In vivo function of a differentiation inhibitor, Id2

Evidence for close molecular proximity between reverting and undifferentiated cells

Background

According to Waddington’s epigenetic landscape concept, the differentiation process can be illustrated by a cell akin to a ball rolling down from the top of a hill (proliferation state) and crossing furrows before stopping in basins or “attractor states” to reach its stable differentiated state. However, it is now clear that some committed cells can retain a certain degree of plasticity and reacquire phenotypical characteristics of a more pluripotent cell state. In line with this dynamic model, we have previously shown that differentiating cells (chicken erythrocytic progenitors (T2EC)) retain for 24 h the ability to self-renew when transferred back in self-renewal conditions. Despite those intriguing and promising results, the underlying molecular state of those “reverting” cells remains unexplored. The aim of the present study was therefore to molecularly characterize the T2EC reversion process by combining advanced statistical tools to make the most of single-cell transcriptomic data. For this purpose, T2EC, initially maintained in a self-renewal medium (0H), were induced to differentiate for 24H (24H differentiating cells); then, a part of these cells was transferred back to the self-renewal medium (48H reverting cells) and the other part was maintained in the differentiation medium for another 24H (48H differentiating cells). For each time point, cell transcriptomes were generated using scRT-qPCR and scRNAseq.

Results

Our results showed a strong overlap between 0H and 48H reverting cells when applying dimensional reduction. Moreover, the statistical comparison of cell distributions and differential expression analysis indicated no significant differences between these two cell groups. Interestingly, gene pattern distributions highlighted that, while 48H reverting cells have gene expression pattern more similar to 0H cells, they are not completely identical, which suggest that for some genes a longer delay may be required for the cells to fully recover. Finally, sparse PLS (sparse partial least square) analysis showed that only the expression of 3 genes discriminates 48H reverting and 0H cells.

Conclusions

Altogether, we show that reverting cells return to an earlier molecular state almost identical to undifferentiated cells and demonstrate a previously undocumented physiological and molecular plasticity during the differentiation process, which most likely results from the dynamic behavior of the underlying molecular network.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01363-7.

Sustained Expression of Negative Regulators of Myelination Protects Schwann Cells from Dysmyelination in a Charcot-Marie-Tooth 1B Mouse Model

Schwann cell differentiation and myelination in the PNS are the result of fine-tuning of positive and negative transcriptional regulators. As myelination starts, negative regulators are downregulated, whereas positive ones are upregulated. Fully differentiated Schwann cells maintain an extraordinary plasticity and can transdifferentiate into "repair" Schwann cells after nerve injury. Reactivation of negative regulators of myelination is essential to generate repair Schwann cells. Negative regulators have also been implicated in demyelinating neuropathies, although their role in disease remains elusive. Here, we used a mouse model of Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy type 1B (CMT1B), the P0S63del mouse characterized by ER stress and the activation of the unfolded protein response, to show that adult Schwann cells are in a partial differentiation state because they overexpress transcription factors that are normally expressed only before myelination. We provide evidence that two of these factors, Sox2 and Id2, act as negative regulators of myelination in vivo However, their sustained expression in neuropathy is protective because ablation of Sox2 or/and Id2 from S63del mice of both sexes results in worsening of the dysmyelinating phenotype. This is accompanied by increased levels of mutant P0 expression and exacerbation of ER stress, suggesting that limited differentiation may represent a novel adaptive mechanism through which Schwann cells counter the toxic effect of a mutant terminal differentiation protein.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In many neuropathies, Schwann cells express high levels of early differentiation genes, but the significance of these altered expression remained unclear. Because many of these factors may act as negative regulators of myelination, it was suggested that their misexpression could contribute to dysmyelination. Here, we show that the transcription factors Sox2 and Id2 act as negative regulators of myelination in vivo, but that their sustained expression in Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1B (CMT1B) represents an adaptive response activated by the Schwann cells to reduce mutant protein toxicity and prevent demyelination.

