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Cordero-Varela JA, Reyes-Corral M, Lao-Pérez M, Fernández-Santos B, Montenegro-Elvira F, Sempere L, Ybot-González P. Analysis of Gut Characteristics and Microbiota Changes with Maternal Supplementation in a Neural Tube Defect Mouse Model. Nutrients 2023; 15:4944. [PMID: 38068802 PMCID: PMC10708240 DOI: 10.3390/nu15234944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Adequate nutrient supply is crucial for the proper development of the embryo. Although nutrient supply is determined by maternal diet, the gut microbiota also influences nutrient availability. While currently there is no cure for neural tube defects (NTDs), their prevention is largely amenable to maternal folic acid and inositol supplementation. The gut microbiota also contributes to the production of these nutrients, which are absorbed by the host, but its role in this context remains largely unexplored. In this study, we performed a functional and morphological analysis of the intestinal tract of loop-tail mice (Vangl2 mutants), a mouse model of folate/inositol-resistant NTDs. In addition, we investigated the changes in gut microbiota using 16S rRNA gene sequencing regarding (1) the host genotype; (2) the sample source for metagenomics analysis; (3) the pregnancy status in the gestational window of neural tube closure; (4) folic acid and (5) D-chiro-inositol supplementation. We observed that Vangl2+/Lp mice showed no apparent changes in gastrointestinal transit time or fecal output, yet exhibited increased intestinal length and cecal weight and gut dysbiosis. Moreover, our results showed that the mice supplemented with folic acid and D-chiro-inositol had significant changes in their microbiota composition, which are changes that could have implications for nutrient absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Antonio Cordero-Varela
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
| | - Marta Reyes-Corral
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
| | - Miguel Lao-Pérez
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
| | - Beatriz Fernández-Santos
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
| | - Fernando Montenegro-Elvira
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
| | - Lluis Sempere
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
| | - Patricia Ybot-González
- Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS)/Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain; (J.A.C.-V.); (M.L.-P.); (B.F.-S.); (F.M.-E.); (L.S.)
- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Spain
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Harding P, Cunha DL, Moosajee M. Animal and cellular models of microphthalmia. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2021; 2:2633004021997447. [PMID: 37181112 PMCID: PMC10032472 DOI: 10.1177/2633004021997447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Microphthalmia is a rare developmental eye disorder affecting 1 in 7000 births. It is defined as a small (axial length ⩾2 standard deviations below the age-adjusted mean) underdeveloped eye, caused by disruption of ocular development through genetic or environmental factors in the first trimester of pregnancy. Clinical phenotypic heterogeneity exists amongst patients with varying levels of severity, and associated ocular and systemic features. Up to 11% of blind children are reported to have microphthalmia, yet currently no treatments are available. By identifying the aetiology of microphthalmia and understanding how the mechanisms of eye development are disrupted, we can gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis. Animal models, mainly mouse, zebrafish and Xenopus, have provided extensive information on the genetic regulation of oculogenesis, and how perturbation of these pathways leads to microphthalmia. However, differences exist between species, hence cellular models, such as patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) optic vesicles, are now being used to provide greater insights into the human disease process. Progress in 3D cellular modelling techniques has enhanced the ability of researchers to study interactions of different cell types during eye development. Through improved molecular knowledge of microphthalmia, preventative or postnatal therapies may be developed, together with establishing genotype-phenotype correlations in order to provide patients with the appropriate prognosis, multidisciplinary care and informed genetic counselling. This review summarises some key discoveries from animal and cellular models of microphthalmia and discusses how innovative new models can be used to further our understanding in the future. Plain language summary Animal and Cellular Models of the Eye Disorder, Microphthalmia (Small Eye) Microphthalmia, meaning a small, underdeveloped eye, is a rare disorder that children are born with. Genetic changes or variations in the environment during the first 3 months of pregnancy can disrupt early development of the eye, resulting in microphthalmia. Up to 11% of blind children have microphthalmia, yet currently no treatments are available. By understanding the genes necessary for eye development, we can determine how disruption by genetic changes or environmental factors can cause this condition. This helps us understand why microphthalmia occurs, and ensure patients are provided with the appropriate clinical care and genetic counselling advice. Additionally, by understanding the causes of microphthalmia, researchers can develop treatments to prevent or reduce the severity of this condition. Animal models, particularly mice, zebrafish and frogs, which can also develop small eyes due to the same genetic/environmental changes, have helped us understand the genes which are important for eye development and can cause birth eye defects when disrupted. Studying a patient's own cells grown in the laboratory can further help researchers understand how changes in genes affect their function. Both animal and cellular models can be used to develop and test new drugs, which could provide treatment options for patients living with microphthalmia. This review summarises the key discoveries from animal and cellular models of microphthalmia and discusses how innovative new models can be used to further our understanding in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mariya Moosajee
