancer cells that show high levels of CR-1 and/or Nodal display more aggressive phenotypes in vitro, while in vivo their expression correlates with a worse prognosis in several human cancers. The ability to target CSCs still represents an unmet medical need for the complete eradication of certain types of tumors. Given the prognostic role and the selective expression of CR-1 and Nodal on cancer cells, they represent archetypes for targeted therapy. The aim of this review is to clarify the role of CR-1 and Nodal in cancer stem populations and to summarize the current therapeutic strategy to target CSCs using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or other molecular tools to interfere with these two proteins.
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Lord ND, Carte AN, Abitua PB, Schier AF. The pattern of nodal morphogen signaling is shaped by co-receptor expression. eLife 2021; 10:e54894. [PMID: 34036935 PMCID: PMC8266389 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryos must communicate instructions to their constituent cells over long distances. These instructions are often encoded in the concentration of signals called morphogens. In the textbook view, morphogen molecules diffuse from a localized source to form a concentration gradient, and target cells adopt fates by measuring the local morphogen concentration. However, natural patterning systems often incorporate numerous co-factors and extensive signaling feedback, suggesting that embryos require additional mechanisms to generate signaling patterns. Here, we examine the mechanisms of signaling pattern formation for the mesendoderm inducer Nodal during zebrafish embryogenesis. We find that Nodal signaling activity spans a normal range in the absence of signaling feedback and relay, suggesting that diffusion is sufficient for Nodal gradient formation. We further show that the range of endogenous Nodal ligands is set by the EGF-CFC co-receptor Oep: in the absence of Oep, Nodal activity spreads to form a nearly uniform distribution throughout the embryo. In turn, increasing Oep levels sensitizes cells to Nodal ligands. We recapitulate these experimental results with a computational model in which Oep regulates the diffusive spread of Nodal ligands by setting the rate of capture by target cells. This model predicts, and we confirm in vivo, the surprising observation that a failure to replenish Oep transforms the Nodal signaling gradient into a travelling wave. These results reveal that patterns of Nodal morphogen signaling are shaped by co-receptor-mediated restriction of ligand spread and sensitization of responding cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan D Lord
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Adam N Carte
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology PhD Program, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Biozentrum, University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Philip B Abitua
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
| | - Alexander F Schier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard UniversityCambridgeUnited States
- Biozentrum, University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, University of WashingtonSeattleUnited States
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15
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Ishii H, Afify SM, Hassan G, Salomon DS, Seno M. Cripto-1 as a Potential Target of Cancer Stem Cells for Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102491. [PMID: 34065315 PMCID: PMC8160785 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer immunotherapy is gaining attention as a potential fourth treatment following surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Cancer stem cells have recently been recognized and validated as a key target for cancer treatment. Cripto-1, which is a GPI-anchored membrane-bound protein that functions as a co-receptor of Nodal, is a marker of cancer stem cells. Since Nodal is a member of the TGF-β family, which performs an important role in stem cells and cancer stem cells, the inhibition of Cripto-1 could be a strategy by which to block Nodal signaling and thereby suppress cancer stem cells. We propose that Cripto-1 may be a novel target for cancer immunotherapy. Abstract The immune system has been found to be suppressed in cancer patients. Cancer cells are extremely resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs, conventional immunotherapy, or cancer antigen vaccine therapy. Cancer immunotherapy, which is mainly based on immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as those for PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA4, is an effective treatment method. However, no immunotherapeutic target has been found that retains validity in the face of tumor diversity. The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β cytokine family possesses broad biological activity and is involved in the induction and/or transdifferentiation of helper T cells, which are important in immunotherapy. Nodal is a member of the TGF-β family playing important roles in tissue stem cells and cancer stem cells (CSCs), interacting with the co-receptor Cripto-1, as well as with Activin type IB (Alk4) and Activin typeIIreceptors, and maintaining stemness and Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CSCs. In recent years, it has been reported that Cripto-1 could be a potential therapeutic target in CSCs. Here, we review the accumulated literature on the molecular mechanisms by which Cripto-1 functions in CSCs and discuss the potential of Cripto-1 as an immunotherapeutic target in CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Ishii
- GSP Enterprise, Inc., 1-4-38 12F Minato-machi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka 556-0017, Japan;
| | - Said M. Afify
- Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (S.M.A.); (G.H.)
- Division of Biochemistry, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Shebin ElKoum Menoufia 32511, Egypt
| | - Ghmkin Hassan
- Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (S.M.A.); (G.H.)
| | - David S. Salomon
- Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Masaharu Seno
- Laboratory of Nano-Biotechnology, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan; (S.M.A.); (G.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-86-251-8216
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16
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Abstract
The transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling family is evolutionarily conserved in metazoans. The signal transduction mechanisms of TGFβ family members have been expansively investigated and are well understood. During development and homeostasis, numerous TGFβ family members are expressed in various cell types with temporally changing levels, playing diverse roles in embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis and human diseases by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration and apoptosis. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying signal transduction and regulation of the TGFβ subfamily pathways, and then highlight their key functions in mesendoderm induction, dorsoventral patterning and laterality development, as well as in the formation of several representative tissues/organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunji Jia
- Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Anming Meng
- Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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17
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Zabala M, Lobo NA, Antony J, Heitink LS, Gulati GS, Lam J, Parashurama N, Sanchez K, Adorno M, Sikandar SS, Kuo AH, Qian D, Kalisky T, Sim S, Li L, Dirbas FM, Somlo G, Newman A, Quake SR, Clarke MF. LEFTY1 Is a Dual-SMAD Inhibitor that Promotes Mammary Progenitor Growth and Tumorigenesis. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 27:284-299.e8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2018] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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18
