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Migale R, Neumann M, Mitter R, Rafiee MR, Wood S, Olsen J, Lovell-Badge R. FOXL2 interaction with different binding partners regulates the dynamics of ovarian development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl0788. [PMID: 38517962 PMCID: PMC10959415 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl0788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXL2 is required in ovarian somatic cells for female fertility. Differential timing of Foxl2 deletion, in embryonic versus adult mouse ovary, leads to distinctive outcomes, suggesting different roles across development. Here, we comprehensively investigated FOXL2's role through a multi-omics approach to characterize gene expression dynamics and chromatin accessibility changes, coupled with genome-wide identification of FOXL2 targets and on-chromatin interacting partners in somatic cells across ovarian development. We found that FOXL2 regulates more targets postnatally, through interaction with factors regulating primordial follicle formation and steroidogenesis. Deletion of one interactor, ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (Usp7), results in impairment of somatic cell differentiation, germ cell nest breakdown, and ovarian development, leading to sterility. Our datasets constitute a comprehensive resource for exploration of the molecular mechanisms of ovarian development and causes of female infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Migale
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Michelle Neumann
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Richard Mitter
- Bioinformatics core, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Mahmoud-Reza Rafiee
- RNA Networks Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Sophie Wood
- Genetic Modification Service, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jessica Olsen
- Genetic Modification Service, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Robin Lovell-Badge
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Genetics, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
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2
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Llano E, Todeschini AL, Felipe-Medina N, Corte-Torres MD, Condezo YB, Sanchez-Martin M, López-Tamargo S, Astudillo A, Puente XS, Pendas AM, Veitia RA. The Oncogenic FOXL2 C134W Mutation Is a Key Driver of Granulosa Cell Tumors. Cancer Res 2023; 83:239-250. [PMID: 36409821 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Adult-type granulosa cell tumors (AGCT) are the most common type of malignant ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors. Most AGCTs carry the somatic variant c.402C>G (p.C134W) affecting the transcription factor FOXL2. Germline dominant variants in FOXL2 are responsible for blepharophimosis syndrome, which is characterized by underdevelopment of the eyelid. In this work, we generated a mouse model harboring the C134W variant of FOXL2 to evaluate in vivo the poorly understood oncogenic role of FOXL2. The mutation was dominant regarding eyelid hypoplasia, reminiscent of blepharophimosis syndrome. Interestingly, Foxl2+/C134W female mice had reduced fertility and developed AGCTs through a progression from abnormal ovaries with aberrant granulosa cells to ovaries with stromal hyperplasia and atypia and on to tumors in adut mice. The genes dysregulated in mouse AGCTs exhibited the hallmarks of cancer and were consistent with a gain-of-function of the mutated allele affecting TGFβ signaling. A comparison of these data with previous results on human AGCTs indicated similar deregulated pathways. Finally, a mutational analysis of mouse AGCT transcriptomic data suggested the absence of additional driver mutations apart from FOXL2-C134W. These results provide a clear in vivo example in which a single mutational hit triggers tumor development associated with profound transcriptomic alterations. SIGNIFICANCE A newly generated mouse model carrying a FOXL2 mutation characteristic of adult-type granulosa cell tumors shows that FOXL2 C134W shifts the transcriptome towards a signature of granulosa cell cancer and drives tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Llano
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain.,Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Natalia Felipe-Medina
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain
| | - María D Corte-Torres
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Asturias, Hospital Universitario del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Yazmine B Condezo
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Sara López-Tamargo
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Oncología (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Aurora Astudillo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Asturias, Hospital Universitario del Principado de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Xose S Puente
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto M Pendas
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer (CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Reiner A Veitia
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France.,Université Paris Saclay, Paris, France.,Institut de Biologie François Jacob, CEA, Fontenay-aux-Roses, Paris, France
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3
