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Uribe RA. Genetic regulation of enteric nervous system development in zebrafish. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:177-190. [PMID: 38174765 PMCID: PMC10903509 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a complex series of interconnected neurons and glia that reside within and along the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract. ENS functions are vital to gut homeostasis and digestion, including local control of peristalsis, water balance, and intestinal cell barrier function. How the ENS develops during embryological development is a topic of great concern, as defects in ENS development can result in various diseases, the most common being Hirschsprung disease, in which variable regions of the infant gut lack ENS, with the distal colon most affected. Deciphering how the ENS forms from its progenitor cells, enteric neural crest cells, is an active area of research across various animal models. The vertebrate animal model, zebrafish, has been increasingly leveraged to understand early ENS formation, and over the past 20 years has contributed to our knowledge of the genetic regulation that underlies enteric development. In this review, I summarize our knowledge regarding the genetic regulation of zebrafish enteric neuronal development, and based on the most current literature, present a gene regulatory network inferred to underlie its construction. I also provide perspectives on areas for future zebrafish ENS research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa A. Uribe
- Biosciences Department, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, U.S.A
- Laboratory of Neural Crest and Enteric Nervous System Development, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, U.S.A
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2
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Steen EA, Basilaia M, Kim W, Getz T, Gustafson JL, Zage PE. Targeting the RET tyrosine kinase in neuroblastoma: A review and application of a novel selective drug design strategy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115751. [PMID: 37595672 PMCID: PMC10911250 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
The RET (REarranged during Transfection) gene, which encodes for a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase, is an established oncogene associated with the etiology and progression of multiple types of cancer. Oncogenic RET mutations and rearrangements resulting in gene fusions have been identified in many adult cancers, including medullary and papillary thyroid cancers, lung adenocarcinomas, colon and breast cancers, and many others. While genetic RET aberrations are much less common in pediatric solid tumors, increased RET expression has been shown to be associated with poor prognosis in children with solid tumors such as neuroblastoma, prompting an interest in RET inhibition as a form of therapy for these children. A number of kinase inhibitors currently in use for patients with cancer have RET inhibitory activity, but these inhibitors also display activity against other kinases, resulting in unwanted side effects and limiting their safety and efficacy. Recent efforts have been focused on developing more specific RET inhibitors, but due to high levels of conservation between kinase binding pockets, specificity remains a drug design challenge. Here, we review the background of RET as a potential therapeutic target in neuroblastoma tumors and the results of recent preclinical studies and clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of RET inhibition in adults and children. We also present a novel approach to drug discovery leveraging the chemical phenomenon of atropisomerism to develop specific RET inhibitors and present preliminary data demonstrating the efficacy of a novel RET inhibitor against neuroblastoma tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica A Steen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Mariam Basilaia
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - William Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Taelor Getz
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Jeffrey L Gustafson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
| | - Peter E Zage
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA; Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA.
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3
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Pecar G, Liu S, Hooda J, Atkinson JM, Oesterreich S, Lee AV. RET signaling in breast cancer therapeutic resistance and metastasis. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:26. [PMID: 36918928 PMCID: PMC10015789 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01622-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
RET, a single-pass receptor tyrosine kinase encoded on human chromosome 10, is well known to the field of developmental biology for its role in the ontogenesis of the central and enteric nervous systems and the kidney. In adults, RET alterations have been characterized as drivers of non-small cell lung cancer and multiple neuroendocrine neoplasms. In breast cancer, RET signaling networks have been shown to influence diverse functions including tumor development, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. While RET is known to drive the development and progression of multiple solid tumors, therapeutic agents selectively targeting RET are relatively new, though multiple multi-kinase inhibitors have shown promise as RET inhibitors in the past; further, RET has been historically neglected as a potential therapeutic co-target in endocrine-refractory breast cancers despite mounting evidence for a key pathologic role and repeated description of a bi-directional relationship with the estrogen receptor, the principal driver of most breast tumors. Additionally, the recent discovery of RET enrichment in breast cancer brain metastases suggests a role for RET inhibition specific to advanced disease. This review assesses the status of research on RET in breast cancer and evaluates the therapeutic potential of RET-selective kinase inhibitors across major breast cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Pecar
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, The Assembly, Room 2051, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Simeng Liu
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jagmohan Hooda
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, The Assembly, Room 2051, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Jennifer M Atkinson
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, The Assembly, Room 2051, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Steffi Oesterreich
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, The Assembly, Room 2051, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Adrian V Lee
- Women's Cancer Research Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, The Assembly, Room 2051, 5051 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
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Sunardi M, Ito K, Sato Y, Uesaka T, Iwasaki M, Enomoto H. A Single RET Mutation in Hirschsprung Disease Induces Intestinal Aganglionosis Via a Dominant-Negative Mechanism. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 15:1505-1524. [PMID: 36521661 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of the enteric nervous system (ENS). HSCR potentially involves multiple gene aberrations and displays complex patterns of inheritance. Mutations of the RET gene, encoding the RET receptor tyrosine kinase, play a central role in the pathogenesis of HSCR. Although a wide variety of coding RET mutations have been identified, their pathogenetic significance in vivo has remained largely unclear. METHODS We introduced a HSCR-associated RET missense mutation, RET(S811F), into the corresponding region (S812) of the mouse Ret gene. Pathogenetic impact of Ret(S812F) was assessed by histologic and functional analyses of the ENS and by biochemical analyses. Interactions of the Ret(S812F) allele with HSCR susceptibility genes, the RET9 allele and the Ednrb gene, were examined by genetic crossing in mice. RESULTS RetS812F/+ mice displayed intestinal aganglionosis (incidence, 50%) or hypoganglionosis (50%), impaired differentiation of enteric neurons, defecation deficits, and increased lethality. Biochemical analyses revealed that Ret(S811F) protein was not only kinase-deficient but also abrogated function of wild-type RET in trans. Moreover, the Ret(S812F) allele interacted with other HSCR susceptibility genes and caused intestinal aganglionosis with full penetrance. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that a single RET missense mutation alone induces intestinal aganglionosis via a dominant-negative mechanism. The RetS812F/+ mice model HSCR displays dominant inheritance with incomplete penetrance and serves as a valuable platform for better understanding of the pathogenetic mechanism of HSCR caused by coding RET mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukhamad Sunardi
- Division of Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ito
- Division of Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yuya Sato
- Division of Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Uesaka
- Division of Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Iwasaki
- Division of Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hideki Enomoto
- Division of Neural Differentiation and Regeneration, Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan.