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Fuentes R, Tajer B, Kobayashi M, Pelliccia JL, Langdon Y, Abrams EW, Mullins MC. The maternal coordinate system: Molecular-genetics of embryonic axis formation and patterning in the zebrafish. Curr Top Dev Biol 2020; 140:341-389. [PMID: 32591080 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Axis specification of the zebrafish embryo begins during oogenesis and relies on proper formation of well-defined cytoplasmic domains within the oocyte. Upon fertilization, maternally-regulated cytoplasmic flow and repositioning of dorsal determinants establish the coordinate system that will build the structure and developmental body plan of the embryo. Failure of specific genes that regulate the embryonic coordinate system leads to catastrophic loss of body structures. Here, we review the genetic principles of axis formation and discuss how maternal factors orchestrate axis patterning during zebrafish early embryogenesis. We focus on the molecular identity and functional contribution of genes controlling critical aspects of oogenesis, egg activation, blastula, and gastrula stages. We examine how polarized cytoplasmic domains form in the oocyte, which set off downstream events such as animal-vegetal polarity and germ line development. After gametes interact and form the zygote, cytoplasmic segregation drives the animal-directed reorganization of maternal determinants through calcium- and cell cycle-dependent signals. We also summarize how maternal genes control dorsoventral, anterior-posterior, mesendodermal, and left-right cell fate specification and how signaling pathways pattern these axes and tissues during early development to instruct the three-dimensional body plan. Advances in reverse genetics and phenotyping approaches in the zebrafish model are revealing positional patterning signatures at the single-cell level, thus enhancing our understanding of genotype-phenotype interactions in axis formation. Our emphasis is on the genetic interrogation of novel and specific maternal regulatory mechanisms of axis specification in the zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Fuentes
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Benjamin Tajer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Manami Kobayashi
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jose L Pelliccia
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Elliott W Abrams
- Department of Biology, Purchase College, State University of New York, Harrison, NY, United States
| | - Mary C Mullins
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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19
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Sato J, Karasawa H, Suzuki T, Nakayama S, Katagiri M, Maeda S, Ohnuma S, Motoi F, Naitoh T, Unno M. The Function and Prognostic Significance of Cripto-1 in Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Invest 2020; 38:214-227. [PMID: 32157913 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2020.1741604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Cripto-1 is a plasma membrane protein which is not expressed in adult tissue, but some tumors are accompanied by re-activation. We studied the clinical and biological significance of Cripto-1 in colorectal cancer. Cripto-1 was positive in 68 out of 192 cases (35%) by immunohistochemistry. Cripto-1 expression was correlated with worse prognosis and was an independent prognostic factor. Cripto-1-silenced colorectal cancer cell lines had reduced cell proliferation, migration, and activation of Akt and MAPK signaling pathways in vitro, and decreased tumor growth and lymph node metastasis in vivo. Cripto-1 could be a useful prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Sato
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hideaki Karasawa
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shun Nakayama
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Munetoshi Katagiri
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.,Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shimpei Maeda
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shinobu Ohnuma
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Fuyuhiko Motoi
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takeshi Naitoh
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Michiaki Unno
- Department of Surgery, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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20
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Morgani SM, Hadjantonakis AK. Signaling regulation during gastrulation: Insights from mouse embryos and in vitro systems. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 137:391-431. [PMID: 32143751 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gastrulation is the process whereby cells exit pluripotency and concomitantly acquire and pattern distinct cell fates. This is driven by the convergence of WNT, BMP, Nodal and FGF signals, which are tightly spatially and temporally controlled, resulting in regional and stage-specific signaling environments. The combination, level and duration of signals that a cell is exposed to, according its position within the embryo and the developmental time window, dictates the fate it will adopt. The key pathways driving gastrulation exhibit complex interactions, which are difficult to disentangle in vivo due to the complexity of manipulating multiple signals in parallel with high spatiotemporal resolution. Thus, our current understanding of the signaling dynamics regulating gastrulation is limited. In vitro stem cell models have been established, which undergo organized cellular differentiation and patterning. These provide amenable, simplified, deconstructed and scalable models of gastrulation. While the foundation of our understanding of gastrulation stems from experiments in embryos, in vitro systems are now beginning to reveal the intricate details of signaling regulation. Here we discuss the current state of knowledge of the role, regulation and dynamic interaction of signaling pathways that drive mouse gastrulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie M Morgani
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
| | - Anna-Katerina Hadjantonakis
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States.
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21
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Repression of Inappropriate Gene Expression in the Vertebrate Embryonic Ectoderm. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10110895. [PMID: 31698780 PMCID: PMC6895975 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
During vertebrate embryogenesis, precise regulation of gene expression is crucial for proper cell fate determination. Much of what we know about vertebrate development has been gleaned from experiments performed on embryos of the amphibian Xenopus laevis; this review will focus primarily on studies of this model organism. An early critical step during vertebrate development is the formation of the three primary germ layers—ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm—which emerge during the process of gastrulation. While much attention has been focused on the induction of mesoderm and endoderm, it has become clear that differentiation of the ectoderm involves more than the simple absence of inductive cues; rather, it additionally requires the inhibition of mesendoderm-promoting genes. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of the various inhibitors of inappropriate gene expression in the presumptive ectoderm.
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Identification of a transforming growth factor-β type I receptor transcript in Eriocheir sinensis and its molting-related expression in muscle tissues. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 47:77-86. [PMID: 31571110 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05108-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway is conserved across animals, and knowledge of its roles during the molt cycle in crustaceans is presently very limited. This study investigates the roles of the TGF-β receptor in molting-related muscle growth in Eriocheir sinensis. Using the RT-PCR and RACE techniques, we obtained a 1722 bp cDNA sequence encoding a transforming growth factor-β type I receptor in Eriocheir sinensis, designated EsTGFBRI, which contains a 124 bp 5'-untranslated region, a 20 bp partial 3'-untranslated region and a 1578 bp open reading frame encoding 525 amino acids. The deduced EsTGFBRI contains an N-terminal 24 amino acid signal peptide, an activin type I and II receptor domain, a transmembrane helix region, a glycine-serine-rich motif, and a conserved serine/threonine kinase catalytic domain including an activation loop. The qRT-PCR results showed that EsTGFBRI gene was highly expressed in the intermolt testis and ovary in mature crabs. In juvenile crabs, the mRNA levels of EsTGFBRI in claw and abdominal muscles in the later premolt D3-4 stage were significantly higher than those in the intermolt C and postmolt A-B stages. There was no significant change in EsTGFBRI mRNA levels in walking leg muscles during the molt cycle. The results suggest that EsTGFBRI is probably play roles in molting-related muscle growth in E. sinensis. This study provides a necessary basis for elucidating the functions of TGF-β-like signaling mediated by TGFBRI in molting-related muscle growth in crustaceans.
