Neural crest cells require Meis2 for patterning the mandibular arch via the Sonic hedgehog pathway

Embryonic exposure to Smoothened Agonist disrupts tongue development in mice

The tongue is an important muscular organ for chewing and speech, and its development is regulated by multiple molecular signaling pathways, such as the hedgehog and TGF pathways. These pathways are particularly crucial in muscle patterning, which determines the structural and functional integrity of the tongue. Proper hedgehog signaling is essential for craniofacial tissue development, influencing muscle arrangement and differentiation critical for normal tongue morphology. In this study, we administered the Smoothened Agonist (SAG) 25 mg/kg to pregnant mice via intraperitoneal injection at E10.5 to further investigate the regulatory role of overexpressed hedgehog signaling in the early developmental process of the tongue. The intraperitoneal injection of SAG at E10.5 resulted in reduced tongue height and abnormal muscle development. Consequently, these alterations led to a midline cleft. Detection of cell proliferation using PHH3 and Ki67 showed that cell proliferation was significantly inhibited in the experimental group, while apoptosis showed no significant difference compared to the control group. At E11.5, the expression levels of downstream markers of hedgehog signaling, including Gli1, Ptch1, Foxf1, and Foxf2, were significantly elevated in the experimental group compared to the control group, whereas TGF-β2 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated(P < 0.05). Thus, overexpression of hedgehog signaling, induced by SAG, disrupts normal cellular processes by inhibiting proliferation and downregulating TGF-β2, ultimately leading to cleft tongue malformations.

Mesenchymal Meis2 controls whisker development independently from trigeminal sensory innervation

Hair follicle development is initiated by reciprocal molecular interactions between the placode-forming epithelium and the underlying mesenchyme. Cell fate transformation in dermal fibroblasts generates a cell niche for placode induction by activation of signaling pathways WNT, EDA, and FGF in the epithelium. These successive paracrine epithelial signals initiate dermal condensation in the underlying mesenchyme. Although epithelial signaling from the placode to mesenchyme is better described, little is known about primary mesenchymal signals resulting in placode induction. Using genetic approach in mice, we show that Meis2 expression in cells derived from the neural crest is critical for whisker formation and also for branching of trigeminal nerves. While whisker formation is independent of the trigeminal sensory innervation, MEIS2 in mesenchymal dermal cells orchestrates the initial steps of epithelial placode formation and subsequent dermal condensation. MEIS2 regulates the expression of transcription factor Foxd1, which is typical of pre-dermal condensation. However, deletion of Foxd1 does not affect whisker development. Overall, our data suggest an early role of mesenchymal MEIS2 during whisker formation and provide evidence that whiskers can normally develop in the absence of sensory innervation or Foxd1 expression.

Transcription factor Meis1b regulates craniofacial morphogenesis in zebrafish

BACKGROUND

Meis family of transcription factors operates in Pbx-Meis-Hox regulatory network controlling development of various tissues including eye, limbs, heart, hindbrain or craniofacial skeletal elements originating from the neural crest. Although studies in mouse provide abundant information about Meis factors function in embryogenesis, little is known about their role in zebrafish.

RESULTS

We generated zebrafish lines carrying null mutations in meis1a, meis1b, meis2a, and meis2b genes. Only meis1b mutants are lethal at larval stage around 13 dpf whereas the other mutant lines are viable and fertile. We focused on development of neural crest-derived craniofacial structures such as tendons, cranial nerves, cartilage and accompanying muscles. Meis1b mutants displayed morphogenetic abnormalities in the cartilage originating from the first and second pharyngeal arches. Meckel's cartilage was shorter and wider with fused anterior symphysis and abnormal chondrocyte organization. This resulted in impaired tendons and muscle fiber connections while tenocyte development was not largely affected.

CONCLUSIONS

Loss-of-function mutation in meis1b affects cartilage morphology in the lower jaw that leads to disrupted organization of muscles and tendons.

Single-cell transcriptomic resolution of osteogenesis during craniofacial morphogenesis

Craniofacial morphogenesis depends on complex cell fate decisions during the differentiation of post-migratory cranial neural crest cells. Molecular mechanisms of cell differentiation of mesenchymal cells to developing bones, cartilage, teeth, tongue, and other craniofacial tissues are still poorly understood. We performed single-cell transcriptomic analysis of craniofacial mesenchymal cells derived from cranial NCCs in mouse embryo. Using FACS sorting of Wnt1-Cre2 progeny, we carefully mapped the cell heterogeneity in the craniofacial region during the initial stages of cartilage and bone formation. Transcriptomic data and in vivo validations identified molecular determinants of major cell populations involved in the development of lower and upper jaw, teeth, tongue, dermis, or periocular mesenchyme. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of Meis2-deficient mice revealed critical gene expression differences, including increased osteogenic and cell adhesion markers. This leads to affected mesenchymal cell differentiation and increased ossification, resulting in impaired bone, cartilage, and tongue formation.

