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Sharma R, Kalot R, Levin Y, Babayeva S, Kachurina N, Chung CF, Liu KJ, Bouchard M, Torban E. The CPLANE protein Fuzzy regulates ciliogenesis by suppressing actin polymerization at the base of the primary cilium via p190A RhoGAP. Development 2024; 151:dev202322. [PMID: 38546045 PMCID: PMC11006408 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202322] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The primary cilium decorates most eukaryotic cells and regulates tissue morphogenesis and maintenance. Structural or functional defects of primary cilium result in ciliopathies, congenital human disorders affecting multiple organs. Pathogenic variants in the ciliogenesis and planar cell polarity effectors (CPLANE) genes FUZZY, INTU and WDPCP disturb ciliogenesis, causing severe ciliopathies in humans and mice. Here, we show that the loss of Fuzzy in mice results in defects of primary cilia, accompanied by increased RhoA activity and excessive actin polymerization at the basal body. We discovered that, mechanistically, Fuzzy interacts with and recruits the negative actin regulator ARHGAP35 (also known as p190A RhoGAP) to the basal body. We identified genetic interactions between the two genes and found that a mutant ArhGAP35 allele increases the severity of phenotypic defects observed in Fuzzy-/- mice. Based on our findings, we propose that Fuzzy regulates ciliogenesis by recruiting ARHGAP35 to the basal body, where the latter likely restricts actin polymerization and modifies the actin network. Our study identifies a mechanism whereby CPLANE proteins control both actin polymerization and primary cilium formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhythm Sharma
- Department of Medicine and Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal H4A 3J1, QC, Canada
| | - Rita Kalot
- Department of Medicine and Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal H4A 3J1, QC, Canada
| | - Yossef Levin
- Department of Medicine and Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal H4A 3J1, QC, Canada
| | - Sima Babayeva
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal H4A 3J1, QC, Canada
| | - Nadezda Kachurina
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal H4A 3J1, QC, Canada
| | - Chen-Feng Chung
- Department of Medicine and Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal H4A 3J1, QC, Canada
| | - Karen J. Liu
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Maxime Bouchard
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, Department of Medicine of the McGill University,McGill University, Montreal H3A 1A3, QC, Canada
| | - Elena Torban
- Department of Medicine and Department of Physiology, McGill University, Montreal H4A 3J1, QC, Canada
- Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal H4A 3J1, QC, Canada
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Kolvenbach CM, Shril S, Hildebrandt F. The genetics and pathogenesis of CAKUT. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:709-720. [PMID: 37524861 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00742-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) comprise a large variety of malformations that arise from defective kidney or urinary tract development and frequently lead to kidney failure. The clinical spectrum ranges from severe malformations, such as renal agenesis, to potentially milder manifestations, such as vesicoureteral reflux. Almost 50% of cases of chronic kidney disease that manifest within the first three decades of life are caused by CAKUT. Evidence suggests that a large number of CAKUT are genetic in origin. To date, mutations in ~54 genes have been identified as monogenic causes of CAKUT, contributing to 12-20% of the aetiology of the disease. Pathogenic copy number variants have also been shown to cause CAKUT and can be detected in 4-11% of patients. Furthermore, environmental and epigenetic factors can increase the risk of CAKUT. The discovery of novel CAKUT-causing genes is challenging owing to variable expressivity, incomplete penetrance and variable genotype-phenotype correlation. However, such a discovery could ultimately lead to improvements in the accurate molecular genetic diagnosis, assessment of prognosis and multidisciplinary clinical management of patients with CAKUT, potentially including personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Kolvenbach
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shirlee Shril
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Friedhelm Hildebrandt
- Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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3
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Ahram DF, Lim TY, Ke J, Jin G, Verbitsky M, Bodria M, Kil BH, Chatterjee D, Piva SE, Marasa M, Zhang JY, Cocchi E, Caridi G, Gucev Z, Lozanovski VJ, Pisani I, Izzi C, Savoldi G, Gnutti B, Capone VP, Morello W, Guarino S, Esposito P, Lambert S, Radhakrishnan J, Appel GB, Uy NS, Rao MK, Canetta PA, Bomback AS, Nestor JG, Hays T, Cohen DJ, Finale C, van Wijk JA, La Scola C, Baraldi O, Tondolo F, Di Renzo D, Jamry-Dziurla A, Pezzutto A, Manca V, Mitrotti A, Santoro D, Conti G, Martino M, Giordano M, Gesualdo L, Zibar L, Masnata G, Bonomini M, Alberti D, La Manna G, Caliskan Y, Ranghino A, Marzuillo P, Kiryluk K, Krzemień G, Miklaszewska M, Lin F, Montini G, Scolari F, Fiaccadori E, Arapović A, Saraga M, McKiernan J, Alam S, Zaniew M, Szczepańska M, Szmigielska A, Sikora P, Drożdż D, Mizerska-Wasiak M, Mane S, Lifton RP, Tasic V, Latos-Bielenska A, Gharavi AG, Ghiggeri GM, Materna-Kiryluk A, Westland R, Sanna-Cherchi S. Rare Single Nucleotide and Copy Number Variants and the Etiology of Congenital Obstructive Uropathy: Implications for Genetic Diagnosis. J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 34:1105-1119. [PMID: 36995132 PMCID: PMC10278788 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Congenital obstructive uropathy (COU) is a prevalent human developmental defect with highly heterogeneous clinical presentations and outcomes. Genetics may refine diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, but the genomic architecture of COU is largely unknown. Comprehensive genomic screening study of 733 cases with three distinct COU subphenotypes revealed disease etiology in 10.0% of them. We detected no significant differences in the overall diagnostic yield among COU subphenotypes, with characteristic variable expressivity of several mutant genes. Our findings therefore may legitimize a genetic first diagnostic approach for COU, especially when burdening clinical and imaging characterization is not complete or available. BACKGROUND Congenital obstructive uropathy (COU) is a common cause of developmental defects of the urinary tract, with heterogeneous clinical presentation and outcome. Genetic analysis has the potential to elucidate the underlying diagnosis and help risk stratification. METHODS We performed a comprehensive genomic screen of 733 independent COU cases, which consisted of individuals with ureteropelvic junction obstruction ( n =321), ureterovesical junction obstruction/congenital megaureter ( n =178), and COU not otherwise specified (COU-NOS; n =234). RESULTS We identified pathogenic single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in 53 (7.2%) cases and genomic disorders (GDs) in 23 (3.1%) cases. We detected no significant differences in the overall diagnostic yield between COU sub-phenotypes, and pathogenic SNVs in several genes were associated to any of the three categories. Hence, although COU may appear phenotypically heterogeneous, COU phenotypes are likely to share common molecular bases. On the other hand, mutations in TNXB were more often identified in COU-NOS cases, demonstrating the diagnostic challenge in discriminating COU from hydronephrosis secondary to vesicoureteral reflux, particularly when diagnostic imaging is incomplete. Pathogenic SNVs in only six genes were found in more than one individual, supporting high genetic heterogeneity. Finally, convergence between data on SNVs and GDs suggest MYH11 as a dosage-sensitive gene possibly correlating with severity of COU. CONCLUSIONS We established a genomic diagnosis in 10.0% of COU individuals. The findings underscore the urgent need to identify novel genetic susceptibility factors to COU to better define the natural history of the remaining 90% of cases without a molecular diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina F. Ahram
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Tze Y. Lim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Juntao Ke
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Gina Jin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Miguel Verbitsky
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Monica Bodria
- Division of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Byum Hee Kil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Debanjana Chatterjee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Stacy E. Piva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Maddalena Marasa
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Jun Y. Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Enrico Cocchi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Gianluca Caridi
- Division of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory on Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Zoran Gucev
- Medical Faculty of Skopje, University Children's Hospital, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Vladimir J. Lozanovski
- Medical Faculty of Skopje, University Children's Hospital, Skopje, Macedonia
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Isabella Pisani
- Unità Operativa Nefrologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Claudia Izzi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Barbara Gnutti
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, ASST-Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valentina P. Capone
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - William Morello
- Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Guarino
- Department of Woman and Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Esposito
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
- Unit of Nephrology, IRCCS San Martino Polyclinic Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sarah Lambert
- Yale School of Medicine/Yale New Haven Health System, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jai Radhakrishnan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Gerald B. Appel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Natalie S. Uy
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatric, NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Maya K. Rao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Pietro A. Canetta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Andrew S. Bomback
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Jordan G. Nestor
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Thomas Hays
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - David J. Cohen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Carolina Finale
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I, Lancisi, Salesi of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Joanna A.E. van Wijk
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudio La Scola
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - Olga Baraldi
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Tondolo
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplant Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dacia Di Renzo
- “Spirito Santo” Hospital of Pescara, Pediatric Surgery of “G. d'Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Anna Jamry-Dziurla
- Polish Registry of Congenital Malformations, Chair and Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Alessandro Pezzutto
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Valeria Manca
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Adele Mitrotti
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Santoro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Conti
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria “G. Martino,” Messina, Italy
| | - Marida Martino
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Pediatric Hospital “Giovanni XXIII,” Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Giordano
- Pediatric Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Pediatric Hospital “Giovanni XXIII,” Bari, Italy
| | - Loreto Gesualdo
- Section of Nephrology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Lada Zibar
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Merkur, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, University Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Giuseppe Masnata
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Bonomini
- Nephrology and Dialysis Unit, Department of Medicine, SS Annunziata Hospital, “G. d'Annunzio” University, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Gaetano La Manna
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliera di Bologna, Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplant Unit, St. Orsola University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Yasar Caliskan
- Division of Nephrology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri
| | - Andrea Ranghino
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti Umberto I, Lancisi, Salesi of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Marzuillo
