1
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Soussi G, Girdziusaite A, Jhanwar S, Palacio V, Notaro M, Sheth R, Zeller R, Zuniga A. TBX3 is essential for establishment of the posterior boundary of anterior genes and upregulation of posterior genes together with HAND2 during the onset of limb bud development. Development 2024; 151:dev202722. [PMID: 38828908 PMCID: PMC11190573 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202722] [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: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
During limb bud formation, axis polarities are established as evidenced by the spatially restricted expression of key regulator genes. In particular, the mutually antagonistic interaction between the GLI3 repressor and HAND2 results in distinct and non-overlapping anterior-distal Gli3 and posterior Hand2 expression domains. This is a hallmark of the establishment of antero-posterior limb axis polarity, together with spatially restricted expression of homeodomain and other transcriptional regulators. Here, we show that TBX3 is required for establishment of the posterior expression boundary of anterior genes in mouse limb buds. ChIP-seq and differential gene expression analysis of wild-type and mutant limb buds identifies TBX3-specific and shared TBX3-HAND2 target genes. High sensitivity fluorescent whole-mount in situ hybridisation shows that the posterior expression boundaries of anterior genes are positioned by TBX3-mediated repression, which excludes anterior genes such as Gli3, Alx4, Hand1 and Irx3/5 from the posterior limb bud mesenchyme. This exclusion delineates the posterior mesenchymal territory competent to establish the Shh-expressing limb bud organiser. In turn, HAND2 is required for Shh activation and cooperates with TBX3 to upregulate shared posterior identity target genes in early limb buds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Soussi
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ausra Girdziusaite
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Shalu Jhanwar
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Victorio Palacio
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Rushikesh Sheth
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rolf Zeller
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Aimée Zuniga
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
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2
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Kawaguchi A, Wang J, Knapp D, Murawala P, Nowoshilow S, Masselink W, Taniguchi-Sugiura Y, Fei JF, Tanaka EM. A chromatin code for limb segment identity in axolotl limb regeneration. Dev Cell 2024:S1534-5807(24)00300-9. [PMID: 38788714 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.05.002] [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: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The salamander limb correctly regenerates missing limb segments because connective tissue cells have segment-specific identities, termed "positional information". How positional information is molecularly encoded at the chromatin level has been unknown. Here, we performed genome-wide chromatin profiling in mature and regenerating axolotl limb connective tissue cells. We find segment-specific levels of histone H3K27me3 as the major positional mark, especially at limb homeoprotein gene loci but not their upstream regulators, constituting an intrinsic segment information code. During regeneration, regeneration-specific regulatory elements became active prior to the re-appearance of developmental regulatory elements. In the hand, the permissive chromatin state of the homeoprotein gene HoxA13 engages with the regeneration program bypassing the upper limb program. Comparison of regeneration regulatory elements with those found in other regenerative animals identified a core shared set of transcription factors, supporting an ancient, conserved regeneration program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akane Kawaguchi
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jingkui Wang
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dunja Knapp
- DFG Research Center for Regenerative Therapies, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Prayag Murawala
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; DFG Research Center for Regenerative Therapies, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Sergej Nowoshilow
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria; DFG Research Center for Regenerative Therapies, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Wouter Masselink
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Yuka Taniguchi-Sugiura
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ji-Feng Fei
- Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Elly M Tanaka
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria.
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3
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Müller T, Reichlmeir M, Hau AC, Wittig I, Schulte D. The neuronal transcription factor MEIS2 is a calpain-2 protease target. J Cell Sci 2024; 137:jcs261482. [PMID: 38305737 PMCID: PMC10941658 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261482] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Tight control over transcription factor activity is necessary for a sensible balance between cellular proliferation and differentiation in the embryo and during tissue homeostasis by adult stem cells, but mechanistic details have remained incomplete. The homeodomain transcription factor MEIS2 is an important regulator of neurogenesis in the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ) adult stem cell niche in mice. We here identify MEIS2 as direct target of the intracellular protease calpain-2 (composed of the catalytic subunit CAPN2 and the regulatory subunit CAPNS1). Phosphorylation at conserved serine and/or threonine residues, or dimerization with PBX1, reduced the sensitivity of MEIS2 towards cleavage by calpain-2. In the adult V-SVZ, calpain-2 activity is high in stem and progenitor cells, but rapidly declines during neuronal differentiation, which is accompanied by increased stability of MEIS2 full-length protein. In accordance with this, blocking calpain-2 activity in stem and progenitor cells, or overexpression of a cleavage-insensitive form of MEIS2, increased the production of neurons, whereas overexpression of a catalytically active CAPN2 reduced it. Collectively, our results support a key role for calpain-2 in controlling the output of adult V-SVZ neural stem and progenitor cells through cleavage of the neuronal fate determinant MEIS2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Müller
- Goethe University, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Institute of Neurology (Edinger Institute), 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
- Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology and Institute of Neurology (Edinger Institute), Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), MSNZ Junior Group Translational Neurooncology, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Cancer Research (DoCR), Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Luxembourg Centre of Neuropathology (LCNP), 1445 Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Marina Reichlmeir