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Zhou J, Yang YJ, Gan RH, Wang Y, Li Z, Zhang XJ, Gui JF, Zhou L. Foxl2a and Foxl2b are involved in midbrain-hindbrain boundary development in zebrafish. Gene Expr Patterns 2022; 46:119286. [PMID: 36341978 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2022.119286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Foxl2 plays conserved central function in ovarian differentiation and maintenance in several fish species. However, its expression pattern and function in fish embryogenesis are still largely unknown. In this study, we first presented a sequential expression pattern of zebrafish foxl2a and foxl2b during embryo development. They were predominantly expressed in the cranial paraxial mesoderm (CPM) and cranial venous vasculature (CVV) during somitogenesis and subsequently expressed in the pharyngeal arches after 48 h post-fertilization (hpf). Then, we compared the brain structures among zebrafish wildtype (WT) and three homozygous foxl2 mutants (foxl2a-/-, foxl2b-/- and foxl2a-/-;foxl2b-/-) and found the reduction of the fourth ventricle in the three foxl2 mutants, especially in foxl2a-/-;foxl2b-/- mutant. Finally, we detected several key transcription factors involved in the gene regulatory network of midbrain-hindbrain boundary (MHB) patterning, such as wnt1, en1b and pax2a. Their expression levels were obviously downregulated in MHB of foxl2a-/- and foxl2a-/-;foxl2b-/- mutants. Thus, we suggest that Foxl2a and Foxl2b are involved in MHB and the fourth ventricle development in zebrafish. The current study provides insights into the molecular mechanism underlying development of brain ventricular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Jing Yang
- College of Fisheries, Tianjin Agricultural University, China
| | - Rui-Hai Gan
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Fang Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Li Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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4
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Tucker EJ. The Genetics and Biology of FOXL2. Sex Dev 2021; 16:184-193. [PMID: 34727551 DOI: 10.1159/000519836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXL2 encodes a transcription factor that regulates a wide array of target genes including those involved in sex development, eyelid development, ovarian function and maintenance, genomic integrity as well as cellular pathways such as cell-cycle progression, proliferation, and apoptosis. The role of FOXL2 has been widely studied in humans and animals. Consistent with its role in ovarian and eyelid development, over 100 germline variants in FOXL2 are associated with blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus syndrome in humans, an autosomal dominant condition characterised by ovarian dysgenesis/premature ovarian insufficiency, as well as defective eyelid development. Reflecting its role in apoptosis and proliferation, a somatic variant in FOXL2 causes adult granulosa cell tumours in humans. Despite being widely studied and having clear relevance to human disease, much remains unknown about the genes FOXL2 regulates and how it exerts its wide-reaching effect on multiple organs. This review focuses on FOXL2 and its varied roles as a transcription factor in sex determination, ovarian maintenance and function, eyelid development, genome integrity, and cell regulation, followed by discussion of the in vivo disruption of FOXL2 in humans and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena J Tucker
- Reproductive Development, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Castets S, Roucher-Boulez F, Saveanu A, Mallet-Motak D, Chabre O, Amati-Bonneau P, Bonneau D, Girardin C, Morel Y, Villanueva C, Brue T, Reynaud R, Nicolino M. Hypopituitarism in Patients with Blepharophimosis and FOXL2 Mutations. Horm Res Paediatr 2021; 93:30-39. [PMID: 32454486 DOI: 10.1159/000507249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND FOXL2 is the gene involved in blepharophimosis, ptosis, and epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES). There have been few single case reports of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) with this syndrome, and Foxl2 is known to be involved in pituitary development in mice. Our aim was to analyze the prevalence of FOXL2 gene alteration in a series of patients with congenital hypopituitarism and eyelid anomalies. METHODS FOXL2 was analyzed in 10 patients with hypopituitarism (ranging from isolated GHD to complete pituitary hormone deficiency) and eyelid anomalies (typical BPES in 4 patients and milder anomalies in 6 patients). In patients with an FOXL2 mutation, we ruled out other possible molecular explanations by analyzing a panel of 20 genes known to be associated with hypopituitarism, and a candidate gene approach was used for patients without an FOXL2mutation. RESULTS Three patients had an FOXL2mutation. All 3 had typical BPES. Their pituitary phenotype varied from GHD to complete pituitary hormone deficiency and their pituitary morphology ranged from normal to an interrupted pituitary stalk. No mutations were found in genes previously associated with hypopituitarism. CONCLUSION Our study shows that some patients with BPES have hypopituitarism with no molecular explanation other than FOXL2 mutation. This points toward an involvement of FOXL2 in human pituitary development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Castets
