AIRE is a critical spindle-associated protein in embryonic stem cells

Comparison of the developmental competence of in vitro-produced mouse embryos cultured under 5 versus 2% O2 with in vivo-derived blastocysts

PURPOSE

The prevalence of infertility in Canada has substantially increased over 30 years, and plateaued success rates of culture systems warrant further optimization for transfer outcomes. In clinical programs, embryos commonly undergo extended culture under 5% O2 until the blastocyst stage. The aim of this study is to characterize the developmental competence and stress-related responses of embryos cultured under 5 versus 2% O2 in comparison to in vivo-derived blastocysts. We hypothesized 2% O2 compromises developmental competence through altered embryonic stress responses and induction of apoptosis-related genes relative to those cultured under 5% O2 and in vivo-derived blastocysts.

METHODS

Quantitative measures of development and relative expressions of a cohort of stress-related genes in CD1 mouse zygotes cultured to blastocysts under 5 or 2% O2 were compared to in vivo-derived embryos. Apoptotic responses were evaluated using an immunofluorescence assay for Caspase-3.

RESULTS

The mean percentage of blastocysts developed, and total cell number of embryos derived in vivo or cultured under 5% O2 was significantly higher than those cultured under 2% O2. Blastocyst expansion was greatest in embryos cultured under 5% O2. Stress response genes were significantly upregulated in embryos cultured under 2% O2, and expression of antioxidant-related genes was significantly lower in cultured versus in vivo-derived embryos. Caspase-3 immunofluorescence was significantly higher in cultured embryos versus in vivo-derived embryos.

CONCLUSION

We inferred that 5% O2 systems better approximate physiologic oxygen availability for culture of mouse embryos, warranting re-evaluation of culturing embryos under threshold or sub-physiologic oxygen concentrations during clinical IVF programs.

Thymic Mimetic Cells: Ontogeny as Immunology

Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) generate immunological self-tolerance by ectopically expressing peripheral-tissue antigens (PTAs) within the thymus to preview the peripheral self to maturing T cells. Recent work, drawing inspiration from old histological observations, has shown that subtypes of mTECs, collectively termed mimetic cells, co-opt developmental programs from throughout the organism to express biologically coherent groups of PTAs. Here, we review key aspects of mimetic cells, especially as they relate to the larger contexts of molecular, cellular, developmental, and evolutionary biology. We highlight lineage-defining transcription factors as key regulators of mimetic cells and speculate as to what other factors, including Aire and the chromatin potential of mTECs, permit mimetic cell differentiation and function. Last, we consider what mimetic cells can teach us about not only the thymus but also other tissues.

Extrathymic AIRE-Expressing Cells: A Historical Perspective

Since its discovery, Aire has been the topic of numerous studies in its role as a transcriptional regulator in the thymus where it promotes the "promiscuous" expression of a large repertoire of tissue-restricted antigens (TRAs) that are normally expressed only in the immune periphery. This process occurs in specialized medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) and mediates the elimination of self-reactive T cells or promotes their conversion to the Foxp3+ regulatory T cell lineage, both of which are required for the prevention of autoimmunity. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the role of extrathymic Aire expression in peripheral organs. The focus has primarily been on the identification of the cellular source(s) and mechanism(s) by which extrathymic AIRE affects tolerance-related or other physiological processes. A cadre of OMICs tools including single cell RNA sequencing and novel transgenic models to trace Aire expression to perform lineage tracing experiments have shed light on a phenomenon that is more complex than previously thought. In this chapter, we provide a deeper analysis of how extrathymic Aire research has developed and progressed, how cellular sources were identified, and how the function of AIRE was determined. Current data suggests that extrathymic AIRE fulfills a function that differs from what has been observed in the thymus and strongly argues that its main purpose is to regulate transcriptional programs in a cell content-dependent manner. Surprisingly, there is data that also suggests a non-transcriptional role of extrathymic AIRE in the cytoplasm. We have arrived at a potential turning point that will take the field from the classical understanding of AIRE as a transcription factor in control of TRA expression to its role in immunological and non-immunological processes in the periphery.