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Acharya B, Frett B. An updated patent review of rearranged during transfection (RET) kinase inhibitors (2016-present). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2022; 32:1067-1077. [PMID: 36198171 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2022.2132851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rearranged during transfection (RET) is a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase. Aberrations in RET signaling due to mutations, gene fusions, or overexpression can lead to carcinomas. Six inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of RET-driven cancers: vandetanib, cabozantinib, lenvatinib, sorafenib, selpercatinib, and pralsetinib. Only selpercatinib and pralsetinib have been developed specifically for RET while the remaining are multikinase inhibitors. Several other RET targeted candidates are under clinical development. AREAS COVERED This review covers recent patent literature describing small molecules that are active against RET from 2016-present. EXPERT OPINION RET represents a major therapeutic target as its alterations occur in nearly 2% of all cancers. Recent approvals for RET targeted therapy have been developed specifically to target the RET oncogene. These approvals represent a paradigm shift from the last decade to now focus on development of selective RET inhibitors rather than multikinase inhibitors. These newly approved RET inhibitors still have clinical issues with drug resistance. It is imperative that the next iteration of RET inhibitors are developed to block common treatment resistant mutations. To accomplish this, RET inhibitors should be developed in concert with genomic profiling to ensure the most relevant clinical mutations are targeted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baku Acharya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205 (USA)
| | - Brendan Frett
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205 (USA)
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Feng G, Sun Y. The Polycomb group gene rnf2 is essential for central and enteric neural system development in zebrafish. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:960149. [PMID: 36117635 PMCID: PMC9475114 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.960149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of central nervous system (CNS) and enteric nervous system (ENS) is under precise and strict control in vertebrates. Whether and how the Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) is involved in it remain unclear. To investigate the role of PRC1 in the nervous system development, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we have generated mutant zebrafish lines for the rnf2 gene which encodes Ring1b, the enzymatic component of the PRC1 complex. We show that rnf2 loss of function leads to abnormal migration and differentiation of neural crest and neural precursor cells. rnf2 mutant embryos exhibit aganglionosis, in which the hindgut is devoid of neurons. In particular, the formation of 5-HT serotonin neurons and myelinating glial cells is defective. Furthermore, ectopic expression of ENS marker genes is observed in forebrain of rnf2 mutant embryos. These findings suggest that the rnf2 gene plays an important role in the migration and differentiation of neural precursor cells, and its absence leads to abnormal development of ENS and CNS in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Feng
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Gang Feng,
| | - Yuhua Sun
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- College of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Yuhua Sun,
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Regua AT, Najjar M, Lo HW. RET signaling pathway and RET inhibitors in human cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:932353. [PMID: 35957881 PMCID: PMC9359433 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.932353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rearranged during transfection (RET) receptor tyrosine kinase was first identified over thirty years ago as a novel transforming gene. Since its discovery and subsequent pathway characterization, RET alterations have been identified in numerous cancer types and are most prevalent in thyroid carcinomas and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In other tumor types such as breast cancer and salivary gland carcinomas, RET alterations can be found at lower frequencies. Aberrant RET activity is associated with poor prognosis of thyroid and lung carcinoma patients, and is strongly correlated with increased risk of distant metastases. RET aberrations encompass a variety of genomic or proteomic alterations, most of which confer constitutive activation of RET. Activating RET alterations, such as point mutations or gene fusions, enhance activity of signaling pathways downstream of RET, namely PI3K/AKT, RAS/RAF, MAPK, and PLCγ pathways, to promote cell proliferation, growth, and survival. Given the important role that mutant RET plays in metastatic cancers, significant efforts have been made in developing inhibitors against RET kinase activity. These efforts have led to FDA approval of Selpercatinib and Pralsetinib for NSCLC, as well as, additional selective RET inhibitors in preclinical and clinical testing. This review covers the current biological understanding of RET signaling, the impact of RET hyperactivity on tumor progression in multiple tumor types, and RET inhibitors with promising preclinical and clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina T. Regua
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Mariana Najjar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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8
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Vodopivec DM, Hu MI. RET kinase inhibitors for RET-altered thyroid cancers. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221101691. [PMID: 35756966 PMCID: PMC9218446 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221101691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision oncology has opened a new era in cancer treatment focused on targeting specific cellular pathways directly involved in tumorigenesis. The REarrangement during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene is involved in the pathogenesis of various thyroid cancer subtypes. Mutations in RET give rise to both hereditary and sporadic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). RET fusions are found in follicular cell-derived thyroid cancers (papillary, poorly differentiated, and anaplastic). Hence, drugs that block the RET tyrosine kinase receptor have been explored in the management of locally advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer. The multikinase inhibitors (MKIs) with nonselective RET inhibition are sorafenib, lenvatinib, vandetanib, cabozantinib, and sunitinib. Although the efficacy of these drugs varies, a major issue is the lack of specificity resulting in a higher rate of drug-related toxicities, leading to dose reduction, interruption, or discontinuation. Moreover, MKIs are subject to drug resistance by RET Val804 residue gatekeeper mutations. In phase I/II clinical studies, the highly selective first-generation RET inhibitors, selpercatinib and pralsetinib, demonstrate high efficacy in controlling disease even in the presence of gatekeeper mutations combined with greater tolerability. However, resistance mechanisms such as RET solvent front mutations (SFMs) have evolved in some patients, giving the need to develop the selective second-generation RET inhibitors. Although the approval of selpercatinib and pralsetinib in 2020 has profoundly benefited patients with RET-altered thyroid cancer, further research into optimal treatment strategies, mechanisms of drug resistance, long-term consequences of potent RET-inhibition, and development of more effective agents against emergent mutations are much needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danica M Vodopivec
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4000, USA
| | - Mimi I Hu
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Shima Y. Functional Importance of Mini-Puberty in Spermatogenic Stem Cell Formation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:907989. [PMID: 35573691 PMCID: PMC9096082 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.907989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Primordial germ cells nesting in the fetal testis give rise to gonocytes. The gonocytes then transform into spermatogenic stem cells (SSCs) during the neonatal period and thereafter serve as a lifetime source of spermatogenesis. Therefore, gonocyte to SSC transformation is quite an important process that supports fertility in males. During the gonocyte to SSC transformation, morphological and transcriptomic changes sequentially occur and gonocytes migrate from the center to the peripheral region of the seminiferous tubules. However, extrinsic signals which trigger the transcriptomic changes as well as the migration are not yet fully clarified. Recent studies have drawn attention to the temporal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during the neonatal stage which occurs concurrently with SSC formation. This phenomenon is called mini-puberty, and recent studies on human cryptorchid patients as well as animal models partially support the hypothesis that mini-puberty plays pivotal roles in gonocyte-to-SSC transformation. Focusing on this point, here, we aimed to discuss the latest knowledge on the importance of mini-puberty in spermatogenesis in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Shima
- Division of Microscopic and Developmental Anatomy, Department of Anatomy, Kurume University School of Medicine, Fukuoka, Japan
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10
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Kasak L, Lillepea K, Nagirnaja L, Aston KI, Schlegel PN, Gonçalves J, Carvalho F, Moreno-Mendoza D, Almstrup K, Eisenberg ML, Jarvi KA, O’Bryan MK, Lopes AM, Conrad DF. Actionable secondary findings following exome sequencing of 836 non-obstructive azoospermia cases and their value in patient management. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:1652-1663. [PMID: 35535697 PMCID: PMC9631463 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the load, distribution and added clinical value of secondary findings (SFs) identified in exome sequencing (ES) of patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA)? SUMMARY ANSWER One in 28 NOA cases carried an identifiable, medically actionable SF. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In addition to molecular diagnostics, ES allows assessment of clinically actionable disease-related gene variants that are not connected to the patient's primary diagnosis, but the knowledge of which may allow the prevention, delay or amelioration of late-onset monogenic conditions. Data on SFs in specific clinical patient groups, including reproductive failure, are currently limited. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The study group was a retrospective cohort of patients with NOA recruited in 10 clinics across six countries and formed in the framework of the international GEMINI (The GEnetics of Male INfertility Initiative) study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS ES data of 836 patients with NOA were exploited to analyze SFs in 85 genes recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), Geisinger's MyCode, and Clinical Genome Resource. The identified 6374 exonic variants were annotated with ANNOVAR and filtered for allele frequency, retaining 1381 rare or novel missense and loss-of-function variants. After automatic assessment of pathogenicity with ClinVar and InterVar, 87 variants were manually curated. The final list of confident disease-causing SFs was communicated to the corresponding GEMINI centers. When patient consent had been given, available family health history and non-andrological medical data were retrospectively assessed. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found a 3.6% total frequency of SFs, 3.3% from the 59 ACMG SF v2.0 genes. One in 70 patients carried SFs in genes linked to familial cancer syndromes, whereas 1 in 60 cases was predisposed to congenital heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions. Retrospective assessment confirmed clinico-molecular diagnoses in several cases. Notably, 37% (11/30) of patients with SFs carried variants in genes linked to male infertility in mice, suggesting that some SFs may have a co-contributing role in spermatogenic impairment. Further studies are needed to determine whether these observations represent chance findings or the profile of SFs in NOA patients is indeed different from the general population. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION One limitation of our cohort was the low proportion of non-Caucasian ethnicities (9%). Additionally, as comprehensive clinical data were not available retrospectively for all men with SFs, we were not able to confirm a clinico-molecular diagnosis and assess the penetrance of the specific variants. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS For the first time, this study analyzed medically actionable SFs in men with spermatogenic failure. With the evolving process to incorporate ES into routine andrology practice for molecular diagnostic purposes, additional assessment of SFs can inform about future significant health concerns for infertility patients. Timely detection of SFs and respective genetic counseling will broaden options for disease prevention and early treatment, as well as inform choices and opportunities regarding family planning. A notable fraction of SFs was detected in genes implicated in maintaining genome integrity, essential in both mitosis and meiosis. Thus, potential genetic pleiotropy may exist between certain adult-onset monogenic diseases and NOA. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Estonian Research Council grants IUT34-12 and PRG1021 (M.L. and M.P.); National Institutes of Health of the United States of America grant R01HD078641 (D.F.C., K.I.A. and P.N.S.); National Institutes of Health of the United States of America grant P50HD096723 (D.F.C. and P.N.S.); National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia grant APP1120356 (M.K.O'B., D.F.C. and K.I.A.); Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT)/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação grant POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007274 (A.M.L., F.C. and J.G.) and FCT: IF/01262/2014 (A.M.L.). J.G. was partially funded by FCT/Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior (MCTES), through the Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health-ToxOmics (grants UID/BIM/00009/2016 and UIDB/00009/2020). M.L.E. is a consultant for, and holds stock in, Roman, Sandstone, Dadi, Hannah, Underdog and has received funding from NIH/NICHD. Co-authors L.K., K.L., L.N., K.I.A., P.N.S., J.G., F.C., D.M.-M., K.A., K.A.J., M.K.O'B., A.M.L., D.F.C., M.P. and M.L. declare no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kasak