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Service d'Endocrinologie Pédiatrique, Bron, France, .,Aix-Marseille Université, AP-HM, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares D'origine Hypophysaire HYPO, Marseille, France,
| | - Florence Roucher-Boulez
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire Grand Est, UM Pathologies Endocriniennes Rénales Musculaires et Mucoviscidose, Bron, France.,Centre de Référence du Développement Génital: du Fœtus à l'Adulte, Filière Maladies Rares Endocriniennes, Bron, France.,Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Alexandru Saveanu
- Aix-Marseille Université, AP-HM, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares D'origine Hypophysaire HYPO, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, MMG, U 1251, Marseille, France
| | - Delphine Mallet-Motak
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire Grand Est, UM Pathologies Endocriniennes Rénales Musculaires et Mucoviscidose, Bron, France.,Centre de Référence du Développement Génital: du Fœtus à l'Adulte, Filière Maladies Rares Endocriniennes, Bron, France
| | - Olivier Chabre
- CHU de Grenoble Alpes et Université Grenoble Alpes, CS 10217 38043, Service d'Endocrinologie, Grenoble, France
| | - Patrizia Amati-Bonneau
- MitoLab Team, UMR CNRS 6015 - INSERM U1083, Institut MitoVasc, Université et Hôpital d'Angers, Angers, France.,Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Université et Hôpital d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Dominique Bonneau
- MitoLab Team, UMR CNRS 6015 - INSERM U1083, Institut MitoVasc, Université et Hôpital d'Angers, Angers, France.,Département de Biochimie et Génétique, Université et Hôpital d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Celine Girardin
- Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Endocrinologie Pédiatrique, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Yves Morel
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire Grand Est, UM Pathologies Endocriniennes Rénales Musculaires et Mucoviscidose, Bron, France.,Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Carine Villanueva
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Service d'Endocrinologie Pédiatrique, Bron, France.,Centre de Référence du Développement Génital: du Fœtus à l'Adulte, Filière Maladies Rares Endocriniennes, Bron, France
| | - Thierry Brue
- Aix-Marseille Université, AP-HM, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares D'origine Hypophysaire HYPO, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, MMG, U 1251, Marseille, France
| | - Rachel Reynaud
- Aix-Marseille Université, AP-HM, Centre de Référence des Maladies Rares D'origine Hypophysaire HYPO, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, INSERM, MMG, U 1251, Marseille, France
| | - Marc Nicolino
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Service d'Endocrinologie Pédiatrique, Bron, France.,Centre de Référence du Développement Génital: du Fœtus à l'Adulte, Filière Maladies Rares Endocriniennes, Bron, France.,Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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6
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Kuroda S, Adachi N, Kusakabe R, Kuratani S. Developmental fates of shark head cavities reveal mesodermal contributions to tendon progenitor cells in extraocular muscles. ZOOLOGICAL LETTERS 2021; 7:3. [PMID: 33588955 PMCID: PMC7885385 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-021-00170-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Vertebrate extraocular muscles (EOMs) function in eye movements. The EOMs of modern jawed vertebrates consist primarily of four recti and two oblique muscles innervated by three cranial nerves. The developmental mechanisms underlying the establishment of this complex and the evolutionarily conserved pattern of EOMs are unknown. Chondrichthyan early embryos develop three pairs of overt epithelial coeloms called head cavities (HCs) in the head mesoderm, and each HC is believed to differentiate into a discrete subset of EOMs. However, no direct evidence of these cell fates has been provided due to the technical difficulty of lineage tracing experiments in chondrichthyans. Here, we set up an in ovo manipulation system for embryos of the cloudy catshark Scyliorhinus torazame and labeled the epithelial cells of each HC with lipophilic fluorescent dyes. This experimental system allowed us to trace the cell lineage of EOMs with the highest degree of detail and reproducibility to date. We confirmed that the HCs are indeed primordia of EOMs but showed that the morphological pattern of shark EOMs is not solely dependent on the early pattern of the head mesoderm, which transiently appears as tripartite HCs along the simple anteroposterior axis. Moreover, we found that one of the HCs gives rise to tendon progenitor cells of the EOMs, which is an exceptional condition in our previous understanding of head muscles; the tendons associated with head muscles have generally been supposed to be derived from cranial neural crest (CNC) cells, another source of vertebrate head mesenchyme. Based on interspecies comparisons, the developmental environment is suggested to be significantly different between the two ends of the rectus muscles, and this difference is suggested to be evolutionarily conserved in jawed vertebrates. We propose that the mesenchymal interface (head mesoderm vs CNC) in the environment of developing EOM is required to determine the processes of the proximodistal axis of rectus components of EOMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Kuroda