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, 11-43 Bath
Street, London, EC1V 9EL, UK
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust,
London, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS
Foundation Trust, London, UK
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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3
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Hu YH, Liu J, Lu J, Wang PX, Chen JX, Guo Y, Han FH, Wang JJ, Li W, Liu PQ. sFRP1 protects H9c2 cardiac myoblasts from doxorubicin-induced apoptosis by inhibiting the Wnt/PCP-JNK pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:1150-1157. [PMID: 32238888 PMCID: PMC7608092 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0364-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (Dox) is an effective chemotherapy drug against a wide range of cancers, including both hematological and solid tumors. However, the serious cardiotoxic effect restricted its clinical application. We previously have illuminated the protective role of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity. Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (sFRP1) is one of the endogenous inhibitors of both canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling. In this study, we investigated the relationship between sFRP1 and noncanonical Wnt/PCP-JNK (Wnt/planar cell polarity-c-Jun N-terminal kinase) pathway in Dox-induced cardiotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. We showed that treatment of H9c2 cardiac myoblasts with Dox (1 μM) time-dependently suppressed cell viability accompanied by significantly decreased sFRP1 protein level and increased Wnt/PCP-JNK signaling. Pretreatment with SP600125, the Wnt/PCP-JNK signaling inhibitor, attenuated Dox-induced apoptosis of H9c2 cells. Overexpression of sFRP1 protected H9c2 cells from Dox-induced apoptosis by inhibiting the Wnt/PCP-JNK pathway. After intraperitoneal injection of a cumulative dose of 15 mg/kg Dox, rats displayed significant cardiac dysfunction; their heart showed inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling and activated Wnt/PCP-JNK signaling. These results suggest that sFRP1 may be a novel target for Dox-induced cardiotoxicity.
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López‐Escobar B, Wlodarczyk BJ, Caro‐Vega J, Lin Y, Finnell RH, Ybot‐González P. The interaction of maternal diabetes with mutations that affect folate metabolism and how they affect the development of neural tube defects in mice. Dev Dyn 2019; 248:900-917. [DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz López‐Escobar
- Neurodevelopment Research GroupInstitute of Biomedicine of Seville/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC Sevilla Spain
- Department of Nutritional SciencesDell Pediatric Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
| | - Bogdan J. Wlodarczyk
- Department of Nutritional SciencesDell Pediatric Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and MedicineBaylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
| | - Jose Caro‐Vega
- Neurodevelopment Research GroupInstitute of Biomedicine of Seville/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC Sevilla Spain
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Nutritional SciencesDell Pediatric Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and MedicineBaylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
| | - Richard H. Finnell
- Department of Nutritional SciencesDell Pediatric Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin Austin Texas USA
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and MedicineBaylor College of Medicine Houston Texas USA
| | - Patricia Ybot‐González
- Neurodevelopment Research GroupInstitute of Biomedicine of Seville/Hospital Virgen del Rocio/US/CSIC Sevilla Spain
- Department of Neurology and NeurofisiologyHospital Virgen de Macarena Sevilla Spain
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Gossypol Promotes Wnt/ β-Catenin Signaling through WIF1 in Ovariectomy-Induced Osteoporosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:8745487. [PMID: 31139657 PMCID: PMC6500658 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8745487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Osteoporosis is one of the most frequent diseases related with age. Previously, we have reported a novel potential drug, gossypol, for the treatment of osteoporosis through its regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This study aims to identify the detailed mechanism of gossypol in human osteoporosis. Mice injected with gossypol were subjected for RNA-seq analysis and the transcription level of WIF1 was shown to be decreased dramatically in gossypol-treated mice, which was further confirmed by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis. Luciferase reporter assay showed gossypol inhibited the activity of WIF1 and the methylation of WIF1 was significantly upregulated, evidenced by ChIP assay. Cell viability assays demonstrated that gossypol promoted cell proliferation while cotreatment with WIF1 expressing plasmid reversed the effect in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Similarly, cell apoptotic assays and TUNEL assays showed gossypol suppressed cell apoptosis, which was revised by WIF1 overexpression. The mouse model suggested gossypol injection ameliorated osteoporosis, while coinjection of AAV5-WIF1 eliminated the protection effects of gossypol, as evidenced by H&E staining, serum osteocalcin level, serum OPG level, serum RANKL level, bone density, ultimate strength, and postyield displacement. This study is a supplement to the former publication, which reinforced the protection effect of gossypol in human osteoporosis.
