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Jevans B, Cooper F, Fatieieva Y, Gogolou A, Kang YN, Restuadi R, Moulding D, Vanden Berghe P, Adameyko I, Thapar N, Andrews PW, De Coppi P, Tsakiridis A, McCann CJ. Human enteric nervous system progenitor transplantation improves functional responses in Hirschsprung disease patient-derived tissue. Gut 2024; 73:1441-1453. [PMID: 38816188 PMCID: PMC11347211 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a severe congenital disorder affecting 1:5000 live births. HSCR results from the failure of enteric nervous system (ENS) progenitors to fully colonise the gastrointestinal tract during embryonic development. This leads to aganglionosis in the distal bowel, resulting in disrupted motor activity and impaired peristalsis. Currently, the only viable treatment option is surgical resection of the aganglionic bowel. However, patients frequently suffer debilitating, lifelong symptoms, with multiple surgical procedures often necessary. Hence, alternative treatment options are crucial. An attractive strategy involves the transplantation of ENS progenitors generated from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). DESIGN ENS progenitors were generated from hPSCs using an accelerated protocol and characterised, in detail, through a combination of single-cell RNA sequencing, protein expression analysis and calcium imaging. We tested ENS progenitors' capacity to integrate and affect functional responses in HSCR colon, after ex vivo transplantation to organotypically cultured patient-derived colonic tissue, using organ bath contractility. RESULTS We found that our protocol consistently gives rise to high yields of a cell population exhibiting transcriptional and functional hallmarks of early ENS progenitors. Following transplantation, hPSC-derived ENS progenitors integrate, migrate and form neurons/glia within explanted human HSCR colon samples. Importantly, the transplanted HSCR tissue displayed significantly increased basal contractile activity and increased responses to electrical stimulation compared with control tissue. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, the potential of hPSC-derived ENS progenitors to repopulate and increase functional responses in human HSCR patient colonic tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jevans
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Fay Cooper
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Yuliia Fatieieva
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Antigoni Gogolou
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Yi-Ning Kang
- Laboratory for Enteric NeuroScience (LENS), Translational Research Centre for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Restuadi Restuadi
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Dale Moulding
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
| | - Pieter Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory for Enteric NeuroScience (LENS), Translational Research Centre for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Cell and Tissue Imaging Cluster (CIC), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Igor Adameyko
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nikhil Thapar
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Queensland Children's Hospital UQ Faculty, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter W Andrews
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Paolo De Coppi
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
- Specialist Neonatal and Paediatric Surgery Unit, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anestis Tsakiridis
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Neuroscience Institute, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Conor J McCann
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL GOS Institute of Child Health, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, London, UK
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Stavely R, Rahman AA, Mueller JL, Leavitt AR, Han CY, Pan W, Kaiser KN, Ott LC, Ohkura T, Guyer RA, Burns AJ, Koppes AN, Hotta R, Goldstein AM. Mature enteric neurons have the capacity to reinnervate the intestine with glial cells as their guide. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00453-7. [PMID: 39019043 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Here, we establish that plasticity exists within the postnatal enteric nervous system by demonstrating the reinnervation potential of post-mitotic enteric neurons (ENs). Employing BAF53b-Cre mice for selective neuronal tracing, the reinnervation capabilities of mature postnatal ENs are shown across multiple model systems. Isolated ENs regenerate neurites in vitro, with neurite complexity and direction influenced by contact with enteric glial cells (EGCs). Nerve fibers from transplanted ENs exclusively interface and travel along EGCs within the muscularis propria. Resident EGCs persist after Cre-dependent ablation of ENs and govern the architecture of the myenteric plexus for reinnervating ENs, as shown by nerve fiber projection tracing. Transplantation and optogenetic experiments in vivo highlight the rapid reinnervation potential of post-mitotic neurons, leading to restored gut muscle contractile activity within 2 weeks. These studies illustrate the structural and functional reinnervation capacity of post-mitotic ENs and the critical role of EGCs in guiding and patterning their trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ahmed A Rahman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jessica L Mueller
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Abigail R Leavitt
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Christopher Y Han
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Weikang Pan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Kyla N Kaiser
- Northeastern University, Department of Chemical Engineering, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Leah C Ott
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Takahiro Ohkura
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Richard A Guyer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alan J Burns
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Abigail N Koppes
- Northeastern University, Department of Chemical Engineering, 360 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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3
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Zhou B, Feng C, Sun S, Chen X, Zhuansun D, Wang D, Yu X, Meng X, Xiao J, Wu L, Wang J, Wang J, Chen K, Li Z, You J, Mao H, Yang S, Zhang J, Jiao C, Li Z, Yu D, Wu X, Zhu T, Yang J, Xiang L, Liu J, Chai T, Shen J, Mao CX, Hu J, Hao X, Xiong B, Zheng S, Liu Z, Feng J. Identification of signaling pathways that specify a subset of migrating enteric neural crest cells at the wavefront in mouse embryos. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1689-1706.e8. [PMID: 38636517 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
During enteric nervous system (ENS) development, pioneering wavefront enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) initiate gut colonization. However, the molecular mechanisms guiding their specification and niche interaction are not fully understood. We used single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics to map the spatiotemporal dynamics and molecular landscape of wavefront ENCCs in mouse embryos. Our analysis shows a progressive decline in wavefront ENCC potency during migration and identifies transcription factors governing their specification and differentiation. We further delineate key signaling pathways (ephrin-Eph, Wnt-Frizzled, and Sema3a-Nrp1) utilized by wavefront ENCCs to interact with their surrounding cells. Disruptions in these pathways are observed in human Hirschsprung's disease gut tissue, linking them to ENS malformations. Additionally, we observed region-specific and cell-type-specific transcriptional changes in surrounding gut tissues upon wavefront ENCC arrival, suggesting their role in shaping the gut microenvironment. This work offers a roadmap of ENS development, with implications for understanding ENS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyan Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Chenzhao Feng
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Song Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Xuyong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Didi Zhuansun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Di Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xiaosi Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xinyao Meng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Luyao Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zejian Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jingyi You
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Handan Mao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Shimin Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Chunlei Jiao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Donghai Yu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Tianqi Zhu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jixin Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Lei Xiang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Jiazhe Liu
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518081, China
| | | | - Juan Shen
- BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518081, China
| | - Chuan-Xi Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Juncheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xingjie Hao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Bo Xiong
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Institute for Brain Research, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defect, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Ministry of Health, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Jiexiong Feng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China; Hubei Clinical Center of Hirschsprung's Disease and Allied Disorders, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
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4
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Dershowitz LB, Kaltschmidt JA. Enteric Nervous System Striped Patterning and Disease: Unexplored Pathophysiology. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 18:101332. [PMID: 38479486 PMCID: PMC11176954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) controls gastrointestinal (GI) motility, and defects in ENS development underlie pediatric GI motility disorders. In disorders such as Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR), pediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction (PIPO), and intestinal neuronal dysplasia type B (INDB), ENS structure is altered with noted decreased neuronal density in HSCR and reports of increased neuronal density in PIPO and INDB. The developmental origin of these structural deficits is not fully understood. Here, we review the current understanding of ENS development and pediatric GI motility disorders incorporating new data on ENS structure. In particular, emerging evidence demonstrates that enteric neurons are patterned into circumferential stripes along the longitudinal axis of the intestine during mouse and human development. This novel understanding of ENS structure proposes new questions about the pathophysiology of pediatric GI motility disorders. If the ENS is organized into stripes, could the observed changes in enteric neuron density in HSCR, PIPO, and INDB represent differences in the distribution of enteric neuronal stripes? We review mechanisms of striped patterning from other biological systems and propose how defects in striped ENS patterning could explain structural deficits observed in pediatric GI motility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori B Dershowitz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Julia A Kaltschmidt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
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5
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Adameyko I. Evolutionary origin of the neural tube in basal deuterostomes. Curr Biol 2023; 33:R319-R331. [PMID: 37098338 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) of chordates, including humans, develops as a hollow tube with ciliated walls containing cerebrospinal fluid. However, most of the animals inhabiting our planet do not use this design and rather build their centralized brains from non-epithelialized condensations of neurons called ganglia, with no traces of epithelialized tubes or liquid-containing cavities. The evolutionary origin of tube-type CNSs stays enigmatic, especially as non-epithelialized ganglionic-type nervous systems dominate the animal kingdom. Here, I discuss recent findings relevant to understanding the potential homologies and scenarios of the origin, histology and anatomy of the chordate neural tube. The nerve cords of other deuterostomes might relate to the chordate neural tube at histological, developmental and cellular levels, including the presence of radial glia, layered stratification, retained epithelial features, morphogenesis via folding and formation of a lumen filled with liquid. Recent findings inspire a new view of hypothetical evolutionary scenarios explaining the tubular epithelialized structure of the CNS. One such idea suggests that early neural tubes were key for improved directional olfaction, which was facilitated by the liquid-containing internal cavity. The later separation of the olfactory portion of the tube led to the formation of the independent olfactory and posterior tubular CNS systems in vertebrates. According to an alternative hypothesis, the thick basiepithelial nerve cords could provide deuterostome ancestors with additional biomechanical support, which later improved by turning the basiepithelial cord into a tube filled with liquid - a hydraulic skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Adameyko
- Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, 1090, Austria; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, 17165, Sweden.