- Laboratory for Evolutionary Morphology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), 2-2-3 Minatojima-minami, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, 657-8501 Japan
| | - Noritaka Adachi
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM UMR 7288, 13288 Marseille, France
| | - Rie Kusakabe
- Laboratory for Evolutionary Morphology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), 2-2-3 Minatojima-minami, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Shigeru Kuratani
- Laboratory for Evolutionary Morphology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), 2-2-3 Minatojima-minami, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
- Laboratory for Evolutionary Morphology, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research (CPR), 2-2-3 Minatojima-minami, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
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7
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Comai GE, Tesařová M, Dupé V, Rhinn M, Vallecillo-García P, da Silva F, Feret B, Exelby K, Dollé P, Carlsson L, Pryce B, Spitz F, Stricker S, Zikmund T, Kaiser J, Briscoe J, Schedl A, Ghyselinck NB, Schweitzer R, Tajbakhsh S. Local retinoic acid signaling directs emergence of the extraocular muscle functional unit. PLoS Biol 2020; 18:e3000902. [PMID: 33201874 PMCID: PMC7707851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coordinated development of muscles, tendons, and their attachment sites ensures emergence of functional musculoskeletal units that are adapted to diverse anatomical demands among different species. How these different tissues are patterned and functionally assembled during embryogenesis is poorly understood. Here, we investigated the morphogenesis of extraocular muscles (EOMs), an evolutionary conserved cranial muscle group that is crucial for the coordinated movement of the eyeballs and for visual acuity. By means of lineage analysis, we redefined the cellular origins of periocular connective tissues interacting with the EOMs, which do not arise exclusively from neural crest mesenchyme as previously thought. Using 3D imaging approaches, we established an integrative blueprint for the EOM functional unit. By doing so, we identified a developmental time window in which individual EOMs emerge from a unique muscle anlage and establish insertions in the sclera, which sets these muscles apart from classical muscle-to-bone type of insertions. Further, we demonstrate that the eyeballs are a source of diffusible all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) that allow their targeting by the EOMs in a temporal and dose-dependent manner. Using genetically modified mice and inhibitor treatments, we find that endogenous local variations in the concentration of retinoids contribute to the establishment of tendon condensations and attachment sites that precede the initiation of muscle patterning. Collectively, our results highlight how global and site-specific programs are deployed for the assembly of muscle functional units with precise definition of muscle shapes and topographical wiring of their tendon attachments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenda Evangelina Comai
- Stem Cells & Development Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- * E-mail: (GEC); (ST)
| | - Markéta Tesařová
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Valérie Dupé
- Université de Rennes, CNRS, IGDR, Rennes, France
| | - Muriel Rhinn
- IGBMC-Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | | | - Fabio da Silva
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
- Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Betty Feret
- IGBMC-Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | | | - Pascal Dollé
- IGBMC-Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Leif Carlsson
- Umeå Center for Molecular Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Brian Pryce
- Research Division, Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, United States of America
| | - François Spitz
- Genomics of Animal Development Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Sigmar Stricker
- Institute for Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tomáš Zikmund
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jozef Kaiser
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | | | - Norbert B. Ghyselinck
- IGBMC-Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Ronen Schweitzer
- Research Division, Shriners Hospital for Children, Portland, United States of America
| | - Shahragim Tajbakhsh
- Stem Cells & Development Unit, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS UMR 3738, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- * E-mail: (GEC); (ST)
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8
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Molecular identification and expression analysis of foxl2 and sox9b in Oryzias celebensis. AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2020.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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9
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Lacrimal Gland Involvement in Blepharophimosis-Ptosis-Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome. Ophthalmology 2017; 124:399-406. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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10