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kristiina Lillepea
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Liina Nagirnaja
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - Kenneth I Aston
- Andrology and IVF Laboratory, Department of Surgery (Urology), University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Peter N Schlegel
- Department of Urology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - João Gonçalves
- Departamento de Genética Humana, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal,Centre for Toxicogenomics and Human Health—ToxOmics, Nova Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipa Carvalho
- Serviço de Genética, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniel Moreno-Mendoza
- Andrology Department, Fundació Puigvert, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sant Pau (IIB-Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain,Department of Urology, Hospital Francisco Grande Covián, Arriondas, Asturias, Spain
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark,International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael L Eisenberg
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Keith A Jarvi
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Moira K O’Bryan
- School of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alexandra M Lopes
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal,IPATIMUP—Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Donald F Conrad
- Division of Genetics, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, USA
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Saha D, Ryan KR, Lakkaniga NR, Acharya B, Garcia NG, Smith EL, Frett B. Targeting Rearranged during Transfection in Cancer: A Perspective on Small-Molecule Inhibitors and Their Clinical Development. J Med Chem 2021; 64:11747-11773. [PMID: 34402300 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c02167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rearranged during transfection (RET) is a receptor tyrosine kinase essential for the normal development and maturation of a diverse range of tissues. Aberrant RET signaling in cancers, due to RET mutations, gene fusions, and overexpression, results in the activation of downstream pathways promoting survival, growth, and metastasis. Pharmacological manipulation of RET is effective in treating RET-driven cancers, and efforts toward developing RET-specific therapies have increased over the last 5 years. In 2020, RET-selective inhibitors pralsetinib and selpercatinib achieved clinical approval, which marked the first approvals for kinase inhibitors specifically developed to target the RET oncoprotein. This Perspective discusses current development and clinical applications for RET precision medicine by providing an overview of the incremental improvement of kinase inhibitors for use in RET-driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasmita Saha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 United States
| | - Katie Rose Ryan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 United States
| | - Naga Rajiv Lakkaniga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 United States
| | - Baku Acharya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 United States
| | - Noemi Garcia Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 United States
| | - Erica Lane Smith
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 United States
| | - Brendan Frett
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 United States
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12
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Zhu FB, Gou QH, Zhao LY. The Efficacy and Safety of RET-selective Inhibitors for Cancer Patients. JOURNAL OF EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 000:000-000. [DOI: 10.14218/jerp.2020.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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13
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Soret R, Schneider S, Bernas G, Christophers B, Souchkova O, Charrier B, Righini-Grunder F, Aspirot A, Landry M, Kembel SW, Faure C, Heuckeroth RO, Pilon N. Glial Cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Induces Enteric Neurogenesis and Improves Colon Structure and Function in Mouse Models of Hirschsprung Disease. Gastroenterology 2020; 159:1824-1838.e17. [PMID: 32687927 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a life-threatening birth defect in which the distal colon is devoid of enteric neural ganglia. HSCR is treated by surgical removal of aganglionic bowel, but many children continue to have severe problems after surgery. We studied whether administration of glial cell derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) induces enteric nervous system regeneration in mouse models of HSCR. METHODS We performed studies with four mouse models of HSCR: Holstein (HolTg/Tg, a model for trisomy 21-associated HSCR), TashT (TashTTg/Tg, a model for male-biased HSCR), Piebald-lethal (Ednrbs-l//s-l, a model for EDNRB mutation-associated HSCR), and Ret9/- (with aganglionosis induced by mycophenolate). Mice were given rectal enemas containing GDNF or saline (control) from postnatal days 4 through 8. We measured survival times of mice, and colon tissues were analyzed by histology, immunofluorescence, and immunoblots. Neural ganglia regeneration and structure, bowel motility, epithelial permeability, muscle thickness, and neutrophil infiltration were studied in colon tissues and in mice. Stool samples were collected, and microbiomes were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Time-lapse imaging and genetic cell-lineage tracing were used to identify a source of GDNF-targeted neural progenitors. Human aganglionic colon explants from children with HSCR were cultured with GDNF and evaluated for neurogenesis. RESULTS GDNF significantly prolonged mean survival times of HolTg/Tg mice, Ednrbs-l//s-l mice, and male TashTTg/Tg mice, compared with control mice, but not Ret9/- mice (which had mycophenolate toxicity). Mice given GDNF developed neurons and glia in distal bowel tissues that were aganglionic in control mice, had a significant increase in colon motility, and had significant decreases in epithelial permeability, muscle thickness, and neutrophil density. We observed dysbiosis in fecal samples from HolTg/Tg mice compared with feces from wild-type mice; fecal microbiomes of mice given GDNF were similar to those of wild-type mice except for Bacteroides. Exogenous luminal GDNF penetrated aganglionic colon epithelium of HolTg/Tg mice, inducing production of endogenous GDNF, and new enteric neurons and glia appeared to arise from Schwann cells within extrinsic nerves. GDNF application to cultured explants of human aganglionic bowel induced proliferation of Schwann cells and formation of new neurons. CONCLUSIONS GDNF prolonged survival, induced enteric neurogenesis, and improved colon structure and function in 3 mouse models of HSCR. Application of GDNF to cultured explants of aganglionic bowel from children with HSCR induced proliferation of Schwann cells and formation of new neurons. GDNF might be developed for treatment of HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolphe Soret
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines-Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sabine Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Guillaume Bernas
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Briana Christophers
- Department of Pediatrics, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ouliana Souchkova
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines-Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Baptiste Charrier
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines-Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Franziska Righini-Grunder
- Division de gastroentérologie, hépatologie et nutrition pédiatrique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ann Aspirot
- Division de chirurgie pédiatrique, Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mathieu Landry
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Steven W Kembel
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines-Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Christophe Faure
- Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines-Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Division de gastroentérologie, hépatologie et nutrition pédiatrique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Robert O Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Nicolas Pilon
- Département des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre d'excellence en recherche sur les maladies orphelines-Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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14
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Parekh PA, Garcia TX, Hofmann MC. Regulation of GDNF expression in Sertoli cells. Reproduction 2020; 157:R95-R107. [PMID: 30620720 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sertoli cells regulate male germ cell proliferation and differentiation and are a critical component of the spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche, where homeostasis is maintained by the interplay of several signaling pathways and growth factors. These factors are secreted by Sertoli cells located within the seminiferous epithelium, and by interstitial cells residing between the seminiferous tubules. Sertoli cells and peritubular myoid cells produce glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which binds to the RET/GFRA1 receptor complex at the surface of undifferentiated spermatogonia. GDNF is known for its ability to drive SSC self-renewal and proliferation of their direct cell progeny. Even though the effects of GDNF are well studied, our understanding of the regulation its expression is still limited. The purpose of this review is to discuss how GDNF expression in Sertoli cells is modulated within the niche, and how these mechanisms impact germ cell homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parag A Parekh
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas X Garcia
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marie-Claude Hofmann
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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15
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Kuroki S, Maeda R, Yano M, Kitano S, Miyachi H, Fukuda M, Shinkai Y, Tachibana M. H3K9 Demethylases JMJD1A and JMJD1B Control Prospermatogonia to Spermatogonia Transition in Mouse Germline. Stem Cell Reports 2020; 15:424-438. [PMID: 32679061 PMCID: PMC7419704 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) methylation is dynamically regulated by methyltransferases and demethylases. In spermatogenesis, prospermatogonia differentiate into differentiating or undifferentiated spermatogonia after birth. However, the epigenetic regulation of prospermatogonia to spermatogonia transition is largely unknown. We found that perinatal prospermatogonia have extremely low levels of di-methylated H3K9 (H3K9me2) and that H3K9 demethylases, JMJD1A and JMJD1B, catalyze H3K9me2 demethylation in perinatal prospermatogonia. Depletion of JMJD1A and JMJD1B in the embryonic germline resulted in complete loss of male germ cells after puberty, indicating that H3K9me2 demethylation is essential for male germline maintenance. JMJD1A/JMJD1B-depleted germ cells were unable to differentiate into functional spermatogonia. JMJD1 isozymes contributed to activation of several spermatogonial stem cell maintenance genes through H3K9 demethylation during the prospermatogonia to spermatogonia transition, which we propose is key for spermatogonia development. In summary, JMJD1A/JMJD1B-mediated H3K9me2 demethylation promotes prospermatogonia to differentiate into functional spermatogonia by establishing proper gene expression profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Kuroki
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ryo Maeda
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masashi Yano
- Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
| | - Satsuki Kitano
- Experimental Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin, Kawara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8597, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Miyachi
- Experimental Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Institute for Virus Research, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin, Kawara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8597, Japan
| | - Mikiko Fukuda
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Shogoin, Kawara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 606-8597, Japan
| | - Yoichi Shinkai
- Cellular Memory Laboratory, Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Makoto Tachibana
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan.