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6
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Stavely R, Hotta R, Guyer RA, Picard N, Rahman AA, Omer M, Soos A, Szocs E, Mueller J, Goldstein AM, Nagy N. A distinct transcriptome characterizes neural crest-derived cells at the migratory wavefront during enteric nervous system development. Development 2023; 150:dev201090. [PMID: 36779913 PMCID: PMC10108706 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Enteric nervous system development relies on intestinal colonization by enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDCs). This is driven by a population of highly migratory and proliferative ENCDCs at the wavefront, but the molecular characteristics of these cells are unknown. ENCDCs from the wavefront and the trailing region were isolated and subjected to RNA-seq. Wavefront-ENCDCs were transcriptionally distinct from trailing ENCDCs, and temporal modelling confirmed their relative immaturity. This population of ENCDCs exhibited altered expression of ECM and cytoskeletal genes, consistent with a migratory phenotype. Unlike trailing ENCDCs, the wavefront lacked expression of genes related to neuronal or glial maturation. As wavefront ENCDC genes were associated with migration and developmental immaturity, the genes that remain expressed in later progenitor populations may be particularly pertinent to understanding the maintenance of ENCDC progenitor characteristics. Dusp6 expression was specifically upregulated at the wavefront. Inhibiting DUSP6 activity prevented wavefront colonization of the hindgut, and inhibited the migratory ability of post-colonized ENCDCs from midgut and postnatal neurospheres. These effects were reversed by simultaneous inhibition of ERK signaling, indicating that DUSP6-mediated ERK inhibition is required for ENCDC migration in mouse and chick.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhian Stavely
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Richard A. Guyer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nicole Picard
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ahmed A. Rahman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Meredith Omer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Adam Soos
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Emoke Szocs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
| | - Jessica Mueller
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Allan M. Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nandor Nagy
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest 1094, Hungary
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7
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Chevalier NR. Physical organogenesis of the gut. Development 2022; 149:276365. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.200765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The gut has been a central subject of organogenesis since Caspar Friedrich Wolff’s seminal 1769 work ‘De Formatione Intestinorum’. Today, we are moving from a purely genetic understanding of cell specification to a model in which genetics codes for layers of physical–mechanical and electrical properties that drive organogenesis such that organ function and morphogenesis are deeply intertwined. This Review provides an up-to-date survey of the extrinsic and intrinsic mechanical forces acting on the embryonic vertebrate gut during development and of their role in all aspects of intestinal morphogenesis: enteric nervous system formation, epithelium structuring, muscle orientation and differentiation, anisotropic growth and the development of myogenic and neurogenic motility. I outline numerous implications of this biomechanical perspective in the etiology and treatment of pathologies, such as short bowel syndrome, dysmotility, interstitial cells of Cajal-related disorders and Hirschsprung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas R. Chevalier
- Laboratoire Matière et Systèmes Complexes, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 7057 , 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75013 Paris , France
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In-Silico Modeling of Tumor Spheroid Formation and Growth. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:mi12070749. [PMID: 34202262 PMCID: PMC8303756 DOI: 10.3390/mi12070749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mathematical modeling has significant potential for understanding of biological models of cancer and to accelerate the progress in cross-disciplinary approaches of cancer treatment. In mathematical biology, solid tumor spheroids are often studied as preliminary in vitro models of avascular tumors. The size of spheroids and their cell number are easy to track, making them a simple in vitro model to investigate tumor behavior, quantitatively. The growth of solid tumors is comprised of three main stages: transient formation, monotonic growth and a plateau phase. The last two stages are extensively studied. However, the initial transient formation phase is typically missing from the literature. This stage is important in the early dynamics of growth, formation of clonal sub-populations, etc. In the current work, this transient formation is modeled by a reaction–diffusion partial differential equation (PDE) for cell concentration, coupled with an ordinary differential equation (ODE) for the spheroid radius. Analytical and numerical solutions of the coupled equations were obtained for the change in the radius of tumor spheroids over time. Human glioblastoma (hGB) cancer cells (U251 and U87) were spheroid cultured to validate the model prediction. Results of this study provide insight into the mechanism of development of solid tumors at their early stage of formation.
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Pawolski V, Schmidt MHH. Neuron-Glia Interaction in the Developing and Adult Enteric Nervous System. Cells 2020; 10:E47. [PMID: 33396231 PMCID: PMC7823798 DOI: 10.3390/cells10010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) constitutes the largest part of the peripheral nervous system. In recent years, ENS development and its neurogenetic capacity in homeostasis and allostasishave gained increasing attention. Developmentally, the neural precursors of the ENS are mainly derived from vagal and sacral neural crest cell portions. Furthermore, Schwann cell precursors, as well as endodermal pancreatic progenitors, participate in ENS formation. Neural precursorsenherite three subpopulations: a bipotent neuron-glia, a neuronal-fated and a glial-fated subpopulation. Typically, enteric neural precursors migrate along the entire bowel to the anal end, chemoattracted by glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and endothelin 3 (EDN3) molecules. During migration, a fraction undergoes differentiation into neurons and glial cells. Differentiation is regulated by bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP), Hedgehog and Notch signalling. The fully formed adult ENS may react to injury and damage with neurogenesis and gliogenesis. Nevertheless, the origin of differentiating cells is currently under debate. Putative candidates are an embryonic-like enteric neural progenitor population, Schwann cell precursors and transdifferentiating glial cells. These cells can be isolated and propagated in culture as adult ENS progenitors and may be used for cell transplantation therapies for treating enteric aganglionosis in Chagas and Hirschsprung's diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirko H. H. Schmidt
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
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10
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Morarach K, Mikhailova A, Knoflach V, Memic F, Kumar R, Li W, Ernfors P, Marklund U. Diversification of molecularly defined myenteric neuron classes revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Nat Neurosci 2020; 24:34-46. [PMID: 33288908 PMCID: PMC7610403 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-00736-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autonomous regulation of the intestine requires the combined activity of functionally distinct neurons of the enteric nervous system (ENS). However, the variety of enteric neuron types and how they emerge during development remain largely unknown. Here, we define a molecular taxonomy of twelve enteric neuron classes within the myenteric plexus of the mouse small intestine using single cell RNA-sequencing. We present cell-cell communication features, histochemical markers for motor, sensory, and interneurons together with transgenic tools for class-specific targeting. Transcriptome analysis of embryonic ENS uncovers a novel principle of neuronal diversification, where two neuron classes arise through a binary neurogenic branching, and all other identities emerge through subsequent post-mitotic differentiation. We identify generic and class-specific transcriptional regulators and functionally connect Pbx3 to a post-mitotic fate transition. Our results offer a conceptual and molecular resource for dissecting ENS circuits, and predicting key regulators for directed differentiation of distinct enteric neuron classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khomgrit Morarach
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anastassia Mikhailova
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Viktoria Knoflach
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fatima Memic
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Zoology Department, Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, India
| | - Wei Li
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Patrik Ernfors
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Marklund
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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11
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Kostouros A, Koliarakis I, Natsis K, Spandidos DA, Tsatsakis A, Tsiaoussis J. Large intestine embryogenesis: Molecular pathways and related disorders (Review). Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:27-57. [PMID: 32319546 PMCID: PMC7255481 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The large intestine, part of the gastrointestinal tract (GI), is composed of all three germ layers, namely the endoderm, the mesoderm and the ectoderm, forming the epithelium, the smooth muscle layers and the enteric nervous system, respectively. Since gastrulation, these layers develop simultaneously during embryogenesis, signaling to each other continuously until adult age. Two invaginations, the anterior intestinal portal (AIP) and the caudal/posterior intestinal portal (CIP), elongate and fuse, creating the primitive gut tube, which is then patterned along the antero‑posterior (AP) axis and the radial (RAD) axis in the context of left‑right (LR) asymmetry. These events lead to the formation of three distinct regions, the foregut, midgut and hindgut. All the above‑mentioned phenomena are under strict control from various molecular pathways, which are critical for the normal intestinal development and function. Specifically, the intestinal epithelium constitutes a constantly developing tissue, deriving from the progenitor stem cells at the bottom of the intestinal crypt. Epithelial differentiation strongly depends on the crosstalk with the adjacent mesoderm. Major molecular pathways that are implicated in the embryogenesis of the large intestine include the canonical and non‑canonical wingless‑related integration site (Wnt), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), Notch and hedgehog systems. The aberrant regulation of these pathways inevitably leads to several intestinal malformation syndromes, such as atresia, stenosis, or agangliosis. Novel theories, involving the regulation and homeostasis of intestinal stem cells, suggest an embryological basis for the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, the present review article summarizes the diverse roles of these molecular factors in intestinal embryogenesis and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Kostouros
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion
| | - Ioannis Koliarakis
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion
