A subclass of bHLH proteins required for cardiac morphogenesis

Lineage labeling with zebrafish hand2 Cre and CreERT2 recombinase CRISPR knock-ins

BACKGROUND

The ability to generate endogenous Cre recombinase drivers using CRISPR-Cas9 knock-in technology allows lineage tracing, cell type-specific gene studies, and in vivo validation of inferred developmental trajectories from phenotypic and gene expression analyses. This report describes endogenous zebrafish hand2 Cre and CreERT2 drivers generated with GeneWeld CRISPR-Cas9 precision targeted integration.

RESULTS

hand2-2A-cre and hand2-2A-creERT2 knock-ins crossed with ubiquitous loxP-based Switch reporters led to broad labeling in expected mesodermal and neural crest-derived lineages in branchial arches, cardiac, fin, liver, intestine, and mesothelial tissues, as well as enteric neurons. Novel patterns of hand2 lineage tracing appeared in venous blood vessels. CreERT2 induction at 24 h reveals hand2-expressing cells in the 24- to 48-h embryo contribute to the venous and intestinal vasculature. Induction in 3 dpf larvae restricts hand2 lineage labeling to mesoderm-derived components of the branchial arches, heart, liver, and enteric neurons.

CONCLUSIONS

hand2 progenitors from the lateral plate mesoderm and ectoderm contribute to numerous lineages in the developing embryo. At later stages, hand2-expressing cells are restricted to a subset of lineages in the larva. The endogenous hand2 Cre and CreERT2 drivers establish critical new tools to investigate hand2 lineages in zebrafish embryogenesis and larval organogenesis.

The role of heart and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein factors in pregnancy

Heart and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein 1 (HAND1) and Heart and neural crest derivatives-expressed protein 2 (HAND2), members of the Twist-family of basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) proteins, act as critical transcription factors that play a key role in various developmental processes, including placental development and fetal growth during pregnancy. This review aims to explore the current understanding of HAND1 and HAND2 in pregnant maintenance and their potential implications for maternal and fetal health. We will summarize the mechanisms of action of HAND1 and HAND2 in pregnancy, their expression regulation and association with pregnancy complications such as preterm birth and preeclampsia. Furthermore, we will discuss the potential therapeutic implications of targeting HAND1 and HAND2 in pregnancy-related disorders. This review highlights the importance of HAND1 and HAND2 in pregnancy and their potential as targets for future research and therapeutic interventions of gestational disorders.

PDGFRA is a conserved HAND2 effector during early cardiac development

The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor HAND2 has multiple roles during vertebrate organogenesis, including cardiogenesis. However, much remains to be uncovered about its mechanism of action. Here, we show the generation of several hand2 mutant alleles in zebrafish and demonstrate that dimerization-deficient mutants display the null phenotype but DNA-binding-deficient mutants do not. Rescue experiments with Hand2 variants using a newly identified hand2 enhancer confirmed these observations. To identify Hand2 effectors critical for cardiogenesis, we analyzed the transcriptomes of hand2 loss- and gain-of-function embryonic cardiomyocytes and tested the function of eight candidate genes in vivo; pdgfra was most effective in rescuing myocardial migration in hand2 mutants. Accordingly, we identified a putative Hand2-binding region in the zebrafish pdgfra locus that is important for its expression. In addition, Hand2 loss- and gain-of-function experiments in mouse embryonic stem cell-derived cardiac cells decreased and increased Pdgfra expression, respectively. Altogether, these results further our mechanistic understanding of HAND2 function during early cardiogenesis.

Single-cell multi-modal integrative analyses highlight functional dynamic gene regulatory networks directing human cardiac development

Illuminating the precise stepwise genetic programs directing cardiac development provides insights into the mechanisms of congenital heart disease and strategies for cardiac regenerative therapies. Here, we integrate in vitro and in vivo human single-cell multi-omic studies with high-throughput functional genomic screening to reveal dynamic, cardiac-specific gene regulatory networks (GRNs) and transcriptional regulators during human cardiomyocyte development. Interrogating developmental trajectories reconstructed from single-cell data unexpectedly reveal divergent cardiomyocyte lineages with distinct gene programs based on developmental signaling pathways. High-throughput functional genomic screens identify key transcription factors from inferred GRNs that are functionally relevant for cardiomyocyte lineages derived from each pathway. Notably, we discover a critical heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1)-mediated cardiometabolic GRN controlling cardiac mitochondrial/metabolic function and cell survival, also observed in fetal human cardiomyocytes. Overall, these multi-modal genomic studies enable the systematic discovery and validation of coordinated GRNs and transcriptional regulators controlling the development of distinct human cardiomyocyte populations.

Immobilization secondary to cell death of muscle precursors with a dual transcriptional signature contributes to the emu wing skeletal pattern

Limb reduction has occurred multiple times in tetrapod history. Among ratites, wing reductions range from mild vestigialization to complete loss, with emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) serving as a model for studying the genetic mechanisms behind limb reduction. Here, we explore the developmental mechanisms underlying wing reduction in emu. Our analyses reveal that immobilization resulting from the absence of distal muscles contributes to skeletal shortening, fusion and left-right intraindividual variation. Expression analysis and single cell-RNA sequencing identify muscle progenitors displaying a dual lateral plate mesodermal and myogenic signature. These cells aggregate at the proximal region of wing buds and undergo cell death. We propose that this cell death, linked to the lack of distal muscle masses, underlines the morphological features and variability in skeletal elements due to reduced mechanical loading. Our results demonstrate that differential mobility during embryonic development may drive morphological diversification in vestigial structures.

A knock-in allele of Hand2 expressing Dre recombinase

HAND2 is a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor with diverse functions during development. To facilitate the investigation of genetic and functional diversity among Hand2-expressing cells in the mouse, we have generated Hand2Dre, a knock-in allele expressing Dre recombinase. To avoid disrupting Hand2 function, the Dre cDNA is inserted at the 3' end of the Hand2 coding sequence following a viral 2A peptide. Hand2Dre homozygotes can therefore be used in complex crosses to increase the proportion of useful genotypes among offspring. Dre expression in mid-gestation Hand2Dre embryos is indistinguishable from wild-type Hand2 expression, and HandDre efficiently recombines rox target sites in vivo. In combination with existing Cre and Flp mouse lines, Hand2Dre will therefore extend the ability to perform genetic intersectional labeling, fate mapping, and functional manipulation of subpopulations of cells characterized by developmental expression of Hand2.

Drosophila as a Model to Understand Second Heart Field Development

The genetic model system Drosophila has contributed fundamentally to our understanding of mammalian heart specification, development, and congenital heart disease. The relatively simple Drosophila heart is a linear muscular tube that is specified and develops in the embryo and persists throughout the life of the animal. It functions at all stages to circulate hemolymph within the open circulatory system of the body. During Drosophila metamorphosis, the cardiac tube is remodeled, and a new layer of muscle fibers spreads over the ventral surface of the heart to form the ventral longitudinal muscles. The formation of these fibers depends critically upon genes known to be necessary for mammalian second heart field (SHF) formation. Here, we review the prior contributions of the Drosophila system to the understanding of heart development and disease, discuss the importance of the SHF to mammalian heart development and disease, and then discuss how the ventral longitudinal adult cardiac muscles can serve as a novel model for understanding SHF development and disease.