Side branching and luminal lineage commitment by ID2 in developing mammary glands

Mammary glands develop through primary ductal elongation and side branching to maximize the spatial area. Although primary ducts are generated by bifurcation of terminal end buds, the mechanism through which side branching occurs is still largely unclear. Here, we show that inhibitor of DNA-binding 2 (ID2) drives side branch formation through differentiation of K6+ bipotent progenitor cells into CD61+ luminal progenitor cells. Id2-null mice had side branching defects, along with developmental blockage of K6+ bipotent progenitor cells into CD61+ luminal progenitor cells. Notably, CD61+ luminal progenitor cells were found in budding and side branches, but not in terminal end buds. Hormone reconstitution studies using ovariectomized MMTV-NLS-Id2 transgenic mice revealed that ID2 is a key mediator of progesterone, which drives luminal lineage differentiation and side branching. Our results suggest that CD61 is a marker for side branches and that ID2 regulates side branch formation by inducing luminal lineage commitment from K6+ bipotent progenitor cells to CD61+ luminal progenitor cells.

Dynamics of BMP and Hes1/Hairy1 signaling in the dorsal neural tube underlies the transition from neural crest to definitive roof plate

BACKGROUND

The dorsal midline region of the neural tube that results from closure of the neural folds is generally termed the roof plate (RP). However, this domain is highly dynamic and complex, and is first transiently inhabited by prospective neural crest (NC) cells that sequentially emigrate from the neuroepithelium. It only later becomes the definitive RP, the dorsal midline cells of the spinal cord. We previously showed that at the trunk level of the axis, prospective RP progenitors originate ventral to the premigratory NC and progressively reach the dorsal midline following NC emigration. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the end of NC production and formation of the definitive RP remain virtually unknown.

RESULTS

Based on distinctive cellular and molecular traits, we have defined an initial NC and a subsequent RP stage, allowing us to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the transition between the two phases. We demonstrate that in spite of the constant production of BMP4 in the dorsal tube at both stages, RP progenitors only transiently respond to the ligand and lose competence shortly before they arrive at their final location. In addition, exposure of dorsal tube cells at the NC stage to high levels of BMP signaling induces premature RP traits, such as Hes1/Hairy1, while concomitantly inhibiting NC production. Reciprocally, early inhibition of BMP signaling prevents Hairy1 mRNA expression at the RP stage altogether, suggesting that BMP is both necessary and sufficient for the development of this RP-specific trait. Furthermore, when Hes1/Hairy1 is misexpressed at the NC stage, it inhibits BMP signaling and downregulates BMPR1A/Alk3 mRNA expression, transcription of BMP targets such as Foxd3, cell-cycle progression, and NC emigration. Reciprocally, Foxd3 inhibits Hairy1, suggesting that repressive cross-interactions at the level of, and downstream from, BMP ensure the temporal separation between both lineages.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our data suggest that BMP signaling is important both for NC and RP formation. Given that these two structures develop sequentially, we speculate that the longer exposure of RP progenitors to BMP compared with that of premigratory NC cells may be translated into a higher signaling level in the former. This induces changes in responsiveness to BMP, most likely by downregulating the expression of Alk3 receptors and, consequently, of BMP-dependent downstream transcription factors, which exhibit spatial complementary expression patterns and mutually repress each other to generate alternative fates. This molecular dynamic is likely to account for the transition between the NC and definitive RP stages and thus be responsible for the segregation between central and peripheral lineages during neural development.

The Role of Id2 Protein in Neuroblatoma in Children

Id (DNA binding and/or differentiation) proteins occur physiologically during ontogenesis and negatively regulate the activity of other helix-loop-helix (HLH) proteins. Id2 protein causes block of cells differentiation in the S phase of the cell cycle and regulates the activity of Rb protein. The role of Id2 protein in physiological cell cycle progression and in neuroblastoma (NBL) pathogenesis was proposed by Lasorella. The aim of the study was evaluation of Id2 expression and its prognostic significance in NBL cells coming from primary tumors and evaluation of its prognostic significance, and correlation of Id2 expression with known prognostic factors. Sixty patients with primary NBL treated from 1991 to 2005 were included in the analysis. We found 50 patients with high and 10 patients with low intensity of Id2 expression. The median percentage of NBL cells with Id2 expression was 88 %. We found no correlation between the number of NBL cells or the intensity of Id2 expression and OS and DFS. In patients with stage 4 NBL, almost all patients had high expression of Id2 and it was significantly more common than in other disease stages (p = 0,03). We found no correlation between Id2 expression and other known prognostic factor in NBL patients. We assume that Id2 is not prognostic factor. However, due to its abundant expression in most of NBL cells and its role in cell cycle, it may be potential therapeutic target. Exact knowledge of expression time may be helpful in explaining mechanisms of oncogenesis.