- Department of Woman and Child and of General and Specialized Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli,” Naples, Italy
| | - Krzysztof Kiryluk
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Grażyna Krzemień
- Department of Pediatrics and Nephrology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Miklaszewska
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Fangming Lin
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatric, NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Giovanni Montini
- Pediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplant Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Giuliana and Bernardo Caprotti Chair of Pediatrics, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Scolari
- Division of Nephrology and Dialysis, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enrico Fiaccadori
- Unità Operativa Nefrologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Adela Arapović
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Split, Split, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Marijan Saraga
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Split, Split, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - James McKiernan
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Shumyle Alam
- Department of Urology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Division of Pediatric Urology, MUSC Health-University Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Marcin Zaniew
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Maria Szczepańska
- Department of Pediatrics, FMS in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Szmigielska
- Department of Pediatrics and Nephrology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Przemysław Sikora
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Drożdż
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | | | - Shrikant Mane
- Yale Center for Mendelian Genomics (YCMG), New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Velibor Tasic
- Medical Faculty of Skopje, University Children's Hospital, Skopje, Macedonia
| | - Anna Latos-Bielenska
- Polish Registry of Congenital Malformations, Chair and Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Ali G. Gharavi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- Division of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory on Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Materna-Kiryluk
- Polish Registry of Congenital Malformations, Chair and Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Rik Westland
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Emma Children's Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Simone Sanna-Cherchi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Veljačić Visković D, Lozić M, Vukoja M, Šoljić V, Vukojević K, Glavina Durdov M, Filipović N, Lozić B. Spatio-Temporal Expression Pattern of CAKUT Candidate Genes DLG1 and KIF12 during Human Kidney Development. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020340. [PMID: 36830709 PMCID: PMC9953652 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate expression of the novel susceptibility genes for CAKUT, DLG1 and KIF12, proposed by a systematic in silico approach, in developing and postnatal healthy human kidneys to provide information about their spatiotemporal expression pattern. We analyzed expression of their protein products by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence and quantified relative mRNA levels by RT-qPCR. Statistically significant differences in expression patterns were observed between certain developmental stages. Strong expression of DLG1 was observed in the developing kidney, with a gradual decrease from the first phase of kidney development (Ph1) until the third phase (Ph3), when most nephrons are formed; at later stages, the highest expression was observed in the tubules. KIF12 was highly expressed in the developing structures, especially in Ph1, with a gradual decrease until the postnatal phase, which would indicate a significant role in nephrogenesis. Co-localization of DLG1 and KIF12 was pronounced in Ph1, especially on the apical side of the tubular epithelial cells. Thereafter, their expression gradually became weaker and was only visible as punctate staining in Ph4. The direct association of DLG1 with KIF12 as control genes of normal kidney development may reveal their new functional aspect in renal tubular epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirela Lozić
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-21-557-800
| | - Martina Vukoja
- Laboratory of Morphology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Violeta Šoljić
- Laboratory of Morphology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Katarina Vukojević
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia
- Laboratory of Morphology, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Faculty of Health Studies, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Department of Anatomy, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21 000 Split, Croatia
| | - Merica Glavina Durdov
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Split, 21 000 Split, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia
| | - Natalija Filipović
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia
- Department of Anatomy, University of Mostar, 88 000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21 000 Split, Croatia
| | - Bernarda Lozić
- Paediatric Diseases Department, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21 000 Split, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia
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5
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Tang C, Wang J, Yao M, Ji X, Shi W, Xu C, Zeng LH, Wu X. Hippo signaling activates hedgehog signaling by Taz-driven Gli3 processing. CELL REGENERATION (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 12:3. [PMID: 36720733 PMCID: PMC9889595 DOI: 10.1186/s13619-022-00151-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The overlapping roles of Hippo and Hedgehog signaling in biological functions and diseases prompt us to investigate their potential interactions. Activation of Hippo signaling enhances the transcriptional output of Hedgehog signaling, and the role of Hippo signaling in regulating Hedgehog signaling relies on the Hippo pathway key effector, Taz. Interestingly, Taz exhibits a gradient expression across the posterior-to-anterior of limb bud mesoderms, similar to Sonic hedgehog (Shh). Importantly, Taz drives PKA to phosphorylate Gli3, resulting in the Gli3 processing into its repressor and attenuation of Hedgehog signaling in the Shh-independent manner. Specifically, Taz deletion in mouse embryonic limb bud mesenchyme not only enhances the Hedgehog signaling but partially restores the phenotypes from Shh deletion in causing severe defects of anteroposterior patterning and digit number and identity. Together, these results uncover Taz-dependent Gli3 processing as a hitherto uncharacterized mechanism controlling Hedgehog signaling, highlighting its cross-regulation by Hippo signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058 China ,grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XNational Clinical Research Center for Child Health of the Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310052 China
| | - Jirong Wang
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Minli Yao
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Xing Ji
- grid.239552.a0000 0001 0680 8770Translational Research Program in Pediatric Orthopaedics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Wei Shi
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Chengyun Xu
- grid.13402.340000 0004 1759 700XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Ling-Hui Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University City College, 51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Rd., Hangzhou, 310058, China. .,Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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6
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Comparative whole-genome transcriptome analysis in renal cell populations reveals high tissue specificity of MAPK/ERK targets in embryonic kidney. BMC Biol 2022; 20:112. [PMID: 35550069 PMCID: PMC9102746 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01309-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MAPK/ERK signaling is a well-known mediator of extracellular stimuli controlling intracellular responses to growth factors and mechanical cues. The critical requirement of MAPK/ERK signaling for embryonic stem cell maintenance is demonstrated, but specific functions in progenitor regulation during embryonic development, and in particular kidney development remain largely unexplored. We previously demonstrated MAPK/ERK signaling as a key regulator of kidney growth through branching morphogenesis and normal nephrogenesis where it also regulates progenitor expansion. Here, we performed RNA sequencing-based whole-genome expression analysis to identify transcriptional MAPK/ERK targets in two distinct renal populations: the ureteric bud epithelium and the nephron progenitors. Results Our analysis revealed a large number (5053) of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in nephron progenitors and significantly less (1004) in ureteric bud epithelium, reflecting likely heterogenicity of cell types. The data analysis identified high tissue-specificity, as only a fraction (362) of MAPK/ERK targets are shared between the two tissues. Tissue-specific MAPK/ERK targets participate in the regulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism in nephron progenitors, which fail to maintain normal mitochondria numbers in the MAPK/ERK-deficient tissue. In the ureteric bud epithelium, a dramatic decline in progenitor-specific gene expression was detected with a simultaneous increase in differentiation-associated genes, which was not observed in nephron progenitors. Our experiments in the genetic model of MAPK/ERK deficiency provide evidence that MAPK/ERK signaling in the ureteric bud maintains epithelial cells in an undifferentiated state. Interestingly, the transcriptional targets shared between the two tissues studied are over-represented by histone genes, suggesting that MAPK/ERK signaling regulates cell cycle progression and stem cell maintenance through chromosome condensation and nucleosome assembly. Conclusions Using tissue-specific MAPK/ERK inactivation and RNA sequencing in combination with experimentation in embryonic kidneys, we demonstrate here that MAPK/ERK signaling maintains ureteric bud tip cells, suggesting a regulatory role in collecting duct progenitors. We additionally deliver new mechanistic information on how MAPK/ERK signaling regulates progenitor maintenance through its effects on chromatin accessibility and energy metabolism. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-022-01309-z.
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Wang IY, Chung CF, Babayeva S, Sogomonian T, Torban E. Loss of Planar Cell Polarity Effector Fuzzy Causes Renal Hypoplasia by Disrupting Several Signaling Pathways. J Dev Biol 2021; 10:jdb10010001. [PMID: 35076510 PMCID: PMC8788523 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrates, the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway regulates tissue morphogenesis during organogenesis, including the kidney. Mutations in human PCP effector proteins have been associated with severe syndromic ciliopathies. Importantly, renal hypoplasia has been reported in some patients. However, the developmental disturbance that causes renal hypoplasia is unknown. Here, we describe the early onset of profound renal hypoplasia in mice homozygous for null mutation of the PCP effector gene, Fuzzy. We found that this phenotype is caused by defective branching morphogenesis of the ureteric bud (UB) in the absence of defects in nephron progenitor specification or in early steps of nephrogenesis. By using various experimental approaches, we show that the loss of Fuzzy affects multiple signaling pathways. Specifically, we found mild involvement of GDNF/c-Ret pathway that drives UB branching. We noted the deficient expression of molecules belonging to the Bmp, Fgf and Shh pathways. Analysis of the primary cilia in the UB structures revealed a significant decrease in ciliary length. We conclude that renal hypoplasia in the mouse Fuzzy mutants is caused by defective UB branching associated with dysregulation of ciliary and non-ciliary signaling pathways. Our work suggests a PCP effector-dependent pathogenetic mechanism that contributes to renal hypoplasia in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene-Yanran Wang
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.-Y.W.); (C.-F.C.); (S.B.); (T.S.)
- McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Chen-Fang Chung
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.-Y.W.); (C.-F.C.); (S.B.); (T.S.)
- McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Sima Babayeva
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.-Y.W.); (C.-F.C.); (S.B.); (T.S.)
- McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Tamara Sogomonian
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.-Y.W.); (C.-F.C.); (S.B.); (T.S.)
- McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Elena Torban
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (I.-Y.W.); (C.-F.C.); (S.B.); (T.S.)