Single-cell profiling of the developing embryonic heart in Drosophila

Drosophila is an important model for studying heart development and disease. Yet, single-cell transcriptomic data of its developing heart have not been performed. Here, we report single-cell profiling of the entire fly heart using ∼3000 Hand-GFP embryos collected at five consecutive developmental stages, ranging from bilateral migrating rows of cardiac progenitors to a fused heart tube. The data revealed six distinct cardiac cell types in the embryonic fly heart: cardioblasts, both Svp+ and Tin+ subtypes; and five types of pericardial cell (PC) that can be distinguished by four key transcription factors (Eve, Odd, Ct and Tin) and include the newly described end of the line PC. Notably, the embryonic fly heart combines transcriptional signatures of the mammalian first and second heart fields. Using unique markers for each heart cell type, we defined their number and location during heart development to build a comprehensive 3D cell map. These data provide a resource to track the expression of any gene in the developing fly heart, which can serve as a reference to study genetic perturbations and cardiac diseases.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Modeling of Single-Ventricle Congenital Heart Diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Congenital heart disease includes a wide variety of structural cardiac defects, the most severe of which are single ventricle defects (SVD). These patients suffer from significant morbidity and mortality; however, our understanding of the developmental etiology of these conditions is limited. Model organisms offer a window into normal and abnormal cardiogenesis yet often fail to recapitulate complex congenital heart defects seen in patients. The use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) derived from patients with single-ventricle defects opens the door to studying SVD in patient-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) in a variety of different contexts, including organoids and chamber-specific cardiomyocytes. As the genetic and cellular causes of SVD are not well defined, patient-derived iPSC-CMs hold promise for uncovering mechanisms of disease development and serve as a platform for testing therapies. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in iPSC-based models of SVD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent advances in patient-derived iPSC-CM differentiation, as well as the development of both chamber-specific and non-myocyte cardiac cell types, make it possible to model the complex genetic and molecular architecture involved in SVD development. Moreover, iPSC models have become increasingly complex with the generation of 3D organoids and engineered cardiac tissues which open the door to new mechanistic insight into SVD development. Finally, iPSC-CMs have been used in proof-of-concept studies that the molecular underpinnings of SVD may be targetable for future therapies. While each platform has its advantages and disadvantages, the use of patient-derived iPSC-CMs offers a window into patient-specific cardiogenesis and SVD development. Advancement in stem-cell based modeling of SVD promises to revolutionize our understanding of the developmental etiology of SVD and provides a tool for developing and testing new therapies.

Genetic evaluation of HAND2 gene and its effects on thalidomide embryopathy

BACKGROUND

HAND2 is a transcription factor important for embryonic development, required for limbs and cardiovascular development. Thalidomide is a drug responsible to a spectrum of congenital anomalies known as Thalidomide Embryopathy (TE), which includes mainly limb and heart defects. It is known that HAND2 interaction with TBX5, an important protein for limbs and heart development, is inhibited by Thalidomide. The aim of this study was to evaluate and characterize HAND2 in the context of TE, and to evaluate its variability in TE individuals.

METHODS

DNA from 35 TE subjects was extracted from saliva samples and PCR was performed for amplification and Sanger sequencing of HAND2 coding sequence.

RESULTS

The analysis showed only one variant; a synonymous variant p.P51 (rs59621536) in exon 1 found in three individuals. Further in silico evaluation confirmed highly HAND2 conservation, being the 3'UTR the most polymorphic region of the gene. Additional computational analyses classified the variant as neutral, without alteration in splicing and miRNA sites. In silico predictions pointed to alteration of two CpG islands adjacent to the variant; however, we did not observe any alterations on the methylation pattern of HAND2 gene in our sample. Moreover, alteration of the binding site of MeCP2, a nuclear protein involved in DNA methylation, was predicted along with alteration in HAND2 mRNA structure.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering HAND2 being a well conserved gene, further studies with a larger sample should be performed to evaluate the role this gene on genetic susceptibility to TE.

Epigenetic silencing and tumor suppressor gene of HAND2 by targeting ERK signaling in colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

The screening biomarkers for early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is lacking. The aim is to identify epigenetic silenced genes and clarify its roles and underlying mechanism in CRC. We conducted integrative analyses of epigenome-wide Human Methylation 450 K arrays and transcriptome to screen out candidate epigenetic driver genes with transcription silencing. Methylated silencing HAND2 were identified and verified in large CRC cohort. The mechanism of HAND2 expression by promoter inhibition were clarified both in vitro and vivo assays. Cell biofunctional roles of HAND2 methylation was investigated in CRC cells. HAND2 reconstitution were constructed by lentivirus plasmid and tumor xenograft model of HAND2 were built subcutaneously. Genomic mRNA analysis by RNA-sequencing and subsequent GSEA analysis were performed to identify potential target of HAND2 and qPCR/WB was conducted to identify the results.

RESULTS

We firstly reported high frequency of HAND2 methylation in promoter in CRC and hypermethylation was negatively correlated with expression silencing and leaded to poor survival in several CRC cohort patients. 5-Aza treatment to demethylated HAND2 could revert its expression in CRC cells. Functionally, HAND2 reconstitution can inhibit cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro. In tumor xenograft, HAND2 reconstruction significantly repressed tumor growth when compared to control vector. Thousands of aberrant expressed genes were observed in the heatmap of RNA-sequencing data. HAND2 reconstitution could bind to ERK and reduce its phosphorylation by CoIP assay. These above results showed HAND2 reconstitution perturbed the activation of MAPK/ERK signaling by reduction of ERK phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

HAND2 is one tumor suppressor by targeting ERK signaling and one potential epigenetic driver gene in CRC. Video Abstract.

An Unanticipated Modulation of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors: The Role of Long Non-Coding RNAs

It is now definitively established that a large part of the human genome is transcribed. However, only a scarce percentage of the transcriptome (about 1.2%) consists of RNAs that are translated into proteins, while the large majority of transcripts include a variety of RNA families with different dimensions and functions. Within this heterogeneous RNA world, a significant fraction consists of sequences with a length of more than 200 bases that form the so-called long non-coding RNA family. The functions of long non-coding RNAs range from the regulation of gene transcription to the changes in DNA topology and nucleosome modification and structural organization, to paraspeckle formation and cellular organelles maturation. This review is focused on the role of long non-coding RNAs as regulators of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors’ (CDKIs) levels and activities. Cyclin-dependent kinases are enzymes necessary for the tuned progression of the cell division cycle. The control of their activity takes place at various levels. Among these, interaction with CDKIs is a vital mechanism. Through CDKI modulation, long non-coding RNAs implement control over cellular physiology and are associated with numerous pathologies. However, although there are robust data in the literature, the role of long non-coding RNAs in the modulation of CDKIs appears to still be underestimated, as well as their importance in cell proliferation control.