Mitochondrial transfer/transplantation: an emerging therapeutic approach for multiple diseases

Mitochondria play a pivotal role in energy generation and cellular physiological processes. These organelles are highly dynamic, constantly changing their morphology, cellular location, and distribution in response to cellular stress. In recent years, the phenomenon of mitochondrial transfer has attracted significant attention and interest from biologists and medical investigators. Intercellular mitochondrial transfer occurs in different ways, including tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and gap junction channels (GJCs). According to research on intercellular mitochondrial transfer in physiological and pathological environments, mitochondrial transfer hold great potential for maintaining body homeostasis and regulating pathological processes. Multiple research groups have developed artificial mitochondrial transfer/transplantation (AMT/T) methods that transfer healthy mitochondria into damaged cells and recover cellular function. This paper reviews intercellular spontaneous mitochondrial transfer modes, mechanisms, and the latest methods of AMT/T. Furthermore, potential application value and mechanism of AMT/T in disease treatment are also discussed.

Acute deletion of TET enzymes results in aneuploidy in mouse embryonic stem cells through decreased expression of Khdc3

TET (Ten-Eleven Translocation) dioxygenases effect DNA demethylation through successive oxidation of the methyl group of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) in DNA. In humans and in mouse models, TET loss-of-function has been linked to DNA damage, genome instability and oncogenesis. Here we show that acute deletion of all three Tet genes, after brief exposure of triple-floxed, Cre-ERT2-expressing mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) to 4-hydroxytamoxifen, results in chromosome mis-segregation and aneuploidy; moreover, embryos lacking all three TET proteins showed striking variation in blastomere numbers and nuclear morphology at the 8-cell stage. Transcriptional profiling revealed that mRNA encoding a KH-domain protein, Khdc3 (Filia), was downregulated in triple TET-deficient mESC, concomitantly with increased methylation of CpG dinucleotides in the vicinity of the Khdc3 gene. Restoring KHDC3 levels in triple Tet-deficient mESC prevented aneuploidy. Thus, TET proteins regulate Khdc3 gene expression, and TET deficiency results in mitotic infidelity and genome instability in mESC at least partly through decreased expression of KHDC3.

A novel AIRE mutation leads to autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type-1

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type-1 (APS-1) is a rare inherited monogenic autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of at least two of three following major clinical features: chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, and adrenal insufficiency. Mutations in autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene have been found to contribute to APS-1. In the present study, we reported a 36-years-old male APS-1 patient who presented with hypoparathyroidism and Addison’s disease. The proband underwent complete clinical examinations and mutation screening was performed by Sanger sequencing on AIRE gene. A novel homozygous mutation in exon 9 of the AIRE gene (c.1024C>T) was identified. Based on sequencing findings, HEK293T cell-based assays were conducted to analyze the subcellular localization and mutant transcript processing. Our results revealed that p.Q342X mutant localized in nuclear speckles and exerted a dominant-negative effect on wildtype AIRE function. We reported the c.1024C>T mutation of AIRE gene for the first time, which enriched the AIRE mutation database and contributed to further understanding of APS-1.

Phylogeny, Structure, Functions, and Role of AIRE in the Formation of T-Cell Subsets