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Sandomenico A, Ruvo M. Targeting Nodal and Cripto-1: Perspectives Inside Dual Potential Theranostic Cancer Biomarkers. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:1994-2050. [PMID: 30207211 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180912104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating the mechanisms of recurrence of embryonic signaling pathways in tumorigenesis has led to the discovery of onco-fetal players which have physiological roles during normal development but result aberrantly re-activated in tumors. In this context, Nodal and Cripto-1 are recognized as onco-developmental factors, which are absent in normal tissues but are overexpressed in several solid tumors where they can serve as theranostic agents. OBJECTIVE To collect, review and discuss the most relevant papers related to the involvement of Nodal and Cripto-1 in the development, progression, recurrence and metastasis of several tumors where they are over-expressed, with a particular attention to their occurrence on the surface of the corresponding sub-populations of cancer stem cells (CSC). RESULTS We have gathered, rationalized and discussed the most interesting findings extracted from some 370 papers related to the involvement of Cripto-1 and Nodal in all tumor types where they have been detected. Data demonstrate the clear connection between Nodal and Cripto-1 presence and their multiple oncogenic activities across different tumors. We have also reviewed and highlighted the potential of targeting Nodal, Cripto-1 and the complexes that they form on the surface of tumor cells, especially of CSC, as an innovative approach to detect and suppress tumors with molecules that block one or more mechanisms that they regulate. CONCLUSION Overall, Nodal and Cripto-1 represent two innovative and effective biomarkers for developing potential theranostic anti-tumor agents that target normal as well as CSC subpopulations and overcome both pharmacological resistance and tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Sandomenico
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
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24
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Gudbergsson JM, Duroux M. An evaluation of different Cripto-1 antibodies and their variable results. J Cell Biochem 2019; 121:545-556. [PMID: 31310365 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cripto-1 is a protein expressed during embryonal development and has been linked to several malignant processes in cancer. Since the discovery of cripto-1 in the late 1980s, it has become a subject of biomarker investigation in several types of cancer which in many cases relies on immunolocalization of cripto-1 using antibodies. Investigating cripto-1 expression and localization in primary glioblastoma cells, we discovered nonspecific binding of cripto-1 antibody to the extracellular matrix Geltrex. A panel of four cripto-1 antibodies was investigated with respect to their binding to the Geltrex matrix and to the cripto-1 positive control cells NTERA2. The cripto-1 expression was varied for the different antibodies with respect to cellular localization and fixation methods. To further elaborate on these findings, we present a systematic review of cripto-1 antibodies found in the literature and highlight some possible cross reactants with data on sequence alignments and structural comparison of EGF domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Mar Gudbergsson
- Laboratory of Immunology and Cancer Biology, Institute of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Meg Duroux
- Laboratory of Immunology and Cancer Biology, Institute of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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25
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Garland MA, Sengupta S, Mathew LK, Truong L, de Jong E, Piersma AH, La Du J, Tanguay RL. Glucocorticoid receptor-dependent induction of cripto-1 ( one-eyed pinhead) inhibits zebrafish caudal fin regeneration. Toxicol Rep 2019; 6:529-537. [PMID: 31249786 PMCID: PMC6584771 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously used a chemical genetics approach with the larval zebrafish to identify small molecule inhibitors of tissue regeneration. This led to the discovery that glucocorticoids (GC) block early stages of tissue regeneration by the inappropriate activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). We performed a microarray analysis to identify the changes in gene expression associated with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) exposure during epimorphic fin regeneration. Oncofetal cripto-1 showed > eight-fold increased expression in BDP-treated regenerates. We hypothesized that the mis-expression of cripto-1 was essential for BDP to block regeneration. Expression of cripto-1 was not elevated in GR morphants in the presence of BDP indicating that cripto-1 induction was GR-dependent. Partial translational suppression of Cripto-1 in the presence of BDP restored tissue regeneration. Retinoic acid exposure prevented increased cripto-1 expression and permitted regeneration in the presence of BDP. We demonstrated that BDP exposure increased cripto-1 expression in mouse embryonic stem cells and that regulation of cripto-1 by GCs is conserved in mammals.
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Key Words
- AEC, apical epithelial cap
- BDP, beclomethasone dipropionate
- Beclomethasone dipropionate
- Cripto-1
- DMSO, dimethyl sulfoxide
- EB, embryoid body
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EMT, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
- ERK, extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- Epimorphic regeneration
- FGF, fibroblast growth factor
- GC, glucocorticoid
- GR, glucocorticoid receptor
- Glucocorticoids
- ISH, in situ hybridization
- MIAME, Minimum Information About a Microarray Experiment
- MO, morpholino oligonucleotide
- One-eyed pinhead
- RA, retinoic acid
- SEM, standard error of the mean
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor beta
- Zebrafish
- dpa, days post-amputation
- dpf, days post-fertilization
- eSC, embryonic stem cell
- hpa, hours post-amputation
- hpf, hours post-fertilization
- mLIF, murine leukemia inhibitory factor
- qRT-PCR, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
- zf, zebrafish
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sumitra Sengupta
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, United States
| | - Lijoy K Mathew
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, United States
| | - Lisa Truong
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, United States
| | - Esther de Jong
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Aldert H Piersma
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.,National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Jane La Du
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, United States
| | - Robert L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, United States
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26
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Derynck R, Budi EH. Specificity, versatility, and control of TGF-β family signaling. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/570/eaav5183. [PMID: 30808818 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aav5183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 462] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Encoded in mammalian cells by 33 genes, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family of secreted, homodimeric and heterodimeric proteins controls the differentiation of most, if not all, cell lineages and many aspects of cell and tissue physiology in multicellular eukaryotes. Deregulation of TGF-β family signaling leads to developmental anomalies and disease, whereas enhanced TGF-β signaling contributes to cancer and fibrosis. Here, we review the fundamentals of the signaling mechanisms that are initiated upon TGF-β ligand binding to its cell surface receptors and the dependence of the signaling responses on input from and cooperation with other signaling pathways. We discuss how cells exquisitely control the functional presentation and activation of heteromeric receptor complexes of transmembrane, dual-specificity kinases and, thus, define their context-dependent responsiveness to ligands. We also introduce the mechanisms through which proteins called Smads act as intracellular effectors of ligand-induced gene expression responses and show that the specificity and impressive versatility of Smad signaling depend on cross-talk from other pathways. Last, we discuss how non-Smad signaling mechanisms, initiated by distinct ligand-activated receptor complexes, complement Smad signaling and thus contribute to cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rik Derynck
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology and Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Erine H Budi
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology and Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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27
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Focà G, Iaccarino E, Focà A, Sanguigno L, Untiveros G, Cuevas-Nunez M, Strizzi L, Leonardi A, Ruvo M, Sandomenico A. Development of conformational antibodies targeting Cripto-1 with neutralizing effects in vitro. Biochimie 2019; 158:246-256. [PMID: 30703478 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Human Cripto-1 (Cripto-1), the founding member of the EGF-CFC superfamily, is a key regulator of many processes during embryonic development and oncogenesis. Cripto-1 is barely present or even absent in normal adult tissues while it is aberrantly re-expressed in various tumors. Blockade of the CFC domain-mediated Cripto-1 functions is acknowledged as a promising therapeutic intervention point to inhibit the tumorigenic activity of the protein. In this work, we report the generation and characterization of murine monoclonal antibodies raised against the synthetic folded CFC [112-150] domain of the human protein. Through subtractive ELISA assays clones were screened for the ability to specifically recognize "hot spot" residues on the CFC domain, which are crucial for the interaction with Activin Type I receptor (ALK4) and GRP78. On selected antibodies, SPR and epitope mapping studies have confirmed their specificity and have revealed that recognition occurs only on a conformational epitope. Furthermore, FACS analyses have confirmed the ability of 1B4 antibody to recognize the membrane-anchored and soluble native Cripto-1 protein in a panel of human cancer cells. Finally, we have evaluated its functional effects through in vitro cellular signaling assays and cell cycle analysis. These findings suggest that the selected anti-CFC mAbs have the potential to neutralize the protein oncogenic activity and may be used as theranostic molecules suitable as tumor homing agents for Cripto-1-overexpressing cancer cells and tissues and to overcome drug-resistance in routine cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Focà
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Iaccarino
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Annalia Focà
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Sanguigno
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Gustavo Untiveros
- Midwestern University, Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maria Cuevas-Nunez
- Midwestern University, Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA; College of Dental Medicine, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Luigi Strizzi
- Midwestern University, Colleges of Graduate Studies, Dwners Grove, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Antonio Leonardi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Sandomenico
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging, National Research Council (IBB-CNR), Naples, Italy.