Deciphering Cardiac Biology and Disease by Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling

By detecting minute molecular changes in hundreds to millions of single cells, single-cell RNA sequencing allows for the comprehensive characterization of the diversity and dynamics of cells in the heart. Our understanding of the heart has been transformed through the recognition of cellular heterogeneity, the construction of regulatory networks, the building of lineage trajectories, and the mapping of intercellular crosstalk. In this review, we introduce cardiac progenitors and their transcriptional regulation during embryonic development, highlight cellular heterogeneity and cell subtype functions in cardiac health and disease, and discuss insights gained from the study of pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

Hand2 delineates mesothelium progenitors and is reactivated in mesothelioma

The mesothelium lines body cavities and surrounds internal organs, widely contributing to homeostasis and regeneration. Mesothelium disruptions cause visceral anomalies and mesothelioma tumors. Nonetheless, the embryonic emergence of mesothelia remains incompletely understood. Here, we track mesothelial origins in the lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) using zebrafish. Single-cell transcriptomics uncovers a post-gastrulation gene expression signature centered on hand2 in distinct LPM progenitor cells. We map mesothelial progenitors to lateral-most, hand2-expressing LPM and confirm conservation in mouse. Time-lapse imaging of zebrafish hand2 reporter embryos captures mesothelium formation including pericardium, visceral, and parietal peritoneum. We find primordial germ cells migrate with the forming mesothelium as ventral migration boundary. Functionally, hand2 loss disrupts mesothelium formation with reduced progenitor cells and perturbed migration. In mouse and human mesothelioma, we document expression of LPM-associated transcription factors including Hand2, suggesting re-initiation of a developmental program. Our data connects mesothelium development to Hand2, expanding our understanding of mesothelial pathologies.

Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Molecular Determinants during Cardiogenesis

Cardiovascular development is initiated soon after gastrulation as bilateral precardiac mesoderm is progressively symmetrically determined at both sides of the developing embryo. The precardiac mesoderm subsequently fused at the embryonic midline constituting an embryonic linear heart tube. As development progress, the embryonic heart displays the first sign of left-right asymmetric morphology by the invariably rightward looping of the initial heart tube and prospective embryonic ventricular and atrial chambers emerged. As cardiac development progresses, the atrial and ventricular chambers enlarged and distinct left and right compartments emerge as consequence of the formation of the interatrial and interventricular septa, respectively. The last steps of cardiac morphogenesis are represented by the completion of atrial and ventricular septation, resulting in the configuration of a double circuitry with distinct systemic and pulmonary chambers, each of them with distinct inlets and outlets connections. Over the last decade, our understanding of the contribution of multiple growth factor signaling cascades such as Tgf-beta, Bmp and Wnt signaling as well as of transcriptional regulators to cardiac morphogenesis have greatly enlarged. Recently, a novel layer of complexity has emerged with the discovery of non-coding RNAs, particularly microRNAs and lncRNAs. Herein, we provide a state-of-the-art review of the contribution of non-coding RNAs during cardiac development. microRNAs and lncRNAs have been reported to functional modulate all stages of cardiac morphogenesis, spanning from lateral plate mesoderm formation to outflow tract septation, by modulating major growth factor signaling pathways as well as those transcriptional regulators involved in cardiac development.

Direct reprogramming as a route to cardiac repair

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure worldwide due to an inability of the heart to regenerate following injury. Thus, novel heart failure therapies aimed at promoting cardiomyocyte regeneration are desperately needed. In recent years, direct reprogramming of resident cardiac fibroblasts to induced cardiac-like myocytes (iCMs) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to repurpose the fibrotic response of the injured heart toward a functional myocardium. Direct cardiac reprogramming was initially achieved through the overexpression of the transcription factors (TFs) Gata4, Mef2c, and Tbx5 (GMT). However, this combination of TFs and other subsequent cocktails demonstrated limited success in reprogramming adult human and mouse fibroblasts, constraining the clinical translation of this therapy. Over the past decade, significant effort has been dedicated to optimizing reprogramming cocktails comprised of cardiac TFs, epigenetic factors, microRNAs, or small molecules to yield efficient cardiac cell fate conversion. Yet, efficient reprogramming of adult human fibroblasts remains a significant challenge. Underlying mechanisms identified to accelerate this process have been centered on epigenetic remodeling at cardiac gene regulatory regions. Further studies to achieve a refined understanding and directed means of overcoming epigenetic barriers are merited to more rapidly translate these promising therapies to the clinic.

A show of Hands: Novel and conserved expression patterns of teleost hand paralogs during craniofacial, heart, fin, peripheral nervous system and gut development

BACKGROUND

Hand genes are required for the development of the vertebrate jaw, heart, peripheral nervous system, limb, gut, placenta, and decidua. Two Hand paralogues, Hand1 and Hand2, are present in most vertebrates, where they mediate different functions yet overlap in expression. In ray-finned fishes, Hand gene expression and function is only known for the zebrafish, which represents the rare condition of having a single Hand gene, hand2. Here we describe the developmental expression of hand1 and hand2 in the cichlid Copadichromis azureus.

RESULTS

hand1 and hand2 are expressed in the cichlid heart, paired fins, pharyngeal arches, peripheral nervous system, gut, and lateral plate mesoderm with different degrees of overlap.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand gene expression in the gut, peripheral nervous system, and pharyngeal arches may have already been fixed in the lobe- and ray-finned fish common ancestor. In other embryonic regions, such as paired appendages, hand2 expression was fixed, while hand1 expression diverged in lobe- and ray-finned fish lineages. In the lateral plate mesoderm and arch associated catecholaminergic cells, hand1 and hand2 swapped expression between divergent lineages. Distinct expression of cichlid hand1 and hand2 in the epicardium and myocardium of the developing heart may represent the ancestral pattern for bony fishes.

Nxhl Controls Angiogenesis by Targeting VE-PTP Through Interaction With Nucleolin

Precise regulation of angiogenesis is required for organ development, wound repair, and tumor progression. Here, we identified a novel gene, nxhl (New XingHuo light), that is conserved in vertebrates and that plays a crucial role in vascular integrity and angiogenesis. Bioinformatic analysis uncovered its essential roles in development based on co-expression with several key developmental genes. Knockdown of nxhl in zebrafish causes global and pericardial edema, loss of blood circulation, and vascular defects characterized by both reduced vascularization in intersegmental vessels and decreased sprouting in the caudal vein plexus. The nxhl gene also affects human endothelial cell behavior in vitro. We found that nxhl functions in part by targeting VE-PTP through interaction with NCL (nucleolin). Loss of ptprb (a VE-PTP ortholo) in zebrafish resulted in defects similar to nxhl knockdown. Moreover, nxhl deficiency attenuates tumor invasion and proteins (including VE-PTP and NCL) associated with angiogenesis and EMT. These findings illustrate that nxhl can regulate angiogenesis via a novel nxhl-NCL-VE-PTP axis, providing a new therapeutic target for modulating vascular formation and function, especially for cancer treatment.