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16
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Law NC, Oatley JM. Developmental underpinnings of spermatogonial stem cell establishment. Andrology 2020; 8:852-861. [PMID: 32356598 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The germline serves as a conduit for transmission of genetic and epigenetic information from one generation to the next. In males, spermatozoa are the final carriers of inheritance and their continual production is supported by a foundational population of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) that forms from prospermatogonial precursors during the early stages of neonatal development. In mammals, the timing for which SSCs are specified and the underlying mechanisms guiding this process remain to be completely understood. OBJECTIVES To propose an evolving concept for how the foundational SSC population is established. MATERIALS AND METHODS This review summarizes recent and historical findings from peer-reviewed publications made primarily with mouse models while incorporating limited studies from humans and livestock. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Establishment of the SSC population appears to follow a biphasic pattern involving a period of fate programming followed by an establishment phase that culminates in formation of the SSC population. This model for establishment of the foundational SSC population from precursors is anticipated to extend across mammalian species and include humans and livestock, albeit on different timescales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C Law
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Jon M Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
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17
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Subbiah V, Yang D, Velcheti V, Drilon A, Meric-Bernstam F. State-of-the-Art Strategies for Targeting RET-Dependent Cancers. J Clin Oncol 2020; 38:1209-1221. [PMID: 32083997 DOI: 10.1200/jco.19.02551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating receptor tyrosine kinase RET (rarranged during transfection) gene alterations have been identified as oncogenic in multiple malignancies. RET gene rearrangements retaining the kinase domain are oncogenic drivers in papillary thyroid cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, and multiple other cancers. Activating RET mutations are associated with different phenotypes of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 as well as sporadic medullary thyroid cancer. RET is thus an attractive therapeutic target in patients with oncogenic RET alterations. Multikinase inhibitors with RET inhibitor activity, such as cabozantinib and vandetanib, have been explored in the clinic for tumors with activating RET gene alterations with modest clinical efficacy. As a result of the nonselective nature of these multikinase inhibitors, patients had off-target adverse effects, such as hypertension, rash, and diarrhea. This resulted in a narrow therapeutic index of these drugs, limiting ability to dose for clinically effective RET inhibition. In contrast, the recent discovery and clinical validation of highly potent selective RET inhibitors (pralsetinib, selpercatinib) demonstrating improved efficacy and a more favorable toxicity profile are poised to alter the landscape of RET-dependent cancers. These drugs appear to have broad activity across tumors with activating RET alterations. The mechanisms of resistance to these next-generation highly selective RET inhibitors is an area of active research. This review summarizes the current understanding of RET alterations and the state-of-the-art treatment strategies in RET-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Subbiah
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.,Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.,MD Anderson Cancer Network, Houston, TX
| | - Dong Yang
- Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | | | - Alexander Drilon
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Early Drug Development Service, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX.,Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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18
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Gene- and tissue-level interactions in normal gastrointestinal development and Hirschsprung disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:26697-26708. [PMID: 31818953 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1908756116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the gut from endodermal tissue to an organ with multiple distinct structures and functions occurs over a prolonged time during embryonic days E10.5-E14.5 in the mouse. During this process, one major event is innervation of the gut by enteric neural crest cells (ENCCs) to establish the enteric nervous system (ENS). To understand the molecular processes underpinning gut and ENS development, we generated RNA-sequencing profiles from wild-type mouse guts at E10.5, E12.5, and E14.5 from both sexes. We also generated these profiles from homozygous Ret null embryos, a model for Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), in which the ENS is absent. These data reveal 4 major features: 1) between E10.5 and E14.5 the developmental genetic programs change from expression of major transcription factors and its modifiers to genes controlling tissue (epithelium, muscle, endothelium) specialization; 2) the major effect of Ret is not only on ENCC differentiation to enteric neurons but also on the enteric mesenchyme and epithelium; 3) a muscle genetic program exerts significant effects on ENS development; and 4) sex differences in gut development profiles are minor. The genetic programs identified, and their changes across development, suggest that both cell autonomous and nonautonomous factors, and interactions between the different developing gut tissues, are important for normal ENS development and its disorders.
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19
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Teshima THN, Tucker AS, Lourenço SV. Dual Sympathetic Input into Developing Salivary Glands. J Dent Res 2019; 98:1122-1130. [PMID: 31356755 DOI: 10.1177/0022034519865222] [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] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal signaling is known to be required for salivary gland development, with parasympathetic nerves interacting with the surrounding tissues from early stages to maintain a progenitor cell population and control morphogenesis. In contrast, postganglionic sympathetic nerves arrive late in salivary gland development to perform a secretory function; however, no previous report has shown their role during development. Here, we show that a subset of neuronal cells within the parasympathetic submandibular ganglion (PSG) express the catecholaminergic marker tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in developing murine and human submandibular glands. This sympathetic phenotype coincided with the expression of transcription factor Hand2 within the PSG from the bud stage (E12.5) of mouse embryonic salivary gland development. Hand2 was previously associated with the decision of neural crest cells to become sympathetic in other systems, suggesting a role in controlling neuronal fate in the salivary gland. The PSG therefore provides a population of TH-expressing neurons prior to the arrival of the postganglionic sympathetic axons from the superior cervical ganglion at E15.5. In culture, in the absence of nerves from the superior cervical ganglion, these PSG-derived TH neurons were clearly evident forming a network around the gland. Chemical ablation of dopamine receptors in explant culture with the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine at early stages of gland development resulted in specific loss of the TH-positive neurons from the PSG, and subsequent branching was inhibited. Taken altogether, these results highlight for the first time the detailed developmental time course of TH-expressing neurons during murine salivary gland development and suggest a role for these neurons in branching morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H N Teshima
- 1 Department of Stomatology, Dental School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,2 Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Guy's Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A S Tucker
- 2 Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Guy's Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - S V Lourenço
- 1 Department of Stomatology, Dental School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Schill EM, Wright CM, Jamil A, LaCombe JM, Roper RJ, Heuckeroth RO. Down syndrome mouse models have an abnormal enteric nervous system. JCI Insight 2019; 5:124510. [PMID: 30998504 PMCID: PMC6629165 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.124510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome [DS]) have a 130-fold increased incidence of Hirschsprung Disease (HSCR), a developmental defect where the enteric nervous system (ENS) is missing from distal bowel (i.e., distal bowel is aganglionic). Treatment for HSCR is surgical resection of aganglionic bowel, but many children have bowel problems after surgery. Post-surgical problems like enterocolitis and soiling are especially common in children with DS. To determine how trisomy 21 affects ENS development, we evaluated the ENS in two DS mouse models, Ts65Dn and Tc1. These mice are trisomic for many chromosome 21 homologous genes, including Dscam and Dyrk1a, which are hypothesized to contribute to HSCR risk. Ts65Dn and Tc1 mice have normal ENS precursor migration at E12.5 and almost normal myenteric plexus structure as adults. However, Ts65Dn and Tc1 mice have markedly reduced submucosal plexus neuron density throughout the bowel. Surprisingly, the submucosal neuron defect in Ts65Dn mice is not due to excess Dscam or Dyrk1a, since normalizing copy number for these genes does not rescue the defect. These findings suggest the possibility that the high frequency of bowel problems in children with DS and HSCR may occur because of additional unrecognized problems with ENS structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M. Schill
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina M. Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alisha Jamil
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan M. LaCombe
- Department of Biology, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Randall J. Roper
- Department of Biology, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Robert O. Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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21
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Larose H, Shami AN, Abbott H, Manske G, Lei L, Hammoud SS. Gametogenesis: A journey from inception to conception. Curr Top Dev Biol 2019; 132:257-310. [PMID: 30797511 PMCID: PMC7133493 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gametogenesis, the process of forming mature germ cells, is an integral part of both an individual's and a species' health and well-being. This chapter focuses on critical male and female genetic and epigenetic processes underlying normal gamete formation through their differentiation to fertilization. Finally, we explore how knowledge gained from this field has contributed to progress in areas with great clinical promise, such as in vitro gametogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Larose
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Haley Abbott
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Gabriel Manske
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Lei Lei
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Saher Sue Hammoud
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Urology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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22
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Liu H, Huang Y, Li J. Bioinformatic analysis for the identification of key candidate genes and pathways in the substantia nigra in Parkinson's disease. J Integr Neurosci 2018; 17:619-631. [PMID: 30010140 DOI: 10.3233/jin-180091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is one of the most common diseases in the elderly population, and the substantia nigra is generally involved in the disease process; however, the signaling pathways and related genes underlying Parkinson's disease remain unclear. This study integrated three cohorts of profile datasets to elucidate the potential key candidate genes and pathways in Parkinson's disease. The expression profiles of GSE8397, GSE20186 and GSE49036 were included 55 available substantia nigra tissue samples from individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and 33 substantia nigra tissue samples from healthy controls. These samples were integrated and thoroughly analyzed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were sorted, and candidate genes and pathway enrichments were analyzed. A DEG-associated protein-protein interaction network analysis was performed. 27 shared downregulated DEGs were identified from the three GSE datasets. The DEGs were clustered based on function and signaling pathway with significant enrichment analysis. 52 edges were identified from the DEG protein-protein interaction network complex, which included dopamine metabolism, nerve conduction, reduced neuronal toxicity and proliferation pathways. Using integrated bioinformatic analysis, we identified candidate genes and pathways in Parkinson's disease that could improve our understanding of underlying molecular events, which could be potential therapeutic targets for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Liu