It is well known that the most important feature of adaptive immunity is the specificity that provides highly precise recognition of the self, altered-self, and non-self. Due to the high specificity of antigen recognition, the adaptive immune system participates in the maintenance of genetic homeostasis, supports multicellularity, and protects an organism from different pathogens at a qualitatively different level than innate immunity. This seemingly simple property is based on millions of years of evolution that led to the formation of diversification mechanisms of antigen-recognizing receptors and later to the emergence of a system of presentation of the self and non-self antigens. The latter could have a crucial significance because the presentation of nearly complete diversity of auto-antigens in the thymus allows for the "calibration" of the forming repertoires of T-cells for the recognition of self, altered-self, and non-self antigens that are presented on the periphery. The central role in this process belongs to promiscuous gene expression by the thymic epithelial cells that express nearly the whole spectrum of proteins encoded in the genome, meanwhile maintaining their cellular identity. This complex mechanism requires strict control that is executed by several transcription factors. One of the most important of them is AIRE. This noncanonical transcription factor not only regulates the processes of differentiation and expression of peripheral tissue-specific antigens in the thymic medullar epithelial cells but also controls intercellular interactions in the thymus. Besides, it participates in an increase in the diversity and transfer of presented antigens and thus influences the formation of repertoires of maturing thymocytes. Due to these complex effects, AIRE is also called a transcriptional regulator. In this review, we briefly described the history of AIRE discovery, its structure, functions, and role in the formation of antigen-recognizing receptor repertoires, along with other transcription factors. We focused on the phylogenetic prerequisites for the development of modern adaptive immunity and emphasized the importance of the antigen presentation system.

Generation and Characterization of iPS Cells Derived from APECED Patients for Gene Correction

APECED (Autoimmune-Polyendocrinopathy-Candidiasis-Ectodermal-Dystrophy) is a severe and incurable multiorgan autoimmune disease caused by mutations in the AIRE (autoimmune regulator) gene. Without functional AIRE, the development of central and peripheral immune tolerance is severely impaired allowing the accumulation of autoreactive immune cells in the periphery. This leads to multiple endocrine and non-endocrine autoimmune disorders and mucocutaneous candidiasis in APECED patients. Recent studies have suggested that AIRE also has novel functions in stem cells and contributes to the regulatory network of pluripotency. In preparation of therapeutic gene correction, we generated and assessed patient blood cell-derived iPSCs, potentially suitable for cell therapy in APECED. Here, we describe APECED-patient derived iPSCs's properties, expression of AIRE as well as classical stem cell markers by qPCR and immunocytochemistry. We further generated self-aggregated EBs of the iPSCs. We show that APECED patient-derived iPSCs and EBs do not have any major proliferative or apoptotic defects and that they express all the classical pluripotency markers similarly to healthy person iPSCs. The results suggest that the common AIRE R257X truncation mutation does not affect stem cell properties and that APECED iPSCs can be propagated in vitro and used for subsequent gene-correction. This first study on APECED patient-derived iPSCs validates their pluripotency and confirms their ability for differentiation and potential therapeutic use.

Proximity labeling: an emerging tool for probing in planta molecular interactions

Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks are key to nearly all aspects of cellular activity. Therefore, the identification of PPIs is important for understanding a specific biological process in an organism. Compared with conventional methods for probing PPIs, the recently described proximity labeling (PL) approach combined with mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitative proteomics has emerged as a powerful approach for characterizing PPIs. However, the application of PL in planta remains in its infancy. Here, we summarize recent progress in PL and its potential utilization in plant biology. We specifically summarize advances in PL, including the development and comparison of different PL enzymes and the application of PL for deciphering various molecular interactions in different organisms with an emphasis on plant systems.

Establishment of Proximity-Dependent Biotinylation Approaches in Different Plant Model Systems

Proximity labeling is a powerful approach for detecting protein-protein interactions. Most proximity labeling techniques use a promiscuous biotin ligase or a peroxidase fused to a protein of interest, enabling the covalent biotin labeling of proteins and subsequent capture and identification of interacting and neighboring proteins without the need for the protein complex to remain intact. To date, only a few studies have reported on the use of proximity labeling in plants. Here, we present the results of a systematic study applying a variety of biotin-based proximity labeling approaches in several plant systems using various conditions and bait proteins. We show that TurboID is the most promiscuous variant in several plant model systems and establish protocols that combine mass spectrometry-based analysis with harsh extraction and washing conditions. We demonstrate the applicability of TurboID in capturing membrane-associated protein interactomes using Lotus japonicus symbiotically active receptor kinases as a test case. We further benchmark the efficiency of various promiscuous biotin ligases in comparison with one-step affinity purification approaches. We identified both known and novel interactors of the endocytic TPLATE complex. We furthermore present a straightforward strategy to identify both nonbiotinylated and biotinylated peptides in a single experimental setup. Finally, we provide initial evidence that our approach has the potential to suggest structural information of protein complexes.