Ectopic expression of Id1 or Id3 inhibits transcription of the GATA-4 gene in P19CL6 cells under differentiation condition

Inhibitor of DNA binding (Id) is a dominant negative form of the E-box binding basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor since it is devoid of the basic region required for DNA binding and forms an inactive hetero dimer with bHLH proteins. The E-box sequence located in the promoter region of the GATA-binding protein 4 (GATA-4) gene is essential for transcriptional activation in P19CL6 cells. These cells differentiate into cardiomyocytes and start to express GATA-4, which further triggers cardiac-specific gene expression. In this study, expression plasmids for Ids tagged with human influenza hemagglutinin (HA)-FLAG were constructed and introduced into P19CL6 cells. The stable clones expressing the recombinant Id proteins (Id1 or Id3) were isolated. The GATA-4 gene expression in these clones under differentiation condition in the presence of 1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was repressed, with concomitant abolishment of the transcription of α-myosin heavy chain (α-MHC), which is a component of cardiac myofibrils. Thus, the increased expression of Id protein could affect GATA-4 gene expression and negatively regulate the differentiation of P19CL6 cells.

The adult heart requires baseline expression of the transcription factor Hand2 to withstand RV pressure overload

AIMS

Research on the pathophysiology of right ventricular (RV) failure has, in spite of the associated high mortality and morbidity, lagged behind compared to the left ventricle (LV).Previous work from our lab revealed that the embryonic basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor heart and neural crest derivatives expressed-2 (Hand2) is re-expressed in the adult heart and activates a 'fetal gene program' contributing to pathological cardiac remodeling under conditions of LV pressure overload. As such, ablation of cardiac expression of Hand2 conferred protection to cardiac stress and abrogated the maladaptive effects that were observed upon increased expression levels. In this study, we aimed to understand the contribution of Hand2 to RV remodeling in response to pressure overload induced by pulmonary artery banding (PAB).

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the present study, Hand2F/F and MCM- Hand2F/F mice were treated with tamoxifen (control and knockout, respectively) and subjected to six weeks of RV pressure overload induced by PAB. Echocardiographic- and MRI-derived hemodynamic parameters as well as molecular remodeling were assessed for all experimental groups and compared to sham-operated controls. Six weeks after PAB, levels of Hand2 expression increased in the control banded animals but, as expected, remained absent in the knockout hearts. Despite the dramatic differences in Hand2 expression, pressure overload resulted in impaired cardiac function independently of the genotype. In fact, Hand2 depletion seems to sensitize the RV to pressure overload as these mice develop more hypertrophy and more severe cardiac dysfunction. Higher expression levels of HAND2 were also observed in RV samples of human hearts from patients with pulmonary hypertension. In turn, the LV of RV-pressure overloaded hearts was also dramatically affected as reflected by changes in shape, decreased LV mass and impaired cardiac function. RNA sequencing revealed a distinct set of genes that are dysregulated in the pressure-overloaded RV, compared to the previously described pressure-overloaded LV.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac-specific depletion of Hand2 is associated with severe cardiac dysfunction in conditions of RV pressure overload. While inhibiting Hand2 expression can prevent cardiac dysfunction in conditions of LV pressure overload, the same does not hold true for conditions of RV pressure overload. This study highlights the need to better understand the molecular mechanisms driving pathological remodeling of the RV in contrast to the LV, in order to better diagnose and treat patients with RV or LV failure.

TRANSLATIONAL PERSPECTIVE

RV failure associated with pulmonary hypertension reduces long-term survival rate to 55% within 3 years, suggesting that 3 years after diagnosis almost half of the patients will die. To revert these numbers an adequate RV-specific and, therefore, more efficient treatment is needed. Our work suggests that current therapies and potential mechanisms underlying LV failure may not be suitable for RV failure. While Hand2 deletion is favorable in LV response to stress, it is particularly detrimental in the RV under similar conditions, and thus, highlighting potential severe consequences of not differentiating therapeutic targets or treatment for RV or LV failure.

Bmp Signaling Regulates Hand1 in a Dose-Dependent Manner during Heart Development

The bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) signaling pathway and the basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factor Hand1 are known key regulators of cardiac development. In this study, we investigated the Bmp signaling regulation of Hand1 during cardiac outflow tract (OFT) development. In Bmp2 and Bmp4loss-of-function embryos with varying levels of Bmp in the heart, Hand1 is sensitively decreased in response to the dose of Bmp expression. In contrast, Hand1 in the heart is dramatically increased in Bmp4 gain-of-function embryos. We further identified and characterized the Bmp/Smad regulatory elements in Hand1. Combined transfection assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments indicated that Hand1 is directly activated and bound by Smads. In addition, we found that upon the treatment of Bmp2 and Bmp4, P19 cells induced Hand1 expression and favored cardiac differentiation. Together, our data indicated that the Bmp signaling pathway directly regulates Hand1 expression in a dose-dependent manner during heart development.

Expression dynamics of HAND1/2 in in vitro human cardiomyocyte differentiation

Hand1 and Hand2 are transcriptional factors, and knockout mice of these genes show left and right ventricular hypoplasia, respectively. However, their function and expression in human cardiogenesis are not well studied. To delineate their expressions and assess their functions in human cardiomyocytes (CMs) in vitro, we established two triple-reporter human induced pluripotent stem cell lines that express HAND1^mCherry, HAND2^EGFP and either MYH6-driven iRFP670 or tagBFP constitutively and investigated their expression dynamics during cardiac differentiation. On day 5 of the differentiation, HAND1 expression marked cardiac progenitor cells. We profiled the CM subpopulations on day 20 with RNA sequencing and found that mCherry+ CMs showed higher proliferative ability than mCherry− CMs and identified a gene network of LEF1, HAND1, and HAND2 to regulate proliferation in CMs. Finally, we identified CD105 as a surface marker of highly proliferative CMs.

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Expression of HAND1 marks cardiovascular progenitor cells

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LEF1 is a key regulator of proliferating cardiomyocytes

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CD105 expression marks highly proliferative cardiomyocytes

Unveiling Complexity and Multipotentiality of Early Heart Fields

[Figure: see text].

Differential Spatio-Temporal Regulation of T-Box Gene Expression by microRNAs during Cardiac Development

Cardiovascular development is a complex process that starts with the formation of symmetrically located precardiac mesodermal precursors soon after gastrulation and is completed with the formation of a four-chambered heart with distinct inlet and outlet connections. Multiple transcriptional inputs are required to provide adequate regional identity to the forming atrial and ventricular chambers as well as their flanking regions; i.e., inflow tract, atrioventricular canal, and outflow tract. In this context, regional chamber identity is widely governed by regional activation of distinct T-box family members. Over the last decade, novel layers of gene regulatory mechanisms have been discovered with the identification of non-coding RNAs. microRNAs represent the most well-studied subcategory among short non-coding RNAs. In this study, we sought to investigate the functional role of distinct microRNAs that are predicted to target T-box family members. Our data demonstrated a highly dynamic expression of distinct microRNAs and T-box family members during cardiogenesis, revealing a relatively large subset of complementary and similar microRNA-mRNA expression profiles. Over-expression analyses demonstrated that a given microRNA can distinctly regulate the same T-box family member in distinct cardiac regions and within distinct temporal frameworks, supporting the notion of indirect regulatory mechanisms, and dual luciferase assays on Tbx2, Tbx3 and Tbx5 3' UTR further supported this notion. Overall, our data demonstrated a highly dynamic microRNA and T-box family members expression during cardiogenesis and supported the notion that such microRNAs indirectly regulate the T-box family members in a tissue- and time-dependent manner.