Phylogenomic analysis of the Lake Kronotskoe species flock of Dolly Varden charr reveals genetic and developmental signatures of sympatric radiation

Recent adaptive radiations provide experimental opportunities to parse the relationship between genomic variation and the origins of distinct phenotypes. Sympatric radiations of the charr complex (genus Salvelinus) present a trove for phylogenetic analyses as charrs have repeatedly diversified into multiple morphs with distinct feeding specializations. However, charr species flocks normally comprise only two to three lineages. Dolly Varden charr inhabiting Lake Kronotskoe represent the most extensive radiation described for the genus, containing at least seven lineages, each with defining morphological and ecological traits. Here, we perform the first genome-wide analysis of this species flock to parse the foundations of adaptive change. Our data support distinct, reproductively isolated lineages within the clade. We find that changes in genes associated with thyroid signaling and craniofacial development provided a foundational shift in evolution to the lake. The thyroid axis is further implicated in subsequent lineage partitioning events. These results delineate a genetic scenario for the diversification of specialized lineages and highlight a common axis of change biasing the generation of specific forms during adaptive radiation.

Transcriptional profiling of human cartilage endplate cells identifies novel genes and cell clusters underlying degenerated and non-degenerated phenotypes

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is frequently attributed to intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. Though the contributions of the adjacent cartilage endplates (CEP) to IVD degeneration are well documented, the phenotype and functions of the resident CEP cells are critically understudied. To better characterize CEP cell phenotype and possible mechanisms of CEP degeneration, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing of non-degenerated and degenerated CEP cells were performed.

METHODS

Human lumbar CEP cells from degenerated (Thompson grade ≥ 4) and non-degenerated (Thompson grade ≤ 2) discs were expanded for bulk (N=4 non-degenerated, N=4 degenerated) and single-cell (N=1 non-degenerated, N=1 degenerated) RNA sequencing. Genes identified from bulk RNA sequencing were categorized by function and their expression in non-degenerated and degenerated CEP cells were compared. A PubMed literature review was also performed to determine which genes were previously identified and studied in the CEP, IVD, and other cartilaginous tissues. For single-cell RNA sequencing, different cell clusters were resolved using unsupervised clustering and functional annotation. Differential gene expression analysis and Gene Ontology, respectively, were used to compare gene expression and functional enrichment between cell clusters, as well as between non-degenerated and degenerated CEP samples.

RESULTS

Bulk RNA sequencing revealed 38 genes were significantly upregulated and 15 genes were significantly downregulated in degenerated CEP cells relative to non-degenerated cells (|fold change| ≥ 1.5). Of these, only 2 genes were previously studied in CEP cells, and 31 were previously studied in the IVD and other cartilaginous tissues. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed 11 unique cell clusters, including multiple chondrocyte and progenitor subpopulations with distinct gene expression and functional profiles. Analysis of genes in the bulk RNA sequencing dataset showed that progenitor cell clusters from both samples were enriched in "non-degenerated" genes but not "degenerated" genes. For both bulk- and single-cell analyses, gene expression and pathway enrichment analyses highlighted several pathways that may regulate CEP degeneration, including transcriptional regulation, translational regulation, intracellular transport, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

This thorough analysis using RNA sequencing methods highlighted numerous differences between non-degenerated and degenerated CEP cells, the phenotypic heterogeneity of CEP cells, and several pathways of interest that may be relevant in CEP degeneration.