- McGill University Health Center Research Institute, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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8
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Marquez J, Mann N, Arana K, Deniz E, Ji W, Konstantino M, Mis EK, Deshpande C, Jeffries L, McGlynn J, Hugo H, Widmeier E, Konrad M, Tasic V, Morotti R, Baptista J, Ellard S, Lakhani SA, Hildebrandt F, Khokha MK. DLG5 variants are associated with multiple congenital anomalies including ciliopathy phenotypes. J Med Genet 2021; 58:453-464. [PMID: 32631816 PMCID: PMC7785698 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2019-106805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cilia are dynamic cellular extensions that generate and sense signals to orchestrate proper development and tissue homeostasis. They rely on the underlying polarisation of cells to participate in signalling. Cilia dysfunction is a well-known cause of several diseases that affect multiple organ systems including the kidneys, brain, heart, respiratory tract, skeleton and retina. METHODS Among individuals from four unrelated families, we identified variants in discs large 5 (DLG5) that manifested in a variety of pathologies. In our proband, we also examined patient tissues. We depleted dlg5 in Xenopus tropicalis frog embryos to generate a loss-of-function model. Finally, we tested the pathogenicity of DLG5 patient variants through rescue experiments in the frog model. RESULTS Patients with variants of DLG5 were found to have a variety of phenotypes including cystic kidneys, nephrotic syndrome, hydrocephalus, limb abnormalities, congenital heart disease and craniofacial malformations. We also observed a loss of cilia in cystic kidney tissue of our proband. Knockdown of dlg5 in Xenopus embryos recapitulated many of these phenotypes and resulted in a loss of cilia in multiple tissues. Unlike introduction of wildtype DLG5 in frog embryos depleted of dlg5, introduction of DLG5 patient variants was largely ineffective in restoring proper ciliation and tissue morphology in the kidney and brain suggesting that the variants were indeed detrimental to function. CONCLUSION These findings in both patient tissues and Xenopus shed light on how mutations in DLG5 may lead to tissue-specific manifestations of disease. DLG5 is essential for cilia and many of the patient phenotypes are in the ciliopathy spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Marquez
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nina Mann
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kathya Arana
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Engin Deniz
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Weizhen Ji
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Monica Konstantino
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Emily K Mis
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Lauren Jeffries
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Julie McGlynn
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hannah Hugo
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eugen Widmeier
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martin Konrad
- Department of General Pediatrics, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Velibor Tasic
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Children's Hospital, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Raffaella Morotti
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Julia Baptista
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
- Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, Exeter, UK
| | - Sian Ellard
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
- Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Science, College of Medicine and Health, Exeter, UK
| | - Saquib Ali Lakhani
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Friedhelm Hildebrandt
- Division of Nephrology, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mustafa K Khokha
- Pediatric Genomics Discovery Program, Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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9
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The Classification of VACTERL Association into 3 Groups According to the Limb Defect. PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY-GLOBAL OPEN 2021; 9:e3360. [PMID: 33680640 PMCID: PMC7929542 DOI: 10.1097/gox.0000000000003360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The VACTERL association (VA) is defined as the nonrandom co-occurrence of 6 anomalies: vertebral anomalies (V), Anal atresia (A), Cardiac defects (C), Tracheo-esophageal fistula (TE), Renal defects (R), and Limb anomalies (L). The current communication presents an argument that patients with VA should be classified into three district groups based on their limb defects: VACTERL1: patients with normal limbs; VACTERL2: patients with limb anomalies other than radial ray defects of the upper limbs; and VACTERL3: patients with radial ray defects of the upper limbs. The author will demonstrate that the rationale behind the L1-3 classification in patients in VA is based on the embryogenesis of the 6 affected anatomical areas in VA. The pathogenesis of VACTERL1 is secondary to perturbations of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) interactions. SHH signaling is known to have a major role in the normal development of the vertebrae, ano-rectal area, heart, tracheo-esophageal area, and kidney. However, SHH is not involved in the development of the radial ray; hence, patients present with no limb defects. The pathogenesis of VACTERL2 is variable depending on the type of gene mutation. The pathogenesis of VACTERL3 is related to errors in a group of proteins (namely, the proteins of the TBX5-SALL4-SALL1 loop and the FGF8-FGF10 loop/ pathway). These proteins are essential for the normal development of the radial ray and they interact in the development of the other anatomical areas of VA including the heart and kidney. Hence, VACTERL3 patients present with radial ray deficiency.
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10
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Arora V, Khan S, W. El-Hattab A, Dua Puri R, Rocha ME, Merdzanic R, Paknia O, Beetz C, Rolfs A, Bertoli-Avella AM, Bauer P, Verma IC. Biallelic Pathogenic GFRA1 Variants Cause Autosomal Recessive Bilateral Renal Agenesis. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:223-228. [PMID: 33020172 PMCID: PMC7894660 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020040478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are one of the most common malformations identified in the fetal stage. Bilateral renal agenesis (BRA) represents the most severe and fatal form of CAKUT. Only three genes have been confirmed to have a causal role in humans (ITGA8, GREB1L, and FGF20). METHODS Genome sequencing within a diagnostic setting and combined data repository analysis identified a novel gene. RESULTS Two patients presented with BRA, detected during the prenatal period, without additional recognizable malformations. They had parental consanguinity and similarly affected, deceased siblings, suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance. Evaluation of homozygous regions in patient 1 identified a novel, nonsense variant in GFRA1 (NM_001348097.1:c.676C>T, p.[Arg226*]). We identified 184 patients in our repository with renal agenesis and analyzed their exome/genome data. Of these 184 samples, 36 were from patients who presented with isolated renal agenesis. Two of them had loss-of-function variants in GFRA1. The second patient was homozygous for a frameshift variant (NM_001348097.1:c.1294delA, p.[Thr432Profs*13]). The GFRA1 gene encodes a receptor on the Wolffian duct that regulates ureteric bud outgrowth in the development of a functional renal system, and has a putative role in the pathogenesis of Hirschsprung disease. CONCLUSIONS These findings strongly support the causal role of GFRA1-inactivating variants for an autosomal recessive, nonsyndromic form of BRA. This knowledge will enable early genetic diagnosis and better genetic counseling for families with BRA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Arora
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | - Ayman W. El-Hattab
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ratna Dua Puri
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Arndt Rolfs
- CENTOGENE GmbH, Rostock, Germany
- University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | | | | | - Ishwar C. Verma
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, India
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11
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Gaikwad AV, Eapen MS, McAlinden KD, Chia C, Larby J, Myers S, Dey S, Haug G, Markos J, Glanville AR, Sohal SS. Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) and vascular remodeling in pulmonary hypertension and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Expert Rev Respir Med 2020; 14:1027-1043. [PMID: 32659128 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2020.1795832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible fibrotic disease associated with respiratory failure. The disease remains idiopathic, but repeated alveolar epithelium injury, disruption of alveolar-capillary integrity, abnormal vascular repair, and pulmonary vascular remodeling are considered possible pathogenic mechanisms. Also, the development of comorbidities such as pulmonary hypertension (PH) could further impact disease outcome, quality of life and survival rates in IPF. AREAS COVERED The current review provides a comprehensive literature survey of the mechanisms involved in the development and manifestations of IPF and their links to PH pathology. This review also provides the current understanding of molecular mechanisms that link the two pathologies and will specifically decipher the role of endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) along with the possible triggers of EndMT. The possibility of targeting EndMT as a therapeutic option in IPF is discussed. EXPERT OPINION With a steady increase in prevalence and mortality, IPF is no longer considered a rare disease. Thus, it is of utmost importance and urgency that the underlying profibrotic pathways and mechanisms are fully understood, to enable the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Vijay Gaikwad
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Mathew Suji Eapen
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Kielan D McAlinden
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Collin Chia
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Australia
| | - Josie Larby
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Australia
| | - Stephen Myers
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Surajit Dey
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
| | - Greg Haug
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Australia
| | - James Markos
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Launceston General Hospital , Launceston, Australia
| | - Allan R Glanville
- Lung Transplant Unit, Department of Thoracic Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital , Sydney, Australia
| | - Sukhwinder Singh Sohal
- Respiratory Translational Research Group, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Medicine, University of Tasmania , Launceston, Australia
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12
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Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a devastating condition that is reaching epidemic levels owing to the increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity, as well as ageing of the population. Regardless of the underlying aetiology, CKD is slowly progressive and leads to irreversible nephron loss, end-stage renal disease and/or premature death. Factors that contribute to CKD progression include parenchymal cell loss, chronic inflammation, fibrosis and reduced regenerative capacity of the kidney. Current therapies have limited effectiveness and only delay disease progression, underscoring the need to develop novel therapeutic approaches to either stop or reverse progression. Preclinical studies have identified several approaches that reduce fibrosis in experimental models, including targeting cytokines, transcription factors, developmental and signalling pathways and epigenetic modulators, particularly microRNAs. Some of these nephroprotective strategies are now being tested in clinical trials. Lessons learned from the failure of clinical studies of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) blockade underscore the need for alternative approaches to CKD therapy, as strategies that target a single pathogenic process may result in unexpected negative effects on simultaneously occurring processes. Additional promising avenues include preventing tubular cell injury and anti-fibrotic therapies that target activated myofibroblasts, the main collagen-producing cells.