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28
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Exogenous Cripto-1 Suppresses Self-Renewal of Cancer Stem Cell Model. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113345. [PMID: 30373174 PMCID: PMC6274844 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cripto-1 is a glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchored signaling protein of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-Cripto-1-FRL1-Cryptic (CFC) family and plays a significant role in the early developmental stages and in the different types of cancer cells, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and tumor angiogenesis. Previously, we have developed cancer stem cells (miPS-LLCcm) from mouse iPSCs by culturing them in the presence of conditioned medium of Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) cells for four weeks. Nodal and Cripto-1 were confirmed to be expressed in miPS-LLCcm cells by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (rt-qPCR) implying that Cr-1 was required in maintaining stemness. To investigate the biological effect of adding exogenous soluble CR-1 to the cancer stem cells, we have prepared a C-terminally truncated soluble form of recombinant human CR-1 protein (rhsfCR-1), in which the GPI anchored moiety was removed by substitution of a stop codon through site-directed mutagenesis. rhsfCR-1 effectively suppressed the proliferation and sphere forming ability of miPS-LLCcm cells in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 0 to 5 µg/mL, due to the suppression of Nodal-Cripto-1/ALK4/Smad2 signaling pathway. Frequency of sphere-forming cells was dropped from 1/40 to 1/69 by rhsfCR-1 at 1 µg/mL. Moreover, rhsfCR-1 in the range of 0 to 1 µg/mL also limited the differentiation of miPS-LLCcm cells into vascular endothelial cells probably due to the suppression of self-renewal, which should reduce the number of cells with stemness property. As demonstrated by a soluble form of exogenous Cripto-1 in this study, the efficient blockade would be an attractive way to study Cripto-1 dependent cancer stem cell properties for therapeutic application.
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29
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Karkampouna S, van der Helm D, Gray PC, Chen L, Klima I, Grosjean J, Burgmans MC, Farina-Sarasqueta A, Snaar-Jagalska EB, Stroka DM, Terracciano L, van Hoek B, Schaapherder AF, Osanto S, Thalmann GN, Verspaget HW, Coenraad MJ, Kruithof-de Julio M. CRIPTO promotes an aggressive tumour phenotype and resistance to treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Pathol 2018; 245:297-310. [PMID: 29604056 DOI: 10.1002/path.5083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Despite increasing treatment options for this disease, prognosis remains poor. CRIPTO (TDGF1) protein is expressed at high levels in several human tumours and promotes oncogenic phenotype. Its expression has been correlated to poor prognosis in HCC. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the basis for the effects of CRIPTO in HCC. We investigated CRIPTO expression levels in three cohorts of clinical cirrhotic and HCC specimens. We addressed the role of CRIPTO in hepatic tumourigenesis using Cre-loxP-controlled lentiviral vectors expressing CRIPTO in cell line-derived xenografts. Responses to standard treatments (sorafenib, doxorubicin) were assessed directly on xenograft-derived ex vivo tumour slices. CRIPTO-overexpressing patient-derived xenografts were established and used for ex vivo drug response assays. The effects of sorafenib and doxorubicin treatment in combination with a CRIPTO pathway inhibitor were tested in ex vivo cultures of xenograft models and 3D cultures. CRIPTO protein was found highly expressed in human cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma specimens but not in those of healthy participants. Stable overexpression of CRIPTO in human HepG2 cells caused epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, increased expression of cancer stem cell markers, and enhanced cell proliferation and migration. HepG2-CRIPTO cells formed tumours when injected into immune-compromised mice, whereas HepG2 cells lacking stable CRIPTO overexpression did not. High-level CRIPTO expression in xenograft models was associated with resistance to sorafenib, which could be modulated using a CRIPTO pathway inhibitor in ex vivo tumour slices. Our data suggest that a subgroup of CRIPTO-expressing HCC patients may benefit from a combinatorial treatment scheme and that sorafenib resistance may be circumvented by inhibition of the CRIPTO pathway. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Karkampouna
- Department of Biomedical Research, Urology Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Danny van der Helm
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter C Gray
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Lanpeng Chen
- Institute of Biology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Irena Klima
- Department of Biomedical Research, Urology Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Joël Grosjean
- Department of Biomedical Research, Urology Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mark C Burgmans
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ewa B Snaar-Jagalska
- Institute of Biology, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Deborah M Stroka
- Department of Biomedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Molecular Pathology Division, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Bart van Hoek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Susan Osanto
- Department of Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - George N Thalmann
- Department of Biomedical Research, Urology Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Urology, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - Hein W Verspaget
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Minneke J Coenraad
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marianna Kruithof-de Julio
- Department of Biomedical Research, Urology Group, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Department of Urology, Bern University Hospital, Switzerland
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30
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Hill CS. Spatial and temporal control of NODAL signaling. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2018; 51:50-57. [PMID: 29153705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic development is orchestrated by the activity of signal transduction pathways, amongst which are those downstream of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family. Here I focus on signalling by one of these ligands, NODAL, which is essential for early embryonic axis patterning. I review recent advances in our understanding of how NODAL signalling is transduced from the plasma membrane to the nucleus to regulate the transcription of target genes, and how domains of NODAL activity are established and refined during embryonic development. The duration of signalling is emerging as a key determinant of the specificity of downstream responses in terms of cell fate decisions and I will discuss what is currently known about the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline S Hill
- Developmental Signalling Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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31
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Soukup V, Kozmik Z. The Bmp signaling pathway regulates development of left-right asymmetry in amphioxus. Dev Biol 2018; 434:164-174. [PMID: 29224891 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Establishment of asymmetry along the left-right (LR) body axis in vertebrates requires interplay between Nodal and Bmp signaling pathways. In the basal chordate amphioxus, the left-sided activity of the Nodal signaling has been attributed to the asymmetric morphogenesis of paraxial structures and pharyngeal organs, however the role of Bmp signaling in LR asymmetry establishment has not been addressed to date. Here, we show that Bmp signaling is necessary for the development of LR asymmetric morphogenesis of amphioxus larvae through regulation of Nodal signaling. Loss of Bmp signaling results in loss of the left-sided expression of Nodal, Gdf1/3, Lefty and Pitx and in gain of ectopic expression of Cerberus on the left side. As a consequence, the larvae display loss of the offset arrangement of axial structures, loss of the left-sided pharyngeal organs including the mouth, and ectopic development of the right-sided organs on the left side. Bmp inhibition thus phenocopies inhibition of Nodal signaling and results in the right isomerism. We conclude that Bmp and Nodal pathways act in concert to specify the left side and that Bmp signaling plays a fundamental role during LR development in amphioxus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Soukup
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Zbynek Kozmik
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220 Prague, Czech Republic
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32
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Wei S, Wang Q. Molecular regulation of Nodal signaling during mesendoderm formation. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 50:74-81. [PMID: 29206913 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmx128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most important events during vertebrate embryogenesis is the formation or specification of the three germ layers, endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. After a series of rapid cleavages, embryos form the mesendoderm and ectoderm during late blastulation and early gastrulation. The mesendoderm then further differentiates into the mesoderm and endoderm. Nodal, a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily, plays a pivotal role in mesendoderm formation by regulating the expression of a number of critical transcription factors, including Mix-like, GATA, Sox, and Fox. Because the Nodal signal transduction pathway is well-characterized, increasing effort has been made to delineate the spatiotemporal modulation of Nodal signaling during embryonic development. In this review, we summarize the recent progress delineating molecular regulation of Nodal signal intensity and duration during mesendoderm formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Wei
