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Mi J, Andersson O. Efficient knock-in method enabling lineage tracing in zebrafish. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202301944. [PMID: 36878640 PMCID: PMC9990459 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we devised a cloning-free 3' knock-in strategy for zebrafish using PCR amplified dsDNA donors that avoids disrupting the targeted genes. The dsDNA donors carry genetic cassettes coding for fluorescent proteins and Cre recombinase in frame with the endogenous gene but separated from it by self-cleavable peptides. Primers with 5' AmC6 end-protections generated PCR amplicons with increased integration efficiency that were coinjected with preassembled Cas9/gRNA ribonucleoprotein complexes for early integration. We targeted four genetic loci (krt92, nkx6.1, krt4, and id2a) and generated 10 knock-in lines, which function as reporters for the endogenous gene expression. The knocked-in iCre or CreERT2 lines were used for lineage tracing, which suggested that nkx6.1 + cells are multipotent pancreatic progenitors that gradually restrict to the bipotent duct, whereas id2a + cells are multipotent in both liver and pancreas and gradually restrict to ductal cells. In addition, the hepatic id2a + duct show progenitor properties upon extreme hepatocyte loss. Thus, we present an efficient and straightforward knock-in technique with widespread use for cellular labelling and lineage tracing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarui Mi
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olov Andersson
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Freudenblum J, Meyer D, Kimmel RA. Inducible Mosaic Cell Labeling Provides Insights Into Pancreatic Islet Morphogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:586651. [PMID: 33102488 PMCID: PMC7546031 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.586651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic islets, discrete microorgans embedded within the exocrine pancreas, contain beta cells which are critical for glucose homeostasis. Loss or dysfunction of beta cells leads to diabetes, a disease with expanding global prevalence, and for which regenerative therapies are actively being pursued. Recent efforts have focused on producing mature beta cells in vitro, but it is increasingly recognized that achieving a faithful three-dimensional islet structure is crucial for generating fully functional beta cells. Our current understanding of islet morphogenesis is far from complete, due to the deep internal location of the pancreas in mammalian models, which hampers direct visualization. Zebrafish is a model system well suited for studies of pancreas morphogenesis due to its transparency and the accessible location of the larval pancreas. In order to further clarify the cellular mechanisms of islet formation, we have developed new tools for in vivo visualization of single-cell dynamics. Our results show that clustering islet cells make contact and interconnect through dynamic actin-rich processes, move together while remaining in close proximity to the duct, and maintain high protrusive motility after forming clusters. Quantitative analyses of cell morphology and motility in 3-dimensions lays the groundwork to define therapeutically applicable factors responsible for orchestrating the morphogenic behaviors of coalescing endocrine cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Freudenblum
- Institute of Molecular Biology/CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dirk Meyer
- Institute of Molecular Biology/CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Robin A Kimmel
- Institute of Molecular Biology/CMBI, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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Khan N, Bammidi S, Jayandharan GR. A CD33 Antigen-Targeted AAV6 Vector Expressing an Inducible Caspase-9 Suicide Gene Is Therapeutic in a Xenotransplantation Model of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Bioconjug Chem 2019; 30:2404-2416. [PMID: 31436412 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.9b00511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Current chemotherapeutic regimens for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been modestly effective in patients and are associated with poor long-term survival (<30% at 5 years). Viral vector-based suicide gene therapy is an attractive option, if these vectors can target the AML cells with high specificity and efficiency. In this study, we have developed a receptor-specific adeno-associated virus (AAV) based vector to target the CD33 antigen which is overexpressed in leukemic cells. A targeting peptide was rationally designed from the antigen-binding regions of a CD33 monoclonal antibody. This peptide was further expressed on the capsid of the AAV6 vector, since this serotype was most efficient among AAV1-rh10 vectors to infect the pro-monocytic, human myeloid leukemia cells (U937). AAV6-CD33 vectors expressing a suicide gene, the inducible caspase 9 (iCasp9), and its prodrug AP20187 significantly reduced (∼59%) the viability of U937 cells. To further test its efficacy and specificity in vivo, AAV6-CD33 vectors were administered into a xenotransplantation model of AML in zebrafish through systemic delivery. We observed a significant antileukemic effect with AAV6-CD33 vectors, with a markedly higher survival (100% for AAV6-CD33 vectors vs 15% for mock-treated) and a higher number of TUNEL positive apoptotic cells after systemic vector delivery. Taken together, our work demonstrates the efficacy and translational potential of CD33-targeted AAV6 vectors for cytotoxic gene therapy in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Khan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering , Indian Institute of Technology , Kanpur , 208016 , Uttar Pradesh , India