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13
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Comparative transcriptomics of shear stress treated Pkd1−/− cells and pre-cystic kidneys reveals pathways involved in early polycystic kidney disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:1123-1134. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.07.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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14
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Desai PB, San Agustin JT, Stuck MW, Jonassen JA, Bates CM, Pazour GJ. Ift25 is not a cystic kidney disease gene but is required for early steps of kidney development. Mech Dev 2018; 151:10-17. [PMID: 29626631 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Eukaryotic cilia are assembled by intraflagellar transport (IFT) where large protein complexes called IFT particles move ciliary components from the cell body to the cilium. Defects in most IFT particle proteins disrupt ciliary assembly and cause mid gestational lethality in the mouse. IFT25 and IFT27 are unusual components of IFT-B in that they are not required for ciliary assembly and mutant mice survive to term. The mutants die shortly after birth with numerous organ defects including duplex kidneys. Completely duplex kidneys result from defects in ureteric bud formation at the earliest steps of metanephric kidney development. Ureteric bud initiation is a highly regulated process involving reciprocal signaling between the ureteric epithelium and the overlying metanephric mesenchyme with regulation by the peri-Wolffian duct stroma. The finding of duplex kidney in Ift25 and Ift27 mutants suggests functions for these genes in regulation of ureteric bud initiation. Typically the deletion of IFT genes in the kidney causes rapid cyst growth in the early postnatal period. In contrast, the loss of Ift25 results in smaller kidneys, which show only mild tubule dilations that become apparent in adulthood. The smaller kidneys appear to result from reduced branching in the developing metanephric kidney. This work indicates that IFT25 and IFT27 are important players in the early development of the kidney and suggest that duplex kidney is part of the ciliopathy spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paurav B Desai
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Biotech II, Suite 213, 373 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Jovenal T San Agustin
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Biotech II, Suite 213, 373 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Michael W Stuck
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Biotech II, Suite 213, 373 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, United States
| | - Julie A Jonassen
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, United States
| | - Carlton M Bates
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 5130 Rangos Research Center, 4401 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, United States
| | - Gregory J Pazour
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Biotech II, Suite 213, 373 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, United States.
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15
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Minuth WW. Concepts for a therapeutic prolongation of nephrogenesis in preterm and low-birth-weight babies must correspond to structural-functional properties in the nephrogenic zone. Mol Cell Pediatr 2017; 4:12. [PMID: 29218481 PMCID: PMC5721096 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-017-0078-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous investigations are dealing with anlage of the mammalian kidney and primary development of nephrons. However, only few information is available about the last steps in kidney development leading at birth to a downregulation of morphogen activity in the nephrogenic zone and to a loss of stem cell niches aligned beyond the organ capsule. Surprisingly, these natural changes in the developmental program display similarities to processes occurring in the kidneys of preterm and low-birth-weight babies. Although those babies are born at a time with a principally intact nephrogenic zone and active niches, a high proportion of them suffers on impairment of nephrogenesis resulting in oligonephropathy, formation of atypical glomeruli, and immaturity of parenchyma. The setting points out that up to date not identified noxae in the nephrogenic zone hamper primary steps of parenchyma development. In this situation, a possible therapeutic aim is to prolong nephrogenesis by medications. However, actual data provide information that administration of drugs is problematic due to an unexpectedly complex microanatomy of the nephrogenic zone, in niches so far not considered textured extracellular matrix and peculiar contacts between mesenchymal cell projections and epithelial stem cells via tunneling nanotubes. Thus, it remains to be figured out whether disturbance of morphogen signaling altered synthesis of extracellular matrix, disturbed cell-to-cell contacts, or modified interstitial fluid impair nephrogenic activity. Due to most unanswered questions, search for eligible drugs prolonging nephrogenesis and their reliable administration is a special challenge for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will W Minuth
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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16
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van der Ven AT, Vivante A, Hildebrandt F. Novel Insights into the Pathogenesis of Monogenic Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 29:36-50. [PMID: 29079659 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2017050561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) comprise a large spectrum of congenital malformations ranging from severe manifestations, such as renal agenesis, to potentially milder conditions, such as vesicoureteral reflux. CAKUT causes approximately 40% of ESRD that manifests within the first three decades of life. Several lines of evidence indicate that CAKUT is often caused by recessive or dominant mutations in single (monogenic) genes. To date, approximately 40 monogenic genes are known to cause CAKUT if mutated, explaining 5%-20% of patients. However, hundreds of different monogenic CAKUT genes probably exist. The discovery of novel CAKUT-causing genes remains challenging because of this pronounced heterogeneity, variable expressivity, and incomplete penetrance. We here give an overview of known genetic causes for human CAKUT and shed light on distinct renal morphogenetic pathways that were identified as relevant for CAKUT in mice and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelie T van der Ven
- Divison of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Asaf Vivante
- Divison of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Friedhelm Hildebrandt
- Divison of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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17
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Bai Y, Wu C, Hong W, Zhang X, Liu L, Chen B. Anti‑fibrotic effect of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract in kidneys via the hedgehog signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:737-745. [PMID: 28560403 PMCID: PMC5482200 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SSBE) is a perennial plant widely distributed in Asian countries, and its extract is traditionally used for the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases. Our previous studies demonstrated that SSBE has marked renal anti-fibrotic effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. The present study identified that SSBE exerts its inhibitory effect on the myofibroblast phenotype and renal fibrosis via the hedgehog signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. In rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), SSBE administration reduced kidney injury and alleviated interstitial fibrosis by decreasing the levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and its receptor, and inhibiting excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including type I and III collagens. In addition, SSBE suppressed the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and this anti-proliferative activity was associated with downregulation of hedgehog signaling activity in SSBE-treated UUO kidneys. In cultured renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs), recombinant TGF-β1 activated hedgehog signaling, and resulted in induction of the myofibroblast phenotype. SSBE treatment inhibited the activation of hedgehog signaling and partially reversed the fibrotic phenotype in TGF-β1-treated RTECs. Similarly, aristolochic acid-mediated upregulated activity of hedgehog signaling was reduced by SSBE treatment, and thereby led to the abolishment of excessive ECM accumulation. Therefore, these findings suggested that SSBE attenuates the myofibroblast phenotype and renal fibrosis via suppressing the hedgehog signaling pathway, and may facilitate the development of treatments for kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongheng Bai
- Key Laboratory of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Cunzao Wu
- Department of Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Weilong Hong
- Key Laboratory of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Leping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Bicheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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Zhou D, Fu H, Zhang L, Zhang K, Min Y, Xiao L, Lin L, Bastacky SI, Liu Y. Tubule-Derived Wnts Are Required for Fibroblast Activation and Kidney Fibrosis. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 28:2322-2336. [PMID: 28336721 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2016080902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell communication via Wnt ligands is necessary in regulating embryonic development and has been implicated in CKD. Because Wnt ligands are ubiquitously expressed, the exact cellular source of the Wnts involved in CKD remains undefined. To address this issue, we generated two conditional knockout mouse lines in which Wntless (Wls), a dedicated cargo receptor that is obligatory for Wnt secretion, was selectively ablated in tubular epithelial cells or interstitial fibroblasts. Blockade of Wnt secretion by genetic deletion of Wls in renal tubules markedly inhibited myofibroblast activation and reduced renal fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction. This effect associated with decreased activation of β-catenin and downstream gene expression and preserved tubular epithelial integrity. In contrast, fibroblast-specific deletion of Wls exhibited little effect on the severity of renal fibrosis after obstructive or ischemia-reperfusion injury. In vitro, incubation of normal rat kidney fibroblasts with tubule-derived Wnts promoted fibroblast proliferation and activation. Furthermore, compared with kidney specimens from patients without CKD, biopsy specimens from patients with CKD also displayed increased expression of multiple Wnt proteins, predominantly in renal tubular epithelium. These results illustrate that tubule-derived Wnts have an essential role in promoting fibroblast activation and kidney fibrosis via epithelial-mesenchymal communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhou
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Haiyan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Lu Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yali Min
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Liangxiang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; and
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Sheldon I Bastacky
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Youhua Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; .,State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; and
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Fluid shear stress-induced TGF-β/ALK5 signaling in renal epithelial cells is modulated by MEK1/2. Cell Mol Life Sci 2017; 74:2283-2298. [PMID: 28168444 PMCID: PMC5425503 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2460-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Renal tubular epithelial cells are exposed to mechanical forces due to fluid flow shear stress within the lumen of the nephron. These cells respond by activation of mechano-sensors located at the plasma membrane or the primary cilium, having crucial roles in maintenance of cellular homeostasis and signaling. In this paper, we applied fluid shear stress to study TGF-β signaling in renal epithelial cells with and without expression of the Pkd1-gene, encoding a mechano-sensor mutated in polycystic kidney disease. TGF-β signaling modulates cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and fibrotic deposition, cellular programs that are altered in renal cystic epithelia. SMAD2/3-mediated signaling was activated by fluid flow, both in wild-type and Pkd1−/− cells. This was characterized by phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of p-SMAD2/3, as well as altered expression of downstream target genes and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers. This response was still present after cilia ablation. An inhibitor of upstream type-I-receptors, ALK4/ALK5/ALK7, as well as TGF-β-neutralizing antibodies effectively blocked SMAD2/3 activity. In contrast, an activin-ligand trap was ineffective, indicating that increased autocrine TGF-β signaling is involved. To study potential involvement of MAPK/ERK signaling, cells were treated with a MEK1/2 inhibitor. Surprisingly, fluid flow-induced expression of most SMAD2/3 targets was further enhanced upon MEK inhibition. We conclude that fluid shear stress induces autocrine TGF-β/ALK5-induced target gene expression in renal epithelial cells, which is partially restrained by MEK1/2-mediated signaling.