Mice deficient in Sfrp1 exhibit increased adiposity, dysregulated glucose metabolism, and enhanced macrophage infiltration

The molecular mechanisms involved in the development of obesity and related complications remain unclear. Wnt signaling plays an important role in preadipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis. The expression of a Wnt antagonist, secreted frizzled related protein 1 (SFRP1), is increased in response to initial weight gain, then levels are reduced under conditions of extreme obesity in both humans and animals. Here we report that loss of Sfrp1 exacerbates weight gain, glucose homeostasis and inflammation in mice in response to diet induced obesity (DIO). Sfrp1^-/- mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) exhibited an increase in body mass accompanied by increases in body fat percentage, visceral white adipose tissue (WAT) mass, and adipocyte size. Moreover, Sfrp1 deficiency increases the mRNA levels of key de novo lipid synthesis genes (Fasn, Acaca, Acly, Elovl, Scd1) and the transcription factors that regulate their expression (Lxr-α, Srebp1, Chreb, and Nr1h3) in WAT. Fasting glucose levels are elevated, glucose clearance is impaired, hepatic gluconeogenesis regulators are aberrantly upregulated (G6pc and Pck1), and glucose transporters are repressed (Slc2a2 and Slc2a4) in Sfrp1^-/- mice fed a HFD. Additionally, we observed increased steatosis in the livers of Sfrp1^-/- mice. When there is an expansion of adipose tissue there is a sustained inflammatory response accompanied by adipokine dysregulation, which leads to chronic subclinical inflammation. Thus, we assessed the inflammatory state of different tissues and revealed that Sfrp1^-/- mice fed a HFD exhibited increased macrophage infiltration and expression of pro-inflammatory markers including IL-6, Nmnat, Tgf-β2, and SerpinE1. Our findings demonstrate that the expression of Sfrp1 is a critical factor required for maintaining appropriate cellular signaling in response to the onset of obesity.

Mononuclear phagocyte diversity in the intestine

Present in all organs, mononuclear phagocytes consist of a heterogeneous population of hematopoietic cells whose main role is to ensure tissue homeostasis through their ability to scavenge cell debris, promote tissue repair and maintain tolerance to self-antigens while simultaneously inducing innate and adaptive immune responses against foreign antigens that breach the tissue. The intestinal mucosa is particularly exposed to foreign antigen, through constant exposure to high loads of commensal bacteria and dietary antigens as well as providing a site of entry for viral and bacterial pathogens. The molecular mechanisms that control the intestinal ability to distinguish between "innocuous" and "dangerous" antigens remains poorly understood although it is clear that mononuclear phagocytes play a key role in this process. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of heterogeneous origin of the mononuclear phagocytes that inhabit the intestinal mucosa and discusses how developmental diversity allows for functional diversity to ensure intestinal integrity.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorα agonists differentially regulate inhibitor of DNA binding expression in rodents and human cells

Inhibitor of DNA binding (Id2) is a helix-loop-helix (HLH) transcription factor that participates in cell differentiation and proliferation. Id2 has been linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases since thiazolidinediones, antidiabetic agents and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma agonists, have been reported to diminish Id2 expression in human cells. We hypothesized that PPARα activators may also alter Id2 expression. Fenofibrate diminished hepatic Id2 expression in both late pregnant and unmated rats. In 24 hour fasted rats, Id2 expression was decreased under conditions known to activate PPARα. In order to determine whether the fibrate effects were mediated by PPARα, wild-type mice and PPARα-null mice were treated with Wy-14,643 (WY). WY reduced Id2 expression in wild-type mice without an effect in PPARα-null mice. In contrast, fenofibrate induced Id2 expression after 24 hours of treatment in human hepatocarcinoma cells (HepG2). MK-886, a PPARα antagonist, did not block fenofibrate-induced activation of Id2 expression, suggesting a PPARα-independent effect was involved. These findings confirm that Id2 is a gene responsive to PPARα agonists. Like other genes (apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein A-V), the opposite directional transcriptional effect in rodents and a human cell line further emphasizes that PPARα agonists have different effects in rodents and humans.

