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El Mir J, Nasrallah A, Thézé N, Cario M, Fayyad-Kazan H, Thiébaud P, Rezvani HR. Xenopus as a model system for studying pigmentation and pigmentary disorders. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024. [PMID: 38849973 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Human pigmentary disorders encompass a broad spectrum of phenotypic changes arising from disruptions in various stages of melanocyte formation, the melanogenesis process, or the transfer of pigment from melanocytes to keratinocytes. A large number of pigmentation genes associated with pigmentary disorders have been identified, many of them awaiting in vivo confirmation. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular basis of pigmentary disorders requires a vertebrate animal model where changes in pigmentation are easily observable in vivo and can be combined to genomic modifications and gain/loss-of-function tools. Here we present the amphibian Xenopus with its unique features that fulfill these requirements. Changes in pigmentation are particularly easy to score in Xenopus embryos, allowing whole-organism based phenotypic screening. The development and behavior of Xenopus melanocytes closely mimic those observed in mammals. Interestingly, both Xenopus and mammalian skins exhibit comparable reactions to ultraviolet radiation. This review highlights how Xenopus constitutes an alternative and complementary model to the more commonly used mouse and zebrafish, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in melanocyte cell biology and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joudi El Mir
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ali Nasrallah
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nadine Thézé
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Muriel Cario
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
- Aquiderm, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hussein Fayyad-Kazan
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Lebanese University, Hadath, Lebanon
| | - Pierre Thiébaud
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hamid-Reza Rezvani
- University of Bordeaux, Inserm, BRIC, UMR 1312, Bordeaux, France
- Aquiderm, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
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Guo Y, Wu W, Yang X. Coordinated microRNA/mRNA Expression Profiles Reveal Unique Skin Color Regulatory Mechanisms in Chinese Giant Salamander (Andrias davidianus). Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071181. [PMID: 37048437 PMCID: PMC10093658 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) has been increasingly popular in the aquaculture market in China in recent years. In the breeding process of Andrias davidianus, we found that some albino individuals were extremely rare and could not be inherited stably, which severely limits their commercialization in the aquaculture market. In this study, we performed transcriptome and small RNA (sRNA) sequencing analyses in the skin samples of wild-type (WT) and albino (AL) Andrias davidianus. In total, among 5517 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 2911 DEGs were down-regulated in AL, including almost all the key genes involved in melanin formation. A total of 25 miRNAs were differentially expressed in AL compared to WT, of which 17 were up-regulated. Through the integrated analysis, no intersection was found between the target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs and the key genes for melanin formation. Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway analyses on DEGs showed that these genes involved multiple processes relevant to melanin synthesis and the key signal pathway MAPK. Interestingly, the transcription factors SOX10 and PAX3 and the Wnt signaling pathway that play a key role in other species were not included, while the other two transcription factors in the SOX family, SOX21 and SOX7, were included. After analyzing the key genes for melanin formation, it was interesting to note an alternative splicing form of the MITF in WT and a critical mutation of the SLC24A5 gene in AL, which might be the main reason for the skin color change of Andrias davidianus. The results contributed to understanding the molecular mechanism of skin pigmentation in Andrias davidianus and accelerating the acquisition process of individuals with specific body colors by genetic means.
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Godden AM, Antonaci M, Wheeler GN. An Efficient CRISPR-Cas9 Method to Knock Out MiRNA Expression in Xenopus Tropicalis. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2630:231-241. [PMID: 36689186 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2982-6_15] [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] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
In recent years CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts (KO) have become increasingly utilized to study gene function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs, 20-25 nucleotides long, which affect gene expression through posttranscriptional repression. As miRNAs are so small and due to the limitations of known PAM sequences, it is difficult to design CRISPR sgRNAs that reproducibly lead to a KO. We have therefore developed a novel approach using two guide RNAs to effectively "drop out" a miRNA. Validation of efficient CRISPR miRNA KO and phenotype analysis included use of q-RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. To show specificity of the phenotype, we provide a protocol to use miRNA mimics to rescue the KO phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Godden
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Marco Antonaci
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK.
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Al-Khannaq M, Lytton J. Regulation of K +-Dependent Na +/Ca 2+-Exchangers (NCKX). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010598. [PMID: 36614039 PMCID: PMC9820825 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium-dependent sodium-calcium exchangers (NCKX) have emerged as key determinants of calcium (Ca2+) signaling and homeostasis, especially in environments where ion concentrations undergo large changes, such as excitatory cells and transport epithelia. The regulation of NCKX transporters enables them to respond to the changing cellular environment thereby helping to shape the extent and kinetics of Ca2+ signals. This review examines the current knowledge of the different ways in which NCKX activity can be modulated. These include (i) cellular and dynamic subcellular location (ii); changes in protein expression mediated at the gene, transcript, or protein level (iii); genetic changes resulting in altered protein structure or expression (iv); regulation via changes in substrate concentration (v); and post-translational modification, partner protein interactions, and allosteric regulation. Detailed mechanistic understanding of NCKX regulation is an emerging area of research with the potential to provide important new insights into transporter function, the control of Ca2+ signals, and possible interventions for dysregulated Ca2+ homeostasis.