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Kim CS, Shin DM. Improper hydration induces global gene expression changes associated with renal development in infant mice. GENES AND NUTRITION 2016; 11:28. [PMID: 27785155 PMCID: PMC5072351 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-016-0544-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The kidney is a major organ in which fluid balance and waste excretion is regulated. For the kidney to achieve maturity with functions, normal renal developmental processes need to occur. Comprehensive genetic programs underlying renal development during the prenatal period have been widely studied. However, postnatal renal development, from infancy to the juvenile period, has not been studied yet. Here, we investigated whether structural and functional kidney development was still ongoing in early life by analyzing the renal transcriptional networks of infant (4 weeks old) and juvenile (7 weeks old) mice. We further examined the effects of dehydration on kidney development to unravel the mechanistic bases underlying deteriorative impact of pediatric dehydration on renal development. METHODS 3-week-old infant mice that just finished weaning period were provided limited access to a water for fifteen minutes per day for one week (RES 1W) and four weeks (RES 4W) to induce dehydration while control group consumed water ad libitum with free access to the water bottle. Transcriptome analysis was conducted to understand physiological changes during postnatal renal development and dehydration. RESULTS Kidneys in 4-week- and 7-week-old mice showed significantly distinctive functional gene networks. Gene sets related to cell cycle regulators, fetal kidney patterning molecules, and immature basement membrane integrity were upregulated in infantile kidneys while heightened expressions of genes associated with ion transport and drug metabolism were observed in juvenile kidneys. Dehydration during infancy suppressed renal growth by interrupting the SHH signaling pathway, which targets cell cycle regulators. Importantly, it is likely that disruption of the developmental program ultimately led to a decline in gene expression associated with basement membrane integrity. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, we demonstrate transcriptional events during renal development in infancy and show that the impacts of inadequate water intake in the early postnatal state heavily rely on the impairment of normal renal development. Here, we provide a meaningful perspective of renal development in infancy with a molecular and physiological explanation of why infants are more vulnerable to dehydration than adults. These results provide new insights into the molecular effects of dehydration on renal physiology and indicate that optimal nutritional interventions are necessary for pediatric renal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong-Su Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 South Korea
| | - Dong-Mi Shin
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 South Korea ; Research Institute of Human Ecology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 South Korea
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21
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Lee HJ, Wu Q, Li H, Bae GU, Kim AK, Ryu JH. A sesquiterpene lactone from Siegesbeckia glabrescens suppresses Hedgehog/Gli-mediated transcription in pancreatic cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:2912-2917. [PMID: 27698879 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.4994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is aggressive and therefore difficult to treat; however, continued efforts have been made with the aim of developing an effective therapy against the disease. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is reportedly involved in the proliferation and survival of pancreatic cancer cells. The transcription factor glioma-associated oncogene (Gli) is a key component of the Hh signaling pathway and the primary effector of pancreatic cancer development. Inhibiting Gli is a proven therapeutic strategy for this disease. The present study examined the regulation of Gli and the expression of its target genes to identify an inhibitor of the Sonic Hh (Shh) pathway. A germacranolide sesquiterpene lactone (GSL) was isolated from Siegesbeckia glabrescens as an inhibitor of Gli-mediated transcription. The results demonstrated that GSL inhibited Shh-induced osteoblast differentiation and Gli homolog 1 (Gli1)-mediated transcriptional activity in mesenchymal C3H10T1/2 stem cells. Furthermore, GSL suppressed Gli-mediated transcriptional activity in human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 and AsPC-1 cells, which resulted in reduced cancer cell proliferation and downregulated expression of the Gli-target genes, Gli1 and cyclin D1. A sesquiterpene lactone from S. glabrescens may therefore serve as a candidate for the treatment of Hh/Gli-dependent pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwa Jin Lee
- Department of Natural Medicine Resources, Semyung University, Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do 390-711, Republic of Korea
| | - Qian Wu
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Hua Li
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu-Un Bae
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea
| | - An Keun Kim
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ha Ryu
- Research Center for Cell Fate Control and College of Pharmacy, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea
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Chen X, Hou XM, Fan YF, Jin YT, Wang YL. Sonic hedgehog protein regulates fibroblast growth factor 8 expression in metanephric explant culture from BALB/c mice: Possible mechanisms associated with renal morphogenesis. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:2929-36. [PMID: 27510750 PMCID: PMC5042753 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The sonic hedgehog (SHH) morphogen regulates cell differentiation and controls a number of genes during renal morphogenesis. To date, the effects of SHH on fibroblast growth factors (Fgfs) in embryonic kidney development remain unclear. In the present study, explants of BALB/c mouse embryonic kidney tissues were used to investigate the role of exogenous SHH on Fgf8 and Fgf10 expression levels ex vivo. Ureteric bud branches and epithelial metanephric derivatives were used to determine the renal morphogenesis with Dolichos biflorus agglutinin or hematoxylin‑eosin staining. mRNA expression levels were determined using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while the protein expression levels were examined using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. During the initial stages of metanephric development, low levels of SHH, Fgf8, and Fgf10 expression were observed, which were found to increase significantly during more advanced stages of metanephric development. In addition, exogenous SHH protein treatment increased the number of ureteric bud branches and enhanced the formation of nephrons. Exogenous SHH reduced the Fgf8 mRNA and protein expression levels, whereas cyclopamine (an SHH‑smoothened receptor inhibitor) interfered with SHH‑mediated downregulation of Fgf8 expression. By contrast, exogenous SHH protein was not found to modulate Fgf10 mRNA and protein expression levels. In conclusion, these results indicate that the modulatory effects of SHH on BALB/c mouse metanephric explant cultures may involve the regulation of Fgf8 expression but not Fgf10 expression, which provides evidence for the functional role of Fgf proteins in renal morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Ming Hou
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - You-Fei Fan
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Ting Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Lin Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, P.R. China
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Zhou D, Tan RJ, Liu Y. Sonic hedgehog signaling in kidney fibrosis: a master communicator. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2016; 59:920-9. [PMID: 27333788 PMCID: PMC5540157 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-016-0020-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The hedgehog signaling cascade is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that regulates multiple aspects of embryonic development and plays a decisive role in tissue homeostasis. As the best studied member of three hedgehog ligands, sonic hedgehog (Shh) is known to be associated with kidney development and tissue repair after various insults. Recent studies uncover an intrinsic link between dysregulated Shh signaling and renal fibrogenesis. In various types of chronic kidney disease (CKD), Shh is upregulated specifically in renal tubular epithelium but targets interstitial fibroblasts, thereby mediating a dynamic epithelial- mesenchymal communication (EMC). Tubule-derived Shh acts as a growth factor for interstitial fibroblasts and controls a hierarchy of fibrosis-related genes, which lead to the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in renal interstitium. In this review, we recapitulate the principle of Shh signaling, its activation and regulation in a variety of kidney diseases. We also discuss the potential mechanisms by which Shh promotes renal fibrosis and assess the efficacy of blocking this signaling in preclinical settings. Continuing these lines of investigations will provide novel opportunities for designing effective therapies to improve CKD prognosis in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhou
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, USA
| | - Roderick J Tan
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, USA
| | - Youhua Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15261, USA. .,State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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24
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BAI YONGHENG, LU HONG, LIN CHENGCHENG, XU YAYA, HU DANNÜ, LIANG YONG, HONG WEILONG, CHEN BICHENG. Sonic hedgehog-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Int J Mol Med 2016; 37:1317-27. [DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Abstract
The hedgehog signaling pathway was first discovered in the 1980s. It is a stem cell-related pathway that plays a crucial role in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and organogenesis. Aberrant activation of hedgehog signaling leads to pathological consequences, including a variety of human tumors such as pancreatic cancer. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that blockade of this pathway with several small-molecule inhibitors can inhibit the development of pancreatic neoplasm. In addition, activated hedgehog signaling has been reported to be involved in fibrogenesis in many tissues, including the pancreas. Therefore, new therapeutic targets based on hedgehog signaling have attracted a great deal of attention to alleviate pancreatic diseases. In this review, we briefly discuss the recent advances in hedgehog signaling in pancreatic fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis and highlight new insights on their potential relationship with respect to the development of novel targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyu Bai
- From the Wenzhou Medical University (Yongyu Bai, JD, QL, YJ, MZ); and Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery (Yongheng Bai, BC), The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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26
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Minuth WW, Denk L. Special Morphological Features at the Interface of the Renal Stem/Progenitor Cell Niche Force to Reinvestigate Transport of Morphogens During Nephron Induction. Biores Open Access 2016; 5:49-60. [PMID: 26862472 PMCID: PMC4744892 DOI: 10.1089/biores.2015.0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Formation of a nephron depends on reciprocal signaling of different morphogens between epithelial and mesenchymal cells within the renal stem/progenitor cell niche. Previously, it has been surmised that a close proximity exists between both involved cell types and that morphogens are transported between them by diffusion. However, actual morphological data illustrate that mesenchymal and epithelial stem/progenitor cell bodies are separated by a striking interface. Special fixation of specimens by glutaraldehyde (GA) solution including cupromeronic blue, ruthenium red, or tannic acid for electron microscopy depicts that the interface is not void but filled in extended areas by textured extracellular matrix. Surprisingly, projections of mesenchymal cells cross the interface to contact epithelial cells. At those sites the plasma membranes of a mesenchymal and an epithelial cell are connected via tunneling nanotubes. Regarding detected morphological features in combination with involved morphogens, their transport cannot longer be explained solely by diffusion. Instead, it has to be sorted according to biophysical properties of morphogens and to detected environment. Thus, the new working hypothesis is that morphogens with good solubility such as glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) or fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are transported by diffusion. Morphogens with minor solubility such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are secreted and stored for delivery on demand in illustrated extracellular matrix. In contrast, morphogens with poor solubility such as Wnts are transported in mesenchymal cell projections along the plasma membrane or via illustrated tunneling nanotubes. However, the presence of an intercellular route between mesenchymal and epithelial stem/progenitor cells by tunneling nanotubes also makes it possible that all morphogens are transported this way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will W Minuth