Conserved and unique transcriptional features of pharyngeal arches in the skate (Leucoraja erinacea) and evolution of the jaw

The origin of the jaw is a long-standing problem in vertebrate evolutionary biology. Classical hypotheses of serial homology propose that the upper and lower jaw evolved through modifications of dorsal and ventral gill arch skeletal elements, respectively. If the jaw and gill arches are derived members of a primitive branchial series, we predict that they would share common developmental patterning mechanisms. Using candidate and RNAseq/differential gene expression analyses, we find broad conservation of dorsoventral (DV) patterning mechanisms within the developing mandibular, hyoid, and gill arches of a cartilaginous fish, the skate (Leucoraja erinacea). Shared features include expression of genes encoding members of the ventralizing BMP and endothelin signaling pathways and their effectors, the joint markers nkx3.2 and gdf5 and prochondrogenic transcription factor barx1, and the dorsal territory marker pou3f3. Additionally, we find that mesenchymal expression of eya1/six1 is an ancestral feature of the mandibular arch of jawed vertebrates, whereas differences in notch signaling distinguish the mandibular and gill arches in skate. Comparative transcriptomic analyses of mandibular and gill arch tissues reveal additional genes differentially expressed along the DV axis of the pharyngeal arches, including scamp5 as a novel marker of the dorsal mandibular arch, as well as distinct transcriptional features of mandibular and gill arch muscle progenitors and developing gill buds. Taken together, our findings reveal conserved patterning mechanisms in the pharyngeal arches of jawed vertebrates, consistent with serial homology of their skeletal derivatives, as well as unique transcriptional features that may underpin distinct jaw and gill arch morphologies.

Gene Regulatory and Expression Differences between Mouse and Pig Limb Buds Provide Insights into the Evolutionary Emergence of Artiodactyl Traits

Digit loss/reductions are evolutionary adaptations in cursorial mammals such as pigs. To gain mechanistic insight into these processes, we performed a comparative molecular analysis of limb development in mouse and pig embryos, which revealed a loss of anterior-posterior polarity during distal progression of pig limb bud development. These alterations in pig limb buds are paralleled by changes in the mesenchymal response to Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling, which is altered upstream of the reduction and loss of Fgf8 expression in the ectoderm that overlaps the reduced and vestigial digit rudiments of the pig handplate, respectively. Furthermore, genome-wide open chromatin profiling using equivalent developmental stages of mouse and pig limb buds reveals the functional divergence of about one-third of the regulatory genome. This study uncovers widespread alterations in the regulatory landscapes of genes essential for limb development that likely contributed to the morphological diversion of artiodactyl limbs from the pentadactyl archetype of tetrapods.

HAND transcription factors cooperatively specify the aorta and pulmonary trunk

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) affecting the cardiac outflow tract (OFT) constitute a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The OFT develops from migratory cell populations which include the cardiac neural crest cells (cNCCs) and secondary heart field (SHF) derived myocardium and endocardium. The related transcription factors HAND1 and HAND2 have been implicated in human CHDs involving the OFT. Although Hand1 is expressed within the OFT, Hand1 NCC-specific conditional knockout mice (H1CKOs) are viable. Here we show that these H1CKOs present a low penetrance of OFT phenotypes, whereas SHF-specific Hand1 ablation does not reveal any cardiac phenotypes. Further, HAND1 and HAND2 appear functionally redundant within the cNCCs, as a reduction/ablation of Hand2 on an NCC-specific H1CKO background causes pronounced OFT defects. Double conditional Hand1 and Hand2 NCC knockouts exhibit persistent truncus arteriosus (PTA) with 100% penetrance. NCC lineage-tracing and Sema3c in situ mRNA expression reveal that Sema3c-expressing cells are mis-localized, resulting in a malformed septal bridge within the OFTs of H1CKO;H2CKO embryos. Interestingly, Hand1 and Hand2 also genetically interact within the SHF, as SHF H1CKOs on a heterozygous Hand2 background exhibit Ventricular Septal Defects (VSDs) with incomplete penetrance. Previously, we identified a BMP, HAND2, and GATA-dependent Hand1 OFT enhancer sufficient to drive reporter gene expression within the nascent OFT and aorta. Using these transcription inputs as a probe, we identify a novel Hand2 OFT enhancer, suggesting that a conserved BMP-GATA dependent mechanism transcriptionally regulates both HAND factors. These findings support the hypothesis that HAND factors interpret BMP signaling within the cNCCs to cooperatively coordinate OFT morphogenesis.

Cardiac Development: A Glimpse on Its Translational Contributions

Cardiac development is a complex developmental process that is initiated soon after gastrulation, as two sets of precardiac mesodermal precursors are symmetrically located and subsequently fused at the embryonic midline forming the cardiac straight tube. Thereafter, the cardiac straight tube invariably bends to the right, configuring the first sign of morphological left–right asymmetry and soon thereafter the atrial and ventricular chambers are formed, expanded and progressively septated. As a consequence of all these morphogenetic processes, the fetal heart acquired a four-chambered structure having distinct inlet and outlet connections and a specialized conduction system capable of directing the electrical impulse within the fully formed heart. Over the last decades, our understanding of the morphogenetic, cellular, and molecular pathways involved in cardiac development has exponentially grown. Multiples aspects of the initial discoveries during heart formation has served as guiding tools to understand the etiology of cardiac congenital anomalies and adult cardiac pathology, as well as to enlighten novels approaches to heal the damaged heart. In this review we provide an overview of the complex cellular and molecular pathways driving heart morphogenesis and how those discoveries have provided new roads into the genetic, clinical and therapeutic management of the diseased hearts.

Insights into myosin regulatory and essential light chains: a focus on their roles in cardiac and skeletal muscle function, development and disease

The activity of cardiac and skeletal muscles depends upon the ATP-coupled actin-myosin interactions to execute the power stroke and muscle contraction. The goal of this review article is to provide insight into the function of myosin II, the molecular motor of the heart and skeletal muscles, with a special focus on the role of myosin II light chain (MLC) components. Specifically, we focus on the involvement of myosin regulatory (RLC) and essential (ELC) light chains in striated muscle development, isoform appearance and their function in normal and diseased muscle. We review the consequences of isoform switching and knockout of specific MLC isoforms on cardiac and skeletal muscle function in various animal models. Finally, we discuss how dysregulation of specific RLC/ELC isoforms can lead to cardiac and skeletal muscle diseases and summarize the effects of most studied mutations leading to cardiac or skeletal myopathies.

The Future of Direct Cardiac Reprogramming: Any GMT Cocktail Variety?