| | - Konstantinos Natsis
- Department of Anatomy and Surgical Anatomy, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki
| | | | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71409 Heraklion, Greece
| | - John Tsiaoussis
- Laboratory of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71110 Heraklion
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12
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Abstract
Neural crest cells are a transient embryonic cell population that migrate collectively to various locations throughout the embryo to contribute a number of cell types to several organs. After induction, the neural crest delaminates and undergoes an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition before migrating through intricate yet characteristic paths. The neural crest exhibits a variety of migratory behaviors ranging from sheet-like mass migration in the cephalic regions to chain migration in the trunk. During their journey, neural crest cells rely on a range of signals both from their environment and within the migrating population for navigating through the embryo as a collective. Here we review these interactions and mechanisms, including chemotactic cues of neural crest cells' migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Szabó
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom;
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom;
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13
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Hao MM, Bergner AJ, Nguyen HTH, Dissanayake P, Burnett LE, Hopkins CD, Zeng K, Young HM, Stamp LA. Role of JNK, MEK and adenylyl cyclase signalling in speed and directionality of enteric neural crest-derived cells. Dev Biol 2019; 455:362-368. [PMID: 31306639 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cells derived from the neural crest colonize the developing gut and give rise to the enteric nervous system. The rate at which the ENCC population advances along the bowel will be affected by both the speed and directionality of individual ENCCs. The aim of the study was to use time-lapse imaging and pharmacological activators and inhibitors to examine the role of several intracellular signalling pathways in both the speed and the directionality of individual enteric neural crest-derived cells in intact explants of E12.5 mouse gut. Drugs that activate or inhibit intracellular components proposed to be involved in GDNF-RET and EDN3-ETB signalling in ENCCs were used. FINDINGS Pharmacological inhibition of JNK significantly reduced ENCC speed but did not affect ENCC directionality. MEK inhibition did not affect ENCC speed or directionality. Pharmacological activation of adenylyl cyclase or PKA (a downstream cAMP-dependent kinase) resulted in a significant decrease in ENCC speed and an increase in caudal directionality of ENCCs. In addition, adenylyl cyclase activation also resulted in reduced cell-cell contact between ENCCs, however this was not observed following PKA activation, suggesting that the effects of cAMP on adhesion are not mediated by PKA. CONCLUSIONS JNK is required for normal ENCC migration speed, but not directionality, while cAMP signalling appears to regulate ENCC migration speed, directionality and adhesion. Collectively, our data demonstrate that intracellular signalling pathways can differentially affect the speed and directionality of migrating ENCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene M Hao
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Annette J Bergner
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Huynh T H Nguyen
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Paige Dissanayake
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Laura E Burnett
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - C Danielle Hopkins
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Kevin Zeng
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Heather M Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Lincon A Stamp
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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14
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Kuwata M, Nikaido M, Hatta K. Local heat-shock mediated multi-color labeling visualizing behaviors of enteric neural crest cells associated with division and neurogenesis in zebrafish gut. Dev Dyn 2019; 248:437-448. [PMID: 30958591 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The enteric nervous system (ENS) is derived from enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) that migrate into the gut. The zebrafish larva is a good model to study ENCC development due to its simplicity and transparency. However, little is known how individual ENCCs divide and become neurons. RESULTS Here, by applying our new method of local heat-shock mediated Cre-recombination around the dorsal vagal area of zebrafish embryos we produced multicolored clones of ENCCs, and performed in vivo time-lapse imaging from ca. 3.5 to 4 days post-fertilization after arrival of ENCCs in the gut. Individual ENCCs migrated in various directions and were highly intermingled. The cell divisions were not restricted to a specific position in the gut. Antibody staining after imaging with anti-HuC/D and anti-Sox10 showed that an ENCC produced two neurons, or formed a neuron and an additional ENCC that further divided. At division, the daughter cells immediately separated. Afterward, some made soma-soma contact with other ENCCs. CONCLUSIONS We introduced a new method of visualizing individual ENCCs in the zebrafish gut, describing their behaviors associated with cell division, providing a foundation to study the mechanism of proliferation and neurogenesis in the ENS in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Kuwata
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Ako-gun, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Masataka Nikaido
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Ako-gun, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kohei Hatta
- Graduate School of Life Science, University of Hyogo, Ako-gun, Hyogo, Japan
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15
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Addressing Interdisciplinary Difficulties in Developmental Biology/Mathematical Collaborations: A Neural Crest Example. Methods Mol Biol 2019. [PMID: 30977062 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9412-0_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Mathematical modeling can allow insight into the biological processes that can be difficult to access by conventional biological means alone. Such projects are becoming increasingly attractive with the appearance of faster and more powerful quantitative techniques in both biological data acquisition and data storage, manipulation, and presentation. However, as is frequent in interdisciplinary research, the main hurdles are not within the mindset and techniques of each discipline but are usually encountered in attempting to meld the different disciplines together. Based upon our experience in applying mathematical methods to investigate how neural crest cells interact to form the enteric nervous system, we present our views on how to pursue biomathematical modeling projects, what difficulties to expect, and how to overcome, or at least survive, these hurdles. The main advice being: persevere.
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16
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Hao MM, Bergner AJ, Newgreen DF, Enomoto H, Young HM. Technologies for Live Imaging of Enteric Neural Crest-Derived Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1976:97-105. [PMID: 30977068 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9412-0_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Time-lapse imaging of gut explants from embryonic mice in which neural crest-derived cells express fluorescent proteins allows the behavior of enteric neural crest cells to be observed and analyzed. Explants of embryonic gut are dissected, mounted on filter paper supports so the gut retains its tubular three-dimensional structure, and then placed in coverglass bottom culture dishes in tissue culture medium. A stainless steel ring is placed on top of the filter support to prevent movement. Imaging is performed using a confocal microscope in an environmental chamber. A z series of images through the network of fluorescent cells is collected every 3, 5, or 10 min. At the end of imaging, the z series are projected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene M Hao
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Laboratory for Enteric Neuroscience, TARGID, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annette J Bergner
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Donald F Newgreen
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hideki Enomoto
- Division of Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Saitama, Japan
| | - Heather M Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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17
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Zhang D, Osborne JM, Abu-Bonsrah KD, Cheeseman BL, Landman KA, Jurkowicz B, Newgreen DF. Stochastic clonal expansion of “superstars” enhances the reserve capacity of enteric nervous system precursor cells. Dev Biol 2018; 444 Suppl 1:S287-S296. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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18
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Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract contains its own set of intrinsic neuroglial circuits - the enteric nervous system (ENS) - which detects and responds to diverse signals from the environment. Here, we address recent advances in the understanding of ENS development, including how neural-crest-derived progenitors migrate into and colonize the bowel, the formation of ganglionated plexuses and the molecular mechanisms of enteric neuronal and glial diversification. Modern lineage tracing and transcription-profiling technologies have produced observations that simultaneously challenge and affirm long-held beliefs about ENS development. We review many genetic and environmental factors that can alter ENS development and exert long-lasting effects on gastrointestinal function, and discuss how developmental defects in the ENS might account for some of the large burden of digestive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Rao
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael D Gershon
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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19
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Bondurand N, Dufour S, Pingault V. News from the endothelin-3/EDNRB signaling pathway: Role during enteric nervous system development and involvement in neural crest-associated disorders. Dev Biol 2018; 444 Suppl 1:S156-S169. [PMID: 30171849 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The endothelin system is a vertebrate-specific innovation with important roles in regulating the cardiovascular system and renal and pulmonary processes, as well as the development of the vertebrate-specific neural crest cell population and its derivatives. This system is comprised of three structurally similar 21-amino acid peptides that bind and activate two G-protein coupled receptors. In 1994, knockouts of the Edn3 and Ednrb genes revealed their crucial function during development of the enteric nervous system and melanocytes, two neural-crest derivatives. Since then, human and mouse genetics, combined with cellular and developmental studies, have helped to unravel the role of this signaling pathway during development and adulthood. In this review, we will summarize the known functions of the EDN3/EDNRB pathway during neural crest development, with a specific focus on recent scientific advances, and the enteric nervous system in normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadege Bondurand
- Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Congenital Malformations, INSERM U1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France; Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Institut Imagine, Paris, France.