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Elzaiat M, Todeschini AL, Caburet S, Veitia R. The genetic make-up of ovarian development and function: the focus on the transcription factor FOXL2. Clin Genet 2016; 91:173-182. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Elzaiat
- Molecular and Cellular Pathologies; Institut Jacques Monod; Paris France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant; Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII; Paris France
| | - A.-L. Todeschini
- Molecular and Cellular Pathologies; Institut Jacques Monod; Paris France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant; Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII; Paris France
| | - S. Caburet
- Molecular and Cellular Pathologies; Institut Jacques Monod; Paris France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant; Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII; Paris France
| | - R.A. Veitia
- Molecular and Cellular Pathologies; Institut Jacques Monod; Paris France
- UFR Sciences du Vivant; Université Paris Diderot-Paris VII; Paris France
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11
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Pannetier M, Chassot AA, Chaboissier MC, Pailhoux E. Involvement of FOXL2 and RSPO1 in Ovarian Determination, Development, and Maintenance in Mammals. Sex Dev 2016; 10:167-184. [PMID: 27649556 DOI: 10.1159/000448667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sex determination is a process through which the gonad is committed to differentiate into a testis or an ovary. This process relies on a delicate balance between genetic pathways that promote one fate and inhibit the other. Once the gonad is committed to the female pathway, ovarian differentiation begins and, depending on the species, is completed during gestation or shortly after birth. During this step, granulosa cell precursors, steroidogenic cells, and primordial germ cells start to express female-specific markers in a sex-dimorphic manner. The germ cells then arrest at prophase I of meiosis and, together with somatic cells, assemble into functional structures. This organization gives the ovary its definitive morphology and functionality during folliculogenesis. Until now, 2 main genetic cascades have been shown to be involved in female sex differentiation. The first is driven by FOXL2, a transcription factor that also plays a crucial role in folliculogenesis and ovarian fate maintenance in adults. The other operates through the WNT/CTNNB1 canonical pathway and is regulated primarily by R-spondin1. Here, we discuss the roles of FOXL2 and RSPO1/WNT/ CTNNB1 during ovarian development and homeostasis in different models, such as humans, goats, and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Pannetier
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France
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12
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Cheng MH, Tam CN, Choy KW, Tsang WH, Tsang SL, Pang CP, Song YQ, Sham MH. A γA-Crystallin Mouse Mutant Secc with Small Eye, Cataract and Closed Eyelid. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160691. [PMID: 27513760 PMCID: PMC4981419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cataract is the most common cause of visual loss in humans. A spontaneously occurred, autosomal dominant mouse mutant Secc, which displayed combined features of small eye, cataract and closed eyelid was discovered in our laboratory. In this study, we identified the mutation and characterized the cataract phenotype of this novel Secc mutant. The Secc mutant mice have eyelids that remain half-closed throughout their life. The mutant lens has a significant reduction in size and with opaque spots clustered in the centre. Histological analysis showed that in the core region of the mutant lens, the fiber cells were disorganized and clefts and vacuoles were observed. The cataract phenotype was evident from new born stage. We identified the Secc mutation by linkage analysis using whole genome microsatellite markers and SNP markers. The Secc locus was mapped at chromosome 1 flanked by SNPs rs3158129 and rs13475900. Based on the chromosomal position, the candidate cataract locus γ-crystallin gene cluster (Cryg) was investigated by sequencing. A single base deletion (299delG) in exon 3 of Cryga which led to a frame-shift of amino acid sequence from position 91 was identified. As a result of this mutation, the sequences of the 3rd and 4th Greek-key motifs of the γA-crystallin are replaced with an unrelated C-terminal peptide of 75 residues long. Coincidentally, the point mutation generated a HindIII restriction site, allowing the identification of the CrygaSecc mutant allele by RFLP. Western blot analysis of 3-week old lenses showed that the expression of γ-crystallins was reduced in the CrygaSecc mutant. Furthermore, in cell transfection assays using CrygaSecc mutant cDNA expression constructs in 293T, COS-7 and human lens epithelial B3 cell lines, the mutant γA-crystallins were enriched in the insoluble fractions and appeared as insoluble aggregates in the transfected cells. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that the Secc mutation leads to the generation of CrygaSecc proteins with reduced solubility and prone to form aggregates within lens cells. Accumulation of mutant proteins in the lens fibers would lead to cataract formation in the Secc mutant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Hei Cheng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chung Nga Tam