Expression of Id2 in the second heart field and cardiac defects in Id2 knock-out mice

The inhibitor of differentiation Id2 is expressed in mesoderm of the second heart field, which contributes myocardial and mesenchymal cells to the primary heart tube. The role of Id2 in cardiac development is insufficiently known. Heart development was studied in sequential developmental stages in Id2 wildtype and knockout mouse embryos. Expression patterns of Id2, MLC-2a, Nkx2.5, HCN4, and WT-1 were analyzed. Id2 is expressed in myocardial progenitor cells at the inflow and outflow tract, in the endocardial and epicardial lineage, and in neural crest cells. Id2 knockout embryos show severe cardiac defects including abnormal orientation of systemic and pulmonary drainage, abnormal myocardialization of systemic and pulmonary veins, hypoplasia of the sinoatrial node, large interatrial communications, ventricular septal defects, double outlet right ventricle, and myocardial hypoplasia. Our results indicate a role for Id2 in the second heart field contribution at both the arterial and the venous poles of the heart.

Molecular mechanisms of Id2 down-regulation in rat liver after acetaminophen overdose. Protection by N-acetyl-L-cysteine

Id2 is a pleiotropic protein whose function depends on its expression levels. Id2-deficient cells show increased cell death. This study explored the molecular mechanisms for the modulation of Id2 expression elicited by GSH and oxidative stress in the liver of acetaminophen (APAP)-intoxicated rats. APAP-overdose induced GSH depletion, Id2 promoter hypoacetylation, RNApol-II released and, therefore, Id2 down-regulation. Id2 expression depends on c-Myc binding to its promoter. APAP-overdose decreased c-Myc content and binding to Id2 promoter. Reduction of c-Myc was not accompanied by decreased c-myc mRNA, suggesting a mechanism dependent on protein stability. Administration of N-acetyl-cysteine prior to APAP-overload prevented GSH depletion and c-Myc degradation. Consistently, c-Myc was recruited to Id2 promoter, histone-H3 was hyperacetylated, RNApol II was bound to Id2 coding region and Id2 repression prevented. The results suggest a novel transcriptional-dependent mechanism of Id2 regulation by GSH and oxidative stress induced by APAP-overdose through the indirect modulation of the proteasome pathway.

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) signaling in retinoblastoma cells

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) - expressed in the developing retina - are known to be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis in several tumor entities. The objective of this study was to determine the role of the BMP4 pathway in retinoblastoma cells, which are absent in a functional retinoblastoma (RB1) gene. BMP receptors were detected in all retinoblastoma cell lines investigated. A correct transmission of BMP signaling via the Smad1/5/8 pathway could be demonstrated in WERI-Rb1 retinoblastoma cells and application of recombinant human BMP4 resulted in an increase in apoptosis, which to a large extend is caspase independent. Cell proliferation was not affected by BMP4 signaling, although the pRb-related proteins p107 and p130, contributing to the regulation of the same genes, are still expressed. WERI-Rb1 cells exhibit elevated endogenous levels of p21(CIP1) and p53, but we did not detect any increase in p53, p21(CIP1)or p27(KIP1) expression levels. Id proteins became, however, strongly up-regulated upon exogenous BMP4 treatment. Thus, RB1 loss in WERI-Rb1 cells is obviously not compensated for by pRb-independent (e.g. p53-dependent) cell cycle control mechanisms, preventing an anti-proliferative response to BMP4, which normally induces cell cycle arrest.