| | - Sylvie Dufour
- INSERM, U955, Equipe 06, Créteil 94000, France; Université Paris Est, Faculté de Médecine, Créteil 94000, France
| | - Veronique Pingault
- Laboratory of Embryology and Genetics of Congenital Malformations, INSERM U1163, Institut Imagine, Paris, France; Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité University, Institut Imagine, Paris, France; Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
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20
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Nagy N, Barad C, Hotta R, Bhave S, Arciero E, Dora D, Goldstein AM. Collagen 18 and agrin are secreted by neural crest cells to remodel their microenvironment and regulate their migration during enteric nervous system development. Development 2018; 145:dev.160317. [PMID: 29678817 DOI: 10.1242/dev.160317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) arises from neural crest cells that migrate, proliferate, and differentiate into enteric neurons and glia within the intestinal wall. Many extracellular matrix (ECM) components are present in the embryonic gut, but their role in regulating ENS development is largely unknown. Here, we identify heparan sulfate proteoglycan proteins, including collagen XVIII (Col18) and agrin, as important regulators of enteric neural crest-derived cell (ENCDC) development. In developing avian hindgut, Col18 is expressed at the ENCDC wavefront, while agrin expression occurs later. Both proteins are normally present around enteric ganglia, but are absent in aganglionic gut. Using chick-mouse intestinal chimeras and enteric neurospheres, we show that vagal- and sacral-derived ENCDCs from both species secrete Col18 and agrin. Whereas glia express Col18 and agrin, enteric neurons only express the latter. Functional studies demonstrate that Col18 is permissive whereas agrin is strongly inhibitory to ENCDC migration, consistent with the timing of their expression during ENS development. We conclude that ENCDCs govern their own migration by actively remodeling their microenvironment through secretion of ECM proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandor Nagy
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094 Hungary
| | - Csilla Barad
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094 Hungary
| | - Ryo Hotta
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sukhada Bhave
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Emily Arciero
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - David Dora
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, 1094 Hungary
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Surgery Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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21
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Uribe RA, Hong SS, Bronner ME. Retinoic acid temporally orchestrates colonization of the gut by vagal neural crest cells. Dev Biol 2018; 433:17-32. [PMID: 29108781 PMCID: PMC5722660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system arises from neural crest cells that migrate as chains into and along the primitive gut, subsequently differentiating into enteric neurons and glia. Little is known about the mechanisms governing neural crest migration en route to and along the gut in vivo. Here, we report that Retinoic Acid (RA) temporally controls zebrafish enteric neural crest cell chain migration. In vivo imaging reveals that RA loss severely compromises the integrity and migration of the chain of neural crest cells during the window of time window when they are moving along the foregut. After loss of RA, enteric progenitors accumulate in the foregut and differentiate into enteric neurons, but subsequently undergo apoptosis resulting in a striking neuronal deficit. Moreover, ectopic expression of the transcription factor meis3 and/or the receptor ret, partially rescues enteric neuron colonization after RA attenuation. Collectively, our findings suggest that retinoic acid plays a critical temporal role in promoting enteric neural crest chain migration and neuronal survival upstream of Meis3 and RET in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa A Uribe
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA.
| | - Stephanie S Hong
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Marianne E Bronner
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
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22
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Hirst CS, Stamp LA, Bergner AJ, Hao MM, Tran MX, Morgan JM, Dutschmann M, Allen AM, Paxinos G, Furlong TM, McKeown SJ, Young HM. Kif1bp loss in mice leads to defects in the peripheral and central nervous system and perinatal death. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16676. [PMID: 29192291 PMCID: PMC5709403 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16965-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Goldberg-Shprintzen syndrome is a poorly understood condition characterized by learning difficulties, facial dysmorphism, microcephaly, and Hirschsprung disease. GOSHS is due to recessive mutations in KIAA1279, which encodes kinesin family member 1 binding protein (KIF1BP, also known as KBP). We examined the effects of inactivation of Kif1bp in mice. Mice lacking Kif1bp died shortly after birth, and exhibited smaller brains, olfactory bulbs and anterior commissures, and defects in the vagal and sympathetic innervation of the gut. Kif1bp was found to interact with Ret to regulate the development of the vagal innervation of the stomach. Although newborn Kif1bp−/− mice had neurons along the entire bowel, the colonization of the gut by neural crest-derived cells was delayed. The data show an essential in vivo role for KIF1BP in axon extension from some neurons, and the reduced size of the olfactory bulb also suggests additional roles for KIF1BP. Our mouse model provides a valuable resource to understand GOSHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline S Hirst
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Lincon A Stamp
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Annette J Bergner
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Marlene M Hao
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Mai X Tran
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Jan M Morgan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Matthias Dutschmann
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Andrew M Allen
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - George Paxinos
- Neuroscience Research Australia and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, 2031, NSW, Australia
| | - Teri M Furlong
- Neuroscience Research Australia and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, 2031, NSW, Australia
| | - Sonja J McKeown
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia. .,Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
| | - Heather M Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
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23
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Veiga-Fernandes H, Pachnis V. Neuroimmune regulation during intestinal development and homeostasis. Nat Immunol 2017; 18:116-122. [DOI: 10.1038/ni.3634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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24
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Nagy N, Goldstein AM. Enteric nervous system development: A crest cell's journey from neural tube to colon. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 66:94-106. [PMID: 28087321 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is comprised of a network of neurons and glial cells that are responsible for coordinating many aspects of gastrointestinal (GI) function. These cells arise from the neural crest, migrate to the gut, and then continue their journey to colonize the entire length of the GI tract. Our understanding of the molecular and cellular events that regulate these processes has advanced significantly over the past several decades, in large part facilitated by the use of rodents, avians, and zebrafish as model systems to dissect the signals and pathways involved. These studies have highlighted the highly dynamic nature of ENS development and the importance of carefully balancing migration, proliferation, and differentiation of enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCCs). Proliferation, in particular, is critically important as it drives cell density and speed of migration, both of which are important for ensuring complete colonization of the gut. However, proliferation must be tempered by differentiation among cells that have reached their final destination and are ready to send axonal extensions, connect to effector cells, and begin to produce neurotransmitters or other signals. Abnormalities in the normal processes guiding ENCC development can lead to failure of ENS formation, as occurs in Hirschsprung disease, in which the distal intestine remains aganglionic. This review summarizes our current understanding of the factors involved in early development of the ENS and discusses areas in need of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandor Nagy
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Center for Neurointestinal Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Allan M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Center for Neurointestinal Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.
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McKinney MC, McLennan R, Kulesa PM. Angiopoietin 2 signaling plays a critical role in neural crest cell migration. BMC Biol 2016; 14:111. [PMID: 27978830 PMCID: PMC5159958 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-016-0323-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collective neural crest cell migration is critical to the form and function of the vertebrate face and neck, distributing bone, cartilage, and nerve cells into peripheral targets that are intimately linked with head vasculature. The vasculature and neural crest structures are ultimately linked, but when and how these patterns develop in the early embryo are not well understood. RESULTS Using in vivo imaging and sophisticated cell behavior analyses, we show that quail cranial neural crest and endothelial cells share common migratory paths, sort out in a dynamic multistep process, and display multiple types of motion. To better understand the underlying molecular signals, we examined the role of angiopoietin 2 (Ang2), which we found expressed in migrating cranial neural crest cells. Overexpression of Ang2 causes neural crest cells to be more exploratory as displayed by invasion of off-target locations, the widening of migratory streams into prohibitive zones, and differences in cell motility type. The enhanced exploratory phenotype correlates with increased phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase activity in migrating neural crest cells. In contrast, loss of Ang2 function reduces neural crest cell exploration. In both gain and loss of function of Ang2, we found disruptions to the timing and interplay between cranial neural crest and endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Together, these data demonstrate a role for Ang2 in maintaining collective cranial neural crest cell migration and suggest interdependence with endothelial cell migration during vertebrate head patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca McLennan
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St., Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Paul M Kulesa
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St., Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA. .,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS, 64157, USA.
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Endothelin-3 stimulates cell adhesion and cooperates with β1-integrins during enteric nervous system ontogenesis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37877. [PMID: 27905407 PMCID: PMC5131347 DOI: 10.1038/srep37877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin-3 (EDN3) and β1-integrins are required for the colonization of the embryonic gut by enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) to form the enteric nervous system (ENS). β1-integrin-null ENCCs exhibit migratory defects in a region of the gut enriched in EDN3 and in specific extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. We investigated the putative role of EDN3 on ENCC adhesion properties and its functional interaction with β1-integrins during ENS development. We show that EDN3 stimulates ENCC adhesion to various ECM components in vitro. It induces rapid changes in ENCC shape and protrusion dynamics favouring sustained growth and stabilization of lamellipodia, a process coincident with the increase in the number of focal adhesions and activated β1-integrins. In vivo studies and ex-vivo live imaging revealed that double mutants for Itgb1 and Edn3 displayed a more severe enteric phenotype than either of the single mutants demonstrated by alteration of the ENS network due to severe migratory defects of mutant ENCCs taking place early during the ENS development. Altogether, our results highlight the interplay between the EDN3 and β1-integrin signalling pathways during ENS ontogenesis and the role of EDN3 in ENCC adhesion.