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg , Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lucia Denk
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg , Regensburg, Germany
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27
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Targeting GLI factors to inhibit the Hedgehog pathway. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2015; 36:547-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2015.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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28
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Hu L, Lin X, Lu H, Chen B, Bai Y. An overview of hedgehog signaling in fibrosis. Mol Pharmacol 2014; 87:174-82. [PMID: 25395043 DOI: 10.1124/mol.114.095141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a key role during embryogenesis and tissue regeneration. Recently, studies revealed that overactivated Hh signaling leads to fibrogenesis in many types of tissues. The activation of Hh signaling is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Blockade of Hh signaling abolishes the induction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and ameliorates tissue fibrosis. Therefore, new therapeutic targets to alleviate fibrosis based on the Hh signaling have attracted a great deal of attention. This is a new strategy for treating fibrosis and other related diseases. In this review, we discuss the crucial role of Hh signaling in fibrogenesis to provide a better understanding of their relationship and to encourage the study of novel targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou (L.H., X.L., H.L.); Department of Laboratory Medicine, JianLi County People's Hospital, Jingzhou (L.H.); and Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou (B.C., Y.B.), People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyang Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou (L.H., X.L., H.L.); Department of Laboratory Medicine, JianLi County People's Hospital, Jingzhou (L.H.); and Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou (B.C., Y.B.), People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou (L.H., X.L., H.L.); Department of Laboratory Medicine, JianLi County People's Hospital, Jingzhou (L.H.); and Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou (B.C., Y.B.), People's Republic of China
| | - Bicheng Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou (L.H., X.L., H.L.); Department of Laboratory Medicine, JianLi County People's Hospital, Jingzhou (L.H.); and Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou (B.C., Y.B.), People's Republic of China
| | - Yongheng Bai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou (L.H., X.L., H.L.); Department of Laboratory Medicine, JianLi County People's Hospital, Jingzhou (L.H.); and Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou (B.C., Y.B.), People's Republic of China
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Bai Y, Lu H, Wu C, Liang Y, Wang S, Lin C, Chen B, Xia P. Resveratrol inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition and renal fibrosis by antagonizing the hedgehog signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 92:484-93. [PMID: 25219324 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a biologic process in which tubular cells lose their epithelial phenotypes and acquire new characteristic features of mesenchymal properties, is increasingly recognized as an integral part of renal tissue fibrogenesis. Recent studies indicate that resveratrol, a botanical compound derived mainly from the skins of red grapes, may have anti-fibrotic effects in many tissues, but the potential molecular mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, we identified that resveratrol inhibits the induction of EMT and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) through antagonizing the hedgehog pathway in vitro and in vivo. In rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), administration of resveratrol (20mg/kg/day) significantly reduced serum creatinine. Resveratrol also decreased expression of TGF-β1, and inhibited the phenotypic transition from epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells, and the deposition of ECM in UUO rats. In cultured renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E), TGF-β1-induced EMT and ECM synthesis was abolished with the treatment of resveratrol. The induction of EMT was associated with the activation of the hedgehog pathway. Resveratrol treatment markedly inhibited the over-activity of the hedgehog pathway in the obstructed kidney and in TGF-β1-treated NRK-52E cells, resulted in reduction of cellular proliferation, EMT and ECM accumulation. Thus, these results suggest that resveratrol is able to inhibit EMT and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro through antagonizing the hedgehog pathway, and resveratrol may have therapeutic potential for patients with fibrotic kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongheng Bai
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hong Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Cunzao Wu
- Department of Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Silu Wang
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chengcheng Lin
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bicheng Chen
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Peng Xia
- Department of Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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30
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Clinical and etiological heterogeneity in patients with tracheo-esophageal malformations and associated anomalies. Eur J Med Genet 2014; 57:440-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2014.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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31
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Zhou D, Li Y, Zhou L, Tan RJ, Xiao L, Liang M, Hou FF, Liu Y. Sonic hedgehog is a novel tubule-derived growth factor for interstitial fibroblasts after kidney injury. J Am Soc Nephrol 2014; 25:2187-200. [PMID: 24744439 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2013080893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tubular epithelium constitutes the majority of the renal parenchyma and is the primary target of various kidney injuries. However, how the injured tubules drive interstitial fibroblast activation and proliferation remains poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of sonic hedgehog (Shh), a secreted extracellular signaling protein, in fibroblast proliferation. Shh was induced in renal tubular epithelia in animal models of CKD induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI), adriamycin, or renal mass ablation, and in renal tubules of kidney biopsy specimens from CKD patients with different etiologies. Using Gli1-CreER(T2) reporter mice, we identified interstitial fibroblasts as the principal targets of renal Shh signaling in vivo. In vitro, incubation with Shh promoted normal rat kidney fibroblast proliferation, which was assessed by cell counting, MTT assay, and BrdU incorporation assay, and stimulated the induction of numerous proliferation-related genes. However, Shh had no effect on the proliferation of renal tubular epithelial cells. In vivo, overexpression of Shh promoted fibroblast expansion and aggravated kidney fibrotic lesions after IRI. Correspondingly, blockade of Shh signaling by cyclopamine, a small molecule inhibitor of Smoothened, inhibited fibroblast proliferation, reduced myofibroblast accumulation, and attenuated renal fibrosis. These studies identify Shh as a novel, specific, and potent tubule-derived growth factor that promotes interstitial fibroblast proliferation and activation. Our data also suggest that blockade of Shh signaling is a plausible strategy for therapeutic intervention of renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lili Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University and Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Roderick J Tan
- Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and
| | - Liangxiang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University and Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University and Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan Fan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University and Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- Departments of Pathology, and State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University and Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
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Nissimov JN, Das Chaudhuri AB. Hair curvature: a natural dialectic and review. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2014; 89:723-66. [PMID: 24617997 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although hair forms (straight, curly, wavy, etc.) are present in apparently infinite variations, each fibre can be reduced to a finite sequence of tandem segments of just three types: straight, bent/curly, or twisted. Hair forms can thus be regarded as resulting from genetic pathways that induce, reverse or modulate these basic curvature modes. However, physical interconversions between twists and curls demonstrate that strict one-to-one correspondences between them and their genetic causes do not exist. Current hair-curvature theories do not distinguish between bending and twisting mechanisms. We here introduce a multiple papillary centres (MPC) model which is particularly suitable to explain twisting. The model combines previously known features of hair cross-sectional morphology with partially/completely separated dermal papillae within single follicles, and requires such papillae to induce differential growth rates of hair cortical material in their immediate neighbourhoods. The MPC model can further help to explain other, poorly understood, aspects of hair growth and morphology. Separate bending and twisting mechanisms would be preferentially affected at the major or minor ellipsoidal sides of fibres, respectively, and together they exhaust the possibilities for influencing hair-form phenotypes. As such they suggest dialectic for hair-curvature development. We define a natural-dialectic (ND) which could take advantage of speculative aspects of dialectic, but would verify its input data and results by experimental methods. We use this as a top-down approach to first define routes by which hair bending or twisting may be brought about and then review evidence in support of such routes. In particular we consider the wingless (Wnt) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways as paradigm pathways for molecular hair bending and twisting mechanisms, respectively. In addition to the Wnt canonical pathway, the Wnt/Ca(2+) and planar cell polarity (PCP) pathways, and others, can explain many alternatives and specific variations of hair bending phenotypes. Mechanisms for hair papilla budding or its division by bisection or fission can explain MPC formation. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) and mesenchymal-to-epithelial (MET) transitions, acting in collaboration with epithelial-mesenchymal communications are also considered as mechanisms affecting hair growth and its bending and twisting. These may be treated as sub-mechanisms of an overall development from neural-crest stem cell (NCSC) lineages to differentiated hair follicle (HF) cell types, thus providing a unified framework for hair growth and development.
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Onishi H, Katano M. Hedgehog signaling pathway as a new therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:2335-2342. [PMID: 24605030 PMCID: PMC3942836 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i9.2335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and difficult cancers to treat. Despite numerous research efforts, limited success has been achieved in the therapeutic management of patients with this disease. In the current review, we focus on one component of morphogenesis signaling, Hedgehog (Hh), with the aim of developing novel, effective therapies for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Hh signaling contributes to the induction of a malignant phenotype in pancreatic cancer and is responsible for maintaining pancreatic cancer stem cells. In addition, we propose a novel concept linking Hh signaling and tumor hypoxic conditions, and discuss the effects of Hh inhibitors in clinical trials. The Hh signaling pathway may represent a potential therapeutic target for patients with refractory pancreatic cancer.
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An integrative view on the physiology of human early placental villi. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 114:33-48. [PMID: 24291663 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The placenta is an indispensable organ for intrauterine protection, development and growth of the embryo and fetus. It provides tight contact between mother and conceptus, enabling the exchange of gas, nutrients and waste products. The human placenta is discoidal in shape, and bears a hemo-monochorial interface as well as villous materno-fetal interdigitations. Since Peter Medawar's astonishment to the paradoxical nature of the mother-fetus relationship in 1953, substantial knowledge in the domain of placental physiology has been gathered. In the present essay, an attempt has been made to build an integrated understanding of morphological dynamics, cell biology, and functional aspects of genomic and proteomic expression of human early placental villous trophoblast cells followed by a commentary on the future directions of research in this field.