- Goethe University, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Institute of Neurology (Edinger Institute), 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ann-Christin Hau
- Goethe University, University Hospital Frankfurt, Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology and Institute of Neurology (Edinger Institute), Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), MSNZ Junior Group Translational Neurooncology, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ilka Wittig
- Goethe University, Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology, Functional Proteomics, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Dorothea Schulte
- Goethe University, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Institute of Neurology (Edinger Institute), 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
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4
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Morishita Y, Lee SW, Suzuki T, Yokoyama H, Kamei Y, Tamura K, Kawasumi-Kita A. An archetype and scaling of developmental tissue dynamics across species. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8199. [PMID: 38081837 PMCID: PMC10713982 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43902-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Morphometric studies have revealed the existence of simple geometric relationships among various animal shapes. However, we have little knowledge of the mathematical principles behind the morphogenetic dynamics that form the organ/body shapes of different species. Here, we address this issue by focusing on limb morphogenesis in Gallus gallus domesticus (chicken) and Xenopus laevis (African clawed frog). To compare the deformation dynamics between tissues with different sizes/shapes as well as their developmental rates, we introduce a species-specific rescaled spatial coordinate and a common clock necessary for cross-species synchronization of developmental times. We find that tissue dynamics are well conserved across species under this spacetime coordinate system, at least from the early stages of development through the phase when basic digit patterning is established. For this developmental period, we also reveal that the tissue dynamics of both species are mapped with each other through a time-variant linear transformation in real physical space, from which hypotheses on a species-independent archetype of tissue dynamics and morphogenetic scaling are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Morishita
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO) Program, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.
| | - Sang-Woo Lee
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takayuki Suzuki
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, 558-8585, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yokoyama
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Science, Hirosaki University, Aomori, 036-8561, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kamei
- Optics and Bioimaging Facility, Trans-Scale Biology Center, National Institute for Basic Biology, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan
| | - Koji Tamura
- Department of Ecological Developmental Adaptability Life Sciences, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Aiko Kawasumi-Kita
- Laboratory for Developmental Morphogeometry, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan
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5
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Sedas Perez S, McQueen C, Stainton H, Pickering J, Chinnaiya K, Saiz-Lopez P, Placzek M, Ros MA, Towers M. Fgf signalling triggers an intrinsic mesodermal timer that determines the duration of limb patterning. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5841. [PMID: 37730682 PMCID: PMC10511490 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41457-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex signalling between the apical ectodermal ridge (AER - a thickening of the distal epithelium) and the mesoderm controls limb patterning along the proximo-distal axis (humerus to digits). However, the essential in vivo requirement for AER-Fgf signalling makes it difficult to understand the exact roles that it fulfils. To overcome this barrier, we developed an amenable ex vivo chick wing tissue explant system that faithfully replicates in vivo parameters. Using inhibition experiments and RNA-sequencing, we identify a transient role for Fgfs in triggering the distal patterning phase. Fgfs are then dispensable for the maintenance of an intrinsic mesodermal transcriptome, which controls proliferation/differentiation timing and the duration of patterning. We also uncover additional roles for Fgf signalling in maintaining AER-related gene expression and in suppressing myogenesis. We describe a simple logic for limb patterning duration, which is potentially applicable to other systems, including the main body axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Sedas Perez
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Caitlin McQueen
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- Chester Medical School, Chester, CH2 1BR, UK
| | - Holly Stainton
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Joseph Pickering
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Kavitha Chinnaiya
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Patricia Saiz-Lopez
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Marysia Placzek
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
| | - Maria A Ros
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (CSIC-Universidad de Cantabria), 39011, Santander, Spain
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Matthew Towers
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
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6
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Losa M, Barozzi I, Osterwalder M, Hermosilla-Aguayo V, Morabito A, Chacón BH, Zarrineh P, Girdziusaite A, Benazet JD, Zhu J, Mackem S, Capellini TD, Dickel D, Bobola N, Zuniga A, Visel A, Zeller R, Selleri L. A spatio-temporally constrained gene regulatory network directed by PBX1/2 acquires limb patterning specificity via HAND2. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3993. [PMID: 37414772 PMCID: PMC10325989 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39443-z] [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: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A lingering question in developmental biology has centered on how transcription factors with widespread distribution in vertebrate embryos can perform tissue-specific functions. Here, using the murine hindlimb as a model, we investigate the elusive mechanisms whereby PBX TALE homeoproteins, viewed primarily as HOX cofactors, attain context-specific developmental roles despite ubiquitous presence in the embryo. We first demonstrate that mesenchymal-specific loss of PBX1/2 or the transcriptional regulator HAND2 generates similar limb phenotypes. By combining tissue-specific and temporally controlled mutagenesis with multi-omics approaches, we reconstruct a gene regulatory network (GRN) at organismal-level resolution that is collaboratively directed by PBX1/2 and HAND2 interactions in subsets of posterior hindlimb mesenchymal cells. Genome-wide profiling of PBX1 binding across multiple embryonic tissues further reveals that HAND2 interacts with subsets of PBX-bound regions to regulate limb-specific GRNs. Our research elucidates fundamental principles by which promiscuous transcription factors cooperate with cofactors that display domain-restricted localization to instruct tissue-specific developmental programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Losa