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A Novel Zebrafish ret Heterozygous Model of Hirschsprung Disease Identifies a Functional Role for mapk10 as a Modifier of Enteric Nervous System Phenotype Severity. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006439. [PMID: 27902697 PMCID: PMC5130169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is characterized by absence of enteric neurons from the distal colon and severe intestinal dysmotility. To understand the pathophysiology and genetics of HSCR we developed a unique zebrafish model that allows combined genetic, developmental and in vivo physiological studies. We show that ret mutant zebrafish exhibit cellular, physiological and genetic features of HSCR, including absence of intestinal neurons, reduced peristalsis, and varying phenotype expressivity in the heterozygous state. We perform live imaging experiments using a UAS-GAL4 binary genetic system to drive fluorescent protein expression in ENS progenitors. We demonstrate that ENS progenitors migrate at reduced speed in ret heterozygous embryos, without changes in proliferation or survival, establishing this as a principal pathogenic mechanism for distal aganglionosis. We show, using live imaging of actual intestinal movements, that intestinal motility is severely compromised in ret mutants, and partially impaired in ret heterozygous larvae, and establish a clear correlation between neuron position and organised intestinal motility. We exploited the partially penetrant ret heterozygous phenotype as a sensitised background to test the influence of a candidate modifier gene. We generated mapk10 loss-of-function mutants, which show reduced numbers of enteric neurons. Significantly, we show that introduction of mapk10 mutations into ret heterozygotes enhanced the ENS deficit, supporting MAPK10 as a HSCR susceptibility locus. Our studies demonstrate that ret heterozygous zebrafish is a sensitized model, with many significant advantages over existing murine models, to explore the pathophysiology and complex genetics of HSCR. Hirschsprung Disease (HSCR) is a common congenital intestinal motility disorder diagnosed at birth by absence of enteric neurons in the distal gut, leading to intestinal obstruction that requires life-saving surgery. HSCR exhibits complex inheritance patterns and its genetic basis is not fully understood. Although well studied by human geneticists, and modelled using mouse, significant questions remain about the cellular and genetic causes of the disease and the relationship between neuron loss and defective intestinal motility. Here we use accessible, transparent zebrafish to address these outstanding questions. We establish that ret mutant zebrafish display key features of HSCR, including absence of intestinal neurons, reduced gut motility and varying phenotype expressivity. Using live imaging, possible in zebrafish but not in mouse, we demonstrate that decreased migration speed of enteric neuron progenitors colonising the gut is the principal defect leading to neuron deficits. By direct examination of gut motility in zebrafish larvae, we establish a clear correlation between neurons and motility patterns. Finally, we show that mapk10 mutations worsen the enteric neuron deficit of ret mutants, indicating that mutations in MAPK10 may increase susceptibility to HSCR. We show many benefits of modelling human genetic diseases in zebrafish and advance our understanding of HSCR.
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Szabó A, Mayor R. Modelling collective cell migration of neural crest. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2016; 42:22-28. [PMID: 27085004 PMCID: PMC5017515 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2016.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Collective cell migration has emerged in the recent decade as an important phenomenon in cell and developmental biology and can be defined as the coordinated and cooperative movement of groups of cells. Most studies concentrate on tightly connected epithelial tissues, even though collective migration does not require a constant physical contact. Movement of mesenchymal cells is more independent, making their emergent collective behaviour less intuitive and therefore lending importance to computational modelling. Here we focus on such modelling efforts that aim to understand the collective migration of neural crest cells, a mesenchymal embryonic population that migrates large distances as a group during early vertebrate development. By comparing different models of neural crest migration, we emphasize the similarity and complementary nature of these approaches and suggest a future direction for the field. The principles derived from neural crest modelling could aid understanding the collective migration of other mesenchymal cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Szabó
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roberto Mayor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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29
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Heuckeroth RO, Schäfer KH. Gene-environment interactions and the enteric nervous system: Neural plasticity and Hirschsprung disease prevention. Dev Biol 2016; 417:188-97. [PMID: 26997034 PMCID: PMC5026873 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal function is primarily controlled by an intrinsic nervous system of the bowel called the enteric nervous system (ENS). The cells of the ENS are neural crest derivatives that migrate into and through the bowel during early stages of organogenesis before differentiating into a wide variety of neurons and glia. Although genetic factors critically underlie ENS development, it is now clear that many non-genetic factors may influence the number of enteric neurons, types of enteric neurons, and ratio of neurons to glia. These non-genetic influences include dietary nutrients and medicines that may impact ENS structure and function before or after birth. This review summarizes current data about gene-environment interactions that affect ENS development and suggests that these factors may contribute to human intestinal motility disorders like Hirschsprung disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert O Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, USA; The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, 3615 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Karl-Herbert Schäfer
- ENS Group, University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern/Zweibrücken, Germany; University of Heidelberg, Paediatric Surgery Mannheim, Germany
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Bondurand N, Southard-Smith EM. Mouse models of Hirschsprung disease and other developmental disorders of the enteric nervous system: Old and new players. Dev Biol 2016; 417:139-57. [PMID: 27370713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR, intestinal aganglionosis) is a multigenic disorder with variable penetrance and severity that has a general population incidence of 1/5000 live births. Studies using animal models have contributed to our understanding of the developmental origins of HSCR and the genetic complexity of this disease. This review summarizes recent progress in understanding control of enteric nervous system (ENS) development through analyses in mouse models. An overview of signaling pathways that have long been known to control the migration, proliferation and differentiation of enteric neural progenitors into and along the developing gut is provided as a framework for the latest information on factors that influence enteric ganglia formation and maintenance. Newly identified genes and additional factors beyond discrete genes that contribute to ENS pathology including regulatory sequences, miRNAs and environmental factors are also introduced. Finally, because HSCR has become a paradigm for complex oligogenic diseases with non-Mendelian inheritance, the importance of gene interactions, modifier genes, and initial studies on genetic background effects are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadege Bondurand
- INSERM, U955, Equipe 6, F-94000 Creteil, France; Universite Paris-Est, UPEC, F-94000 Creteil, France.
| | - E Michelle Southard-Smith
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Department of Medicine, 2215 Garland Ave, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Heanue TA, Shepherd IT, Burns AJ. Enteric nervous system development in avian and zebrafish models. Dev Biol 2016; 417:129-38. [PMID: 27235814 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Our current understanding of the developmental biology of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the genesis of ENS diseases is founded almost entirely on studies using model systems. Although genetic studies in the mouse have been at the forefront of this field over the last 20 years or so, historically it was the easy accessibility of the chick embryo for experimental manipulations that allowed the first descriptions of the neural crest origins of the ENS in the 1950s. More recently, studies in the chick and other non-mammalian model systems, notably zebrafish, have continued to advance our understanding of the basic biology of ENS development, with each animal model providing unique experimental advantages. Here we review the basic biology of ENS development in chick and zebrafish, highlighting conserved and unique features, and emphasising novel contributions to our general understanding of ENS development due to technical or biological features.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alan J Burns
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK; Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Enteric nervous system assembly: Functional integration within the developing gut. Dev Biol 2016; 417:168-81. [PMID: 27235816 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Co-ordinated gastrointestinal function is the result of integrated communication between the enteric nervous system (ENS) and "effector" cells in the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells, and the vast majority of cell types residing in the mucosa, enteric neurons and glia are not generated within the gut. Instead, they arise from neural crest cells that migrate into and colonise the developing gastrointestinal tract. Although they are "later" arrivals into the developing gut, enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCCs) respond to many of the same secreted signalling molecules as the "resident" epithelial and mesenchymal cells, and several factors that control the development of smooth muscle cells, interstitial cells and epithelial cells also regulate ENCCs. Much progress has been made towards understanding the migration of ENCCs along the gastrointestinal tract and their differentiation into neurons and glia. However, our understanding of how enteric neurons begin to communicate with each other and extend their neurites out of the developing plexus layers to innervate the various cell types lining the concentric layers of the gastrointestinal tract is only beginning. It is critical for postpartum survival that the gastrointestinal tract and its enteric circuitry are sufficiently mature to cope with the influx of nutrients and their absorption that occurs shortly after birth. Subsequently, colonisation of the gut by immune cells and microbiota during postnatal development has an important impact that determines the ultimate outline of the intrinsic neural networks of the gut. In this review, we describe the integrated development of the ENS and its target cells.