Age-related differences in the translational landscape of mammalian oocytes

Increasing maternal age in mammals is associated with poorer oocyte quality, involving higher aneuploidy rates and decreased developmental competence. Prior to resumption of meiosis, fully developed mammalian oocytes become transcriptionally silent until the onset of zygotic genome activation. Therefore, meiotic progression and early embryogenesis are driven largely by translational utilization of previously synthesized mRNAs. We report that genome‐wide translatome profiling reveals considerable numbers of transcripts that are differentially translated in oocytes obtained from aged compared to young females. Additionally, we show that a number of aberrantly translated mRNAs in oocytes from aged females are associated with cell cycle. Indeed, we demonstrate that four specific maternal age‐related transcripts (Sgk1, Castor1, Aire and Eg5) with differential translation rates encode factors that are associated with the newly forming meiotic spindle. Moreover, we report substantial defects in chromosome alignment and cytokinesis in the oocytes of young females, in which candidate CASTOR1 and SGK1 protein levels or activity are experimentally altered. Our findings indicate that improper translation of specific proteins at the onset of meiosis contributes to increased chromosome segregation problems associated with female ageing.

Moonlighting in Mitosis: Analysis of the Mitotic Functions of Transcription and Splicing Factors

Moonlighting proteins can perform one or more additional functions besides their primary role. It has been posited that a protein can acquire a moonlighting function through a gradual evolutionary process, which is favored when the primary and secondary functions are exerted in different cellular compartments. Transcription factors (TFs) and splicing factors (SFs) control processes that occur in interphase nuclei and are strongly reduced during cell division, and are therefore in a favorable situation to evolve moonlighting mitotic functions. However, recently published moonlighting protein databases, which comprise almost 400 proteins, do not include TFs and SFs with secondary mitotic functions. We searched the literature and found several TFs and SFs with bona fide moonlighting mitotic functions, namely they localize to specific mitotic structure(s), interact with proteins enriched in the same structure(s), and are required for proper morphology and functioning of the structure(s). In addition, we describe TFs and SFs that localize to mitotic structures but cannot be classified as moonlighting proteins due to insufficient data on their biochemical interactions and mitotic roles. Nevertheless, we hypothesize that most TFs and SFs with specific mitotic localizations have either minor or redundant moonlighting functions, or are evolving towards the acquisition of these functions.

When few survive to tell the tale: thymus and gonad as auditioning organs: historical overview

Unlike other organs, the thymus and gonads generate nonuniform cell populations, many members of which perish, and a few survive. While it is recognized that thymic cells are "audited" to optimize an organism's immune repertoire, whether gametogenesis could be orchestrated similarly to favor high-quality gametes is uncertain. Ideally, such quality would be affirmed at early stages before the commitment of extensive parental resources. A case is here made that, along the lines of a previously proposed lymphocyte quality control mechanism, gamete quality can be registered indirectly through detection of incompatibilities between proteins encoded by the grandparental DNA sequences within the parent from which haploid gametes are meiotically derived. This "stress test" is achieved in the same way that thymic screening for potential immunological incompatibilities is achieved-by "promiscuous" expression, under the influence of the AIRE protein, of the products of genes that are not normally specific for that organ. Consistent with this, the Aire gene is expressed in both thymus and gonads, and AIRE deficiency impedes function in both organs. While not excluding the subsequent emergence of hybrid incompatibilities due to the intermixing of genomic sequences from parents (rather than grandparents), many observations, such as the number of proteins that are aberrantly expressed during gametogenesis, can be explained on this basis. Indeed, promiscuous expression could have first evolved in gamete-forming cells where incompatible proteins would be manifest as aberrant protein aggregates that cause apoptosis. This mechanism would later have been co-opted by thymic epithelial cells which display peptides from aggregates to remove potentially autoreactive T cells.