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Institute for Human Genetics, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Orofacial Sciences and Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marco Osterwalder
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department for Biomedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Viviana Hermosilla-Aguayo
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Institute for Human Genetics, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Orofacial Sciences and Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Angela Morabito
- Developmental Genetics, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Brandon H Chacón
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Institute for Human Genetics, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Orofacial Sciences and Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Peyman Zarrineh
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ausra Girdziusaite
- Developmental Genetics, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jean Denis Benazet
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Institute for Human Genetics, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Orofacial Sciences and Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jianjian Zhu
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Susan Mackem
- Cancer and Developmental Biology Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Terence D Capellini
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Diane Dickel
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nicoletta Bobola
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Aimée Zuniga
- Developmental Genetics, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Axel Visel
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, 95343, USA
| | - Rolf Zeller
- Developmental Genetics, Department Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Licia Selleri
- Program in Craniofacial Biology, Institute for Human Genetics, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Department of Orofacial Sciences and Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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7
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Markman S, Zada M, David E, Giladi A, Amit I, Zelzer E. A single-cell census of mouse limb development identifies complex spatiotemporal dynamics of skeleton formation. Dev Cell 2023; 58:565-581.e4. [PMID: 36931270 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Limb development has long served as a model system for coordinated spatial patterning of progenitor cells. Here, we identify a population of naive limb progenitors and show that they differentiate progressively to form the skeleton in a complex, non-consecutive, three-dimensional pattern. Single-cell RNA sequencing of the developing mouse forelimb identified three progenitor states: naive, proximal, and autopodial, as well as Msx1 as a marker for the naive progenitors. In vivo lineage tracing confirmed this role and localized the naive progenitors to the outer margin of the limb, along the anterior-posterior axis. Sequential pulse-chase experiments showed that the progressive transition of Msx1+ naive progenitors into proximal and autopodial progenitors coincides with their differentiation to Sox9+ chondroprogenitors, which occurs along all the forming skeletal segments. Indeed, tracking the spatiotemporal sequence of differentiation showed that the skeleton forms progressively in a complex pattern. These findings suggest an alternative model for limb skeleton development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Markman
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Mor Zada
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Eyal David
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Amir Giladi
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Ido Amit
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
| | - Elazar Zelzer
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel.
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8
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Berenguer M, Duester G. Genetic loss-of-function does not support gain-of-function studies suggesting retinoic acid controls limb bud timing and scaling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1149009. [PMID: 37123409 PMCID: PMC10133474 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1149009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
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9
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Abstract
Hox genes encode evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that are essential for the proper development of bilaterian organisms. Hox genes are unique because they are spatially and temporally regulated during development in a manner that is dictated by their tightly linked genomic organization. Although their genetic function during embryonic development has been interrogated, less is known about how these transcription factors regulate downstream genes to direct morphogenetic events. Moreover, the continued expression and function of Hox genes at postnatal and adult stages highlights crucial roles for these genes throughout the life of an organism. Here, we provide an overview of Hox genes, highlighting their evolutionary history, their unique genomic organization and how this impacts the regulation of their expression, what is known about their protein structure, and their deployment in development and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine A. Hubert
- Program in Genetics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Deneen M. Wellik
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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10