The autism-associated Meis2 gene is necessary for cardiac baroreflex regulation in mice

Recent understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) showed that peripheral primary mechanosensitive neurons involved in touch sensation and central neurons affected in ASD share transcriptional regulators. Mutant mice for ASD-associated transcription factors exhibit impaired primary tactile perception and restoring those genes specifically in primary sensory neurons rescues some of the anxiety-like behavior and social interaction defects. Interestingly, peripheral mechanosensitive sensory neurons also project to internal organs including the cardiovascular system, and an imbalance of the cardio-vascular sympathovagal regulation is evidenced in ASD and intellectual disability. ASD patients have decreased vagal tone, suggesting dysfunction of sensory neurons involved in cardio-vascular sensing. In light of our previous finding that the ASD-associated Meis2 gene is necessary for normal touch neuron development and function, we investigated here if its inactivation in mouse peripheral sensory neurons also affects cardio-vascular sympathovagal regulation and baroreflex. Combining echocardiography, pharmacological challenge, blood pressure monitoring, and heart rate variability analysis, we found that Meis2 mutant mice exhibited a blunted vagal response independently of any apparent cardiac malformation. These results suggest that defects in primary sensory neurons with mechanosensitive identity could participate in the imbalanced cardio-vascular sympathovagal tone found in ASD patients, reinforcing current hypotheses on the role of primary sensory neurons in the etiology of ASD.

Meis2 controls skeletal formation in the hyoid region

A vertebrate skull is composed of many skeletal elements which display enormous diversity of shapes. Cranial bone formation embodies a multitude of processes, i.e., epithelial-mesenchymal induction, mesenchymal condensation, and endochondral or intramembranous ossification. Molecular pathways determining complex architecture and growth of the cranial skeleton during embryogenesis are poorly understood. Here, we present a model of the hyoid apparatus development in Wnt1-Cre2-induced Meis2 conditional knock-out (cKO) mice. Meis2 cKO embryos develop an aberrant hyoid apparatus—a complete skeletal chain from the base of the neurocranium to lesser horns of the hyoid, resembling extreme human pathologies of the hyoid-larynx region. We examined key stages of hyoid skeletogenesis to obtain a complex image of the hyoid apparatus formation. Lack of Meis2 resulted in ectopic loci of mesenchymal condensations, ectopic cartilage and bone formation, disinhibition of skeletogenesis, and elevated proliferation of cartilage precursors. We presume that all these mechanisms contribute to formation of the aberrant skeletal chain in the hyoid region. Moreover, Meis2 cKO embryos exhibit severely reduced expression of PBX1 and HAND2 in the hyoid region. Altogether, MEIS2 in conjunction with PBX1 and HAND2 affects mesenchymal condensation, specification and proliferation of cartilage precursors to ensure development of the anatomically correct hyoid apparatus.

Sci-Seq of Human Fetal Salivary Tissue Introduces Human Transcriptional Paradigms and a Novel Cell Population

Multiple pathologies and non-pathological factors can disrupt the function of the non-regenerative human salivary gland including cancer and cancer therapeutics, autoimmune diseases, infections, pharmaceutical side effects, and traumatic injury. Despite the wide range of pathologies, no therapeutic or regenerative approaches exist to address salivary gland loss, likely due to significant gaps in our understanding of salivary gland development. Moreover, identifying the tissue of origin when diagnosing salivary carcinomas requires an understanding of human fetal development. Using computational tools, we identify developmental branchpoints, a novel stem cell-like population, and key signaling pathways in the human developing salivary glands by analyzing our human fetal single-cell sequencing data. Trajectory and transcriptional analysis suggest that the earliest progenitors yield excretory duct and myoepithelial cells and a transitional population that will yield later ductal cell types. Importantly, this single-cell analysis revealed a previously undescribed population of stem cell-like cells that are derived from SD and expresses high levels of genes associated with stem cell-like function. We have observed these rare cells, not in a single niche location but dispersed within the developing duct at later developmental stages. Our studies introduce new human-specific developmental paradigms for the salivary gland and lay the groundwork for the development of translational human therapeutics.

Application of zebrafish in the study of craniomaxillofacial developmental anomalies

Craniomaxillofacial developmental anomalies are one of the most prevalent congenital defects worldwide and could result from any disruption of normal development processes, which is generally influenced by interactions between genes and the environment. Currently, with the advances in genetic screening strategies, an increasing number of novel variants and their roles in orofacial diseases have been explored. Zebrafish is recognized as a powerful animal model, and its homologous genes and similar oral structure and development process provide an ideal platform for studying the contributions of genetic and environmental factors to human craniofacial malformations. Here, we reviewed zebrafish models for the study of craniomaxillofacial developmental anomalies, such as human nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without an affected palate and jaw and tooth developmental anomalies. Due to its potential for gene expression and regulation research, zebrafish may provide new perspectives for understanding craniomaxillofacial diseaseand its treatment.