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López-Escobar B, Caro-Vega JM, Vijayraghavan DS, Plageman TF, Sanchez-Alcazar JA, Moreno RC, Savery D, Márquez-Rivas J, Davidson LA, Ybot-González P. The non-canonical Wnt-PCP pathway shapes the mouse caudal neural plate. Development 2018; 145:dev.157487. [PMID: 29636380 DOI: 10.1242/dev.157487] [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: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The last stage of neural tube (NT) formation involves closure of the caudal neural plate (NP), an embryonic structure formed by neuromesodermal progenitors and newly differentiated cells that becomes incorporated into the NT. Here, we show in mouse that, as cell specification progresses, neuromesodermal progenitors and their progeny undergo significant changes in shape prior to their incorporation into the NT. The caudo-rostral progression towards differentiation is coupled to a gradual reliance on a unique combination of complex mechanisms that drive tissue folding, involving pulses of apical actomyosin contraction and planar polarised cell rearrangements, all of which are regulated by the Wnt-PCP pathway. Indeed, when this pathway is disrupted, either chemically or genetically, the polarisation and morphology of cells within the entire caudal NP is disturbed, producing delays in NT closure. The most severe disruptions of this pathway prevent caudal NT closure and result in spina bifida. In addition, a decrease in Vangl2 gene dosage also appears to promote more rapid progression towards a neural fate, but not the specification of more neural cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz López-Escobar
- Grupo de Neurodesarrollo, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS)/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - José Manuel Caro-Vega
- Grupo de Neurodesarrollo, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS)/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | | | | | - José A Sanchez-Alcazar
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), and CIBERER, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Universidad Pablo de Olavide-CSIC, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - Roberto Carlos Moreno
- Grupo de Neurodesarrollo, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS)/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - Dawn Savery
- Newlife Birth Defects Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Javier Márquez-Rivas
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Neurocirugía, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS)/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla 41013, Spain
| | - Lance A Davidson
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Patricia Ybot-González
- Grupo de Neurodesarrollo, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS)/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla 41013, Spain .,Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Neurología y Neurofisiología, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Sevilla 41009, Spain
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7
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Liu G, Yan T, Li X, Sun J, Zhang B, Wang H, Zhu Y. Daam1 activates RhoA to regulate Wnt5a‑induced glioblastoma cell invasion. Oncol Rep 2017; 39:465-472. [PMID: 29207169 PMCID: PMC5783613 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.6124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The signaling pathway of dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (Daam1) triggered by Wnt5a drives cell movement and migration during breast cancer metastasis. However, Wnt5a signaling in glioblastoma progression remains poorly defined. Wnt5a expression and activations of RhoA, Cdc42, and Rac1 were detected in human glioblastoma tissues by using ELISA assays and small G-protein activation assays, respectively. The cell invasion rate and Daam1 activation of glioblastoma U251 and T98MG cells were determined by cell invasion assays and pull-down assays, respectively. According to our experiments, Wnt5a expression and RhoA activation were upregulated in invasive glioblastoma tissues, with a significant positive correlation between them. Wnt5a activated Daam1 and RhoA, and subsequently promoted the invasion of glioblastoma U251 and T98MG cells. This process was abolished by secreted frizzled-related protein 2 (sFRP2), an antagonist that directly binds to Wnt5a. Specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Daam1 markedly inhibited Wnt5a-induced RhoA activation, stress fiber formation and glioblastoma cell invasion. CCG-1423, a RhoA inhibitor, decreased Wnt5a-induced stress fiber formation and glioblastoma cell invasion. Finally, siRNA targeting Daam1 or CCG-1423 treatment did not alter the cell proliferation of glioblastoma U251 and T98MG cells. We thus concluded that Wnt5a promoted glioblastoma cell invasion via Daam1/RhoA signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinan Fourth People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250031, P.R. China
| | - Ting Yan
- Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide and Veterinary Drugs of Jiangsu Province, School of Public Health, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinan Fourth People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250031, P.R. China
| | - Jianhui Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinan Fourth People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250031, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinan Fourth People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250031, P.R. China