| | - Sridhar Bammidi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering , Indian Institute of Technology , Kanpur , 208016 , Uttar Pradesh , India
| | - Giridhara R Jayandharan
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering , Indian Institute of Technology , Kanpur , 208016 , Uttar Pradesh , India
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Patton EE, Tobin DM. Spotlight on zebrafish: the next wave of translational research. Dis Model Mech 2019; 12:12/3/dmm039370. [PMID: 30858282 PMCID: PMC6451428 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.039370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Five years after the launch of the Disease Models & Mechanisms (DMM) Special Issue on zebrafish as a disease model, the field has progressed significantly. Zebrafish have been used to precisely model human genetic variants, to unpick the mechanisms of metabolic and other diseases, to study infection, inflammation and cancer, and to develop and test new therapeutic approaches. In this Editorial, we highlight recent research published in DMM that uses zebrafish to develop new experimental tools and to provide new insight into disease mechanism and therapy. The broad spectrum of subjects and approaches covered in these articles underscores the versatility of zebrafish in translational research. Further, it highlights the zebrafish community's ethos of creativity and collaboration in translating basic biological research into clinically relevant advances affecting how we understand and treat human disease. Summary: Zebrafish are a highly versatile and relevant organism for human disease modelling. This Editorial highlights the recent zebrafish research published in DMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David M Tobin
- Departments of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, and Immunology, Box 3020, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Facchinello N, Tarifeño-Saldivia E, Grisan E, Schiavone M, Peron M, Mongera A, Ek O, Schmitner N, Meyer D, Peers B, Tiso N, Argenton F. Tcf7l2 plays pleiotropic roles in the control of glucose homeostasis, pancreas morphology, vascularization and regeneration. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9605. [PMID: 28851992 PMCID: PMC5575064 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09867-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a disease characterized by impaired insulin secretion. The Wnt signaling transcription factor Tcf7l2 is to date the T2D-associated gene with the largest effect on disease susceptibility. However, the mechanisms by which TCF7L2 variants affect insulin release from β-cells are not yet fully understood. By taking advantage of a tcf7l2 zebrafish mutant line, we first show that these animals are characterized by hyperglycemia and impaired islet development. Moreover, we demonstrate that the zebrafish tcf7l2 gene is highly expressed in the exocrine pancreas, suggesting potential bystander effects on β-cell growth, differentiation and regeneration. Finally, we describe a peculiar vascular phenotype in tcf7l2 mutant larvae, characterized by significant reduction in the average number and diameter of pancreatic islet capillaries. Overall, the zebrafish Tcf7l2 mutant, characterized by hyperglycemia, pancreatic and vascular defects, and reduced regeneration proves to be a suitable model to study the mechanism of action and the pleiotropic effects of Tcf7l2, the most relevant T2D GWAS hit in human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Estefania Tarifeño-Saldivia
- Laboratory of Zebrafish Development and Disease Models, GIGA-R, University of Liege, B-4000, Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Enrico Grisan
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, I-35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Schiavone
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, I-35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Margherita Peron
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, I-35131, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Olivier Ek
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, I-35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Nicole Schmitner
- Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dirk Meyer
- Institute of Molecular Biology, CMBI, Leopold-Franzens-University Innsbruck, A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Bernard Peers
- Laboratory of Zebrafish Development and Disease Models, GIGA-R, University of Liege, B-4000, Sart Tilman, Belgium
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, I-35131, Padova, Italy.
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