Direct cardiac reprogramming has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach to treat and regenerate injured hearts through the direct conversion of fibroblasts into cardiac cells. Most studies have focused on the reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs). The first study in which this technology was described, showed that at least a combination of three transcription factors, GATA4, MEF2C and TBX5 (GMT cocktail), was required for the reprogramming into iCMs in vitro using mouse cells. However, this was later demonstrated to be insufficient for the reprogramming of human cells and additional factors were required. Thereafter, most studies have focused on implementing reprogramming efficiency and obtaining fully reprogrammed and functional iCMs, by the incorporation of other transcription factors, microRNAs or small molecules to the original GMT cocktail. In this respect, great advances have been made in recent years. However, there is still no consensus on which of these GMT-based varieties is best, and robust and highly reproducible protocols are still urgently required, especially in the case of human cells. On the other hand, apart from CMs, other cells such as endothelial and smooth muscle cells to form new blood vessels will be fundamental for the correct reconstruction of damaged cardiac tissue. With this aim, several studies have centered on the direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into induced cardiac progenitor cells (iCPCs) able to give rise to all myocardial cell lineages. Especially interesting are reports in which multipotent and highly expandable mouse iCPCs have been obtained, suggesting that clinically relevant amounts of these cells could be created. However, as of yet, this has not been achieved with human iCPCs, and exactly what stage of maturity is appropriate for a cell therapy product remains an open question. Nonetheless, the major concern in regenerative medicine is the poor retention, survival, and engraftment of transplanted cells in the cardiac tissue. To circumvent this issue, several cell pre-conditioning approaches are currently being explored. As an alternative to cell injection, in vivo reprogramming may face fewer barriers for its translation to the clinic. This approach has achieved better results in terms of efficiency and iCMs maturity in mouse models, indicating that the heart environment can favor this process. In this context, in recent years some studies have focused on the development of safer delivery systems such as Sendai virus, Adenovirus, chemical cocktails or nanoparticles. This article provides an in-depth review of the in vitro and in vivo cardiac reprograming technology used in mouse and human cells to obtain iCMs and iCPCs, and discusses what challenges still lie ahead and what hurdles are to be overcome before results from this field can be transferred to the clinical settings.

Identifying Cattle Breed-Specific Partner Choice of Transcription Factors during the African Trypanosomiasis Disease Progression Using Bioinformatics Analysis

African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) is a disease caused by pathogenic trypanosomes which affects millions of livestock every year causing huge economic losses in agricultural production especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is spread by the tsetse fly which carries the parasite in its saliva. During the disease progression, the cattle are prominently subjected to anaemia, weight loss, intermittent fever, chills, neuronal degeneration, congestive heart failure, and finally death. According to their different genetic programs governing the level of tolerance to AAT, cattle breeds are classified as either resistant or susceptible. In this study, we focus on the cattle breeds N’Dama and Boran which are known to be resistant and susceptible to trypanosomiasis, respectively. Despite the rich literature on both breeds, the gene regulatory mechanisms of the underlying biological processes for their resistance and susceptibility have not been extensively studied. To address the limited knowledge about the tissue-specific transcription factor (TF) cooperations associated with trypanosomiasis, we investigated gene expression data from these cattle breeds computationally. Consequently, we identified significant cooperative TF pairs (especially DBP−PPARA and DBP−THAP1 in N’Dama and DBP−PAX8 in Boran liver tissue) which could help understand the underlying AAT tolerance/susceptibility mechanism in both cattle breeds.

Effects of cigarette smoke components on myocardial differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells

The heart is the first organ formed in the developing fetus, and abnormal development of the heart is a major cause of fetal death. The adverse effects of cigarette smoke on the heart have been well established, but it is not well understood how cigarette smoke components regulate signaling molecules and cardiac specific functions during the early differentiation stage of the embryonic heart. In this study, we identified changes in the size of mouse embryoid bodies (mEBs) in response to treatment with cigarette smoke extract (CSE) via regulation of HDAC2, p53, p21, and cyclin D1 protein expression, which are cardiac differentiation and cell-cycle markers, respectively. In addition, exposure of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to cigarette smoke components inhibited myocardial differentiation and development through the expression of HDAC1, HDAC2, GATA4, NKX2-5, TBX5, HAND1, and Troponin I. Long-term exposure studies showed that CSE and nicotine may delay the development of mouse cardiomyocytes from mESCs and inhibit the contractibility, which is a fundamental function of the heart. Taken together, these findings suggest that cigarette smoke components, including nicotine, may affect abnormal myocardial differentiation and development.

Differential chamber-specific expression and regulation of long non-coding RNAs during cardiac development

Cardiovascular development is governed by a complex interplay between inducting signals such as Bmps and Fgfs leading to activation of cardiac specific transcription factors such as Nkx2.5, Mef2c and Srf that orchestrate the initial steps of cardiogenesis. Over the last decade we have witnessed the discovery of novel layers of gene regulation, i.e. post-transcriptional regulation exerted by non-coding RNAs. The function role of small non coding RNAs has been widely demonstrated, e.g. miR-1 knockout display several cardiovascular abnormalities during embryogenesis. More recently long non-coding RNAs have been also reported to modulate gene expression and function in the developing heart, as exemplified by the embryonic lethal phenotypes of Fendrr and Braveheart knock out mice, respectively. In this study, we investigated the differential expression profile during cardiogenesis of previously reported lncRNAs in heart development. Our data revealed that Braveheart, Fendrr, Carmen display a preferential adult expression while Miat, Alien, H19 preferentially display chamber-specific expression at embryonic stages. We also demonstrated that these lncRNAs are differentially regulated by Nkx2.5, Srf and Mef2c, Pitx2 > Wnt > miRNA signaling pathway and angiotensin II and thyroid hormone administration. Importantly isoform-specific expression and distinct nuclear vs cytoplasmic localization of Braveheart, Carmen and Fendrr during chamber morphogenesis is observed, suggesting distinct functional roles of these lncRNAs in atrial and ventricular chambers. Furthermore, we demonstrate by in situ hybridization a dynamic epicardial, myocardial and endocardial expression of H19 during cardiac development. Overall our data support novel roles of these lncRNAs in different temporal and tissue-restricted fashion during cardiogenesis.

Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals Chemotaxis-Mediated Intraorgan Crosstalk During Cardiogenesis

RATIONALE

We hypothesized that the differentiation processes of cardiac progenitor cell (CP) from first and second heart fields (FHF and SHF) may undergo the unique instructive gene regulatory networks or signaling pathways, and the precise SHF progression is contingent on the FHF signaling developmental cues.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated how the intraorgan communications control sequential building of discrete anatomic regions of the heart at single-cell resolution.

METHODS AND RESULTS

By single-cell transcriptomic analysis of Nkx2-5 (NK2 homeobox 5) and Isl1 (ISL LIM homeobox 1) lineages at embryonic day 7.75, embryonic day 8.25, embryonic day 8.75, and embryonic day 9.25, we present a panoramic view of distinct CP differentiation hierarchies. Computational identifications of FHF- and SHF-CP descendants revealed that SHF differentiation toward cardiomyocytes underwent numerous step-like transitions, whereas earlier FHF progressed toward cardiomyocytes in a wave-like manner. Importantly, single-cell pairing analysis demonstrated that SHF-CPs were attracted to and expanded FHF-populated heart tube region through interlineage communications mediated by the chemotactic guidance (MIF [macrophage migration inhibitory factor]-CXCR2 [C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2]). This finding was verified by pharmacological blockade of this chemotaxis in embryos manifesting limited SHF cell migration and contribution to the growth of the outflow tract and right ventricle but undetectable effects on the left ventricle or heart tube initiation. Genetic loss-of-function assay of Cxcr2 showed that the expression domain of CXCR4 was expanded predominantly at SHF. Furthermore, double knockout of Cxcr2/Cxcr4 exhibited defective SHF development, corroborating the redundant function. Mechanistically, NKX2-5 directly bound the Cxcr2 and Cxcr4 genomic loci and activated their transcription in SHF.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, we propose a model in which the chemotaxis-mediated intraorgan crosstalk spatiotemporally guides the successive process of positioning SHF-CP and promoting primary heart expansion and patterning upon FHF-derived heart tube initiation.