| | - Hongjie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinan Fourth People's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250031, P.R. China
| | - Yichao Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211166, P.R. China
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El-Hassan AR, Leung V, Kharfallah F, Guyot MC, Allache R, Gros P, Kibar Z. Identification and characterization of a novel chemically induced allele at the planar cell polarity gene Vangl2. Mamm Genome 2017; 29:229-244. [PMID: 29063958 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-017-9721-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling controls a number of morphogenetic processes including convergent extension during gastrulation and neural tube formation. Defects in this pathway cause neural tube defects (NTD), the most common malformations of the central nervous system. The Looptail (Lp) mutant mouse was the first mammalian mutant implicating a PCP gene (Vangl2) in the pathogenesis of NTD. We report on a novel chemically induced mutant allele at Vangl2 called Curly Bob that causes a missense mutation p.Ile268Asn (I268N) in the Vangl2 protein. This mutant segregates in a semi-dominant fashion with heterozygote mice displaying a looped tail appearance, bobbing head, and a circling behavior. Homozygote mutant embryos suffer from a severe form of NTD called craniorachischisis, severe PCP defects in the inner hair cells of the cochlea and posterior cristae, and display a distinct defect in retinal axon guidance. This mutant genetically interacts with the Lp allele (Vangl2 S464N ) in neural tube development and inner ear hair cell polarity. The Vangl2I268N protein variant is expressed at very low levels in affected neural and retinal tissues of mutant homozygote embryos. Biochemical studies show that Vangl2I268N exhibits impaired targeting to the plasma membrane and accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum. The Vangl2I268N variant no longer physically interacts with its PCP partner DVL3 and has a reduced protein half-life. This mutant provides an important model for dissecting the role of Vangl2 in the development of the neural tube, establishment of polarity of sensory cells of the auditory and vestibular systems, and retinal axon guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul-Rahman El-Hassan
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Vicki Leung
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Fares Kharfallah
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Philippe Gros
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.,McGill University Research Centre on Complex Traits, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Zoha Kibar
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada. .,Department of Neurosciences, CHU Sainte Justine Research Center, University of Montréal, 3175 Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Room 3.17.006, Montréal, QC, H3T 1C5, Canada.
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Basu M, Zhu JY, LaHaye S, Majumdar U, Jiao K, Han Z, Garg V. Epigenetic mechanisms underlying maternal diabetes-associated risk of congenital heart disease. JCI Insight 2017; 2:95085. [PMID: 29046480 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.95085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality, and they are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental risk factors may contribute to birth defects in genetically susceptible infants by altering critical molecular pathways during embryogenesis, but experimental evidence for gene-environment interactions is limited. Fetal hyperglycemia associated with maternal diabetes results in a 5-fold increased risk of congenital heart disease (CHD), but the molecular basis for this correlation is unknown. Here, we show that the effects of maternal hyperglycemia on cardiac development are sensitized by haploinsufficiency of Notch1, a key transcriptional regulator known to cause CHD. Using ATAC-seq, we found that hyperglycemia decreased chromatin accessibility at the endothelial NO synthase (Nos3) locus, resulting in reduced NO synthesis. Transcription of Jarid2, a regulator of histone methyltransferase complexes, was increased in response to reduced NO, and this upregulation directly resulted in inhibition of Notch1 expression to levels below a threshold necessary for normal heart development. We extended these findings using a Drosophila maternal diabetic model that revealed the evolutionary conservation of this interaction and the Jarid2-mediated mechanism. These findings identify a gene-environment interaction between maternal hyperglycemia and Notch signaling and support a model in which environmental factors cause birth defects in genetically susceptible infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhumita Basu
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jun-Yi Zhu
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stephanie LaHaye
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Uddalak Majumdar
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kai Jiao
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Zhe Han
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Vidu Garg
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Heart Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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