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Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a conserved signalling system essential for embryonic development and for the maintenance of self-renewal pathways in progenitor cells. Mutations that deregulate Hh signalling are directly implicated in basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. The mechanisms of Hh pathway activation in cancers in which no pathway mutations have been identified are less clear, but of great translational significance. Small molecule inhibitors of the pathway, many of which are in early phase clinical trials, may shed further light on this question. Canonical Hh signalling promotes the expression of target genes through the Glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) transcription factors. There is now increasing evidence suggesting that 'non-canonical' Hh signalling mechanisms, some of which are independent of GLI-mediated transcription, may be important in cancer and development. The focus of this review is to summarise some of the known mechanisms of Hh signalling as well as its emerging role in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieren D Marini
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Centre for Cancer Research, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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Chau M, Forcinito P, Andrade AC, Hegde A, Ahn S, Lui JC, Baron J, Nilsson O. Organization of the Indian hedgehog--parathyroid hormone-related protein system in the postnatal growth plate. J Mol Endocrinol 2011; 47:99-107. [PMID: 21642420 PMCID: PMC8287619 DOI: 10.1530/jme-10-0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In embryonic growth cartilage, Indian hedgehog (Ihh) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) participate in a negative feedback loop that regulates chondrocyte differentiation. Postnatally, this region undergoes major structural and functional changes. To explore the organization of the Ihh–PTHrP system in postnatal growth plate, we microdissected growth plates of 7-day-old rats into their constituent zones and assessed expression of genes participating in the h–PTHrP feedback loop. Ihh, Patched 1, Smoothened, Gli1, Gli2, Gli3, and Pthr1 were expressed in regions analogous to the expression domains in embryonic growth cartilage. However, PTHrP was expressed in resting zone cartilage, a site that differs from the embryonic source, the periarticular cells. We then used mice in which lacZ has replaced coding sequences of Gli1 and thus serves as a marker for active hedgehog signaling. At 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age, lacZ expression was detected in a pattern analogous to that of embryonic cartilage. The findings support the hypothesis that the embryonic Ihh–PTHrP feedback loop is maintained in the postnatal growth plate except that the source of PTHrP has shifted to a more proximal location in the resting zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Chau
- Growth and Cartilage Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine and Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
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Spratlin JL, Chu Q, Koski S, King K, Mulder K. Targeting metastatic upper gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas. World J Clin Oncol 2011; 2:135-49. [PMID: 21611088 PMCID: PMC3100479 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v2.i3.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2010] [Revised: 11/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/27/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Upper gastrointestinal (GI) tumors, including adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and biliary tree, have traditionally been difficult to treat with cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. There has been little drug development success in treating these cancers over the last 20 years, perhaps a reflection of a combination of the aggressive biology of these tumors, the void in effective and specific drug development for these varied tumors, and the lack of properly designed, biologically-based clinical trials. Recently, so called "targeted agents" have risen to the forefront in the care of cancer patients and have made strong impacts in many areas of oncology, particularly gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), colon, breast, and lung cancers. Unfortunately, slow progress has been made using such agents in upper GI tumors. However, more recently, trials in some tumor types have demonstrated gains in progression free survival and overall survival. In this review, we discuss the drugs and pathways that have been most successful in the treatment of upper GI tumors and present the relevant data supporting their use for each tumor site. Additionally, we will explore a few novel pathways that may prove effective in the treatment of upper GI malignancies in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Spratlin
- Jennifer L Spratlin, Quincy Chu, Sheryl Koski, Karen King, Karen Mulder, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, T6G 1Z2, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Kang HS, ZeRuth G, Lichti-Kaiser K, Vasanth S, Yin Z, Kim YS, Jetten AM. Gli-similar (Glis) Krüppel-like zinc finger proteins: insights into their physiological functions and critical roles in neonatal diabetes and cystic renal disease. Histol Histopathol 2010; 25:1481-96. [PMID: 20865670 PMCID: PMC2996882 DOI: 10.14670/hh-25.1481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
GLI-similar (Glis) 1-3 proteins constitute a subfamily of the Krüppel-like zinc finger transcription factors that are closely related to the Gli family. Glis1-3 play critical roles in the regulation of a number of physiological processes and have been implicated in several pathologies. Mutations in GLIS2 have been linked to nephronophthisis, an autosomal recessive cystic kidney disease. Loss of Glis2 function leads to renal atrophy and fibrosis that involves epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubule epithelial cells. Mutations in human GLIS3 have been implicated in a syndrome characterized by neonatal diabetes and congenital hypothyroidism (NDH) and in some patients accompanied by polycystic kidney disease, glaucoma, and liver fibrosis. In addition, the GLIS3 gene has been identified as a susceptibility locus for the risk of type 1 and 2 diabetes. Glis3 plays a key role in pancreatic development, particularly in the generation of ß-cells and in the regulation of insulin gene expression. Glis2 and Glis3 proteins have been demonstrated to localize to the primary cilium, a signaling organelle that has been implicated in several pathologies, including cystic renal diseases. This association suggests that Glis2/3 are part of primary cilium-associated signaling pathways that control the activity of Glis proteins. Upon activation in the primary cilium, Glis proteins may translocate to the nucleus where they subsequently regulate gene transcription by interacting with Glis-binding sites in the promoter regulatory region of target genes. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of the Glis signaling pathways, their physiological functions, and their involvement in several human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Soon Kang
- Division of Intramural Research, Cell Biology Section, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Molecular mechanisms in renal degenerative disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2010; 21:831-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2010.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2010] [Revised: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Goetz SC, Anderson KV. The primary cilium: a signalling centre during vertebrate development. Nat Rev Genet 2010; 11:331-44. [PMID: 20395968 DOI: 10.1038/nrg2774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1362] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The primary cilium has recently stepped into the spotlight, as a flood of data show that this organelle has crucial roles in vertebrate development and human genetic diseases. Cilia are required for the response to developmental signals, and evidence is accumulating that the primary cilium is specialized for hedgehog signal transduction. The formation of cilia, in turn, is regulated by other signalling pathways, possibly including the planar cell polarity pathway. The cilium therefore represents a nexus for signalling pathways during development. The connections between cilia and developmental signalling have begun to clarify the basis of human diseases associated with ciliary dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C Goetz
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, New York, New York 10065, USA
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Dormoy V, Danilin S, Lindner V, Thomas L, Rothhut S, Coquard C, Helwig JJ, Jacqmin D, Lang H, Massfelder T. The sonic hedgehog signaling pathway is reactivated in human renal cell carcinoma and plays orchestral role in tumor growth. Mol Cancer 2009; 8:123. [PMID: 20015350 PMCID: PMC2803450 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-8-123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2009] [Accepted: 12/16/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CRCC) remains resistant to therapies. Recent advances in Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIF) molecular network led to targeted therapies, but unfortunately with only limited clinical significance. Elucidating the molecular processes involved in kidney tumorigenesis and resistance is central to the development of improved therapies, not only for kidney cancer but for many, if not all, cancer types. The oncogenic PI3K/Akt, NF-kB and MAPK pathways are critical for tumorigenesis. The sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is crucial to normal development. Results By quantitative RT-PCR and immunoblot, we report that the SHH signaling pathway is constitutively reactivated in tumors independently of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor gene expression which is inactivated in the majority of CRCC. The inhibition of the SHH signaling pathway by the specific inhibitor cyclopamine abolished CRCC cell growth as assessed by cell counting, BrdU incorporation studies, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and β-galactosidase staining. Importantly, inhibition of the SHH pathway induced tumor regression in nude mice through inhibition of cell proliferation and neo-vascularization, and induction of apoptosis but not senescence assessed by in vivo studies, immunoblot and immunohistochemistry. Gli1, cyclin D1, Pax2, Lim1, VEGF, and TGF-β were exclusively expressed in tumors and were shown to be regulated by SHH, as evidenced by immunoblot after SHH inhibition. Using specific inhibitors and immunoblot, the activation of the oncogenic PI3K/Akt, NF-kB and MAPK pathways was decreased by SHH inhibition. Conclusions These findings support targeting SHH for the treatment of CRCC and pave the way for innovative and additional investigations in a broad range of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérian Dormoy
- INSERM U682, Section of Renal Cancer and Renal Physiopathology, University of Strasbourg, School of Medicine, Strasbourg, 67085 France.