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Godden AM, Antonaci M, Ward NJ, van der Lee M, Abu-Daya A, Guille M, Wheeler GN. An efficient miRNA knockout approach using CRISPR-Cas9 in Xenopus. Dev Biol 2022; 483:66-75. [PMID: 34968443 PMCID: PMC8865746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In recent years CRISPR-Cas9 knockouts (KO) have become increasingly ultilised to study gene function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs, 20-22 nucleotides long, which affect gene expression through post-transcriptional repression. We previously identified miRNAs-196a and -219 as implicated in the development of Xenopus neural crest (NC). The NC is a multipotent stem-cell population, specified during early neurulation. Following EMT, NC cells migrate to various points in the developing embryo where they give rise to a number of tissues including parts of the peripheral nervous system, pigment cells and craniofacial skeleton. Dysregulation of NC development results in many diseases grouped under the term neurocristopathies. As miRNAs are so small, it is difficult to design CRISPR sgRNAs that reproducibly lead to a KO. We have therefore designed a novel approach using two guide RNAs to effectively 'drop out' a miRNA. We have knocked out miR-196a and miR-219 and compared the results to morpholino knockdowns (KD) of the same miRNAs. Validation of efficient CRISPR miRNA KO and phenotype analysis included use of whole-mount in situ hybridization of key NC and neural plate border markers such as Pax3, Xhe2, Sox10 and Snail2, q-RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. To show specificity we have also rescued the knockout phenotype using miRNA mimics. MiRNA-219 and miR-196a KO's both show loss of NC, altered neural plate and hatching gland phenotypes. Tadpoles show gross craniofacial and pigment phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Godden
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Antonaci
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole J Ward
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Michael van der Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Anita Abu-Daya
- King Henry Building, King Henry I St, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Guille
- King Henry Building, King Henry I St, Portsmouth, PO1 2DY, United Kingdom
| | - Grant N Wheeler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, United Kingdom.
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TALEN-Mediated Gene Editing of slc24a5 (Solute Carrier Family 24, Member 5) in Kawakawa, Euthynnus affinis. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse9121378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effector (TALE) nucleases (TALENs) mediated gene editing methods are becoming popular and have revealed the staggering complexity of genome control during development. Here, we present a simple and efficient gene knockout using TALENs in kawakawa, Euthynnus affinis, using slc24a5. We examined slc24a5 gene expression and functional differences between two TALENs that hold the TALE scaffolds, +153/+47 and +136/+63 and target slc24a5. Developmental changes in slc24a5 transcripts were seen in early-stage embryos by real-time PCR; slc24a5 expression was first detected 48 h post fertilization (hpf), which increased dramatically at 72 hpf. Four TALENs, 47- and 63-type of two different target loci (A and B), respectively, were constructed using Platinum TALEN and evaluated in vitro by a single-strand annealing (SSA) assay. TALEN activities were further evaluated in vivo by injecting TALEN mRNAs in the two-cell stage of the zygote. Most of the TALEN-induced mutants showed mosaic patterns in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and fewer melanin pigments on the body at 72 hpf and later when compared to the control, implying the gene’s association with melanin pigment formation. A heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA) and the genome sequence further confirmed the TALEN-induced mutations of substitution, insertion, and deletion at an endogenous locus.
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SLC24A5 plays fundamental roles in regulating melanophore development in Cyprinidae fish. REPRODUCTION AND BREEDING 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repbre.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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Hassan MT, Lytton J. Potassium-dependent sodium-calcium exchanger (NCKX) isoforms and neuronal function. Cell Calcium 2020; 86:102135. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.102135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Comprehensive Review of the Genetics of Albinism. JOURNAL OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENT & BLINDNESS 2018. [DOI: 10.1177/0145482x1811200604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction It is important to understand albinism, since it is a disorder associated with visual impairment, predisposition to malignant melanomas, and social stigma. The main objective of this article is to review the genetics and biologic mechanisms of the non-syndromic albinism subtypes and to describe associated clinical manifestations. We also discuss research on its treatments. Methods A review of the published literature on albinism subtypes was performed, spanning basic laboratory research, published case reports, and experiences of people with albinism. Results Clear progress has been made in comprehending the causes of albinism; research has shed light on the complexity of the disorder and has led to the molecular classification of subtypes. Discussion Despite the increase in knowledge with regards to albinism, gaps still exist. It is important to continue the pursuit of unraveling the mechanism of the disorder and to monitor the frequency of the subtypes worldwide in order to aid in the development of treatments. Furthermore, disseminating knowledge of albinism is crucial for future progress. Implications for practitioners Albinism is a disorder characterized by hypopigmentation of the hair, skin, and eyes, with accompanying ocular abnormalities that remain relatively stable throughout life. The disorder is defined by a spectrum of pigmentation where albinism is more evident among individuals of dark complexion than their lighter-pigmented peers. Patients with albinism require protection against sun exposure and special resources to address visual impairments. When albinism patients are diagnosed and properly accommodated, they generally report a positive quality of life.
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Rogasevskaia TP, Szerencsei RT, Jalloul AH, Visser F, Winkfein RJ, Schnetkamp PPM. Cellular localization of the K
+
‐dependent Na
+
–Ca
2+
exchanger
NCKX
5 and the role of the cytoplasmic loop in its distribution in pigmented cells. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2018; 32:55-67. [DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana P. Rogasevskaia
- Department of BiologyMount Royal University Calgary AB Canada
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyCumming School of MedicineUniversity of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
| | - Robert T. Szerencsei
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyCumming School of MedicineUniversity of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
| | - Ali H. Jalloul
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyCumming School of MedicineUniversity of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
| | - Frank Visser
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyCumming School of MedicineUniversity of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
| | - Robert J. Winkfein
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyCumming School of MedicineUniversity of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
| | - Paul P. M. Schnetkamp
- Department of Physiology & PharmacologyCumming School of MedicineUniversity of Calgary Calgary AB Canada
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