- The Department of Internal Neurology, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yongjun Huang
- The Department of Internal Neurology, Beijing Geriatric Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinyi Li
- The Department of Urology, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, US
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23
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Lin Z, Tong MH. m 6A mRNA modification regulates mammalian spermatogenesis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1862:403-411. [PMID: 30391644 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly specialized differentiation process involving precise regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and translational levels. Emerging evidence has shown that N6-methyladenosine (m6A), an epitranscriptomic regulator of gene expression, can influence pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA export, turnover, and translation, which are controlled in the male germline to ensure coordinated gene expression. In this review, we summarize the typical features of m6A RNA modification on mRNA during male germline development, and highlight the function of writers, erasers, and readers of m6A during mouse spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ming-Han Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
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24
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Takashima S. Biology and manipulation technologies of male germline stem cells in mammals. Reprod Med Biol 2018; 17:398-406. [PMID: 30377393 PMCID: PMC6194257 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the origin of sperm and defined by their functions of "colonization in the testis" and "spermatogenesis". In vitro manipulation techniques of SSCs contribute to a wide variety of fields including reproductive medicine and molecular breeding. This review presents the recent progress of the biology and manipulation technologies of SSCs. METHODS Research articles regarding SSC biology and technologies were collected and summarized. MAIN FINDINGS Dr. Ralph Brinster developed the spermatogonial transplantation technique that enables SSC detection by functional markers. Using this technique, cultured SSCs, termed germline stem (GS) cells, were established from the mouse. GS cells provide the opportunity to produce genome-edited animals without using zygotes. In vitro spermatogenesis allows production of haploid germ cells from GS cells without spermatogonial transplantation. The recent advancement of pluripotent stem cell culture techniques has also achieved production of functional GS-like cells in addition to male/female germ cells. CONCLUSION Although in vitro manipulation techniques of GS cells have been developed for the mouse, it appears to be difficult to apply these techniques to other species. Understanding and control of interspecies barriers are required to extend this technology to nonrodent mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Takashima
- Faculty of Textile Science and TechnologyShinshu UniversityUedaJapan
- Graduate school of Science and TechnologyShinshu UniversityUedaJapan
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25
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Wei C, Lin H, Cui S. The Forkhead Transcription Factor FOXC2 Is Required for Maintaining Murine Spermatogonial Stem Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2018; 27:624-636. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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26
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Takashima S, Shinohara T. Culture and transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells. Stem Cell Res 2018; 29:46-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
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27
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Sinha D, Kalimutho M, Bowles J, Chan AL, Merriner DJ, Bain AL, Simmons JL, Freire R, Lopez JA, Hobbs RM, O'Bryan MK, Khanna KK. Cep55 overexpression causes male-specific sterility in mice by suppressing Foxo1 nuclear retention through sustained activation of PI3K/Akt signaling. FASEB J 2018; 32:4984-4999. [PMID: 29683733 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701096rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis is a dynamic process involving self-renewal and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells, meiosis, and ultimately, the differentiation of haploid spermatids into sperm. Centrosomal protein 55 kDa (CEP55) is necessary for somatic cell abscission during cytokinesis. It facilitates equal segregation of cytoplasmic contents between daughter cells by recruiting endosomal sorting complex required for transport machinery (ESCRT) at the midbody. In germ cells, CEP55, in partnership with testes expressed-14 (TEX14) protein, has also been shown to be an integral component of intercellular bridge before meiosis. Various in vitro studies have demonstrated a role for CEP55 in multiple cancers and other diseases. However, its oncogenic potential in vivo remains elusive. To investigate, we generated ubiquitously overexpressing Cep55 transgenic ( Cep55Tg/Tg) mice aiming to characterize its oncogenic role in cancer. Unexpectedly, we found that Cep55Tg/Tg male mice were sterile and had severe and progressive defects in spermatogenesis related to spermatogenic arrest and lack of spermatids in the testes. In this study, we characterized this male-specific phenotype and showed that excessively high levels of Cep55 results in hyperactivation of PI3K/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling in testis. In line with this finding, we observed increased phosphorylation of forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), and suppression of its nuclear retention, along with the relative enrichment of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (PLZF) -positive cells. Independently, we observed that Cep55 amplification favored upregulation of ret ( Ret) proto-oncogene and glial-derived neurotrophic factor family receptor α-1 ( Gfra1). Consistent with these data, we observed selective down-regulation of genes associated with germ cell differentiation in Cep55-overexpressing testes at postnatal day 10, including early growth response-4 ( Egr4) and spermatogenesis and oogenesis specific basic helix-loop-helix-1 ( Sohlh1). Thus, Cep55 amplification leads to a shift toward the initial maintenance of undifferentiated spermatogonia and ultimately results in progressive germ cell loss. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Cep55 overexpression causes change in germ cell proportions and manifests as a Sertoli cell only tubule phenotype, similar to that seen in many azoospermic men.-Sinha, D., Kalimutho, M., Bowles, J., Chan, A.-L., Merriner, D. J., Bain, A. L., Simmons, J. L., Freire, R., Lopez, J. A., Hobbs, R. M., O'Bryan, M. K., Khanna, K. K. Cep55 overexpression causes male-specific sterility in mice by suppressing Foxo1 nuclear retention through sustained activation of PI3K/Akt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debottam Sinha
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,School of Natural Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Murugan Kalimutho
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,School of Natural Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ai-Leen Chan
- Germline Stem Cell Laboratory, Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - D Jo Merriner
- Male Infertility and Germ Cell Biology Laboratory, the School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - Amanda L Bain
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jacinta L Simmons
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Raimundo Freire
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Tenerife, Spain
| | - J Alejandro Lopez
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia.,School of Natural Sciences, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robin M Hobbs
- Germline Stem Cell Laboratory, Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute and Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Moira K O'Bryan
- Male Infertility and Germ Cell Biology Laboratory, the School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia; and
| | - Kum Kum Khanna
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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28
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Shah MA, Xu C, Wu S, Zhao W, Luo H, Yi C, Liu W, Cai X. Isolation and characterization of spermatogenic cells from cattle, yak and cattleyak. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 193:182-190. [PMID: 29685708 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2018.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Cattleyak forms the first generation in the cross-breeding of cattle (Bos taurus) and yak (Bos grunniens), the purpose of which is to increase the yak's performance in meat and milk production. The female cattleyak is fertile while the male remains sterile due to spermatogenic arrest. The spermatogenic cells (including spermatogonia and spermatocytes) of cattle, yak and cattleyak have not been successfully isolated so far. In this work, spermatogenic cells were isolated from these bovid species with the STA-PUT method that has been previously used for germ cell sorting in human and mouse, and the isolated cells could be used to investigate the mechanisms involved in male sterility observed in cattleyak. The characteristics and size of the isolated cells were investigated through microscopic examination, and the cell types were identified by RT-PCR amplification of the marker genes. The purity of spermatogonia and spermatocytes isolated from each bovid species was found to be higher than 85%. The spermatogonium diameter of cattle (10.10 ± 1.04 μm) and yak (14.90 ± 2.30 μm) were significantly larger (P < 0.01) than that of cattleyak (8.60 ± 0.92 μm). The spermatocyte diameter of cattle (19.40 ± 1.50 μm) and yak (20.50 ± 2.42 μm) were also significantly larger (P < 0.01) than that of cattleyak (17.70 ± 2.05 μm). Therefore, the STA-PUT was again validated to be a convenient, economical and efficient method for isolation of spermatogenic cells as it yields more cells within a short time frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujahid Ali Shah
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanfei Xu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Shixin Wu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Wangsheng Zhao
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui Luo
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Chuanping Yi
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Cai
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang, 621010, Sichuan, China.
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29
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Hirschsprung disease - integrating basic science and clinical medicine to improve outcomes. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 15:152-167. [PMID: 29300049 DOI: 10.1038/nrgastro.2017.149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease is defined by the absence of enteric neurons at the end of the bowel. The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the intrinsic nervous system of the bowel and regulates most aspects of bowel function. When the ENS is missing, there are no neurally mediated propulsive motility patterns, and the bowel remains contracted, causing functional obstruction. Symptoms of Hirschsprung disease include constipation, vomiting, abdominal distension and growth failure. Untreated disease usually causes death in childhood because bloodstream bacterial infections occur in the context of bowel inflammation (enterocolitis) or bowel perforation. Current treatment is surgical resection of the bowel to remove or bypass regions where the ENS is missing, but many children have problems after surgery. Although the anatomy of Hirschsprung disease is simple, many clinical features remain enigmatic, and diagnosis and management remain challenging. For example, the age of presentation and the type of symptoms that occur vary dramatically among patients, even though every affected child has missing neurons in the distal bowel at birth. In this Review, basic science discoveries are linked to clinical manifestations of Hirschsprung disease, including partial penetrance, enterocolitis and genetics. Insights into disease mechanisms that might lead to new prevention, diagnostic and treatment strategies are described.