Minor alleles of genetic variants in second heart field increase the risk of hypoplastic right heart syndrome

Hypoplastic right heart syndrome(HRHS) is characterized by hypoplastic right ventricle (RV); Numerous transcriptional cascades in the second heart field (SHF) regulate RVdevelopment. The relationship of SHF gene variants with human HRHS remains unknown. The whole lengths of 17 SHF genes were sequenced in 16 HRHS, and the selected single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) were then genotyped in HRHS, other congenital heart disease (CHD) and healthy control. Luciferase assay was performed to verify the effect of FOXC2: rs34221221A>GandTBX20: rs59854940C>Gat the transcription level. There were 151 (12.86%) novel SNVs after sequence analysis, of which three were in exons (one was synonymous SNV and two were nonsynonymous SNVs), two in promoter, and most SNVs (89.95%) were in intronic regions. Genotype analyses revealed that the minor alleles of FOXC2: rs34221221 A>G and TBX20: rs59854940 C>G could increase HRHS risk (P<0.05), but not in other CHD or healthy control. Luciferase assay showed that the minor G allele in rs34221221 significantly increased FOXC2 transcription while in rs59854940 it decreased TBX20 transcription significantly. Novel variants of SHF gene associated with HRHS were identified. Minor alleles in two variants from FOXC2 and TBX20 could increase the risk of HRHS.

Inhibitor of DNA binding in heart development and cardiovascular diseases

Id proteins, inhibitors of DNA binding, are transcription regulators containing a highly conserved helix-loop-helix domain. During multiple stages of normal cardiogenesis, Id proteins play major roles in early development and participate in the differentiation and proliferation of cardiac progenitor cells and mature cardiomyocytes. The fact that a depletion of Ids can cause a variety of defects in cardiac structure and conduction function is further evidence of their involvement in heart development. Multiple signalling pathways and growth factors are involved in the regulation of Ids in a cell- and tissue- specific manner to affect heart development. Recent studies have demonstrated that Ids are related to multiple aspects of cardiovascular diseases, including congenital structural, coronary heart disease, and arrhythmia. Although a growing body of research has elucidated the important role of Ids, no comprehensive review has previously compiled these scattered findings. Here, we introduce and summarize the roles of Id proteins in heart development, with the hope that this overview of key findings might shed light on the molecular basis of consequential cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, we described the future prospective researches needed to enable advancement in the maintainance of the proliferative capacity of cardiomyocytes. Additionally, research focusing on increasing embryonic stem cell culture adaptability will help to improve the future therapeutic application of cardiac regeneration.

RNA Binding Protein, HuR, Regulates SCN5A Expression Through Stabilizing MEF2C transcription factor mRNA

BACKGROUND

Although transcription is the initial process of gene expression, posttranscriptional gene expression regulation has also played a critical role for fine-tuning gene expression in a fast, precise, and cost-effective manner. Although the regulation of sodium channel α-subunit (SCN5A) mRNA expression has been studied at both transcriptional and pre-mRNA splicing levels, the molecular mechanisms governing SCN5A mRNA expression are far from clear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Herein, we show that, as evidenced by ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation assay, RNA binding protein Hu antigen R/ELAV like RNA binding protein 1 (HuR/ELAVL1) and myocyte enhancer factor-2C (MEF2C) transcription factor mRNA are associated. HuR positively regulated transcription factor MEF2C mRNA expression by protecting its mRNA from degradation. As demonstrated by both chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay and an electrophoretic mobility shift assay, MEF2C enhanced SCN5A transcription by binding to a putative MEF2C binding site within SCN5A promoter region. Overexpression of HuR increased the expression of SCN5A mRNA, and this effect was attenuated by the presence of MEF2C small interfering RNA in cardiomyocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results suggested that HuR participates in a combined network at the DNA and RNA levels that regulates SCN5A mRNA expression. HuR upregulates MEF2C mRNA expression by protecting MEF2C mRNA from degradation, and consequently, the elevated MEF2C enhances SCN5A mRNA transcription.

Essential but partially redundant roles for POU4F1/Brn-3a and POU4F2/Brn-3b transcription factors in the developing heart

Congenital heart defects contribute to embryonic or neonatal lethality but due to the complexity of cardiac development, the molecular changes associated with such defects are not fully understood. Here, we report that transcription factors (TFs) Brn-3a (POU4F1) and Brn-3b (POU4F2) are important for normal cardiac development. Brn-3a directly represses Brn-3b promoter in cardiomyocytes and consequently Brn-3a knockout (KO) mutant hearts express increased Brn-3b mRNA during mid-gestation, which is linked to hyperplastic growth associated with elevated cyclin D1, a known Brn-3b target gene. However, during late gestation, Brn-3b can cooperate with p53 to enhance transcription of pro-apoptotic genes e.g. Bax, thereby increasing apoptosis and contribute to morphological defects such as non-compaction, ventricular wall/septal thinning and increased crypts/fissures, which may cause lethality of Brn-3a KO mutants soon after birth. Despite this, early embryonic lethality in e9.5 double KO (Brn-3a^-/- : Brn-3b^-/-) mutants indicate essential functions with partial redundancy during early embryogenesis. High conservation between mammals and zebrafish (ZF) Brn-3b (87%) or Brn-3a (76%) facilitated use of ZF embryos to study potential roles in developing heart. Double morphant embryos targeted with morpholino oligonucleotides to both TFs develop significant cardiac defects (looping abnormalities and valve defects) suggesting essential roles for Brn-3a and Brn-3b in developing hearts.

Defective Hand1 phosphoregulation uncovers essential roles for Hand1 in limb morphogenesis

The morphogenesis of the vertebrate limbs is a complex process in which cell signaling and transcriptional regulation coordinate diverse structural adaptations in diverse species. In this study, we examine the consequences of altering Hand1 dimer choice regulation within developing vertebrate limbs. Although Hand1 deletion via the limb-specific Prrx1-Cre reveals a non-essential role for Hand1 in mouse limb morphogenesis, altering Hand1 phosphoregulation, and consequently Hand1 dimerization affinities, results in a severe truncation of proximal-anterior limb elements. Molecular analysis reveals a non-cell-autonomous mechanism that causes widespread cell death within the embryonic limb bud. In addition, we observe changes in proximal-anterior gene regulation, including a reduction in the expression of Irx3, Irx5, Gli3 and Alx4, all of which are upregulated in Hand2 limb conditional knockouts. A reduction of Hand2 and Shh gene dosage improves the integrity of anterior limb structures, validating the importance of the Twist-family bHLH dimer pool in limb morphogenesis.

Summary: Altering Hand1 phosphoregulation, and consequently Hand1 dimerization affinities, results in a severe truncation of anterior-proximal limb elements in mice.