Autoimmune Regulator is required in female mice for optimal embryonic development and implantation†

Autoimmune Regulator (AIRE) regulates central immune tolerance by inducing expression of tissue-restricted antigens in thymic medullary epithelial cells, thereby ensuring elimination of autoreactive T cells. Aire mutations in humans and targeted Aire deletion in mice result in multiorgan autoimmune disease, known in humans as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1). APS-1 is characterized by the presence of adrenal insufficiency, chronic mucosal candidiasis, and/or hypoparathyroidism. Additionally, females often present with gonadal insufficiency and infertility. Aire-deficiency (KO) in mice results in oophoritis and age-dependent depletion of follicular reserves. Here, we found that while the majority of young 6-week-old Aire-KO females had normal follicular reserves, mating behavior, and ovulation rates, 50% of females experienced embryonic loss between gestation day (GD) 5.5 and 7.5 that could not be attributed to insufficient progesterone production or decidualization. The quality of GD0.5 embryos recovered from Aire KO mice was reduced, and when cultured in vitro, embryos displayed limited developmental capacity in comparison to those recovered from wild-type (WT) mice. Further, embryos flushed from Aire KO dams at GD3.5 were developmentally delayed in comparison to WT controls and had reduced trophoblastic outgrowth in vitro. We conclude that AIRE does not play a direct role in uterine decidualization. Rather, reduced fertility of Aire-deficient females is likely due to multiple factors, including oophoritis, delayed preimplantation development, and compromised implantation. These effects may be explained by autoimmune targeting of the ovary, embryo, or both. Alternatively, altered embryonic development could be due to a direct role for AIRE in early embryogenesis.

Recent advances in proximity-based labeling methods for interactome mapping

Proximity-based labeling has emerged as a powerful complementary approach to classic affinity purification of multiprotein complexes in the mapping of protein-protein interactions. Ongoing optimization of enzyme tags and delivery methods has improved both temporal and spatial resolution, and the technique has been successfully employed in numerous small-scale (single complex mapping) and large-scale (network mapping) initiatives. When paired with quantitative proteomic approaches, the ability of these assays to provide snapshots of stable and transient interactions over time greatly facilitates the mapping of dynamic interactomes. Furthermore, recent innovations have extended biotin-based proximity labeling techniques such as BioID and APEX beyond classic protein-centric assays (tag a protein to label neighboring proteins) to include RNA-centric (tag an RNA species to label RNA-binding proteins) and DNA-centric (tag a gene locus to label associated protein complexes) assays.

Twenty Years of AIRE

About two decades ago, cloning of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene materialized one of the most important actors on the scene of self-tolerance. Thymic transcription of genes encoding tissue-specific antigens (ts-ags) is activated by AIRE protein and embodies the essence of thymic self-representation. Pathogenic AIRE variants cause the autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1, which is a rare and complex disease that is gaining attention in research on autoimmunity. The animal models of disease, although not identically reproducing the human picture, supply fundamental information on mechanisms and extent of AIRE action: thanks to its multidomain structure, AIRE localizes to chromatin enclosing the target genes, binds to histones, and offers an anchorage to multimolecular complexes involved in initiation and post-initiation events of gene transcription. In addition, AIRE enhances mRNA diversity by favoring alternative mRNA splicing. Once synthesized, ts-ags are presented to, and cause deletion of the self-reactive thymocyte clones. However, AIRE function is not restricted to the activation of gene transcription. AIRE would control presentation and transfer of self-antigens for thymic cellular interplay: such mechanism is aimed at increasing the likelihood of engagement of the thymocytes that carry the corresponding T-cell receptors. Another fundamental role of AIRE in promoting self-tolerance is related to the development of thymocyte anergy, as thymic self-representation shapes at the same time the repertoire of regulatory T cells. Finally, AIRE seems to replicate its action in the secondary lymphoid organs, albeit the cell lineage detaining such property has not been fully characterized. Delineation of AIRE functions adds interesting data to the knowledge of the mechanisms of self-tolerance and introduces exciting perspectives of therapeutic interventions against the related diseases.