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30
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Castellone MD, Melillo RM. RET-mediated modulation of tumor microenvironment and immune response in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:T105-T119. [PMID: 28931560 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTC) arise from thyroid parafollicular, calcitonin-producing C-cells and can occur either as sporadic or as hereditary diseases in the context of familial syndromes, including multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A (MEN2A), multiple endocrine neoplasia 2B (MEN2B) and familial MTC (FMTC). In a large fraction of sporadic cases, and virtually in all inherited cases of MTC, activating point mutations of the RET proto-oncogene are found. RET encodes for a receptor tyrosine kinase protein endowed with transforming potential on thyroid parafollicular cells. As in other cancer types, microenvironmental factors play a critical role in MTC. Tumor-associated extracellular matrix, stromal cells and immune cells interact and influence the behavior of cancer cells both in a tumor-promoting and in a tumor-suppressing manner. Several studies have shown that, besides the neoplastic transformation of thyroid C-cells, a profound modification of tumor microenvironment has been associated to the RET FMTC/MEN2-associated oncoproteins. They influence the surrounding stroma, activating cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), promoting cancer-associated inflammation and suppressing anti-cancer immune response. These mechanisms might be exploited to develop innovative anti-cancer therapies and novel prognostic tools in the context of familial, RET-associated MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosa Marina Melillo
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR 'G. Salvatore'Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie MedicheUniversity of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
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31
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Hoshi M, Reginensi A, Joens MS, Fitzpatrick JAJ, McNeill H, Jain S. Reciprocal Spatiotemporally Controlled Apoptosis Regulates Wolffian Duct Cloaca Fusion. J Am Soc Nephrol 2018; 29:775-783. [PMID: 29326158 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017040380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial Wolffian duct (WD) inserts into the cloaca (primitive bladder) before metanephric kidney development, thereby establishing the initial plumbing for eventual joining of the ureters and bladder. Defects in this process cause common anomalies in the spectrum of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT). However, developmental, cellular, and molecular mechanisms of WD-cloaca fusion are poorly understood. Through systematic analysis of early WD tip development in mice, we discovered that a novel process of spatiotemporally regulated apoptosis in WD and cloaca was necessary for WD-cloaca fusion. Aberrant RET tyrosine kinase signaling through tyrosine (Y) 1062, to which PI3K- or ERK-activating proteins dock, or Y1015, to which PLCγ docks, has been shown to cause CAKUT-like defects. Cloacal apoptosis did not occur in RetY1062F mutants, in which WDs did not reach the cloaca, or in RetY1015F mutants, in which WD tips reached the cloaca but did not fuse. Moreover, inhibition of ERK or apoptosis prevented WD-cloaca fusion in cultures, and WD-specific genetic deletion of YAP attenuated cloacal apoptosis and WD-cloacal fusion in vivo Thus, cloacal apoptosis requires direct contact and signals from the WD tip and is necessary for WD-cloacal fusion. These findings may explain the mechanisms of many CAKUT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Hoshi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine
| | - Antoine Reginensi
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - James A J Fitzpatrick
- Center for Cellular Imaging.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology.,Department of Neuroscience, and
| | - Helen McNeill
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sanjay Jain
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, .,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri; and
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32
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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 2017; 433:17-32. [PMID: 29108781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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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33
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Kapoor A, Auer DR, Lee D, Chatterjee S, Chakravarti A. Testing the Ret and Sema3d genetic interaction in mouse enteric nervous system development. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:1811-1820. [PMID: 28334784 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
For most multigenic disorders, clinical manifestation (penetrance) and presentation (expressivity) are likely to be an outcome of genetic interaction between multiple susceptibility genes. Here, using gene knockouts in mice, we evaluated genetic interaction between loss of Ret and loss of Sema3d, two Hirschsprung disease susceptibility genes. We intercrossed Ret and Sema3d double null heterozygotes to generate mice with the nine possible genotypes and assessed survival by counting various genotypes, myenteric plexus presence by acetylcholinesterase staining and embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5) intestine transcriptome by RNA-sequencing. Survival rates of Ret wild-type, null heterozygote and null homozygote mice at E12.5, birth and weaning were not influenced by the genotypes at Sema3d locus and vice versa. Loss of myenteric plexus was observed only in all Ret null homozygotes, irrespective of the genotypes at Sema3d locus, and Sema3d null heterozygote and homozygote mice had normal intestinal innervation. As compared with wild-type mice intestinal gene expression, loss of Ret in null homozygotes led to differential expression of ∼300 genes, whereas loss of Sema3d in null homozygotes had no major consequence and there was no evidence supporting major interaction between the two genes influencing intestine transcriptome. Overall, given the null alleles and phenotypic assays used, we did not find evidence for genetic interaction between Ret and Sema3d affecting survival, presence of myenteric plexus or intestine transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Kapoor
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dallas R Auer
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dongwon Lee
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sumantra Chatterjee
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Aravinda Chakravarti
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Park HJ, Bolton EC. RET-mediated glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor signaling inhibits mouse prostate development. Development 2017; 144:2282-2293. [PMID: 28506996 DOI: 10.1242/dev.145086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
In humans and rodents, the prostate gland develops from the embryonic urogenital sinus (UGS). The androgen receptor (AR) is thought to control the expression of morphogenetic genes in inductive UGS mesenchyme, which promotes proliferation and cytodifferentiation of the prostatic epithelium. However, the nature of the AR-regulated morphogenetic genes and the mechanisms whereby AR controls prostate development are not understood. Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) binds GDNF family receptor α1 (GFRα1) and signals through activation of RET tyrosine kinase. Gene disruption studies in mice have revealed essential roles for GDNF signaling in development; however, its role in prostate development is unexplored. Here, we establish novel roles of GDNF signaling in mouse prostate development. Using an organ culture system for prostate development and Ret mutant mice, we demonstrate that RET-mediated GDNF signaling in UGS increases proliferation of mesenchyme cells and suppresses androgen-induced proliferation and differentiation of prostate epithelial cells, inhibiting prostate development. We also identify Ar as a GDNF-repressed gene and Gdnf and Gfrα1 as androgen-repressed genes in UGS, thus establishing reciprocal regulatory crosstalk between AR and GDNF signaling in prostate development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Jung Park
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Eric C Bolton
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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35
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Potter SJ, DeFalco T. Role of the testis interstitial compartment in spermatogonial stem cell function. Reproduction 2017; 153:R151-R162. [PMID: 28115580 DOI: 10.1530/rep-16-0588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Intricate cellular and molecular interactions ensure that spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) proceed in a step-wise differentiation process through spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis to produce sperm. SSCs lie within the seminiferous tubule compartment, which provides a nurturing environment for the development of sperm. Cells outside of the tubules, such as interstitial and peritubular cells, also help direct SSC activity. This review focuses on interstitial (interstitial macrophages, Leydig cells and vasculature) and peritubular (peritubular macrophages and peritubular myoid cells) cells and their role in regulating the SSC self-renewal and differentiation in mammals. Leydig cells, the major steroidogenic cells in the testis, influence SSCs through secreted factors, such as insulin growth factor 1 (IGF1) and colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1). Macrophages interact with SSCs through various potential mechanisms, such as CSF1 and retinoic acid (RA), to induce the proliferation or differentiation of SSCs respectively. Vasculature influences SSC dynamics through CSF1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and by regulating oxygen levels. Lastly, peritubular myoid cells produce one of the most well-known factors that is required for SSC self-renewal, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), as well as CSF1. Overall, SSC interactions with interstitial and peritubular cells are critical for SSC function and are an important underlying factor promoting male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Potter
- Division of Reproductive SciencesCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Division of Reproductive SciencesCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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36
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Drinkut A, Tillack K, Meka DP, Schulz JB, Kügler S, Kramer ER. Ret is essential to mediate GDNF's neuroprotective and neuroregenerative effect in a Parkinson disease mouse model. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2359. [PMID: 27607574 PMCID: PMC5059866 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a potent survival and regeneration-promoting factor for dopaminergic neurons in cell and animal models of Parkinson disease (PD). GDNF is currently tested in clinical trials on PD patients with so far inconclusive results. The receptor tyrosine kinase Ret is the canonical GDNF receptor, but several alternative GDNF receptors have been proposed, raising the question of which signaling receptor mediates here the beneficial GDNF effects. To address this question we overexpressed GDNF in the striatum of mice deficient for Ret in dopaminergic neurons and subsequently challenged these mice with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Strikingly, in this established PD mouse model, the absence of Ret completely abolished GDNF's neuroprotective and regenerative effect on the midbrain dopaminergic system. This establishes Ret signaling as absolutely required for GDNF's effects to prevent and compensate dopaminergic system degeneration and suggests Ret activation as the primary target of GDNF therapy in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Drinkut
- DFG Research Center Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CMPB), University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurodegeneration and Restorative Research, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Karsten Tillack
- Development and Maintenance of the Nervous System, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Durga P Meka
- Development and Maintenance of the Nervous System, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jorg B Schulz
- DFG Research Center Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CMPB), University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurodegeneration and Restorative Research, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology and JARA BRAIN Institute II, RWTH Aachen University and FZ Jülich, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kügler
- DFG Research Center Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CMPB), University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Edgar R Kramer
- Development and Maintenance of the Nervous System, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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37