Orofacial Cleft and Mandibular Prognathism-Human Genetics and Animal Models

Many complex molecular interactions are involved in the process of craniofacial development. Consequently, the network is sensitive to genetic mutations that may result in congenital malformations of varying severity. The most common birth anomalies within the head and neck are orofacial clefts (OFCs) and prognathism. Orofacial clefts are disorders with a range of phenotypes such as the cleft of the lip with or without cleft palate and isolated form of cleft palate with unilateral and bilateral variations. They may occur as an isolated abnormality (nonsyndromic-NSCLP) or coexist with syndromic disorders. Another cause of malformations, prognathism or skeletal class III malocclusion, is characterized by the disproportionate overgrowth of the mandible with or without the hypoplasia of maxilla. Both syndromes may be caused by the presence of environmental factors, but the majority of them are hereditary. Several mutations are linked to those phenotypes. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the genetics of those phenotypes and describe genotype-phenotype correlations. We then present the animal models used to study these defects.

MEIS2 (15q14) gene deletions in siblings with mild developmental phenotypes and bifid uvula: documentation of mosaicism in an unaffected parent

MEIS2 (Meis homeobox 2) encodes a homeobox protein in the three amino acid loop extension (TALE) family of highly conserved homeodomain-containing transcription regulators important for development. MEIS2 deletions/mutations have been associated with cleft lip/palate, dysmorphic facial features, cardiac defects, as well as intellectual disability at a variable severity. Here we report on one familial case that two affected siblings carry the same non-mosaic ~ 423 kb genomic deletion at 15q14 encompassing the entirety of CDIN1 and the last three exons (ex. 10, 11, 12) of the MEIS2 gene, while their unaffected father is mosaic for the same deletion in about 10% lymphocytes. Both siblings presented with mild developmental delay and bifid uvula, while no congenital cardiac abnormalities were identified. The elder sister also showed syncopal episodes and mild speech delay and the father had atrial septal defects. This is the first report showing multiple family members inherit a genomic deletion resulting in a MEIS2 partial truncation from a mosaic parent. Taken all together, this study has important implications for genetic counseling regarding recurrence risk and also points to the importance of offering MEIS2 gene tests covering both point mutations and microdeletions to individuals with milder bifid uvula and developmental delay.

The Mandibular and Hyoid Arches-From Molecular Patterning to Shaping Bone and Cartilage

The mandibular and hyoid arches collectively make up the facial skeleton, also known as the viscerocranium. Although all three germ layers come together to assemble the pharyngeal arches, the majority of tissue within viscerocranial skeletal components differentiates from the neural crest. Since nearly one third of all birth defects in humans affect the craniofacial region, it is important to understand how signalling pathways and transcription factors govern the embryogenesis and skeletogenesis of the viscerocranium. This review focuses on mouse and zebrafish models of craniofacial development. We highlight gene regulatory networks directing the patterning and osteochondrogenesis of the mandibular and hyoid arches that are actually conserved among all gnathostomes. The first part of this review describes the anatomy and development of mandibular and hyoid arches in both species. The second part analyses cell signalling and transcription factors that ensure the specificity of individual structures along the anatomical axes. The third part discusses the genes and molecules that control the formation of bone and cartilage within mandibular and hyoid arches and how dysregulation of molecular signalling influences the development of skeletal components of the viscerocranium. In conclusion, we notice that mandibular malformations in humans and mice often co-occur with hyoid malformations and pinpoint the similar molecular machinery controlling the development of mandibular and hyoid arches.

Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway in gynecological and genitourinary cancer (Review)

Cancers of the urinary tract, as well as those of the female and male reproductive systems, account for a large percentage of malignancies worldwide. Mortality is frequently affected by late diagnosis or therapeutic difficulties. The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway is an evolutionary conserved molecular cascade, which is mainly associated with the development of the central nervous system in fetal life. The present review aimed to provide an in‑depth summary of the SHH signaling pathway, including the characterization of its major components, the mechanism of its upstream regulation and non‑canonical activation, as well as its interactions with other cellular pathways. In addition, the three possible mechanisms of the cellular SHH cascade in cancer tissue are discussed. The aim of the present review was to summarize significant findings with regards to the expression of the SHH pathway components in kidney, bladder, ovarian, cervical and prostate cancer. Reports associated with common deficits and de‑regulations of the SHH pathway were summarized, despite the differences in molecular and histological patterns among these malignancies. However, currently, neither are SHH pathway elements included in panels of prognostic/therapeutic molecular patterns in any of the discussed cancers, nor have the drugs targeting SMO or GLIs been approved for therapy. The findings of the present review may support future studies on the treatment of and/or molecular targets for gynecological and genitourinary cancers.