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Hudson DT, Bromell JS, Day RC, McInnes T, Ward JM, Beck CW. Gene expression analysis of the Xenopus laevis early limb bud proximodistal axis. Dev Dyn 2022; 251:1880-1896. [PMID: 35809036 PMCID: PMC9796579 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limb buds develop as bilateral outgrowths of the lateral plate mesoderm and are patterned along three axes. Current models of proximal to distal patterning of early amniote limb buds suggest that two signals, a distal organizing signal from the apical epithelial ridge (AER, Fgfs) and an opposing proximal (retinoic acid [RA]) act early on pattern this axis. RESULTS Transcriptional analysis of stage 51 Xenopus laevis hindlimb buds sectioned along the proximal-distal axis showed that the distal region is distinct from the rest of the limb. Expression of capn8.3, a novel calpain, was located in cells immediately flanking the AER. The Wnt antagonist Dkk1 was AER-specific in Xenopus limbs. Two transcription factors, sall1 and zic5, were expressed in distal mesenchyme. Zic5 has no described association with limb development. We also describe expression of two proximal genes, gata5 and tnn, not previously associated with limb development. Differentially expressed genes were associated with Fgf, Wnt, and RA signaling as well as differential cell adhesion and proliferation. CONCLUSIONS We identify new candidate genes for early proximodistal limb patterning. Our analysis of RA-regulated genes supports a role for transient RA gradients in early limb bud in proximal-to-distal patterning in this anamniote model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel T. Hudson
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand,Oritain GlobalDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Jessica S. Bromell
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand,Dairy Goat Co‐operativeHamiltonNew Zealand
| | - Robert C. Day
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Tyler McInnes
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Joanna M. Ward
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
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11
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McCusker C, Rosello-Diez A. In preprints: new insights into proximodistal limb patterning and differentiation. Development 2022; 149:dev201308. [PMID: 36200555 PMCID: PMC10655916 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine McCusker
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Alberto Rosello-Diez
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, 15 Innovation walk, Level 1, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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12
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Dickmann JEM, Rink JC, Jülicher F. Long-range morphogen gradient formation by cell-to-cell signal propagation. Phys Biol 2022; 19. [PMID: 35921820 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac86b4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Morphogen gradients are a central concept in developmental biology. Their formation often involves the secretion of morphogens from a local source, that spread by diffusion in the cell field, where molecules eventually get degraded. This implies limits to both the time and length scales over which morphogen gradients can form which are set by diffusion coefficients and degradation rates. Towards the goal of identifying plausible mechanisms capable of extending the gradient range, we here use theory to explore properties of a cell-to-cell signaling relay. Inspired by the millimeter-scale Wnt-expression and signaling gradients in flatworms, we consider morphogen-mediated morphogen production in the cell field. We show that such a relay can generate stable morphogen and signaling gradients that are oriented by a local, morphogen-independent source of morphogen at a boundary. This gradient formation can be related to an effective diffusion and an effective degradation that result from morphogen production due to signaling relay. If the secretion of morphogen produced in response to the relay is polarized, it further gives rise to an effective drift. We find that signaling relay can generate long-ranged gradients in relevant times without relying on extreme choices of diffusion coefficients or degradation rates, thus exceeding the limits set by physiological diffusion coefficients and degradation rates. A signaling relay is hence an attractive principle to conceptualize long-range gradient formation by slowly diffusing morphogens that are relevant for patterning in adult contexts such as regeneration and tissue turn-over.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna E M Dickmann
- Max-Planck-Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems, Nöthnitzer Straße 38, Dresden, Sachsen, 01187, GERMANY
| | - Jochen C Rink
- Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Am Faßberg 11, Gottingen, Niedersachsen, 37077, GERMANY
| | - Frank Jülicher
- Max-Planck-Institut fuer Physik komplexer Systeme, Nöthnitzer Strasse 38, 01187 Dresden, Dresden, 01187, GERMANY
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13
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Cao Z, Huang C, Lu F, Jiang X, Hu Y, Cao C, Liu Z. Meis1 Regulates Nociceptor Development and Behavioral Response to Tactile Stimuli. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:901466. [PMID: 35875660 PMCID: PMC9301487 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.901466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nociceptors in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and trigeminal ganglia (TG) are necessary for transmitting pain and itch signals. However, the molecular mechanism regulating nociceptor development remains largely unknown. This study identifies that the transcription factor Meis1 is generally expressed in two groups of sensory neurons in the developing DRG. During prenatal and neonatal stages, approximately 2/3 of Meis1+ neurons are Runx1+ nociceptors, while 1/3 of Meis1+ neurons are NF200+ myelinated neurons. At postnatal stages, Meis1 expression in nociceptors is gradually reduced. Here, we constructed a Meis1 conditional knockout mouse line to selectively delete Meis1 in Nav1.8 lineage nociceptors. Microarray analyses showed that differentially expressed genes in the Meis1 mutant DRG were enriched in pathways related to sensory perception of pain and nervous system development. In addition, Meis1 regulates the expression of some marker genes of Nppb+ neurons and C-LTMRs. Furthermore, Meis1 mutant mice exhibit behavioral deficits in response to light mechanical pain, static touch and chemical itch. Therefore, this study reveals that Meis1 is required to regulate the development of nociceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Cao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China.,School of Biological Engineering and Food Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengcheng Huang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China.,General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Fumin Lu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Xuequan Jiang
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China.,School of Biological Engineering and Food Science, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Hu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Cheng Cao
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
| | - Zijing Liu
- Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, China
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14