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Control of the collective migration of enteric neural crest cells by the Complement anaphylatoxin C3a and N-cadherin. Dev Biol 2016; 414:85-99. [PMID: 27041467 PMCID: PMC4937886 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing the adhesive and migratory behavior of enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) during their collective migration within the developing mouse gut. We aimed to decipher the role of the complement anaphylatoxin C3a during this process, because this well-known immune system attractant has been implicated in cephalic NCC co-attraction, a process controlling directional migration. We used the conditional Ht-PA-cre transgenic mouse model allowing a specific ablation of the N-cadherin gene and the expression of a fluorescent reporter in migratory ENCCs without affecting the central nervous system. We performed time-lapse videomicroscopy of ENCCs from control and N-cad-herin mutant gut explants cultured on fibronectin (FN) and micropatterned FN-stripes with C3a or C3aR antagonist, and studied cell migration behavior with the use of triangulation analysis to quantify cell dispersion. We performed ex vivo gut cultures with or without C3aR antagonist to determine the effect on ENCC behavior. Confocal microscopy was used to analyze the cell-matrix adhesion properties. We provide the first demonstration of the localization of the complement anaphylatoxin C3a and its receptor on ENCCs during their migration in the embryonic gut. C3aR receptor inhibition alters ENCC adhesion and migration, perturbing directionality and increasing cell dispersion both in vitro and ex vivo. N-cad-herin-null ENCCs do not respond to C3a co-attraction. These findings indicate that C3a regulates cell migration in a N-cadherin-dependent process. Our results shed light on the role of C3a in regulating collective and directional cell migration, and in ganglia network organization during enteric nervous system ontogenesis. The detection of an immune system chemokine in ENCCs during ENS development may also shed light on new mechanisms for gastrointestinal disorders.
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Chevalier N, Gazguez E, Bidault L, Guilbert T, Vias C, Vian E, Watanabe Y, Muller L, Germain S, Bondurand N, Dufour S, Fleury V. How Tissue Mechanical Properties Affect Enteric Neural Crest Cell Migration. Sci Rep 2016; 6:20927. [PMID: 26887292 PMCID: PMC4757826 DOI: 10.1038/srep20927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest cells (NCCs) are a population of multipotent cells that migrate extensively during vertebrate development. Alterations to neural crest ontogenesis cause several diseases, including cancers and congenital defects, such as Hirschprung disease, which results from incomplete colonization of the colon by enteric NCCs (ENCCs). We investigated the influence of the stiffness and structure of the environment on ENCC migration in vitro and during colonization of the gastrointestinal tract in chicken and mouse embryos. We showed using tensile stretching and atomic force microscopy (AFM) that the mesenchyme of the gut was initially soft but gradually stiffened during the period of ENCC colonization. Second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy revealed that this stiffening was associated with a gradual organization and enrichment of collagen fibers in the developing gut. Ex-vivo 2D cell migration assays showed that ENCCs migrated on substrates with very low levels of stiffness. In 3D collagen gels, the speed of the ENCC migratory front decreased with increasing gel stiffness, whereas no correlation was found between porosity and ENCC migration behavior. Metalloprotease inhibition experiments showed that ENCCs actively degraded collagen in order to progress. These results shed light on the role of the mechanical properties of tissues in ENCC migration during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- N.R. Chevalier
- Laboratoire Matière et Systèmes Complexes, Université Paris-Diderot/CNRS UMR 7057, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75013 Paris, France
| | - E. Gazguez
- UMR144, CNRS-Institut Curie, 26, rue d’Ulm, 75248 Paris cedex 05, France
| | - L. Bidault
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Paris, F-75005, France
- INSERM, U1050, Paris, F-75005, France
- CNRS, UMR 7241, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - T. Guilbert
- INSERM, U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- CNRS, UMR8104, Paris, France
- Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - C. Vias
- Laboratoire Matière et Systèmes Complexes, Université Paris-Diderot/CNRS UMR 7057, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75013 Paris, France
| | - E. Vian
- Laboratoire Matière et Systèmes Complexes, Université Paris-Diderot/CNRS UMR 7057, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Y. Watanabe
- INSERM U955, Equipe 11, F-94000 Créteil, France
| | - L. Muller
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Paris, F-75005, France
- INSERM, U1050, Paris, F-75005, France
- CNRS, UMR 7241, Paris, F-75005, France
| | - S. Germain
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), Paris, F-75005, France
- INSERM, U1050, Paris, F-75005, France
- CNRS, UMR 7241, Paris, F-75005, France
| | | | - S. Dufour
- UMR144, CNRS-Institut Curie, 26, rue d’Ulm, 75248 Paris cedex 05, France
| | - V. Fleury
- Laboratoire Matière et Systèmes Complexes, Université Paris-Diderot/CNRS UMR 7057, 10 rue Alice Domon et Léonie Duquet, 75013 Paris, France
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Cox BN, Snead ML. Cells as strain-cued automata. JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS 2016; 87:177-226. [PMID: 31178602 PMCID: PMC6550492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
We argue in favor of representing living cells as automata and review demonstrations that autonomous cells can form patterns by responding to local variations in the strain fields that arise from their individual or collective motions. An autonomous cell's response to strain stimuli is assumed to be effected by internally-generated, internally-powered forces, which generally move the cell in directions other than those implied by external energy gradients. Evidence of cells acting as strain-cued automata have been inferred from patterns observed in nature and from experiments conducted in vitro. Simulations that mimic particular cases of pattern forming share the idealization that cells are assumed to pass information among themselves solely via mechanical boundary conditions, i.e., the tractions and displacements present at their membranes. This assumption opens three mechanisms for pattern formation in large cell populations: wavelike behavior, kinematic feedback in cell motility that can lead to sliding and rotational patterns, and directed migration during invasions. Wavelike behavior among ameloblast cells during amelogenesis (the formation of dental enamel) has been inferred from enamel microstructure, while strain waves in populations of epithelial cells have been observed in vitro. One hypothesized kinematic feedback mechanism, "enhanced shear motility", accounts successfully for the spontaneous formation of layered patterns during amelogenesis in the mouse incisor. Directed migration is exemplified by a theory of invader cells that sense and respond to the strains they themselves create in the host population as they invade it: analysis shows that the strain fields contain positional information that could aid the formation of cell network structures, stabilizing the slender geometry of branches and helping govern the frequency of branch bifurcation and branch coalescence (the formation of closed networks). In simulations of pattern formation in homogeneous populations and network formation by invaders, morphological outcomes are governed by the ratio of the rates of two competing time dependent processes, one a migration velocity and the other a relaxation velocity related to the propagation of strain information. Relaxation velocities are approximately constant for different species and organs, whereas cell migration rates vary by three orders of magnitude. We conjecture that developmental processes use rapid cell migration to achieve certain outcomes, and slow migration to achieve others. We infer from analysis of host relaxation during network formation that a transition exists in the mechanical response of a host cell from animate to inanimate behavior when its strain changes at a rate that exceeds 10-4-10-3s-1. The transition has previously been observed in experiments conducted in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Malcolm L. Snead
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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Young HM, Stamp LA, McKeown SJ. ENS Development Research Since 1983: Great Strides but Many Remaining Challenges. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 891:53-62. [PMID: 27379634 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-27592-5_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The first enteric nervous system (ENS) conference, organized by Marcello Costa and John Furness, was held in Adelaide, Australia in 1983. In this article, we review what was known about the development of the ENS in 1983 and then summarize some of the major advances in the field since 1983.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Young
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Lincon A Stamp
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Sonja J McKeown
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
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Foong JPP. Postnatal Development of the Mouse Enteric Nervous System. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 891:135-43. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-27592-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Expression of the Wnt Receptor Frizzled-4 in the Human Enteric Nervous System of Infants. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2016:9076823. [PMID: 26697080 PMCID: PMC4677256 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9076823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signalling pathway plays a crucial role in the development of the nervous system. This signalling cascade is initiated upon binding of the secreted Wnt ligand to a member of the family of frizzled receptors. In the present study, we analysed the presence of frizzled-4 in the enteric nervous system of human infants. Frizzled-4 could be identified by immunohistochemistry in a subpopulation of enteric neuronal and glial cells in the small and large intestine. Detection of frizzled-4 in the tunica muscularis by RT-PCR confirmed this receptor's expression on the mRNA level. Interestingly, we observed distinct cell populations that co-expressed frizzled-4 with the intermediate filament protein nestin and the neurotrophin receptor p75NTR, which have been reported to be expressed in neural progenitor cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that 60% of p75NTR positive cells of the tunica muscularis were positive for frizzled-4. Additionally, in pathological samples of Hirschsprung's disease, the expression of this Wnt receptor correlated with the number of myenteric ganglion cells and decreased from normoganglionic to aganglionic areas of large intestine. The expression pattern of frizzled-4 indicates that this Wnt receptor could be involved in postnatal development and/or function of the enteric nervous system.