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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: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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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Ozawa M, Fukuda T, Sakamoto R, Honda H, Yoshida N. The Histone Demethylase FBXL10 Regulates the Proliferation of Spermatogonia and Ensures Long-Term Sustainable Spermatogenesis in Mice. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:92. [PMID: 26984996 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.135988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 10 (Fbxl10) gene encodes a protein that catalyzes demethylation of H3K4 and H3K36. In this study, we show the important roles of FBXL10 as a histone demethylase in sustainable sperm production using mice in which the JmjC domain of Fbxl10 was deleted (Fbxl10(DeltaJ/DeltaJ)). In histological analysis, testis sections from 10-wk-old Fbxl10(DeltaJ/DeltaJ) mice appeared normal. On the other hand, testes from 7-mo-old Fbxl10(DeltaJ/DeltaJ) mice contained a greater ratio of seminiferous tubules exhibiting degeneration of spermatogenesis. Further analysis using an in vitro spermatogonia culture system, that is, germline stem cells (GSCs), revealed that Fbxl10(DeltaJ/DeltaJ) GSCs expressed a significantly higher level of P21 and P19 mRNA, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and also known as cellular senescence markers, than wild-type (WT) GSCs. Furthermore, the ratio of Fbxl10(DeltaJ/DeltaJ) GSCs in G0/G1 phase was higher and the ratios in S and G2/M phases were lower than the corresponding ratios of WT GSCs, and the doubling speed of Fbxl10(DeltaJ/DeltaJ) GSCs was significantly slower than that of WT GSCs. In addition to these in vitro results, an in vivo study indicated that recovery of spermatogenesis after a transient reduction in the number of testicular germ cells by busulfan treatment was significantly slower in Fbxl10(DeltaJ/DeltaJ) mice than in WT mice. These data suggest that Fbxl10 plays important roles in long-term sustainable spermatogenesis via regulating cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Ozawa
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Fukuda
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Reiko Sakamoto
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Honda
- Department of Disease Model, Research Institute of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nobuaki Yoshida
- Laboratory of Developmental Genetics, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
Mammalian spermatogenesis is a complex and highly ordered process by which male germ cells proceed through a series of differentiation steps to produce haploid flagellated spermatozoa. Underlying this process is a pool of adult stem cells, the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which commence the spermatogenic lineage by undertaking a differentiation fate decision to become progenitor spermatogonia. Subsequently, progenitors acquire a differentiating spermatogonia phenotype and undergo a series of amplifying mitoses while becoming competent to enter meiosis. After spermatocytes complete meiosis, post-meiotic spermatids must then undergo a remarkable transformation from small round spermatids to a flagellated spermatozoa with extremely compacted nuclei. This chapter reviews the current literature pertaining to spermatogonial differentiation with an emphasis on the mechanisms controlling stem cell fate decisions and early differentiation events in the life of a spermatogonium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Mecklenburg
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA
| | - Brian P Hermann
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX, 78249, USA.
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Sargent KM, Clopton DT, Lu N, Pohlmeier WE, Cupp AS. VEGFA splicing: divergent isoforms regulate spermatogonial stem cell maintenance. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 363:31-45. [PMID: 26553653 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2297-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite being well-known for regulating angiogenesis in both normal and tumorigenic environments, vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) has been recently implicated in male fertility, namely in the maintenance of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC). The VEGFA gene can be spliced into multiple distinct isoforms that are either angiogenic or antiangiogenic in nature. Although studies have demonstrated the alternative splicing of VEGFA, including the divergent roles of the two isoform family types, many investigations do not differentiate between them. Data concerning VEGFA in the mammalian testis are limited, but the various angiogenic isoforms appear to promote seminiferous cord formation and to form a gradient across which cells may migrate. Treatment with either antiangiogenic isoforms of VEGFA or with inhibitors to angiogenic signaling impair these processes. Serendipitously, expression of KDR, the primary receptor for both types of VEGFA isoforms, was observed on male germ cells. These findings led to further investigation of the way that VEGFA elicits avascular functions within testes. Following treatment of donor perinatal male mice with either antiangiogenic VEGFA165b or angiogenic VEGFA164 isoforms, seminiferous tubules were less colonized following transplantation with cells from VEGFA165b-treated donors. Thus, VEGFA165b and possibly other antiangiogenic isoforms of VEGFA reduce SSC number either by promoting premature differentiation, inducing cell death, or by preventing SSC formation. Thus, angiogenic isoforms of VEGFA are hypothesized to promote SSC self-renewal, and the divergent isoforms are thought to balance one another to maintain SSC homeostasis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Sargent
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Debra T Clopton
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Ningxia Lu
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - William E Pohlmeier
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA
| | - Andrea S Cupp
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, A224i Animal Science Building, 3940 Fair Street, Lincoln, NE 68583-0908, USA.
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Kramer ER, Liss B. GDNF-Ret signaling in midbrain dopaminergic neurons and its implication for Parkinson disease. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:3760-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Takashima S, Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Tanaka T, Morimoto H, Inoue K, Ogonuki N, Jijiwa M, Takahashi M, Ogura A, Shinohara T. Functional differences between GDNF-dependent and FGF2-dependent mouse spermatogonial stem cell self-renewal. Stem Cell Reports 2015; 4:489-502. [PMID: 25684228 PMCID: PMC4375941 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are required for spermatogenesis. Earlier studies showed that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was indispensable for SSC self-renewal by binding to the GFRA1/RET receptor. Mice with mutations in these molecules showed impaired spermatogenesis, which was attributed to SSC depletion. Here we show that SSCs undergo GDNF-independent self-renewal. A small number of spermatogonia formed colonies when testis fragments from a Ret mutant mouse strain were transplanted into heterologous recipients. Moreover, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) supplementation enabled in vitro SSC expansion without GDNF. Although GDNF-mediated self-renewal signaling required both AKT and MAP2K1/2, the latter was dispensable in FGF2-mediated self-renewal. FGF2-depleted testes exhibited increased levels of GDNF and were enriched for SSCs, suggesting that the balance between FGF2 and GDNF levels influences SSC self-renewal in vivo. Our results show that SSCs exhibit at least two modes of self-renewal and suggest complexity of SSC regulation in vivo. GDNF is dispensable for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal GFRA1 is expressed in most SSCs In vivo depletion of FGF2 in the seminiferous tubules enriches SSCs Self-renewal by GDNF, but not FGF2, requires MAP2K1/2
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiji Takashima
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takashi Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hiroko Morimoto
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kimiko Inoue
- The Institute for Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Bioresource Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Narumi Ogonuki
- The Institute for Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Bioresource Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Mayumi Jijiwa
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masahide Takahashi
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Atsuo Ogura
- The Institute for Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Bioresource Center, Tsukuba 305-0074, Japan
| | - Takashi Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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Li Y, Kido T, Garcia-Barcelo MM, Tam PKH, Tabatabai ZL, Lau YFC. SRY interference of normal regulation of the RET gene suggests a potential role of the Y-chromosome gene in sexual dimorphism in Hirschsprung disease. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 24:685-97. [PMID: 25267720 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a complex congenital disorder, arising from abnormalities in enteric nervous system (ENS) development. There is a gender disparity among the patients, with the male to female ratio as high as 5 : 1. Loss-of-function mutations of HSCR genes and haploinsufficiency of their gene products are the primary pathogenic mechanisms for disease development. Recent studies identified over half of the HSCR disease susceptibility genes as targets for the sex-determining factor SRY, suggesting that this Y-encoded transcription factor could be involved in sexual dimorphism in HSCR. Among the SRY targets, the tyrosine kinase receptor RET represents the most important disease gene, whose mutations account for half of the familial and up to one-third of the sporadic forms of HSCR. RET is regulated by a distal and a proximal enhancer at its promoter, in which PAX3 and NKX2-1 are the resident transcription factors respectively. We show that the SRY-box 10 (SOX10) co-activator interacts and forms transcriptional complexes with PAX3 and NKX2-1 in a sequence-independent manner and exacerbates their respective transactivation activities on the RET promoter. SRY competitively displaces SOX10 in such transcription complexes and represses their regulatory functions on RET. Hence SRY could be a Y-located negative modifier of RET expression; and if it is ectopically expressed during ENS development, such SRY repression could result in RET protein haploinsufficiency and promotion of HSCR development, thereby contributing to sexual dimorphism in HSCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunmin Li
- Department of Medicine Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, USA and
| | - Tatsuo Kido
- Department of Medicine Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, USA and
| | - Maria M Garcia-Barcelo
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul K H Tam
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Yun-Fai Chris Lau
- Department of Medicine Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, USA and
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Rusmini M, Griseri P, Matera I, Pontarini E, Ravazzolo R, Mavilio D, Ceccherini I. Expression Variability and Function of the RET Gene in Adult Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:2027-37. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rusmini
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica; Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
| | - Paola Griseri
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica; Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
| | - Ivana Matera
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica; Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
| | - Elena Pontarini
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center; Rozzano Milan Italy
| | - Roberto Ravazzolo
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica; Istituto Giannina Gaslini; Genova Italy
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Oftalmologia, Genetica e Materno Infantile (DINOGMI); Università di Genova; Genova Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center; Rozzano Milan Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine; University of Milan; Milan Italy
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Validating single-cell genomics for the study of renal development. Kidney Int 2014; 86:1049-55. [PMID: 24759149 PMCID: PMC4207726 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2014.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell genomics will enable studies of the earliest events in kidney development, although it is unclear if existing technologies are mature enough to generate accurate and reproducible data on kidney progenitors. Here we designed a pilot study to validate a high-throughput assay to measure the expression levels of key regulators of kidney development in single cells isolated from embryonic mice. Our experiment produced 4,608 expression measurements of 22 genes, made in small cell pools and 28 single cells purified from the RET-positive ureteric bud. There were remarkable levels of concordance with expression data generated by traditional microarray analysis on bulk ureteric bud tissue with the correlation between our average single cell measurements and GUDMAP measurements for each gene of 0.82-0.85. Nonetheless, a major motivation for single cell technology is to uncover dynamic biology hidden in population means. There was evidence for extensive and surprising variation in expression of Wnt11 and Etv5, both downstream targets of activated RET. The variation for all genes in the study was strongly consistent with burst-like promoter kinetics. Thus, our results can inform the design of future single-cell experiments, which are poised to provide important insights into kidney development and disease.