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Ornitz DM, Itoh N. New developments in the biology of fibroblast growth factors. WIREs Mech Dis 2022; 14:e1549. [PMID: 35142107 PMCID: PMC10115509 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family is composed of 18 secreted signaling proteins consisting of canonical FGFs and endocrine FGFs that activate four receptor tyrosine kinases (FGFRs 1-4) and four intracellular proteins (intracellular FGFs or iFGFs) that primarily function to regulate the activity of voltage-gated sodium channels and other molecules. The canonical FGFs, endocrine FGFs, and iFGFs have been reviewed extensively by us and others. In this review, we briefly summarize past reviews and then focus on new developments in the FGF field since our last review in 2015. Some of the highlights in the past 6 years include the use of optogenetic tools, viral vectors, and inducible transgenes to experimentally modulate FGF signaling, the clinical use of small molecule FGFR inhibitors, an expanded understanding of endocrine FGF signaling, functions for FGF signaling in stem cell pluripotency and differentiation, roles for FGF signaling in tissue homeostasis and regeneration, a continuing elaboration of mechanisms of FGF signaling in development, and an expanding appreciation of roles for FGF signaling in neuropsychiatric diseases. This article is categorized under: Cardiovascular Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Neurological Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Congenital Diseases > Stem Cells and Development Cancer > Stem Cells and Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Ornitz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nobuyuki Itoh
- Kyoto University Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sakyo, Kyoto, Japan
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15
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Stainton H, Towers M. Retinoic acid influences the timing and scaling of avian wing development. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110288. [PMID: 35081337 PMCID: PMC8810399 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A fundamental question in biology is how embryonic development is timed between different species. To address this problem, we compared wing development in the quail and the larger chick. We reveal that pattern formation is faster in the quail as determined by the earlier activation of 5′Hox genes, termination of developmental organizers (Shh and Fgf8), and the laying down of the skeleton (Sox9). Using interspecies tissue grafts, we show that developmental timing can be reset during a critical window of retinoic acid signaling. Accordingly, extending the duration of retinoic acid signaling switches developmental timing between the quail and the chick and the chick and the larger turkey. However, the incremental growth rate is comparable between all three species, suggesting that the pace of development primarily governs differences in the expansion of the skeletal pattern. The widespread distribution of retinoic acid could coordinate developmental timing throughout the embryo. Quail wings develop faster than chick and turkey wings Retinoic acid can set the species timing of wing development Developmental timing is independent of growth and scales the skeletal pattern
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Stainton
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Matthew Towers
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
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16
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Conserved and species-specific chromatin remodeling and regulatory dynamics during mouse and chicken limb bud development. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5685. [PMID: 34584102 PMCID: PMC8479071 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25935-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling and genomic alterations impact spatio-temporal regulation of gene expression, which is central to embryonic development. The analysis of mouse and chicken limb development provides important insights into the morphoregulatory mechanisms, however little is known about the regulatory differences underlying their morphological divergence. Here, we identify the underlying shared and species-specific epigenomic and genomic variations. In mouse forelimb buds, we observe striking synchrony between the temporal dynamics of chromatin accessibility and gene expression, while their divergence in chicken wing buds uncovers species-specific regulatory heterochrony. In silico mapping of transcription factor binding sites and computational footprinting establishes the developmental time-restricted transcription factor-DNA interactions. Finally, the construction of target gene networks for HAND2 and GLI3 transcriptional regulators reveals both conserved and species-specific interactions. Our analysis reveals the impact of genome evolution on the regulatory interactions orchestrating vertebrate limb bud morphogenesis and provides a molecular framework for comparative Evo-Devo studies. The vertebrate limb bud is a paradigm to uncover the fundamental mechanisms that govern embryogenesis and evolutionary diversification. Here the authors compare mouse and chicken limb bud development to study the impact of genome evolution on conserved and divergent gene regulatory interactions.
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17
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Conserved Mechanisms, Novel Anatomies: The Developmental Basis of Fin Evolution and the Origin of Limbs. DIVERSITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/d13080384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The transformation of paired fins into tetrapod limbs is one of the most intensively scrutinized events in animal evolution. Early anatomical and embryological datasets identified distinctive morphological regions within the appendage and posed hypotheses about how the loss, gain, and transformation of these regions could explain the observed patterns of both extant and fossil appendage diversity. These hypotheses have been put to the test by our growing understanding of patterning mechanisms that regulate formation of the appendage axes, comparisons of gene expression data from an array of phylogenetically informative taxa, and increasingly sophisticated and elegant experiments leveraging the latest molecular approaches. Together, these data demonstrate the remarkable conservation of developmental mechanisms, even across phylogenetically and morphologically disparate taxa, as well as raising new questions about the way we view homology, evolutionary novelty, and the often non-linear connection between morphology and gene expression. In this review, we present historical hypotheses regarding paired fin evolution and limb origins, summarize key aspects of central appendage patterning mechanisms in model and non-model species, address how modern comparative developmental data interface with our understanding of appendage anatomy, and highlight new approaches that promise to provide new insight into these well-traveled questions.