Modulation of transcription factor function by O-GlcNAc modification

O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins is important for many cellular processes, and the number of proteins that contain this modification is steadily increasing. This modification is dynamic and reversible, and in some cases competes for phosphorylation of the same residues. O-GlcNAc modification of proteins is regulated by cell cycle, nutrient metabolism, and other extracellular signals. Compared to protein phosphorylation, which is mediated by a large number of kinases, O-GlcNAc modification is catalyzed only by one enzyme called O-linked N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase or OGT. Removal of O-GlcNAc from proteins is catalyzed by the enzyme beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (O-GlcNAcase or OGA). Altered O-linked GlcNAc modification levels contribute to the establishment of many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegeneration. Many transcription factors have been shown to be modified by O-linked GlcNAc modification, which can influence their transcriptional activity, DNA binding, localization, stability, and interaction with other co-factors. This review focuses on modulation of transcription factor function by O-linked GlcNAc modification.

[Progress of studies on bHLH transcription factor families]

bHLH transcription factors are important players in various developmental processes of eukaryotes. They constitute a large family of transcription factors. bHLH family members have been identified in genomes of 20 organisms including 17 animals, two plants, and one yeast. Animal bHLHs are classified into 45 families based on their different functions in the regulation of gene expression. In addition, they are divided into 6 groups according to target DNA elements they bind and their own structural characteristics. Group A consists of 22 families. They mainly regulate neurogenesis, myogenesis and mesoderm formation. Group B consists of 12 families. They mainly regulate cell proliferation and differentiation, sterol metabolism and adipocyte formation, and expression of glucose-responsive genes. Group C has seven families. They are responsible for the regulation of midline and tracheal development, circadian rhythms, and for the activation of gene transcription in response to environmental toxins. Group D has only one family. It forms inactive heterodimers with group A bHLH proteins. Group E has two families, which regulate embryonic segmentation, somitogenesis and organogenesis etc. Group F also has one family. It regulates head development and formation of olfactory sensory neurons etc. This article presents a brief review on progress achieved in studies related to the classification, origination and functions of bHLH transcription factor families.

Wnt7b stimulates embryonic lung growth by coordinately increasing the replication of epithelium and mesenchyme

The effects of Wnt7b on lung development were examined using a conditional Wnt7b-null mouse. Wnt7b-null lungs are markedly hypoplastic, yet display largely normal patterning and cell differentiation. In contrast to findings in prior hypomorphic Wnt7b models, we find decreased replication of both developing epithelium and mesenchyme, without abnormalities of vascular smooth muscle development. We further demonstrate that Wnt7b signals to neighboring cells to activate both autocrine and paracrine canonical Wnt signaling cascades. In contrast to results from hypomorphic models, we show that Wnt7b modulates several important signaling pathways in the lung. Together, these cascades result in the coordinated proliferation of adjacent epithelial and mesenchymal cells to stimulate organ growth with few alterations in differentiation and patterning.

Glucose induces increases in levels of the transcriptional repressor Id2 via the hexosamine pathway

Changes in glucose levels are known to directly alter gene expression. A number of previous studies have found that these effects are in part mediated by modulating the levels and the activity of transcription factors. We have investigated an alternative mechanism by which glucose might regulate gene expression by modulating levels of a transcriptional repressor. We have focused on Id2, which is a protein that indirectly regulates gene expression by sequestering certain transcription factors and preventing them from forming functional dimers. Id2 targets include the class A basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors and the sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1. We demonstrate that increases in glucose levels cause a rapid increase in levels of Id2 in J774.2 macrophages, and a number of lines of evidence indicate that this is via the hexosamine pathway because 1) the effect of glucose requires glutamine; 2) the effect of glucose is mimicked by low levels of glucosamine; 3) the effect of glucose is inhibited by azaserine, an inhibitor of glutamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFAT); and 4) adenoviral mediated overexpression of GFAT increases levels of Id2. We go on to show that increases in Id2 can have functional effects on metabolic genes, because Id2 blocked the SREBP-1-induced induction of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) promoter activity, whereas Id2 alone does not modulate activity of the HSL promoter. In summary, these studies define a new mechanism by which glucose uses the hexosamine pathway to regulate gene expression by increasing levels of a transcriptional repressor.