- The State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Zoology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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33
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Nickel J, Ten Dijke P, Mueller TD. TGF-β family co-receptor function and signaling. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 50:12-36. [PMID: 29293886 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmx126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) family members, which include TGF-βs, activins and bone morphogenetic proteins, are pleiotropic cytokines that elicit cell type-specific effects in a highly context-dependent manner in many different tissues. These secreted protein ligands signal via single-transmembrane Type I and Type II serine/threonine kinase receptors and intracellular SMAD transcription factors. Deregulation in signaling has been implicated in a broad array of diseases, and implicate the need for intricate fine tuning in cellular signaling responses. One important emerging mechanism by which TGF-β family receptor signaling intensity, duration, specificity and diversity are regulated and/or mediated is through cell surface co-receptors. Here, we provide an overview of the co-receptors that have been identified for TGF-β family members. While some appear to be specific to TGF-β family members, others are shared with other pathways and provide possible ways for signal integration. This review focuses on novel functions of TGF-β family co-receptors, which continue to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim Nickel
- Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Lehrstuhl für Tissue Engineering und Regenerative Medizin und Fraunhofer Institut für Silicatforschung (ISC), Translationszentrum "Regenerative Therapien", Röntgenring 11, D-97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas D Mueller
- Lehrstuhl für molekulare Pflanzenphysiologie und Biophysik, Julius-von-Sachs Institut für Biowissenschaften, Universität Würzburg, Julius-von-Sachs-Platz 2, D-97082 Würzburg, Germany
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34
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Park KS, Moon YW, Raffeld M, Lee DH, Wang Y, Giaccone G. High cripto-1 and low miR-205 expression levels as prognostic markers in early stage non-small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2017; 116:38-45. [PMID: 29413049 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cripto-1 (CR-1) plays a critical role in the activation of SMAD, SRC, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathways and has been shown to be prognostic in several cancer types. In addition, we showed that CR-1 renders EGFR-mutated NSCLC cells resistant to EGFR-TKI through the activation of SRC and EMT via miR-205 downregulation. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between expression of CR-1 and miR-205 and prognosis of NSCLC patients with or without EGFR mutations. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 265 patients with stage I (AJCC 6th edition) radically resected NSCLC were tested for CR-1 expression and EGFR mutations by immunohistochemistry and miR-205 expression via qPCR assay. RESULTS CR-1 expression was evaluated with immunohistochemistry using a tissue microarray on 265 T1-2N0 surgical NSCLC samples. Of the 265 tumors, 250 (94%) expressed various levels of CR-1. A significant inverse correlation was identified between expression of miR-205 and CR-1. NSCLC patients (T1N0, n = 106) with high CR-1 expression had worse prognosis (shorter recurrence-free survival, p = .045) than those with low CR-1 expression. A similar trend was observed in NSCLC patients with normal preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels (serum CEA levels <5 ng/ml; n = 179; p = .085); however, no significant correlation was found between CR-1 expression and survival rate in the T2N0 or high CEA groups. In addition, NSCLC patients with low miR-205 expression (n = 126) had poorer prognosis in terms of recurrence than those with high miR-205 expression (n = 127; p = .001). CONCLUSION High CR-1 expression is correlated with poor prognosis in NSCLC with low tumor burden and may be used to select high-risk patients for adjuvant chemotherapy in early NSCLC. Moreover, low miR-205 expression likely related to high CR-1 expression could be a prognostic marker for patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Seo Park
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC 20057, USA; Institute for Innovative Cancer Research, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 138-736, Republic of Korea; Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Wha Moon
- Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 463-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark Raffeld
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dae Ho Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 138-736, Republic of Korea
| | - Yisong Wang
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC 20057, USA
| | - Giuseppe Giaccone
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington DC 20057, USA.
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Burdine RD, Grimes DT. Antagonistic interactions in the zebrafish midline prior to the emergence of asymmetric gene expression are important for left-right patterning. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2017; 371:rstb.2015.0402. [PMID: 27821532 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Left-right (L-R) asymmetry of the internal organs of vertebrates is presaged by domains of asymmetric gene expression in the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) during somitogenesis. Ciliated L-R coordinators (LRCs) are critical for biasing the initiation of asymmetrically expressed genes, such as nodal and pitx2, to the left LPM. Other midline structures, including the notochord and floorplate, are then required to maintain these asymmetries. Here we report an unexpected role for the zebrafish EGF-CFC gene one-eyed pinhead (oep) in the midline to promote pitx2 expression in the LPM. Late zygotic oep (LZoep) mutants have strongly reduced or absent pitx2 expression in the LPM, but this expression can be rescued to strong levels by restoring oep in midline structures only. Furthermore, removing midline structures from LZoep embryos can rescue pitx2 expression in the LPM, suggesting the midline is a source of an LPM pitx2 repressor that is itself inhibited by oep Reducing lefty1 activity in LZoep embryos mimics removal of the midline, implicating lefty1 in the midline-derived repression. Together, this suggests a model where Oep in the midline functions to overcome a midline-derived repressor, involving lefty1, to allow for the expression of left side-specific genes in the LPM.This article is part of the themed issue 'Provocative questions in left-right asymmetry'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca D Burdine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Daniel T Grimes
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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36
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Calvanese L, Focà A, Sandomenico A, Focà G, Caporale A, Doti N, Iaccarino E, Leonardi A, D'Auria G, Ruvo M, Falcigno L. Structural insights into the interaction of a monoclonal antibody and Nodal peptides by STD-NMR spectroscopy. Bioorg Med Chem 2017; 25:6589-6596. [PMID: 29113739 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2017.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Nodal is a growth factor expressed during early embryonic development, but reactivated in several advanced-stage cancers. Targeting of Nodal signaling, which occurs via the binding to Cripto-1 co-receptor, results in inhibition of cell aggressiveness and reduced tumor growth. The Nodal binding region to Cripto-1 was identified and targeted with a high affinity monoclonal antibody (3D1). By STD-NMR technique, we investigated the interaction of Nodal fragments with 3D1 with the aim to elucidate at atomic level the interaction surface. Data indicate with high accuracy the antibody-antigen contact atoms and confirm the information previously obtained by immune-enzymatic methods. Main residues contacted by 3D1 are P46, V47, E49 and E50, which belong to the Nodal loop involved in the interaction with the co-receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Calvanese
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annalia Focà
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Annamaria Sandomenico
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Focà
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Andrea Caporale
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Emanuela Iaccarino
- DISTABIF, Università degli Studi della Campania "Lugi Vanvitelli", via Vivaldi, 43, 80100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonio Leonardi
- Dept. Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Auria
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Dept. of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Lucia Falcigno
- CIRPeB, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging, National Research Council, IBB-CNR, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy; Dept. of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy.