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18
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Fernandez-Guerrero M, Zdral S, Castilla-Ibeas A, Lopez-Delisle L, Duboule D, Ros MA. Time-sequenced transcriptomes of developing distal mouse limb buds: A comparative tissue layer analysis. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:1550-1575. [PMID: 34254395 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of the amniote limb has been an important model system to study patterning mechanisms and morphogenesis. For proper growth and patterning, it requires the interaction between the distal sub-apical mesenchyme and the apical ectodermal ridge (AER) that involve the separate implementation of coordinated and tissue-specific genetic programs. RESULTS Here, we produce and analyze the transcriptomes of both distal limb mesenchymal progenitors and the overlying ectodermal cells, following time-coursed dissections that cover from limb bud initiation to fully patterned limbs. The comparison of transcriptomes within each layer as well as between layers over time, allowed the identification of specific transcriptional signatures for each of the developmental stages. Special attention was given to the identification of genes whose transcription dynamics suggest a previously unnoticed role in the context of limb development and also to signaling pathways enriched between layers. CONCLUSION We interpret the transcriptomic data in light of the known development pattern and we conclude that a major transcriptional transition occurs in distal limb buds between E9.5 and E10.5, coincident with the switch from an early phase continuation of the signature of trunk progenitors, related to the initial proximo distal specification, to a late intrinsic phase of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Fernandez-Guerrero
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (CSIC-University of Cantabria-SODERCAN), Santander, Spain
| | - Sofia Zdral
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (CSIC-University of Cantabria-SODERCAN), Santander, Spain
| | - Alejandro Castilla-Ibeas
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (CSIC-University of Cantabria-SODERCAN), Santander, Spain
| | | | - Denis Duboule
- School of Life Sciences, Federal Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Collège de France, Paris, France
| | - Marian A Ros
- Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (CSIC-University of Cantabria-SODERCAN), Santander, Spain.,Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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19
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Durán Alonso MB, Vendrell V, López-Hernández I, Alonso MT, Martin DM, Giráldez F, Carramolino L, Giovinazzo G, Vázquez E, Torres M, Schimmang T. Meis2 Is Required for Inner Ear Formation and Proper Morphogenesis of the Cochlea. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:679325. [PMID: 34124068 PMCID: PMC8194062 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.679325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Meis genes have been shown to control essential processes during development of the central and peripheral nervous system. Here we have explored the roles of the Meis2 gene during vertebrate inner ear induction and the formation of the cochlea. Meis2 is expressed in several tissues required for inner ear induction and in non-sensory tissue of the cochlear duct. Global inactivation of Meis2 in the mouse leads to a severely reduced size of the otic vesicle. Tissue-specific knock outs of Meis2 reveal that its expression in the hindbrain is essential for otic vesicle formation. Inactivation of Meis2 in the inner ear itself leads to an aberrant coiling of the cochlear duct. By analyzing transcriptomes obtained from Meis2 mutants and ChIPseq analysis of an otic cell line, we define candidate target genes for Meis2 which may be directly or indirectly involved in cochlear morphogenesis. Taken together, these data show that Meis2 is essential for inner ear formation and provide an entry point to unveil the network underlying proper coiling of the cochlear duct.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Beatriz Durán Alonso
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Victor Vendrell
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Iris López-Hernández
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valladolid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Alonso
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Donna M Martin
- Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Fernando Giráldez
- CEXS, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Parc de Recerca Biomédica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Carramolino
- Cardiovascular Development Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, CNIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giovanna Giovinazzo
- Cardiovascular Development Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, CNIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Vázquez
- Cardiovascular Development Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, CNIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Torres
- Cardiovascular Development Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, CNIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Thomas Schimmang
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Universidad de Valladolid y Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valladolid, Spain
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20
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Delgado I, Giovinazzo G, Temiño S, Gauthier Y, Balsalobre A, Drouin J, Torres M. Control of mouse limb initiation and antero-posterior patterning by Meis transcription factors. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3086. [PMID: 34035267 PMCID: PMC8149412 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23373-9] [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: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Meis1 and Meis2 are homeodomain transcription factors that regulate organogenesis through cooperation with Hox proteins. Elimination of Meis genes after limb induction has shown their role in limb proximo-distal patterning; however, limb development in the complete absence of Meis function has not been studied. Here, we report that Meis1/2 inactivation in the lateral plate mesoderm of mouse embryos leads to limb agenesis. Meis and Tbx factors converge in this function, extensively co-binding with Tbx to genomic sites and co-regulating enhancers of Fgf10, a critical factor in limb initiation. Limbs with three deleted Meis alleles show proximal-specific skeletal hypoplasia and agenesis of posterior skeletal elements. This failure in posterior specification results from an early role of Meis factors in establishing the limb antero-posterior prepattern required for Shh activation. Our results demonstrate roles for Meis transcription factors in early limb development and identify their involvement in previously undescribed interaction networks that regulate organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Delgado
- Cardiovascular Development Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Giovanna Giovinazzo
- Cardiovascular Development Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Temiño
- Cardiovascular Development Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Yves Gauthier
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Aurelio Balsalobre
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques Drouin
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Miguel Torres
- Cardiovascular Development Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain.