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Abstract
Abnormalities of kidney and urinary tract development are the most common cause of end-stage kidney failure in childhood in the United States. Over the past 20 years, the advent of mutant and transgenic mice and the manipulation of gene expression in other animal models has resulted in major advances in identification of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that direct kidney morphogenesis, providing insights into the pathophysiology of renal and urologic anomalies. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms that define kidney progenitor cell populations, induce nephron formation within the metanephric mesenchyme, initiate and organize ureteric bud branching, and participate in terminal differentiation of the nephron. Highlighted are common signaling pathways that function at multiple stages during kidney development, including signaling via Wnts, bone morphogenic proteins, fibroblast growth factor, sonic hedgehog, RET/glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, and notch pathways. Also emphasized are the roles of transcription factors Odd1, Eya1, Pax2, Lim1, and WT-1 in directing renal development. Areas requiring future investigation include the factors that modulate signaling pathways to provide temporal and site-specific effects. The evolution of our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms of kidney development may provide methods for improved diagnosis of renal anomalies and, hopefully, targets for intervention for this common cause of childhood end-stage kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Reidy
- Department of Pediatrics/Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 3415 Bainbridge Ave, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
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Song X, Di Giovanni V, He N, Wang K, Ingram A, Rosenblum ND, Pei Y. Systems biology of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD): computational identification of gene expression pathways and integrated regulatory networks. Hum Mol Genet 2009; 18:2328-43. [PMID: 19346236 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddp165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To elucidate the molecular pathways that modulate renal cyst growth in ADPKD, we performed global gene profiling on cysts of different size (<1 ml, n = 5; 10-20 ml, n = 5; >50 ml, n = 3) and minimally cystic tissue (MCT, n = 5) from five PKD1 human polycystic kidneys using Affymetrix HG-U133 Plus 2.0 arrays. We used gene set enrichment analysis to identify overrepresented signaling pathways and key transcription factors (TFs) between cysts and MCT. We found down-regulation of kidney epithelial restricted genes (e.g. nephron segment-specific markers and cilia-associated cystic genes such as HNF1B, PKHD1, IFT88 and CYS1) in the renal cysts. On the other hand, PKD1 cysts displayed a rich profile of gene sets associated with renal development, mitogen-mediated proliferation, cell cycle progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, aging and immune/inflammatory responses. Notably, our data suggest that up-regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin, pleiotropic growth factor/receptor tyrosine kinase (e.g. IGF/IGF1R, FGF/FGFR, EGF/EGFR, VEGF/VEGFR), G-protein-coupled receptor (e.g. PTGER2) signaling was associated with renal cystic growth. By integrating these pathways with a number of dysregulated networks of TFs (e.g. SRF, MYC, E2F1, CREB1, LEF1, TCF7, HNF1B/ HNF1A and HNF4A), our data suggest that epithelial dedifferentiation accompanied by aberrant activation and cross-talk of specific signaling pathways may be required for PKD1 cyst growth and disease progression. Pharmacological modulation of some of these signaling pathways may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for ADPKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Song
- Division of Nephrology, University Health Network, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Mohri Y, Kato S, Umezawa A, Okuyama R, Nishimori K. Impaired hair placode formation with reduced expression of hair follicle-related genes in mice lacking Lgr4. Dev Dyn 2008; 237:2235-42. [PMID: 18651655 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.21639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We observed that Lgr4K5 KO mice had sparse head hair and focal alopecia behind their ears, as observed in tabby (Eda) and downless (Edar) mice, which are models of the human genetic disorder hypohidrotic (anhidrotic) ectodermal dysplasia (HED). Lgr4-deficient mice showed partial impairment in hair follicle development with reduced expression of Edar, Lef1, and Shh, which were essential for hair follicle morphogenesis, in the epidermis. Immunohistochemical analysis of Lgr4-/- mice epidermis using shh antibody showed reduced numbers of hair placodes, and we also detected higher phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8, which is required to suppress normal hair follicle induction. We suspected that Lgr4 might be a novel gene class regulating the development of hair follicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuaki Mohri
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agriculture Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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Prykhozhij SV, Neumann CJ. Distinct roles of Shh and Fgf signaling in regulating cell proliferation during zebrafish pectoral fin development. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2008; 8:91. [PMID: 18811955 PMCID: PMC2562996 DOI: 10.1186/1471-213x-8-91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2008] [Accepted: 09/23/2008] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Cell proliferation in multicellular organisms must be coordinated with pattern formation. The major signaling pathways directing pattern formation in the vertebrate limb are well characterized, and we have therefore chosen this organ to examine the interaction between proliferation and patterning. Two important signals for limb development are members of the Hedgehog (Hh) and Fibroblast Growth Factor (Fgf) families of secreted signaling proteins. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) directs pattern formation along the anterior/posterior axis of the limb, whereas several Fgfs in combination direct pattern formation along the proximal/distal axis of the limb. Results We used the genetic and pharmacological amenability of the zebrafish model system to dissect the relative importance of Shh and Fgf signaling in regulating proliferation during development of the pectoral fin buds. In zebrafish mutants disrupting the shh gene, proliferation in the pectoral fin buds is initially normal, but later is strongly reduced. Correlating with this reduction, Fgf signaling is normal at early stages, but is later lost in shh mutants. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of Hh signaling for short periods has little effect on either Fgf signaling, or on expression of G1- and S-phase cell-cycle genes, whereas long periods of inhibition lead to the downregulation of both. In contrast, even short periods of pharmacological inhibition of Fgf signaling lead to strong disruption of proliferation in the fin buds, without affecting Shh signaling. To directly test the ability of Fgf signaling to regulate proliferation in the absence of Shh signaling, we implanted beads soaked with Fgf protein into shh mutant fin buds. We find that Fgf-soaked beads rescue proliferation in the pectoral find buds of shh mutants, indicating that Fgf signaling is sufficient to direct proliferation in zebrafish fin buds in the absence of Shh. Conclusion Previous studies have shown that both Shh and Fgf signaling are crucial for outgrowth of the vertebrate limb. The results presented here show that the role of Shh in this process is indirect, and is mediated by its effect on Fgf signaling. By contrast, the activity of the Fgf pathway affects proliferation directly and independently of its effect on Shh. These results show that Fgf signaling is of primary importance in directing outgrowth of the limb bud, and clarify the role of the Shh-Fgf feedback loop in regulating proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V Prykhozhij
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Meyerhofstrasse 1, Heidelberg, Germany.
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46
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Uhlenhaut NH, Treier M. Transcriptional regulators in kidney disease: gatekeepers of renal homeostasis. Trends Genet 2008; 24:361-71. [PMID: 18514358 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2008.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2007] [Revised: 04/30/2008] [Accepted: 05/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although we are rapidly gaining a more complete understanding of the genes required for kidney function, the molecular pathways that actively maintain organ homeostasis are only beginning to emerge. The study of the most common genetic cause of renal failure, polycystic kidney disease, has revealed a surprising role for primary cilia in controlling nuclear gene expression and cell division during development as well as maintenance of kidney architecture. Conditions that disturb kidney integrity seem to be associated with reversal of developmental processes that ultimately lead to kidney fibrosis and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this review, we discuss transcriptional regulators and networks that are important in kidney disease, focusing on those that mediate cilia function and drive renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Henriette Uhlenhaut
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
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Breitling R. Greased hedgehogs: new links between hedgehog signaling and cholesterol metabolism. Bioessays 2008; 29:1085-94. [PMID: 17935218 DOI: 10.1002/bies.20663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The close link between signaling by the developmental regulators of the Hedgehog family and cholesterol biochemistry has been known for some time. The morphogen is covalently attached to cholesterol in a peculiar autocatalytic reaction and embryonal disruption of cholesterol synthesis leads to malformations that mimic Hh signaling defects. Recently, it was furthermore shown that secreted Hh could hitchhike on lipoprotein particles to establish its morphogenic gradient in the developing embryo. Additionally, there is new evidence that the Hh-receptor Patched transmits the Hh signal by modulating the secretion of an inhibitory sterol molecule from the receiving cells. Here we present some of the most recent discoveries on the Hh-sterol link and discuss their implications from a systems design perspective. We predict that a robust functioning of the Hh pathway will require the involvement of more sterol metabolites, and these should be the subject of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Breitling
- Groningen Bioinformatics Centre, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, 9751 NN Haren, The Netherlands.
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Wallace VA. Proliferative and cell fate effects of Hedgehog signaling in the vertebrate retina. Brain Res 2008; 1192:61-75. [PMID: 17655833 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2007] [Revised: 05/19/2007] [Accepted: 06/03/2007] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The retina is an excellent system for delving into the question of how cell fate, number and organization are regulated in the central nervous system. Multipotential progenitor cells in the immature retina proliferate, exit the cell cycle and generate neurons and one glial cell type in a prescribed temporal sequence. While some aspects of progenitor behavior are controlled cell intrinsically, extrinsic signals present in the retina environment have been shown to impact on proliferation, differentiation and cell fate of progenitors. Intercellular signaling proteins of the Hedgehog (Hh) family regulate several aspects of visual system development in vertebrates--ranging from early eye field patterning to retinal and optic nerve development. This review highlights the role of Hh signaling on retinal progenitor proliferation and diversification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie A Wallace
- Molecular Medicine Program, Ottawa Health Research Institute, 501 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1H 8L6.
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Cousin W, Fontaine C, Dani C, Peraldi P. Hedgehog and adipogenesis: fat and fiction. Biochimie 2007; 89:1447-53. [PMID: 17933451 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2007.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2007] [Accepted: 08/24/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Morphogenes, abundantly described during embryogenesis have recently emerged as crucial modulators of cell differentiation processes. Hedgehog signaling, the dysregulation of which causing several pathologies such as congenital defects and cancer, is involved in several cell differentiation processes including adipogenesis. This review presents an overview of the relations between Hedgehog signaling, adipocyte differentiation and fat mass. While the anti-adipogenic role of Hedgehog signaling seems to be established, the effect of Hedgehog inhibition on adipocyte differentiation in vitro remains debated. Finally, Hedgehog potential as a pharmacological target to treat fat mass disorders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Cousin
- ISBDC, Université De Nice Sophia-Antipolis, CNRS, 28 Avenue De Valrose, 06100 Nice, France.
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Kim YS, Kang HS, Jetten AM. The Krüppel-like zinc finger protein Glis2 functions as a negative modulator of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. FEBS Lett 2007; 581:858-64. [PMID: 17289029 PMCID: PMC1838965 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2006] [Revised: 12/19/2006] [Accepted: 01/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
To gain insight into the mechanism by which Gli-similar 2 (Glis2) regulates transcription, we performed yeast-two hybrid cDNA library screening using Glis2 as bait. This screening identified beta-catenin as a potential Glis2-interacting protein. Mammalian two-hybrid, co-immunoprecipitation, and GST-pulldown analyses supported the interaction between Glis2 and beta-catenin. Pulldown analyses with several Glis2 deletion mutants indicated that the 1st zinc finger motif of Glis2 is critical for its interaction with beta-catenin, while the armadillo repeats of beta-catenin are important in its interaction with Glis2. Reporter analyses showed that Glis2 represses T-cell factor (TCF)-mediated transcriptional activation. In addition, Glis2 represses the expression of the TCF target gene cyclin D1. Our results indicate that Glis2 interacts with beta-catenin and suggest that Glis2 functions as a negative modulator of beta-catenin/TCF-mediated transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anton M. Jetten
- *To whom correspondence should be addressed Tel: 919-541-2768; Fax: 919-541-4133, E-mail:
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