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de Kroon LMG, Davidson ENB, Narcisi R, Farrell E, van der Kraan PM, van Osch GJVM. Activin and Nodal Are Not Suitable Alternatives to TGFβ for Chondrogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Cartilage 2017; 8:432-438. [PMID: 28934877 PMCID: PMC5613891 DOI: 10.1177/1947603516667585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Previously, we demonstrated the importance of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)-activated SMAD2/3 signaling in chondrogenesis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). However, TGFβ also signals via the SMAD1/5/9 pathway, which is known to induce terminal differentiation of BMSCs. In this study, we investigated whether other SMAD2/3-activating ligands, Activin and Nodal, can induce chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs without inducing terminal differentiation. Design Activation of SMAD2/3 signaling and chondrogenesis were evaluated in human BMSCs ( N = 3 donors) stimulated with TGFβ, Activin, or Nodal. SMAD2/3 activation was assessed by determining phosphorylated-SMAD2 (pSMAD2) protein levels and SMAD2/3-target gene expression of SERPINE1. Chondrogenesis was determined by ACAN and COL2A1 transcript analysis and histological examination of proteoglycans and collagen type II. Results Both Activin and TGFβ enhanced pSMAD2 and SERPINE1 expression compared to the control condition without growth factors, demonstrating activated SMAD2/3 signaling. pSMAD2 and SERPINE1 had a higher level of expression following stimulation with TGFβ than with Activin, while Nodal did not activate SMAD2/3 signaling. Of the 3 ligands tested, only TGFβ induced chondrogenic differentiation as shown by strongly increased transcript levels of ACAN and COL2A1 and positive histological staining of proteoglycans and collagen type II. Conclusions Even with concentrations up to 25 times higher than that of TGFβ, Activin and Nodal do not induce chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs; thus, neither of the 2 ligands is an interesting alternative candidate for TGFβ to induce chondrogenesis without terminal differentiation. To obtain stable cartilage formation by BMSCs, future studies should decipher how TGFβ-induced terminal differentiation can be prevented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie M. G. de Kroon
- Department of Rheumatology, Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands,Department of Orthopaedics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Roberto Narcisi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eric Farrell
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Special Dental Care and Orthodontics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Peter M. van der Kraan
- Department of Rheumatology, Experimental Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Gerjo J. V. M. van Osch
- Department of Orthopaedics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands,Gerjo J. V. M. van Osch, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Departments of Orthopaedics and Otorhinolaryngology, Room Ee1655, Wytemaweg 80, 3015 CN Rotterdam, Netherlands.
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38
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Spiller C, Burnet G, Bowles J. Regulation of fetal male germ cell development by members of the TGFβ superfamily. Stem Cell Res 2017; 24:174-180. [PMID: 28754604 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2017.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is now substantial evidence that members of the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ family) regulate germ cell development in the mouse fetal testis. Correct development of germ cells during fetal life is critical for establishment of effective spermatogenesis and for avoiding the formation of testicular germ cell cancer in later life. Here we consider the evidence for involvement of various TGFβ family members, attempt to reconcile discrepancies and clarify what we believe to be the likely in vivo roles of these factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassy Spiller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Guillaume Burnet
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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39
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Fernandez-Alonso R, Davidson L, Hukelmann J, Zengerle M, Prescott AR, Lamond A, Ciulli A, Sapkota GP, Findlay GM. Brd4-Brd2 isoform switching coordinates pluripotent exit and Smad2-dependent lineage specification. EMBO Rep 2017; 18:1108-1122. [PMID: 28588073 PMCID: PMC5494510 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201643534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) hold great clinical potential, as they possess the capacity to differentiate into fully specialised tissues such as pancreas, liver, neurons and cardiac muscle. However, the molecular mechanisms that coordinate pluripotent exit with lineage specification remain poorly understood. To address this question, we perform a small molecule screen to systematically identify novel regulators of the Smad2 signalling network, a key determinant of PSC fate. We reveal an essential function for BET family bromodomain proteins in Smad2 activation, distinct from the role of Brd4 in pluripotency maintenance. Mechanistically, BET proteins specifically engage Nodal gene regulatory elements (NREs) to promote Nodal signalling and Smad2 developmental responses. In pluripotent cells, Brd2‐Brd4 occupy NREs, but only Brd4 is required for pluripotency gene expression. Brd4 downregulation facilitates pluripotent exit and drives enhanced Brd2 NRE occupancy, thereby unveiling a specific function for Brd2 in differentiative Nodal‐Smad2 signalling. Therefore, distinct BET functionalities and Brd4‐Brd2 isoform switching at NREs coordinate pluripotent exit with lineage specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalia Fernandez-Alonso
- The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, The University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Lindsay Davidson
- Pluripotent Stem Cell Facility, School of Life Sciences, The University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Jens Hukelmann
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, The University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Michael Zengerle
- Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, The University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Alan R Prescott
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, The University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Angus Lamond
- Centre for Gene Regulation and Expression, School of Life Sciences, The University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Alessio Ciulli
- Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery, School of Life Sciences, The University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Gopal P Sapkota
- The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, The University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Greg M Findlay
- The MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, The University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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40
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Aykul S, Parenti A, Chu KY, Reske J, Floer M, Ralston A, Martinez-Hackert E. Biochemical and Cellular Analysis Reveals Ligand Binding Specificities, a Molecular Basis for Ligand Recognition, and Membrane Association-dependent Activities of Cripto-1 and Cryptic. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:4138-4151. [PMID: 28126904 PMCID: PMC5354514 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.747501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathways are key determinants of cell fate in animals. Their basic mechanism of action is simple. However, to produce cell-specific responses, TGF-β pathways are heavily regulated by secondary factors, such as membrane-associated EGF-CFC family proteins. Cellular activities of EGF-CFC proteins have been described, but their molecular functions, including how the mammalian homologs Cripto-1 and Cryptic recognize and regulate TGF-β family ligands, are less clear. Here we use purified human Cripto-1 and mouse Cryptic produced in mammalian cells to show that these two EGF-CFC homologs have distinct, highly specific ligand binding activities. Cripto-1 interacts with BMP-4 in addition to its known partner Nodal, whereas Cryptic interacts only with Activin B. These interactions depend on the integrity of the protein, as truncated or deglycosylated Cripto-1 lacked BMP-4 binding activity. Significantly, Cripto-1 and Cryptic blocked binding of their cognate ligands to type I and type II TGF-β receptors, indicating that Cripto-1 and Cryptic contact ligands at their receptor interaction surfaces and, thus, that they could inhibit their ligands. Indeed, soluble Cripto-1 and Cryptic inhibited ligand signaling in various cell-based assays, including SMAD-mediated luciferase reporter gene expression, and differentiation of a multipotent stem cell line. But in agreement with previous work, the membrane bound form of Cripto-1 potentiated signaling, revealing a critical role of membrane association for its established cellular activity. Thus, our studies provide new insights into the mechanism of ligand recognition by this enigmatic family of membrane-anchored TGF-β family signaling regulators and link membrane association with their signal potentiating activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senem Aykul
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Anthony Parenti
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Kit Yee Chu
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Jake Reske
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Monique Floer
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Amy Ralston
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
| | - Erik Martinez-Hackert
- From the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1319
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41
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Activin A Modulates CRIPTO-1/HNF4 α+ Cells to Guide Cardiac Differentiation from Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2017; 2017:4651238. [PMID: 28163723 PMCID: PMC5253508 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4651238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 10/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The use of human pluripotent stem cells in basic and translational cardiac research requires efficient differentiation protocols towards cardiomyocytes. In vitro differentiation yields heterogeneous populations of ventricular-, atrial-, and nodal-like cells hindering their potential applications in regenerative therapies. We described the effect of the growth factor Activin A during early human embryonic stem cell fate determination in cardiac differentiation. Addition of high levels of Activin A during embryoid body cardiac differentiation augmented the generation of endoderm derivatives, which in turn promoted cardiomyocyte differentiation. Moreover, a dose-dependent increase in the coreceptor expression of the TGF-β superfamily member CRIPTO-1 was observed in response to Activin A. We hypothesized that interactions between cells derived from meso- and endodermal lineages in embryoid bodies contributed to improved cell maturation in early stages of cardiac differentiation, improving the beating frequency and the percentage of contracting embryoid bodies. Activin A did not seem to affect the properties of cardiomyocytes at later stages of differentiation, measuring action potentials, and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. These findings are relevant for improving our understanding on human heart development, and the proposed protocol could be further explored to obtain cardiomyocytes with functional phenotypes, similar to those observed in adult cardiac myocytes.