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21
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Lorda-Diez CI, Duarte-Olivenza C, Hurle JM, Montero JA. Transforming growth factor beta signaling: The master sculptor of fingers. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:125-136. [PMID: 33871876 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) constitutes a large and evolutionarily conserved superfamily of secreted factors that play essential roles in embryonic development, cancer, tissue regeneration, and human degenerative pathology. Studies of this signaling cascade in the regulation of cellular and tissue changes in the three-dimensional context of a developing embryo have notably advanced in the understanding of the action mechanism of these growth factors. In this review, we address the role of TGFβ signaling in the developing limb, focusing on its essential function in the morphogenesis of the autopod. As we discuss in this work, modern mouse genetic experiments together with more classical embryological approaches in chick embryos, provided very valuable information concerning the role of TGFβ and Activin family members in the morphogenesis of the digits of tetrapods, including the formation of phalanxes, digital tendons, and interphalangeal joints. We emphasize the importance of the Activin and TGFβ proteins as digit inducing factors and their critical interaction with the BMP signaling to sculpt the hand and foot morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos I Lorda-Diez
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Cristina Duarte-Olivenza
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Juan M Hurle
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Juan A Montero
- Departamento de Anatomía y Biología Celular and IDIVAL, Universidad de Cantabria, Santander, Spain
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22
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Vargesson N. Lewis Wolpert (1929-2021). Cells Dev 2021; 166:203673. [PMID: 34051671 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2021.203673] [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: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Lewis Wolpert was a brilliant and inspiring scientist who made hugely significant contributions which underpin and influence our understanding of developmental biology today. He spent his career interested in how the fertilised egg can give rise to the whole embryo (and ultimately the adult) with one head, two arms, two legs, all its organs and importantly how cells become different from each other and how they 'know' what to become. His ideas revolutionised the way developmental biology was perceived and also reinvigorated, in particular, the key question of how pattern formation in embryonic development is achieved. He published over 200 scientific articles and received many accolades over his career for his work and services to science in the UK. These included a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) from the Queen, being elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. He was also a recipient of the Waddington Medal from the British Society for Developmental Biology and was awarded The Royal Society's top honour, the Royal Medal in 2018. Lewis was also a gifted teacher and communicator, including being the author of a textbook on developmental biology used around the world to train the next generation of developmental biologists. This contribution was recognised in 2003, by the award of the Viktor Hamburger Outstanding Educator Award from the Society of Developmental Biology in the USA. Lewis always enjoyed giving talks and lectures, having an infectious and persuasive enthusiasm coupled with a sharp sense of humour. He also published articles in popular science journals (aimed at the public) such as New Scientist, Scientific American and The Scientist. Lewis also wrote several popular science books. He was a passionate advocate for the public understanding of science and was the Chair of The Royal Society/Royal Institution/British Association for the Advancement of Science Committee for Public Understanding of Science (1994-1998). For this contribution he was awarded The Royal Society Michael Faraday Medal for "excellence in communicating science to UK audiences". He presented the prestigious Royal Institution Christmas Lectures in 1986 entitled 'Frankenstein's Quest: development of life'. These lectures, six in total, are presented by leading scientists and aimed at the general public and broadcast on national television. On a personal level, Lewis influenced all who came into contact with him, shaped his students and postdocs careers and instilled in them, and the community as whole, a life-long love of developmental biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Vargesson
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
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23
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Role of Retinoic Acid Signaling, FGF Signaling and Meis Genes in Control of Limb Development. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11010080. [PMID: 33435477 PMCID: PMC7827967 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The function of retinoic acid (RA) during limb development is still debated, as loss and gain of function studies led to opposite conclusions. With regard to limb initiation, genetic studies demonstrated that activation of FGF10 signaling is required for the emergence of limb buds from the trunk, with Tbx5 and RA signaling acting upstream in the forelimb field, whereas Tbx4 and Pitx1 act upstream in the hindlimb field. Early studies in chick embryos suggested that RA as well as Meis1 and Meis2 (Meis1/2) are required for subsequent proximodistal patterning of both forelimbs and hindlimbs, with RA diffusing from the trunk, functioning to activate Meis1/2 specifically in the proximal limb bud mesoderm. However, genetic loss of RA signaling does not result in loss of limb Meis1/2 expression and limb patterning is normal, although Meis1/2 expression is reduced in trunk somitic mesoderm. More recent studies demonstrated that global genetic loss of Meis1/2 results in a somite defect and failure of limb bud initiation. Other new studies reported that conditional genetic loss of Meis1/2 in the limb results in proximodistal patterning defects, and distal FGF8 signaling represses Meis1/2 to constrain its expression to the proximal limb. In this review, we hypothesize that RA and Meis1/2 both function in the trunk to initiate forelimb bud initiation, but that limb Meis1/2 expression is activated proximally by a factor other than RA and repressed distally by FGF8 to generate proximodistal patterning.