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwong Wai Choy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Hung Tsang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sze Lan Tsang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - You Qiang Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Centre for Reproduction Development and Growth, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mai Har Sham
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Centre for Reproduction Development and Growth, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Bertho S, Pasquier J, Pan Q, Le Trionnaire G, Bobe J, Postlethwait JH, Pailhoux E, Schartl M, Herpin A, Guiguen Y. Foxl2 and Its Relatives Are Evolutionary Conserved Players in Gonadal Sex Differentiation. Sex Dev 2016; 10:111-29. [PMID: 27441599 DOI: 10.1159/000447611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Foxl2 is a member of the large family of Forkhead Box (Fox) domain transcription factors. It emerged during the last 15 years as a key player in ovarian differentiation and oogenesis in vertebrates and especially mammals. This review focuses on Foxl2 genes in light of recent findings on their evolution, expression, and implication in sex differentiation in animals in general. Homologs of Foxl2 and its paralog Foxl3 are found in all metazoans, but their gene evolution is complex, with multiple gains and losses following successive whole genome duplication events in vertebrates. This review aims to decipher the evolutionary forces that drove Foxl2/3 gene specialization through sub- and neo-functionalization during evolution. Expression data in metazoans suggests that Foxl2/3 progressively acquired a role in both somatic and germ cell gonad differentiation and that a certain degree of sub-functionalization occurred after its duplication in vertebrates. This generated a scenario where Foxl2 is predominantly expressed in ovarian somatic cells and Foxl3 in male germ cells. To support this hypothesis, we provide original results showing that in the pea aphid (insects) foxl2/3 is predominantly expressed in sexual females and showing that in bovine ovaries FOXL2 is specifically expressed in granulosa cells. Overall, current results suggest that Foxl2 and Foxl3 are evolutionarily conserved players involved in somatic and germinal differentiation of gonadal sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Bertho
- INRA, UR1037 Fish Physiology and Genomics, Rennes, France
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14
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Marongiu M, Deiana M, Marcia L, Sbardellati A, Asunis I, Meloni A, Angius A, Cusano R, Loi A, Crobu F, Fotia G, Cucca F, Schlessinger D, Crisponi L. Novel action of FOXL2 as mediator of Col1a2 gene autoregulation. Dev Biol 2016; 416:200-211. [PMID: 27212026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
FOXL2 belongs to the evolutionarily conserved forkhead box (FOX) superfamily and is a master transcription factor in a spectrum of developmental pathways, including ovarian and eyelid development and bone, cartilage and uterine maturation. To analyse its action, we searched for proteins that interact with FOXL2. We found that FOXL2 interacts with specific C-terminal propeptides of several fibrillary collagens. Because these propeptides can participate in feedback regulation of collagen biosynthesis, we inferred that FOXL2 could thereby affect the transcription of the cognate collagen genes. Focusing on COL1A2, we found that FOXL2 indeed affects collagen synthesis, by binding to a DNA response element located about 65Kb upstream of this gene. According to our hypothesis we found that in Foxl2(-/-) mouse ovaries, Col1a2 was elevated from birth to adulthood. The extracellular matrix (ECM) compartmentalizes the ovary during folliculogenesis, (with type I, type III and type IV collagens as primary components), and ECM composition changes during the reproductive lifespan. In Foxl2(-/-) mouse ovaries, in addition to up-regulation of Col1a2, Col3a1, Col4a1 and fibronectin were also upregulated, while laminin expression was reduced. Thus, by regulating levels of extracellular matrix components, FOXL2 may contribute to both ovarian histogenesis and the fibrosis attendant on depletion of the follicle reserve during reproductive aging and menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Marongiu
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Manila Deiana
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Loredana Marcia
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy; Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Andrea Sbardellati
- Centre for Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Pula, Italy
| | - Isadora Asunis
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Alessandra Meloni
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Andrea Angius
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Roberto Cusano
- Centre for Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Pula, Italy
| | - Angela Loi
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Francesca Crobu
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Giorgio Fotia
- Centre for Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Pula, Italy
| | - Francesco Cucca
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy; Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - David Schlessinger
- Laboratory of Genetics, NIA-IRP, NIH, Baltimore, 21224-6825 MD, United States
| | - Laura Crisponi
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy.