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Tseng WC, Munisha M, Gutierrez JB, Dougan ST. Establishment of the Vertebrate Germ Layers. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 953:307-381. [PMID: 27975275 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-46095-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The process of germ layer formation is a universal feature of animal development. The germ layers separate the cells that produce the internal organs and tissues from those that produce the nervous system and outer tissues. Their discovery in the early nineteenth century transformed embryology from a purely descriptive field into a rigorous scientific discipline, in which hypotheses could be tested by observation and experimentation. By systematically addressing the questions of how the germ layers are formed and how they generate overall body plan, scientists have made fundamental contributions to the fields of evolution, cell signaling, morphogenesis, and stem cell biology. At each step, this work was advanced by the development of innovative methods of observing cell behavior in vivo and in culture. Here, we take an historical approach to describe our current understanding of vertebrate germ layer formation as it relates to the long-standing questions of developmental biology. By comparing how germ layers form in distantly related vertebrate species, we find that highly conserved molecular pathways can be adapted to perform the same function in dramatically different embryonic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chia Tseng
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Mumingjiang Munisha
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Juan B Gutierrez
- Department of Mathematics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.,Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Scott T Dougan
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA.
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P. Croxford K, L. Reader K, D. Nicholson H. The potential role of transforming growth factor beta family ligand interactions in prostate cancer. AIMS MOLECULAR SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.3934/molsci.2017.1.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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44
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Houston DW. Vertebrate Axial Patterning: From Egg to Asymmetry. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 953:209-306. [PMID: 27975274 PMCID: PMC6550305 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-46095-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of the bilateral embryonic body axis from a symmetrical egg has been a long-standing question in developmental biology. Historical and modern experiments point to an initial symmetry-breaking event leading to localized Wnt and Nodal growth factor signaling and subsequent induction and formation of a self-regulating dorsal "organizer." This organizer forms at the site of notochord cell internalization and expresses primarily Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) growth factor antagonists that establish a spatiotemporal gradient of BMP signaling across the embryo, directing initial cell differentiation and morphogenesis. Although the basics of this model have been known for some time, many of the molecular and cellular details have only recently been elucidated and the extent that these events remain conserved throughout vertebrate evolution remains unclear. This chapter summarizes historical perspectives as well as recent molecular and genetic advances regarding: (1) the mechanisms that regulate symmetry-breaking in the vertebrate egg and early embryo, (2) the pathways that are activated by these events, in particular the Wnt pathway, and the role of these pathways in the formation and function of the organizer, and (3) how these pathways also mediate anteroposterior patterning and axial morphogenesis. Emphasis is placed on comparative aspects of the egg-to-embryo transition across vertebrates and their evolution. The future prospects for work regarding self-organization and gene regulatory networks in the context of early axis formation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas W Houston
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, 257 BB, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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45
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Bodenstine TM, Chandler GS, Seftor REB, Seftor EA, Hendrix MJC. Plasticity underlies tumor progression: role of Nodal signaling. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2016; 35:21-39. [PMID: 26951550 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-016-9605-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily member Nodal is an established regulator of early embryonic development, with primary roles in endoderm induction, left-right asymmetry, and primitive streak formation. Nodal signals through TGFβ family receptors at the plasma membrane and induces signaling cascades leading to diverse transcriptional regulation. While conceptually simple, the regulation of Nodal and its molecular effects are profoundly complex and context dependent. Pioneering work by developmental biologists has characterized the signaling pathways, regulatory components, and provided detailed insight into the mechanisms by which Nodal mediates changes at the cellular and organismal levels. Nodal is also an important factor in maintaining pluripotency of embryonic stem cells through regulation of core transcriptional programs. Collectively, this work has led to an appreciation for Nodal as a powerful morphogen capable of orchestrating multiple cellular phenotypes. Although Nodal is not active in most adult tissues, its reexpression and signaling have been linked to multiple types of human cancer, and Nodal has emerged as a driver of tumor growth and cellular plasticity. In vitro and in vivo experimental evidence has demonstrated that inhibition of Nodal signaling reduces cancer cell aggressive characteristics, while clinical data have established associations with Nodal expression and patient outcomes. As a result, there is great interest in the potential targeting of Nodal activity in a therapeutic setting for cancer patients that may provide new avenues for suppressing tumor growth and metastasis. In this review, we evaluate our current understanding of the complexities of Nodal function in cancer and highlight recent experimental evidence that sheds light on the therapeutic potential of its inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Bodenstine
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Grace S Chandler
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Richard E B Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Abstract
We review the evolution and structure of members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, antagonistic or agonistic modulators, and receptors that regulate TGF-β signaling in extracellular environments. The growth factor (GF) domain common to all family members and many of their antagonists evolved from a common cystine knot growth factor (CKGF) domain. The CKGF superfamily comprises six distinct families in primitive metazoans, including the TGF-β and Dan families. Compared with Wnt/Frizzled and Notch/Delta families that also specify body axes, cell fate, tissues, and other families that contain CKGF domains that evolved in parallel, the TGF-β family was the most fruitful in evolution. Complexes between the prodomains and GFs of the TGF-β family suggest a new paradigm for regulating GF release by conversion from closed- to open-arm procomplex conformations. Ternary complexes of the final step in extracellular signaling show how TGF-β GF dimers bind type I and type II receptors on the cell surface, and enable understanding of much of the specificity and promiscuity in extracellular signaling. However, structures suggest that when GFs bind repulsive guidance molecule (RGM) family coreceptors, type I receptors do not bind until reaching an intracellular, membrane-enveloped compartment, blurring the line between extra- and intracellular signaling. Modulator protein structures show how structurally diverse antagonists including follistatins, noggin, and members of the chordin family bind GFs to regulate signaling; complexes with the Dan family remain elusive. Much work is needed to understand how these molecular components assemble to form signaling hubs in extracellular environments in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Hinck
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
| | - Thomas D Mueller
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Julius-von-Sachs Institute of the University Wuerzburg, D-97082 Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Timothy A Springer
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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47