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24
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López-Delgado AC, Delgado I, Cadenas V, Sánchez-Cabo F, Torres M. Axial skeleton anterior-posterior patterning is regulated through feedback regulation between Meis transcription factors and retinoic acid. Development 2021; 148:dev.193813. [PMID: 33298461 DOI: 10.1242/dev.193813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate axial skeletal patterning is controlled by co-linear expression of Hox genes and axial level-dependent activity of HOX protein combinations. MEIS transcription factors act as co-factors of HOX proteins and profusely bind to Hox complex DNA; however, their roles in mammalian axial patterning remain unknown. Retinoic acid (RA) is known to regulate axial skeletal element identity through the transcriptional activity of its receptors; however, whether this role is related to MEIS/HOX activity remains unknown. Here, we study the role of Meis in axial skeleton formation and its relationship to the RA pathway in mice. Meis elimination in the paraxial mesoderm produces anterior homeotic transformations and rib mis-patterning associated to alterations of the hypaxial myotome. Although Raldh2 and Meis positively regulate each other, Raldh2 elimination largely recapitulates the defects associated with Meis deficiency, and Meis overexpression rescues the axial skeletal defects in Raldh2 mutants. We propose a Meis-RA-positive feedback loop, the output of which is Meis levels, that is essential to establish anterior-posterior identities and patterning of the vertebrate axial skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra C López-Delgado
- Cardiovascular Development Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid 28003, Spain
| | - Irene Delgado
- Cardiovascular Development Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid 28003, Spain
| | - Vanessa Cadenas
- Cardiovascular Development Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid 28003, Spain
| | - Fátima Sánchez-Cabo
- Bioinformatics Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid 28003, Spain
| | - Miguel Torres
- Cardiovascular Development Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid 28003, Spain
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25
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Desanlis I, Paul R, Kmita M. Transcriptional Trajectories in Mouse Limb Buds Reveal the Transition from Anterior-Posterior to Proximal-Distal Patterning at Early Limb Bud Stage. J Dev Biol 2020; 8:jdb8040031. [PMID: 33297480 PMCID: PMC7768367 DOI: 10.3390/jdb8040031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Limb patterning relies in large part on the function of the Hox family of developmental genes. While the differential expression of Hox genes shifts from the anterior-posterior (A-P) to the proximal-distal (P-D) axis around embryonic day 11 (E11), whether this shift coincides with a more global change of A-P to P-D patterning program remains unclear. By performing and analyzing the transcriptome of the developing limb bud from E10.5 to E12.5, at single-cell resolution, we have uncovered transcriptional trajectories that revealed a general switch from A-P to P-D genetic program between E10.5 and E11.5. Interestingly, all the transcriptional trajectories at E10.5 end with cells expressing either proximal or distal markers suggesting a progressive acquisition of P-D identity. Moreover, we identified three categories of genes expressed in the distal limb mesenchyme characterized by distinct temporal expression dynamics. Among these are Hoxa13 and Hoxd13 (Hox13 hereafter), which start to be expressed around E10.5, and importantly the binding of the HOX13 factors was observed within or in the neighborhood of several of the distal limb genes. Our data are consistent with previous evidence suggesting that the transition from the early/proximal to the late/distal transcriptome of the limb mesenchyme largely relies on HOX13 function. Based on these results and the evidence that HOX13 factors restrict Hoxa11 expression to the proximal limb, in progenitor cells of the zeugopod, we propose that HOX13 act as a key determinant of P-D patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Desanlis
- Genetics and Development Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; (I.D.); (R.P.)
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Rachel Paul
- Genetics and Development Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; (I.D.); (R.P.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Marie Kmita
- Genetics and Development Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montreal, QC H2W 1R7, Canada; (I.D.); (R.P.)
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-514-987-5749
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26
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Abstract
The vertebrate limb continues to serve as an influential model of growth, morphogenesis and pattern formation. With this Review, we aim to give an up-to-date picture of how a population of undifferentiated cells develops into the complex pattern of the limb. Focussing largely on mouse and chick studies, we concentrate on the positioning of the limbs, the formation of the limb bud, the establishment of the principal limb axes, the specification of pattern, the integration of pattern formation with growth and the determination of digit number. We also discuss the important, but little understood, topic of how gene expression is interpreted into morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin McQueen
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Matthew Towers
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
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Zhao X, Yang W, Li G, Dong H, Hou J, Cao Z, Guan D. Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor 4 in a Rat Model of Polydactyly of the Thumb Induced by Cytarabine. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e926953. [PMID: 32788570 PMCID: PMC7446283 DOI: 10.12659/msm.926953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to assess the expression and mechanisms of fibroblast growth factor 4 in polydactyly of the thumb induced by cytarabine. MATERIAL AND METHODS Rats were intraperitoneally injected with cytarabine at different gestation periods (12.5 days, 13.5 days, and 14.5 days) to establish a polydactyly of the thumb model. Then, the expression of FGF4 in polydactyly was studied by whole-mount in situ hybridization. We used hematoxylin & eosin stain and cartilage stain to investigate the development of the skeleton and tissues in the embryo. Pictures were taken to determine the general shape of the deformity, then X-rays were taken to detect bone distortion of the rats born with a congenital malformation. RESULTS In the experimental group (11.5 days, 12.5 days, 13.5 days, and 14.5 days), whole-mount in situ hybridization showed that the FGF4 expression at the tip of the embryonic limb bud was significantly increased compared with the control group and FGF4 was distributed in a wider range and lasted longer than in the control group (P<0.01). HE staining and cartilage staining showed that there was an extra metacarpal bone and a phalanx in the rats with polydactyly of the thumb (P<0.01). Images of the deformed limbs showed polydactyly and syndactyly of the thumb in the rats. Further X-ray examination revealed 1 extra metacarpal bone and 1 extra phalanx. CONCLUSIONS Cytarabine can induce polydactyly and syndactyly of the thumb in rats. In this process, cytarabine can induce the expression of FGF4 on the tip of the embryonic limb bud, which further leads to abnormal development of the embryonic limb bud and eventually causes a congenital deformity.
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