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Adhikari K, Fontanil T, Cal S, Mendoza-Revilla J, Fuentes-Guajardo M, Chacón-Duque JC, Al-Saadi F, Johansson JA, Quinto-Sanchez M, Acuña-Alonzo V, Jaramillo C, Arias W, Barquera Lozano R, Macín Pérez G, Gómez-Valdés J, Villamil-Ramírez H, Hunemeier T, Ramallo V, Silva de Cerqueira CC, Hurtado M, Villegas V, Granja V, Gallo C, Poletti G, Schuler-Faccini L, Salzano FM, Bortolini MC, Canizales-Quinteros S, Rothhammer F, Bedoya G, Gonzalez-José R, Headon D, López-Otín C, Tobin DJ, Balding D, Ruiz-Linares A. A genome-wide association scan in admixed Latin Americans identifies loci influencing facial and scalp hair features. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10815. [PMID: 26926045 PMCID: PMC4773514 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a genome-wide association scan in over 6,000 Latin Americans for features of scalp hair (shape, colour, greying, balding) and facial hair (beard thickness, monobrow, eyebrow thickness). We found 18 signals of association reaching genome-wide significance (P values 5 × 10(-8) to 3 × 10(-119)), including 10 novel associations. These include novel loci for scalp hair shape and balding, and the first reported loci for hair greying, monobrow, eyebrow and beard thickness. A newly identified locus influencing hair shape includes a Q30R substitution in the Protease Serine S1 family member 53 (PRSS53). We demonstrate that this enzyme is highly expressed in the hair follicle, especially the inner root sheath, and that the Q30R substitution affects enzyme processing and secretion. The genome regions associated with hair features are enriched for signals of selection, consistent with proposals regarding the evolution of human hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaustubh Adhikari
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Tania Fontanil
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo 33006, Spain
| | - Santiago Cal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo 33006, Spain
| | - Javier Mendoza-Revilla
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, 31, Perú
| | - Macarena Fuentes-Guajardo
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000009, Chile
| | - Juan-Camilo Chacón-Duque
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Farah Al-Saadi
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jeanette A. Johansson
- Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | | | - Victor Acuña-Alonzo
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- National Institute of Anthropology and History, México 4510, México
| | - Claudia Jaramillo
- GENMOL (Genética Molecular), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 5001000, Colombia
| | - William Arias
- GENMOL (Genética Molecular), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 5001000, Colombia
| | - Rodrigo Barquera Lozano
- National Institute of Anthropology and History, México 4510, México
- Unidad de Genómica de Poblaciones Aplicada a la Salud, Facultad de Química, UNAM-Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, México 4510, México
| | - Gastón Macín Pérez
- National Institute of Anthropology and History, México 4510, México
- Unidad de Genómica de Poblaciones Aplicada a la Salud, Facultad de Química, UNAM-Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, México 4510, México
| | | | - Hugo Villamil-Ramírez
- Unidad de Genómica de Poblaciones Aplicada a la Salud, Facultad de Química, UNAM-Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, México 4510, México
| | - Tábita Hunemeier
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brasil
| | - Virginia Ramallo
- Centro Nacional Patagónico, CONICET, Puerto Madryn U9129ACD, Argentina
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brasil
| | - Caio C. Silva de Cerqueira
- Centro Nacional Patagónico, CONICET, Puerto Madryn U9129ACD, Argentina
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brasil
| | - Malena Hurtado
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, 31, Perú
| | - Valeria Villegas
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, 31, Perú
| | - Vanessa Granja
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, 31, Perú
| | - Carla Gallo
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, 31, Perú
| | - Giovanni Poletti
- Laboratorios de Investigación y Desarrollo, Facultad de Ciencias y Filosofía, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, 31, Perú
| | - Lavinia Schuler-Faccini
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brasil
| | - Francisco M. Salzano
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brasil
| | - Maria-Cátira Bortolini
- Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brasil
| | - Samuel Canizales-Quinteros
- Unidad de Genómica de Poblaciones Aplicada a la Salud, Facultad de Química, UNAM-Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, México 4510, México
| | | | - Gabriel Bedoya
- GENMOL (Genética Molecular), Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 5001000, Colombia
| | | | - Denis Headon
- Roslin Institute and Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Carlos López-Otín
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, IUOPA, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo 33006, Spain
| | - Desmond J. Tobin
- Centre for Skin Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, Victoria, UK
| | - David Balding
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
- Schools of BioSciences and Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Andrés Ruiz-Linares
- Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, and UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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16
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Mapping of Craniofacial Traits in Outbred Mice Identifies Major Developmental Genes Involved in Shape Determination. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005607. [PMID: 26523602 PMCID: PMC4629907 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate cranium is a prime example of the high evolvability of complex traits. While evidence of genes and developmental pathways underlying craniofacial shape determination is accumulating, we are still far from understanding how such variation at the genetic level is translated into craniofacial shape variation. Here we used 3D geometric morphometrics to map genes involved in shape determination in a population of outbred mice (Carworth Farms White, or CFW). We defined shape traits via principal component analysis of 3D skull and mandible measurements. We mapped genetic loci associated with shape traits at ~80,000 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms in ~700 male mice. We found that craniofacial shape and size are highly heritable, polygenic traits. Despite the polygenic nature of the traits, we identified 17 loci that explain variation in skull shape, and 8 loci associated with variation in mandible shape. Together, the associated variants account for 11.4% of skull and 4.4% of mandible shape variation, however, the total additive genetic variance associated with phenotypic variation was estimated in ~45%. Candidate genes within the associated loci have known roles in craniofacial development; this includes 6 transcription factors and several regulators of bone developmental pathways. One gene, Mn1, has an unusually large effect on shape variation in our study. A knockout of this gene was previously shown to affect negatively the development of membranous bones of the cranial skeleton, and evolutionary analysis shows that the gene has arisen at the base of the bony vertebrates (Eutelostomi), where the ossified head first appeared. Therefore, Mn1 emerges as a key gene for both skull formation and within-population shape variation. Our study shows that it is possible to identify important developmental genes through genome-wide mapping of high-dimensional shape features in an outbred population. Formation of the face, mandible, and skull is determined in part by genetic factors, but the relationship between genetic variation and craniofacial development is not well understood. We demonstrate how recent advances in mouse genomics and statistical methods can be used to identify genes involved in craniofacial development. We use outbred mice together with a dense panel of genetic markers to identify genetic loci affecting craniofacial shape. Some of the loci we identify are also known from past studies to contribute to craniofacial development and bone formation. For example, the top candidate gene identified in this study, Mn1, is a gene that appeared at a time when animals started to form bony skulls, suggesting that it may be a key gene in this evolutionary innovation. This further suggests that Mn1 and other genes involved in head formation are also responsible for more fine-grained regulation of its shape. Our results confirm that the outbred mouse population used in this study is suitable to identify single genetic factors even under conditions where many genes cooperate to generate a complex phenotype.