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Ellery AJ, Baker RE, Simpson MJ. Calculating the Fickian diffusivity for a lattice-based random walk with agents and obstacles of different shapes and sizes. Phys Biol 2015; 12:066010. [PMID: 26599468 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/12/6/066010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Random walk models are often used to interpret experimental observations of the motion of biological cells and molecules. A key aim in applying a random walk model to mimic an in vitro experiment is to estimate the Fickian diffusivity (or Fickian diffusion coefficient), D. However, many in vivo experiments are complicated by the fact that the motion of cells and molecules is hindered by the presence of obstacles. Crowded transport processes have been modeled using repeated stochastic simulations in which a motile agent undergoes a random walk on a lattice that is populated by immobile obstacles. Early studies considered the most straightforward case in which the motile agent and the obstacles are the same size. More recent studies considered stochastic random walk simulations describing the motion of an agent through an environment populated by obstacles of different shapes and sizes. Here, we build on previous simulation studies by analyzing a general class of lattice-based random walk models with agents and obstacles of various shapes and sizes. Our analysis provides exact calculations of the Fickian diffusivity, allowing us to draw conclusions about the role of the size, shape and density of the obstacles, as well as examining the role of the size and shape of the motile agent. Since our analysis is exact, we calculate D directly without the need for random walk simulations. In summary, we find that the shape, size and density of obstacles has a major influence on the exact Fickian diffusivity. Furthermore, our results indicate that the difference in diffusivity for symmetric and asymmetric obstacles is significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Ellery
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
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Simpson MJ, Sharp JA, Morrow LC, Baker RE. Exact Solutions of Coupled Multispecies Linear Reaction-Diffusion Equations on a Uniformly Growing Domain. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138894. [PMID: 26407013 PMCID: PMC4583548 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic development involves diffusion and proliferation of cells, as well as diffusion and reaction of molecules, within growing tissues. Mathematical models of these processes often involve reaction–diffusion equations on growing domains that have been primarily studied using approximate numerical solutions. Recently, we have shown how to obtain an exact solution to a single, uncoupled, linear reaction–diffusion equation on a growing domain, 0 < x < L(t), where L(t) is the domain length. The present work is an extension of our previous study, and we illustrate how to solve a system of coupled reaction–diffusion equations on a growing domain. This system of equations can be used to study the spatial and temporal distributions of different generations of cells within a population that diffuses and proliferates within a growing tissue. The exact solution is obtained by applying an uncoupling transformation, and the uncoupled equations are solved separately before applying the inverse uncoupling transformation to give the coupled solution. We present several example calculations to illustrate different types of behaviour. The first example calculation corresponds to a situation where the initially–confined population diffuses sufficiently slowly that it is unable to reach the moving boundary at x = L(t). In contrast, the second example calculation corresponds to a situation where the initially–confined population is able to overcome the domain growth and reach the moving boundary at x = L(t). In its basic format, the uncoupling transformation at first appears to be restricted to deal only with the case where each generation of cells has a distinct proliferation rate. However, we also demonstrate how the uncoupling transformation can be used when each generation has the same proliferation rate by evaluating the exact solutions as an appropriate limit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Simpson
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Jesse A. Sharp
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Liam C. Morrow
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ruth E. Baker
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Simpson MJ, Baker RE. Exact calculations of survival probability for diffusion on growing lines, disks, and spheres: The role of dimension. J Chem Phys 2015; 143:094109. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4929993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Simpson
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ruth E. Baker
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Incomplete penetrance: The role of stochasticity in developmental cell colonization. J Theor Biol 2015; 380:309-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2015.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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McLennan R, Schumacher LJ, Morrison JA, Teddy JM, Ridenour DA, Box AC, Semerad CL, Li H, McDowell W, Kay D, Maini PK, Baker RE, Kulesa PM. VEGF signals induce trailblazer cell identity that drives neural crest migration. Dev Biol 2015; 407:12-25. [PMID: 26278036 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic neural crest cells travel in discrete streams to precise locations throughout the head and body. We previously showed that cranial neural crest cells respond chemotactically to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and that cells within the migratory front have distinct behaviors and gene expression. We proposed a cell-induced gradient model in which lead neural crest cells read out directional information from a chemoattractant profile and instruct trailers to follow. In this study, we show that migrating chick neural crest cells do not display distinct lead and trailer gene expression profiles in culture. However, exposure to VEGF in vitro results in the upregulation of a small subset of genes associated with an in vivo lead cell signature. Timed addition and removal of VEGF in culture reveals the changes in neural crest cell gene expression are rapid. A computational model incorporating an integrate-and-switch mechanism between cellular phenotypes predicts migration efficiency is influenced by the timescale of cell behavior switching. To test the model hypothesis that neural crest cellular phenotypes respond to changes in the VEGF chemoattractant profile, we presented ectopic sources of VEGF to the trailer neural crest cell subpopulation and show diverted cell trajectories and stream alterations consistent with model predictions. Gene profiling of trailer cells that diverted and encountered VEGF revealed upregulation of a subset of 'lead' genes. Injection of neuropilin1 (Np1)-Fc into the trailer subpopulation or electroporation of VEGF morpholino to reduce VEGF signaling failed to alter trailer neural crest cell trajectories, suggesting trailers do not require VEGF to maintain coordinated migration. These results indicate that VEGF is one of the signals that establishes lead cell identity and its chemoattractant profile is critical to neural crest cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca McLennan
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St., Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Linus J Schumacher
- University of Oxford, Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK; Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QD, UK
| | - Jason A Morrison
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St., Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Jessica M Teddy
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St., Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Dennis A Ridenour
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St., Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Andrew C Box
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St., Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Craig L Semerad
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St., Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Hua Li
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St., Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - William McDowell
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St., Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - David Kay
- Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QD, UK
| | - Philip K Maini
- University of Oxford, Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Ruth E Baker
- University of Oxford, Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Paul M Kulesa
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St., Kansas City, MO 64110, USA; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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Boesmans W, Hao MM, Vanden Berghe P. Optical Tools to Investigate Cellular Activity in the Intestinal Wall. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2015; 21:337-51. [PMID: 26130630 PMCID: PMC4496899 DOI: 10.5056/jnm15096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Live imaging has become an essential tool to investigate the coordinated activity and output of cellular networks. Within the last decade, 2 Nobel prizes have been awarded to recognize innovations in the field of imaging: one for the discovery, use, and optimization of the green fluorescent protein (2008) and the second for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy (2014). New advances in both optogenetics and microscopy now enable researchers to record and manipulate activity from specific populations of cells with better contrast and resolution, at higher speeds, and deeper into live tissues. In this review, we will discuss some of the recent developments in microscope technology and in the synthesis of fluorescent probes, both synthetic and genetically encoded. We focus on how live imaging of cellular physiology has progressed our understanding of the control of gastrointestinal motility, and we discuss the hurdles to overcome in order to apply the novel tools in the field of neurogastroenterology and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werend Boesmans
- Laboratory for Enteric NeuroScience (LENS), Translational Research Center for GastroIntestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marlene M Hao
- Laboratory for Enteric NeuroScience (LENS), Translational Research Center for GastroIntestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory for Enteric NeuroScience (LENS), Translational Research Center for GastroIntestinal Disorders (TARGID), Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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McLennan R, Schumacher LJ, Morrison JA, Teddy JM, Ridenour DA, Box AC, Semerad CL, Li H, McDowell W, Kay D, Maini PK, Baker RE, Kulesa PM. Neural crest migration is driven by a few trailblazer cells with a unique molecular signature narrowly confined to the invasive front. Development 2015; 142:2014-25. [PMID: 25977364 DOI: 10.1242/dev.117507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neural crest (NC) cell migration is crucial to the formation of peripheral tissues during vertebrate development. However, how NC cells respond to different microenvironments to maintain persistence of direction and cohesion in multicellular streams remains unclear. To address this, we profiled eight subregions of a typical cranial NC cell migratory stream. Hierarchical clustering showed significant differences in the expression profiles of the lead three subregions compared with newly emerged cells. Multiplexed imaging of mRNA expression using fluorescent hybridization chain reaction (HCR) quantitatively confirmed the expression profiles of lead cells. Computational modeling predicted that a small fraction of lead cells that detect directional information is optimal for successful stream migration. Single-cell profiling then revealed a unique molecular signature that is consistent and stable over time in a subset of lead cells within the most advanced portion of the migratory front, which we term trailblazers. Model simulations that forced a lead cell behavior in the trailing subpopulation predicted cell bunching near the migratory domain entrance. Misexpression of the trailblazer molecular signature by perturbation of two upstream transcription factors agreed with the in silico prediction and showed alterations to NC cell migration distance and stream shape. These data are the first to characterize the molecular diversity within an NC cell migratory stream and offer insights into how molecular patterns are transduced into cell behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca McLennan
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Linus J Schumacher
- Oxford University, Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK Computer Science, Oxford University, Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QD, UK
| | - Jason A Morrison
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Jessica M Teddy
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Dennis A Ridenour
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Andrew C Box
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Craig L Semerad