A HAND to TBX5 Explains the Link Between Thalidomide and Cardiac Diseases

Congenital heart disease is the leading cause of death in the first year of life. Mutations only in few genes have been linked to some cases of CHD. Thalidomide was used by pregnant women for morning sickness but was removed from the market because it caused severe malformations including CHDs. We used both in silico docking software, and in vitro molecular and biochemical methods to document a novel interaction involving Thalidomide, TBX5, and HAND2. Thalidomide binds readily to TBX5 through amino acids R81, R82, and K226 all implicated in DNA binding. It reduces TBX5 binding to DNA by 40%, and suppresses TBX5 mediated activation of the NPPA and VEGF promoters by 70%. We documented a novel interaction between TBX5 and HAND2, and showed that a p.G202V HAND2 variant associated with CHD and coronary artery diseases found in a large Lebanese family with high consanguinity, drastically inhibited this interaction by 90%. Similarly, thalidomide inhibited the TBX5/HAND2 physical interaction, and the in silico docking revealed that the same amino acids involved in the interaction of TBX5 with DNA are also involved in its binding to HAND2. Our results establish a HAND2/TBX5 pathway implicated in heart development and diseases.

HAND1 Loss-of-Function Mutation Causes Tetralogy of Fallot

As the most prevalent form of birth defect in humans worldwide, congenital heart disease (CHD) is responsible for substantial morbidity and is still the leading cause of birth defect-related demises. Increasing evidence demonstrates that genetic defects play an important role in the pathogenesis of CHD, and mutations in multiple genes, especially in those coding for cardiac core transcription factors, have been causally linked to various CHDs. Nevertheless, CHD is a genetically heterogeneous disease and the genetic determinants underpinning CHD in an overwhelming majority of patients remain elusive. In the current study, genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood samples of 165 unrelated patients with CHD, and the coding exons and splicing junction sites of the HAND1 gene, which encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor essential for cardiovascular development, were sequenced. As a result, a novel heterozygous mutation, p.R118C, was identified in a patient with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The missense mutation, which was absent in 600 referential chromosomes, altered the amino acid that was completely conserved evolutionarily. Biological assays with a dual-luciferase reporter assay system revealed that the R118C-mutant HAND1 protein had significantly reduced transcriptional activity when compared with its wild-type counterpart. Furthermore, the mutation significantly decreased the synergistic activation of a downstream target gene between HAND1 and GATA4, another cardiac core transcription factor associated with TOF. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the association of a HAND1 loss-of-function mutation with enhanced susceptibility to TOF in humans. The findings provide novel insight into the molecular etiology underlying TOF, suggesting potential implications for the improved prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for TOF.

MicroRNAs: pleiotropic players in congenital heart disease and regeneration

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of infant death, affecting approximately 4-14 live births per 1,000. Although surgical techniques and interventions have improved significantly, a large number of infants still face poor clinical outcomes. MicroRNAs (miRs) are known to coordinately regulate cardiac development and stimulate pathological processes in the heart, including fibrosis or hypertrophy and impair angiogenesis. Dysregulation of these regulators could therefore contribute (I) to the initial development of CHD and (II) at least partially to the observed clinical outcomes of many CHD patients by stimulating the aforementioned pathways. Thus, miRs may exhibit great potential as therapeutic targets in regenerative medicine. In this review we provide an overview of miR function and elucidate their role in selected CHDs, including hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), ventricular septal defects (VSDs) and Holt-Oram syndrome (HOS). We then bridge this knowledge to the potential usefulness of miRs and/or their targets in therapeutic strategies for regenerative purposes in CHDs.

Transcriptomics analysis of early embryonic stem cell differentiation under osteoblast culture conditions: Applications for detection of developmental toxicity

The mouse embryonic stem cell test (mEST) is a promising in vitro assay for predicting developmental toxicity. In the current study, early differentiation of D3 mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) under osteoblast culture conditions and embryotoxicity of cadmium sulfate were examined. D3 mESCs were exposed to cadmium sulfate for 24, 48 or 72h, and whole genome transcriptional profiles were determined. The results indicate a track of differentiation was identified as mESCs differentiate. Biological processes that were associated with differentiation related genes included embryonic development and, specifically, skeletal system development. Cadmium sulfate inhibited mESC differentiation at all three time points. Functional pathway analysis indicated biological pathways affected included those related to skeletal development, renal and reproductive function. In summary, our results suggest that transcriptional profiles are a sensitive indicator of early mESC differentiation. Transcriptomics may improve the predictivity of the mEST by suggesting possible modes of action for tested chemicals.

A HAND2 Loss-of-Function Mutation Causes Familial Ventricular Septal Defect and Pulmonary Stenosis

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common developmental abnormality, and is the leading noninfectious cause of mortality in neonates. Increasing evidence demonstrates that genetic defects play an important role in the pathogenesis of CHD. However, CHD exhibits substantial heterogeneity, and the genetic determinants for CHD remain unknown in the overwhelming majority of cases. In the current study, the coding exons and flanking introns of the HAND2 gene, which encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor essential for normal cardiovascular development, were sequenced in 192 unrelated patients with CHD, and a novel heterozygous mutation, p.S65I, was identified in a patient with congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD). Genetic analysis of the index patient’s pedigree revealed that the mutation was present in all seven affected family members available, but absent in the 13 unaffected family members examined. Besides, in addition to VSD, five of the proband’s close relatives also had pulmonary stenosis (PS), and the proband’s son also had double outlet right ventricle (DORV). The missense mutation, which altered an evolutionarily conserved amino acid, was absent in 300 unrelated, ethnically matched healthy individuals. Biological analyses using a dual-luciferase reporter assay system showed that the mutant HAND2 was associated with significantly diminished transcriptional activity. Furthermore, the mutation abolished the synergistic activation between HAND2 and GATA4, as well as NKX2.5—two other cardiac core transcriptional factors that have been causally linked to CHD. These findings indicate that HAND2 loss-of-function mutation contributes to human CHD, perhaps via its interaction with GATA4 and NKX2.5.

Pax3 and Tbx5 specify whether PDGFRα+ cells assume skeletal or cardiac muscle fate in differentiating embryonic stem cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) represent an ideal model to study how lineage decisions are established during embryonic development. Using a doxycycline-inducible mouse ESC line, we have previously shown that expression of the transcriptional activator Pax3 in early mesodermal cells leads to the robust generation of paraxial mesoderm progenitors that ultimately differentiate into skeletal muscle precursors. Here, we show that the ability of this transcription factor to induce the skeletal myogenic cell fate occurs at the expenses of the cardiac lineage. Our results show that the PDGFRα+FLK1--subfraction represents the main population affected by Pax3, through downregulation of several transcripts encoding for proteins involved in cardiac development. We demonstrate that although Nkx2-5, Tbx5, and Gata4 negatively affect Pax3 skeletal myogenic activity, the cardiac potential of embryoid body-derived cultures is restored solely by forced expression of Tbx5. Taking advantage of this model, we used an unbiased genome-wide approach to identify genes whose expression is rescued by Tbx5, and which could represent important regulators of cardiac development. These findings elucidate mechanisms regulating the commitment of mesodermal cells in the early embryo and identify the Tbx5 cardiac transcriptome.