Retinoid-related Orphan Receptors (RORs): Roles in Cellular Differentiation and Development

Retinoid-related orphan receptors RORalpha, -beta, and -gamma are transcription factors belonging to the steroid hormone receptor superfamily. During embryonic development RORs are expressed in a spatial and temporal manner and are critical in the regulation of cellular differentiation and the development of several tissues. RORalpha plays a key role in the development of the cerebellum particularly in the regulation of the maturation and survival of Purkinje cells. In RORalpha-deficient mice, the reduced production of sonic hedgehog by these cells appears to be the major cause of the decreased proliferation of granule cell precursors and the observed cerebellar atrophy. RORalpha has been implicated in the regulation of a number of other physiological processes, including bone formation. RORbeta expression is largely restricted to several regions of the brain, the retina, and pineal gland. Mice deficient in RORbeta develop retinal degeneration that results in blindness. RORgamma is essential for lymph node organogenesis. In the intestine RORgamma is required for the formation of several other lymphoid tissues: Peyer's patches, cryptopatches, and isolated lymphoid follicles. RORgamma plays a key role in the generation of lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells that are essential for the development of these lymphoid tissues. In addition, RORgamma is a critical regulator of thymopoiesis. It controls the differentiation of immature single-positive thymocytes into double-positive thymocytes and promotes the survival of double-positive thymocytes by inducing the expression of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-X(L). Interestingly, all three ROR receptors appear to play a role in the control of circadian rhythms. RORalpha positively regulates the expression of Bmal1, a transcription factor that is critical in the control of the circadian clock. This review intends to provide an overview of the current status of the functions RORs have in these biological processes.

A role for Id in the regulation of TGF-beta-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation

Epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation (EMT) is a critical morphogenic event that occurs during embryonic development and during the progression of various epithelial tumors. EMT can be induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in mouse NMuMG mammary epithelial cells. Here, we demonstrate a central role of helix-loop-helix factors, E2A and inhibitor of differentiation (Id) proteins, in TGF-beta-induced EMT. Epithelial cells ectopically expressing E2A adopt a fibroblastic phenotype and acquire migratory/invasive properties, concomitant with the suppression of E-cadherin expression. Id proteins interacted with E2A proteins and antagonized E2A-dependent suppression of the E-cadherin promoter. Levels of Id proteins were dramatically decreased by TGF-beta. Moreover, NMuMG cells overexpressed Id2 showed partial resistance to TGF-beta-induced EMT. Id proteins thus inhibit the action of E2A proteins on the expression of E-cadherin, but after TGF-beta stimulation, E2A proteins are present in molar excess of the Id proteins, thus over-riding their inhibitory function and leading to EMT.

Gene Regulation in Spermatogenesis

Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex hormone-dependent developmental program in which a myriad of events must take place to ensure that germ cells reach their proper stage of development at the proper time. Many of these events are controlled by cell type- and stage-specific transcription factors. The regulatory mechanisms involved provide an intriguing paradigm for the field of developmental biology and may lead to the development of new contraceptives an and innovative routs to treat male infertility. In this review, we address three aspects of the genetic regulatory mechanism that drive spermatogenesis. First, we detail what is known about how steroid hormones (both androgens and estrogens) and their cognate receptors initiate and maintain mammalian spermatogenesis. Steroids act through three mechanistic routes: (i) direct activation of genes through hormone-dependent promoter elements, (ii) secondary transcriptional responses through activation of hormone-dependent transcription factors, and (iii) rapid, transcription-independent (nonclassical) events induced by steroid hormones. Second, we provide a survey of transcription factors that function in mammalian spermatogenesis, including homeobox, zinc-finger, heat-shock, and cAMP-response family members. Our survey is not intended to cover all examples but to give a flavor for the gamut of biological roles conferred by transcription factors in the testis, particularly those defined in knockout mice. Third, we address how testis-specific transcription is achieved. In particular, we cover the evidence for and against the idea that some testis-specific genes are transcriptionally silent in somatic tissues as a result of DNA methylation.