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Zhang DM, Bao YL, Yu CL, Wang YM, Song ZB. Cripto-1 modulates macrophage cytokine secretion and phagocytic activity via NF-κB signaling. Immunol Res 2016; 64:104-14. [PMID: 26476731 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-015-8724-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cripto-1 is an oncogenic protein belonging to the epidermal growth factor–Cripto-1/FRL-1/Cryptic family. It has important roles in tumor formation and metastasis, but its effects on the immune system are unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Cripto-1 overexpression on macrophage activities and examined the underlying mechanisms. A cell line stably overexpressing Cripto-1 was developed. The culture supernatant from this cell line was collected and used to condition macrophages (RAW264.7, THP-1, and primary mouse macrophages) for various times. Exposure to this supernatant significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 and of three pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, and IL-1β), but did not affect the expression of transforming growth factor-β, another anti-inflammatory cytokine. Exposure to this supernatant also enhanced macrophage phagocytosis of chicken erythrocytes and yeast cells. Similar effects were observed in macrophages stimulated with purified Cripto-1 protein. Mechanistic experiments revealed that Cripto-1 activated nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling by inducing IκB kinase phosphorylation and p65 nuclear translocation. Pretreatment with ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate, a specific NF-κB inhibitor, inhibited Cripto-1-induced cytokine secretion and phagocytosis of macrophages. Taken together, our present findings suggest that Cripto-1 enhances macrophage phagocytic activity and upregulates the production of anti- and pro-inflammatory cytokines via the NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Abstract
The discovery of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family ligands and the realization that their bioactivities need to be tightly controlled temporally and spatially led to intensive research that has identified a multitude of extracellular modulators of TGF-β family ligands, uncovered their functions in developmental and pathophysiological processes, defined the mechanisms of their activities, and explored potential modulator-based therapeutic applications in treating human diseases. These studies revealed a diverse repertoire of extracellular and membrane-associated molecules that are capable of modulating TGF-β family signals via control of ligand availability, processing, ligand-receptor interaction, and receptor activation. These molecules include not only soluble ligand-binding proteins that were conventionally considered as agonists and antagonists of TGF-β family of growth factors, but also extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and proteoglycans that can serve as "sink" and control storage and release of both the TGF-β family ligands and their regulators. This extensive network of soluble and ECM modulators helps to ensure dynamic and cell-specific control of TGF-β family signals. This article reviews our knowledge of extracellular modulation of TGF-β growth factors by diverse proteins and their molecular mechanisms to regulate TGF-β family signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenbei Chang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35294
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49
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Wang Y, Wang X, Wohland T, Sampath K. Extracellular interactions and ligand degradation shape the nodal morphogen gradient. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27101364 PMCID: PMC4887204 DOI: 10.7554/elife.13879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The correct distribution and activity of secreted signaling proteins called morphogens is required for many developmental processes. Nodal morphogens play critical roles in embryonic axis formation in many organisms. Models proposed to generate the Nodal gradient include diffusivity, ligand processing, and a temporal activation window. But how the Nodal morphogen gradient forms in vivo remains unclear. Here, we have measured in vivo for the first time, the binding affinity of Nodal ligands to their major cell surface receptor, Acvr2b, and to the Nodal inhibitor, Lefty, by fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy. We examined the diffusion coefficient of Nodal ligands and Lefty inhibitors in live zebrafish embryos by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. We also investigated the contribution of ligand degradation to the Nodal gradient. We show that ligand clearance via degradation shapes the Nodal gradient and correlates with its signaling range. By computational simulations of gradient formation, we demonstrate that diffusivity, extra-cellular interactions, and selective ligand destruction collectively shape the Nodal morphogen gradient. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13879.001 Animals develop from a single fertilized egg cell into multicellular organisms. This process requires chemical signals called “morphogens” that instruct the cells how to behave during development. The morphogens move across cells and tissues to form gradients of the signal. Cells then respond in different ways depending on how much of the signal they receive. This, in turn, depends on several factors: first, how quickly or slowly the signal moves; second, how well the morphogen binds to responding cells and other molecules in its path; and third, how much signal is lost or destroyed during the movement. Many researchers study morphogen gradients in the transparent zebrafish, since it grows quickly and it is easy to see developmental changes. However, until now it was not fully clear how the well-known morphogen called Nodal moves in live zebrafish as they develop. Wang, Wang et al. have now investigated how well Nodal signals bind to the surface of cells that receive the signal and to a molecule called “Lefty”, which is present in the same path and interferes with Nodal signals. Advanced techniques called fluorescence correlation and cross-correlation spectroscopy were used to measure Nodal signals at the level of single molecules in growing zebrafish. The experiments gave insights into how far Nodal signals move and remain active. The results showed that, in addition to Nodal diffusing and binding to receiving cells, one of the most important factors determining how far and quickly Nodal moves is its inactivation and destruction. Lastly, Wang, Wang et al. built computational models to test their observations from live zebrafish. The current work was based on forcing zebrafish to produce molecules including Nodal at locations within the fish that normally do not make them. Therefore future experiments will aim to examine these molecules and their interactions when they are produced at their normal locations in the animal over time. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13879.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Wang
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thorsten Wohland
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Chemistry, Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Karuna Sampath
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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50
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Sánchez-Duffhues G, Hiepen C, Knaus P, Ten Dijke P. Bone morphogenetic protein signaling in bone homeostasis. Bone 2015; 80:43-59. [PMID: 26051467 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are cytokines belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. They play multiple functions during development and tissue homeostasis, including regulation of the bone homeostasis. The BMP signaling pathway consists in a well-orchestrated manner of ligands, membrane receptors, co-receptors and intracellular mediators, that regulate the expression of genes controlling the normal functioning of the bone tissues. Interestingly, BMP signaling perturbation is associated to a variety of low and high bone mass diseases, including osteoporosis, bone fracture disorders and heterotopic ossification. Consistent with these findings, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that BMPs have potent effects on the activity of cells regulating bone function, suggesting that manipulation of the BMP signaling pathway may be employed as a therapeutic approach to treat bone diseases. Here we review the recent advances on BMP signaling and bone homeostasis, and how this knowledge may be used towards improved diagnosis and development of novel treatment modalities. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Muscle Bone Interactions".
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Sánchez-Duffhues
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Hiepen
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Brandenburg School of Regenerative Therapies (BSRT), Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Knaus
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Brandenburg School of Regenerative Therapies (BSRT), Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Cancer Genomics Centre Netherlands, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands.
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