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - Hua Li
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - William McDowell
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA
| | - David Kay
- Oxford University, Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK Computer Science, Oxford University, Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QD, UK
| | - Philip K Maini
- Oxford University, Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Ruth E Baker
- Oxford University, Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Paul M Kulesa
- Stowers Institute for Medical Research, 1000 E. 50th St, Kansas City, MO 64110, USA Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Rollo BN, Zhang D, Simkin JE, Menheniott TR, Newgreen DF. Why are enteric ganglia so small? Role of differential adhesion of enteric neurons and enteric neural crest cells. F1000Res 2015; 4:113. [PMID: 26064478 PMCID: PMC4448751 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.6370.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The avian enteric nervous system (ENS) consists of a vast number of unusually small ganglia compared to other peripheral ganglia. Each ENS ganglion at mid-gestation has a core of neurons and a shell of mesenchymal precursor/glia-like enteric neural crest (ENC) cells. To study ENS cell ganglionation we isolated midgut ENS cells by HNK-1 fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) from E5 and E8 quail embryos, and from E9 chick embryos. We performed cell-cell aggregation assays which revealed a developmentally regulated functional increase in ENS cell adhesive function, requiring both Ca
2+ -dependent and independent adhesion. This was consistent with N-cadherin and NCAM labelling. Neurons sorted to the core of aggregates, surrounded by outer ENC cells, showing that neurons had higher adhesion than ENC cells. The outer surface of aggregates became relatively non-adhesive, correlating with low levels of NCAM and N-cadherin on this surface of the outer non-neuronal ENC cells. Aggregation assays showed that ENS cells FACS selected for NCAM-high and enriched for enteric neurons formed larger and more coherent aggregates than unsorted ENS cells. In contrast, ENS cells of the NCAM-low FACS fraction formed small, disorganised aggregates. This suggests a novel mechanism for control of ENS ganglion morphogenesis where i) differential adhesion of ENS neurons and ENC cells controls the core/shell ganglionic structure and ii) the ratio of neurons to ENC cells dictates the equilibrium ganglion size by generation of an outer non-adhesive surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin N Rollo
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Dongcheng Zhang
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Johanna E Simkin
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Trevelyan R Menheniott
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria, 3052, Australia
| | - Donald F Newgreen
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Victoria, 3052, Australia
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Simpson MJ, Sharp JA, Baker RE. Survival probability for a diffusive process on a growing domain. PHYSICAL REVIEW. E, STATISTICAL, NONLINEAR, AND SOFT MATTER PHYSICS 2015; 91:042701. [PMID: 25974521 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.91.042701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We consider the motion of a diffusive population on a growing domain, 0<x<L(t), which is motivated by various applications in developmental biology. Individuals in the diffusing population, which could represent molecules or cells in a developmental scenario, undergo two different kinds of motion: (i) undirected movement, characterized by a diffusion coefficient, D, and (ii) directed movement, associated with the underlying domain growth. For a general class of problems with a reflecting boundary at x=0, and an absorbing boundary at x=L(t), we provide an exact solution to the partial differential equation describing the evolution of the population density function, C(x,t). Using this solution, we derive an exact expression for the survival probability, S(t), and an accurate approximation for the long-time limit, S=lim(t→∞)S(t). Unlike traditional analyses on a nongrowing domain, where S≡0, we show that domain growth leads to a very different situation where S can be positive. The theoretical tools developed and validated in this study allow us to distinguish between situations where the diffusive population reaches the moving boundary at x=L(t) from other situations where the diffusive population never reaches the moving boundary at x=L(t). Making this distinction is relevant to certain applications in developmental biology, such as the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS). All theoretical predictions are verified by implementing a discrete stochastic model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Simpson
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jesse A Sharp
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ruth E Baker
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Hirst CS, Foong JPP, Stamp LA, Fegan E, Dent S, Cooper EC, Lomax AE, Anderson CR, Bornstein JC, Young HM, McKeown SJ. Ion channel expression in the developing enteric nervous system. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123436. [PMID: 25798587 PMCID: PMC4370736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system arises from neural crest-derived cells (ENCCs) that migrate caudally along the embryonic gut. The expression of ion channels by ENCCs in embryonic mice was investigated using a PCR-based array, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Many ion channels, including chloride, calcium, potassium and sodium channels were already expressed by ENCCs at E11.5. There was an increase in the expression of numerous ion channel genes between E11.5 and E14.5, which coincides with ENCC migration and the first extension of neurites by enteric neurons. Previous studies have shown that a variety of ion channels regulates neurite extension and migration of many cell types. Pharmacological inhibition of a range of chloride or calcium channels had no effect on ENCC migration in cultured explants or neuritogenesis in vitro. The non-selective potassium channel inhibitors, TEA and 4-AP, retarded ENCC migration and neuritogenesis, but only at concentrations that also resulted in cell death. In summary, a large range of ion channels is expressed while ENCCs are colonizing the gut, but we found no evidence that ENCC migration or neuritogenesis requires chloride, calcium or potassium channel activity. Many of the ion channels are likely to be involved in the development of electrical excitability of enteric neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline S. Hirst
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jaime P. P. Foong
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lincon A. Stamp
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily Fegan
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephan Dent
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Edward C. Cooper
- Department of Molecular & Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alan E. Lomax
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colin R. Anderson
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joel C. Bornstein
- Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Heather M. Young
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Sonja J. McKeown
- Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Bergeron KF, Cardinal T, Touré AM, Béland M, Raiwet DL, Silversides DW, Pilon N. Male-biased aganglionic megacolon in the TashT mouse line due to perturbation of silencer elements in a large gene desert of chromosome 10. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005093. [PMID: 25786024 PMCID: PMC4364714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural crest cells (NCC) are a transient migratory cell population that generates diverse cell types such as neurons and glia of the enteric nervous system (ENS). Via an insertional mutation screen for loci affecting NCC development in mice, we identified one line—named TashT—that displays a partially penetrant aganglionic megacolon phenotype in a strong male-biased manner. Interestingly, this phenotype is highly reminiscent of human Hirschsprung’s disease, a neurocristopathy with a still unexplained male sex bias. In contrast to the megacolon phenotype, colonic aganglionosis is almost fully penetrant in homozygous TashT animals. The sex bias in megacolon expressivity can be explained by the fact that the male ENS ends, on average, around a “tipping point” of minimal colonic ganglionosis while the female ENS ends, on average, just beyond it. Detailed analysis of embryonic intestines revealed that aganglionosis in homozygous TashT animals is due to slower migration of enteric NCC. The TashT insertional mutation is localized in a gene desert containing multiple highly conserved elements that exhibit repressive activity in reporter assays. RNAseq analyses and 3C assays revealed that the TashT insertion results, at least in part, in NCC-specific relief of repression of the uncharacterized gene Fam162b; an outcome independently confirmed via transient transgenesis. The transcriptional signature of enteric NCC from homozygous TashT embryos is also characterized by the deregulation of genes encoding members of the most important signaling pathways for ENS formation—Gdnf/Ret and Edn3/Ednrb—and, intriguingly, the downregulation of specific subsets of X-linked genes. In conclusion, this study not only allowed the identification of Fam162b coding and regulatory sequences as novel candidate loci for Hirschsprung’s disease but also provides important new insights into its male sex bias. Hirschsprung’s disease (also known as aganglionic megacolon) is a severe congenital defect of the enteric nervous system (ENS) resulting in complete failure to pass stools. It is characterized by the absence of neural ganglia (aganglionosis) in the distal gut due to incomplete colonization of the embryonic intestines by neural crest cells (NCC), the ENS precursors. Hirschsprung’s disease has an incidence of 1 in 5000 newborns and a 4:1 male sex bias. Although many genes have been associated with this complex genetic disease, most of its heritability as well as its male sex bias remain unexplained. Here, we describe an insertional mutant mouse line (“TashT”) in which virtually all homozygotes display colonic aganglionosis due to defective migration of enteric NCC, but in which only a subset of homozygotes develops megacolon. Surprisingly, this group is almost exclusively male. The TashT ENS defect stems, at least in part, from the disruption of long-range interactions between evolutionarily conserved elements with silencer activity and Fam162b, resulting in NCC-specific upregulation of this uncharacterized protein coding gene. Global analysis of gene expression further revealed that several hundreds of genes are significantly deregulated in TashT enteric NCC. Interestingly, this dataset includes multiple X-linked candidate genes potentially underlying the male sex bias. Taken together, our data pave the way for a clearer understanding of the intriguing male sex bias of Hirschsprung’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-F. Bergeron
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and BioMed Research Center, University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), Quebec, Canada
| | - Tatiana Cardinal
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and BioMed Research Center, University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), Quebec, Canada
| | - Aboubacrine M. Touré
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and BioMed Research Center, University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), Quebec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Béland
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and BioMed Research Center, University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), Quebec, Canada
| | - Diana L. Raiwet
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David W. Silversides
- Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Pilon
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences and BioMed Research Center, University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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50
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Kabouridis PS, Pachnis V. Emerging roles of gut microbiota and the immune system in the development of the enteric nervous system. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:956-64. [PMID: 25729852 DOI: 10.1172/jci76308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) consists of neurons and glial cells that differentiate from neural crest progenitors. During embryogenesis, development of the ENS is controlled by the interplay of neural crest cell-intrinsic factors and instructive cues from the surrounding gut mesenchyme. However, postnatal ENS development occurs in a different context, which is characterized by the presence of microbiota and an extensive immune system, suggesting an important role of these factors on enteric neural circuit formation and function. Initial reports confirm this idea while further studies in this area promise new insights into ENS physiology and pathophysiology.
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