Id2 Is Dispensable for Myc-Induced Lymphomagenesis

The Emu-Myc transgenic mouse appears to be an accurate model of human Burkitt's lymphoma that bears MYC/Immunoglobulin gene translocations. Id2, a negative regulator of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors, has also been proposed as a Myc target gene that drives the proliferative response of Myc by binding to and overriding the checkpoint functions of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein. Targeted deletion of Id2 in mice results in defects in B-cell development and prevents the development of peripheral lymphoid nodes. In precancerous B cells and lymphomas that arise in Emu-Myc transgenic mice and in Burkitt's lymphomas, Id2 is overexpressed, suggesting that it plays a regulatory role in lymphoma development. Surprisingly, despite these connections, Emu-Myc mice lacking Id2 succumb to lethal B-cell lymphoma at rates comparable with wild-type Emu-Myc transgenics. Furthermore, precancerous splenic B cells lacking Id2 do not exhibit any significant defects in Myc-induced target gene transactivation and proliferation. However, due to their lack of secondary lymph nodes, Emu-Myc mice lacking Id2 rather succumb to disseminated lymphoma with an associated leukemia, with pronounced infiltrates of the bone marrow and other major organs. Collectively these findings argue that targeting Id2 functions may be ineffective in preventing Myc-associated malignancies.

Cloning and characterization of Xenopus Id4 reveals differing roles for Id genes

We have identified Xenopus Id4, a member of the Id (inhibitor of differentiation/DNA binding) class of helix-loop-helix proteins. Id factors dimerize with general bHLH factors, preventing their interaction with tissue-specific bHLH factors, to inhibit premature differentiation. The presence of several Id proteins could reflect simple redundancy in function, or more interestingly, might suggest different activities for these proteins. During embryonic development, Xenopus Id4 is expressed in a number of neural tissues, including Rohon-Beard neurons, olfactory placode, eye primordia, and the trigeminal ganglia. It is also expressed in other organs, such as the pronephros and liver primordium. As embryogenesis progresses, it is expressed in the migrating melanocytes and lateral line structures. We compare the expression of Id4 mRNA with that of Id2 and Id3 and find that the Id genes are expressed in complementary patterns during neurogenesis, myogenesis, kidney development, in the tailbud, and in the migrating neural crest. To examine the regulation of Id gene expression during Xenopus neural development, we show that expression of Id3 and Id4 can be induced by overexpression of BMP4 in the whole embryo and in ectodermal explants. Expression of Id2, Id3, and Id4 in these explants is unaffected by the expression of FGF-8 or a dominant-negative Ras (N17ras), suggesting that Id genes are not regulated by the FGF signaling pathway in naive ectoderm. We also show that Notch signaling can activate Id2 and Id3 expression in the whole embryo. In contrast, Id4 expression in the Rohon-Beard cells is inhibited by activated Notch and increased by a dominant-negative Delta. This may reflect an increase in Rohon-Beard cells in response to inhibition of Notch signaling rather than transcriptional regulation of Id4. Finally, to compare the activities of Id2, Id3, and Id4, we use animal cap explants and in vivo overexpression to show that Id proteins can differentially inhibit the activities of neurogenin and neuroD, both neurogenic bHLH molecules and MyoD, a myogenic bHLH protein. Id4 is able to inhibit the activity all these bHLH molecules, Id2 inhibits MyoD and neuroD, while Id3 blocks only neuroD activity in our assays.

Mammary epithelial cells are not able to undergo pregnancy-dependent differentiation in the absence of the helix-loop-helix inhibitor Id2

Mammary alveolar development during pregnancy is triggered by hormone signals. The prolactin receptor/Jak2/signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat) 5 signal transduction pathway is the principal mediator of these cues and alveolar development is abrogated in its absence. The loss of the basic helix-loop-helix protein inhibitor of differentiation (Id)2 results in a similar defect. To investigate the role of Id2 in mammary epithelium, we performed structural and molecular analyses. Id2-null mammary epithelial cells were unable to form alveoli; the epithelial architecture was disorganized and dissimilar from early stages of alveologenesis in wild-type glands. The epithelial cells retained the ductal marker Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC)1. Nuclear localization of Stat5a and down-regulation of NKCC1 was observed in some areas, indicating a limited response to pregnancy signals. The differentiation status of Id2-null tissue at term was further characterized with cDNA microarrays enriched in mammary specific sequences (mammochip). Some of the early differentiation markers for mammary epithelium were expressed in the Id2-null tissue, whereas genes that are expressed at later stages of pregnancy were not induced. From these results, we conclude that, in the absence of Id2, mammary epithelial development is arrested at an early stage of pregnancy.