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Davis TK, Hoshi M, Jain S. To bud or not to bud: the RET perspective in CAKUT. Pediatr Nephrol 2014; 29:597-608. [PMID: 24022366 PMCID: PMC3952039 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-013-2606-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Revised: 08/11/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the kidneys or lower urinary tract (CAKUT) encompass a spectrum of anomalies that result from aberrations in spatio-temporal regulation of genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and molecular signals at key stages of urinary tract development. The Rearranged in Transfection (RET) tyrosine kinase signaling system is a major pathway required for normal development of the kidneys, ureters, peripheral and enteric nervous systems. In the kidneys, RET is activated by interaction with the ligand glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and coreceptor GFRα1. This activated complex regulates a number of downstream signaling cascades (PLCγ, MAPK, and PI3K) that control proliferation, migration, renewal, and apoptosis. Disruption of these events is thought to underlie diseases arising from aberrant RET signaling. RET mutations are found in 5-30 % of CAKUT patients and a number of Ret mouse mutants show a spectrum of kidney and lower urinary tract defects reminiscent of CAKUT in humans. The remarkable similarities between mouse and human kidney development and in defects due to RET mutations has led to using RET signaling as a paradigm for determining the fundamental principles in patterning of the upper and lower urinary tract and for understanding CAKUT pathogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of studies in vivo that delineate expression and the functional importance of RET signaling complex during different stages of development of the upper and lower urinary tracts. We discuss how RET signaling balances activating and inhibitory signals emanating from its docking tyrosines and its interaction with upstream and downstream regulators to precisely modulate different aspects of Wolffian duct patterning and branching morphogenesis. We outline the diversity of cellular mechanisms regulated by RET, disruption of which causes malformations ranging from renal agenesis to multicystic dysplastic kidneys in the upper tract and vesicoureteral reflux or ureteropelvic junction obstruction in the lower tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Keefe Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Masato Hoshi
- Department of Internal Medicine (Renal division), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Sanjay Jain
- Department of Internal Medicine (Renal division), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA,Correspondance:Sanjay Jain, MD, PhD, Address: Renal Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Box 8126, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA, Tel.: +1-314-454-8728, Fax: +1-314-454-7735,
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Lake JI, Tusheva OA, Graham BL, Heuckeroth RO. Hirschsprung-like disease is exacerbated by reduced de novo GMP synthesis. J Clin Invest 2014; 123:4875-87. [PMID: 24216510 DOI: 10.1172/jci69781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a partially penetrant oligogenic birth defect that occurs when enteric nervous system (ENS) precursors fail to colonize the distal bowel during early pregnancy. Genetic defects underlie HSCR, but much of the variability in the occurrence and severity of the birth defect remain unexplained. We hypothesized that nongenetic factors might contribute to disease development. Here we found that mycophenolate, an inhibitor of de novo guanine nucleotide biosynthesis, and 8 other drugs identified in a zebrafish screen impaired ENS development. In mice, mycophenolate treatment selectively impaired ENS precursor proliferation, delayed precursor migration, and induced bowel aganglionosis. In 2 different mouse models of HSCR, addition of mycophenolate increased the penetrance and severity of Hirschsprung-like pathology. Mycophenolate treatment also reduced ENS precursor migration as well as lamellipodia formation, proliferation, and survival in cultured enteric neural crest–derived cells. Using X-inactivation mosaicism for the purine salvage gene Hprt, we found that reduced ENS precursor proliferation most likely causes mycophenolate-induced migration defects and aganglionosis. To the best of our knowledge, mycophenolate is the first medicine identified that causes major ENS malformations and Hirschsprung-like pathology in a mammalian model. These studies demonstrate a critical role for de novo guanine nucleotide biosynthesis in ENS development and suggest that some cases of HSCR may be preventable.
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Abstract
Spermatogenesis originates from spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). Development of the spermatogonial transplantation technique in 1994 provided the first functional assay to characterize SSCs. In 2000, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor was identified as a SSC self-renewal factor. This discovery not only provided a clue to understand SSC self-renewing mechanisms but also made it possible to derive germline stem (GS) cell cultures in 2003. In vitro culture of GS cells demonstrated their potential pluripotency and their utility in germline modification. However, in vivo SSC analyses have challenged the traditional concept of SSC self-renewal and have revealed their relationship with the microenvironment. An improved understanding of SSC self-renewal through functional assays promises to uncover fundamental principles of stem cell biology and will enable us to use these cells for applications in animal transgenesis and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; ,
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Keefe Davis T, Hoshi M, Jain S. Stage specific requirement of Gfrα1 in the ureteric epithelium during kidney development. Mech Dev 2013; 130:506-18. [PMID: 23542432 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Revised: 03/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) binds a coreceptor GDNF family receptor α1 (GFRα1) and forms a signaling complex with the receptor tyrosine kinase RET. GDNF-GFRα1-RET signaling activates cellular pathways that are required for normal induction of the ureteric bud (UB) from the Wolffian duct (WD). Failure of UB formation results in bilateral renal agenesis and perinatal lethality. Gfrα1 is expressed in both the epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of the developing kidney while Ret expression is specific to the epithelium. The biological importance of Gfrα1's wider tissue expression and its role in later kidney development are unclear. We discovered that conditional loss of Gfrα1 in the WD epithelium prior to UB branching is sufficient to cause renal agenesis. This finding indicates that Gfrα1 expressed in the nonepithelial structures cannot compensate for this loss. To determine Gfrα1's role in branching morphogenesis after UB induction we used an inducible Gfrα1-specific Cre-deletor strain and deleted Gfrα1 from the majority of UB tip cells post UB induction in vivo and in explant kidney cultures. We report that Gfrα1 excision from the epithelia compartment after UB induction caused a modest reduction in branching morphogenesis. The loss of Gfrα1 from UB-tip cells resulted in reduced cell proliferation and decreased activated ERK (pERK). Further, cells without Gfrα1 expression are able to populate the branching UB tips. These findings delineate previously unclear biological roles of Gfrα1 in the urinary tract and demonstrate its cell-type and stage-specific requirements in kidney development.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Keefe Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Kanatsu-Shinohara M, Inoue K, Takashima S, Takehashi M, Ogonuki N, Morimoto H, Nagasawa T, Ogura A, Shinohara T. Reconstitution of mouse spermatogonial stem cell niches in culture. Cell Stem Cell 2013; 11:567-78. [PMID: 23040482 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2012.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Revised: 04/21/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) reside in specific niches within seminiferous tubules. These niches are thought to secrete chemotactic factors for SSCs, because SSCs migrate to them upon transplantation. However, the identity of these chemotactic molecules remains unknown. Here, we established a testis feeder cell culture system and used it to identify SSC chemotactic factors. When seeded on testis cells from infertile mice, SSCs migrated beneath the Sertoli cells and formed colonies with a cobblestone appearance that were very similar to those produced by hematopoietic stem cells. Cultured cells maintained SSC activity and fertility for at least 5 months. Cobblestone colony formation depended on GDNF and CXCL12, and dominant-negative GDNF receptor transfection or CXCL12 receptor deficiency reduced SSC colonization. Moreover, GDNF upregulated CXCL12 receptor expression, and CXCL12 transfection in Sertoli cells increased homing efficiency. Overall, our findings identify GDNF and CXCL12 as SSC chemotactic factors in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mito Kanatsu-Shinohara
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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