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Marongiu M, Marcia L, Pelosi E, Lovicu M, Deiana M, Zhang Y, Puddu A, Loi A, Uda M, Forabosco A, Schlessinger D, Crisponi L. FOXL2 modulates cartilage, skeletal development and IGF1-dependent growth in mice. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 15:27. [PMID: 26134413 PMCID: PMC4489133 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-015-0072-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Haploinsufficiency of the FOXL2 transcription factor in humans causes Blepharophimosis/Ptosis/Epicanthus Inversus syndrome (BPES), characterized by eyelid anomalies and premature ovarian failure. Mice lacking Foxl2 recapitulate human eyelid/forehead defects and undergo female gonadal dysgenesis. We report here that mice lacking Foxl2 also show defects in postnatal growth and embryonic bone and cartilage formation. METHODS Foxl2 (-/-) male mice at different stages of development have been characterized and compared to wild type. Body length and weight were measured and growth curves were created. Skeletons were stained with alcian blue and/or alizarin red. Bone and cartilage formation was analyzed by Von Kossa staining and immunofluorescence using anti-FOXL2 and anti-SOX9 antibodies followed by confocal microscopy. Genes differentially expressed in skull vaults were evaluated by microarray analysis. Analysis of the GH/IGF1 pathway was done evaluating the expression of several hypothalamic-pituitary-bone axis markers by RT-qPCR. RESULTS Compared to wild-type, Foxl2 null mice are smaller and show skeletal abnormalities and defects in cartilage and bone mineralization, with down-regulation of the GH/IGF1 axis. Consistent with these effects, we find FOXL2 expressed in embryos at 9.5 dpc in neural tube epithelium, in head mesenchyme near the neural tube, and within the first branchial arch; then, starting at 12.5 dpc, expressed in cartilaginous tissue; and at PO and P7, in hypothalamus. CONCLUSIONS Our results support FOXL2 as a master transcription factor in a spectrum of developmental processes, including growth, cartilage and bone formation. Its action overlaps that of SOX9, though they are antagonistic in female vs male gonadal sex determination but conjoint in cartilage and skeletal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Marongiu
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 km 4500, Monserrato, 09042, Italy.
| | - Loredana Marcia
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 km 4500, Monserrato, 09042, Italy. .,Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
| | | | - Mario Lovicu
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 km 4500, Monserrato, 09042, Italy.
| | - Manila Deiana
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 km 4500, Monserrato, 09042, Italy.
| | - Yonqing Zhang
- Laboratory of Genetics, NIA-IRP, NIH, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Alessandro Puddu
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 km 4500, Monserrato, 09042, Italy. .,Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Angela Loi
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 km 4500, Monserrato, 09042, Italy.
| | - Manuela Uda
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 km 4500, Monserrato, 09042, Italy.
| | - Antonino Forabosco
- Cante di Montevecchio Association, Genomic Research Center, Fano, Italy.
| | | | - Laura Crisponi
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, SS 554 km 4500, Monserrato, 09042, Italy.
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18
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Bellessort B, Bachelot A, Heude É, Alfama G, Fontaine A, Le Cardinal M, Treier M, Levi G. Role of Foxl2 in uterine maturation and function. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:3092-103. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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