scholarly journals Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome-associated mutants of the transcription factor FOXC1 abnormally regulate NKX2-5 in model zebrafish embryos

2020 ◽  
Vol 295 (33) ◽  
pp. 11902-11913
Author(s):  
Qinxin Zhang ◽  
Dong Liang ◽  
Yunyun Yue ◽  
Luqingqing He ◽  
Nan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Development ◽  
Heart Defects ◽  
Proximal Promoter ◽  
Abnormal Development ◽  
Zebrafish Embryos ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Rieger Syndrome ◽  
Dominant Disease ◽  
Direct Binding

FOXC1 is a member of the forkhead family of transcription factors, and whose function is poorly understood. A variety of FOXC1 mutants have been identified in patients diagnosed with the autosomal dominant disease Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome, which is mainly characterized by abnormal development of the eyes, particularly those who also have accompanying congenital heart defects (CHD). However, the role of FOXC1 in CHD, and how these mutations might impact FOXC1 function, remains elusive. Our previous work provided one clue to possible function, demonstrating that zebrafish foxc1a, an orthologue of human FOXC1 essential for heart development, directly regulates the expression of nkx2.5, encoding a transcriptional regulator of cardiac progenitor cells. Abnormal expression of Nkx2-5 leads to CHD in mice and is also associated with CHD patients. Whether this link extends to the human system, however, requires investigation. In this study, we demonstrate that FOXC1 does regulate human NKX2-5 expression in a dose-dependent manner via direct binding to its proximal promoter. A comparison of FOXC1 mutant function in the rat cardiac cell line H9c2 and zebrafish embryos suggested that the zebrafish embryos might serve as a more representative model system than the H9c2 cells. Finally, we noted that three of the Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome FOXC1 mutations tested increased, whereas a fourth repressed the expression of NKX2-5. These results imply that mutant FOXC1s might play etiological roles in CHD by abnormally regulating NKX2-5 in the patients. And zebrafish embryos can serve as a useful in vivo platform for rapidly evaluating disease-causing roles of mutated genes.

scholarly journals Celecoxib Impairs Heart Development via  Inhibiting Cyclooxygenase-2 Activity in Zebrafish Embryos

2011 ◽  
Vol 114 (2) ◽  
pp. 391-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dao-jie Xu ◽  
Ji-wen Bu ◽  
Shan-ye Gu ◽  
Yi-meng Xia ◽  
Jiu-lin Du ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Myosin Heavy Chain ◽  
Heart Valve ◽  
Heavy Chain ◽  
Heart Development ◽  
Heart Defects ◽  
Cyclooxygenase 2 ◽  
Confocal Imaging ◽  
Marker Genes ◽  
Zebrafish Embryos

Background Celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, is a commonly ingested drug that is used by some women during pregnancy. Although use of celecoxib is associated with increased cardiovascular risk in adults, its effect on fetal heart development remains unknown. Methods Zebrafish embryos were exposed to celecoxib or other relevant drugs from tailbud stage (10.3-72 h postfertilization). Heart looping and valve formation were examined at different developmental stages by in vivo confocal imaging. In addition, whole mount in situ hybridization was performed to examine drug-induced changes in the expression of heart valve marker genes. Results In celecoxib-treated zebrafish embryos, the heart failed to undergo normal looping and the heart valve was absent, causing serious blood regurgitation. Furthermore, celecoxib treatment disturbed the restricted expression of the heart valve markers bone morphogenetic protein 4 and versican-but not the cardiac chamber markers cardiac myosin light chain 2, ventricular myosin heavy chain, and atrial myosin heavy chain. These defects in heart development were markedly relieved by treatment with the cyclooxygenase-2 downstream product prostaglandin E2, and mimicked by the cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor NS398, implying that celecoxib-induced heart defects were caused by the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 activity. Conclusions These findings provide the first in vivo evidence that celecoxib exposure impairs heart development in zebrafish embryos by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 activity.

scholarly journals Distinct Expression and Function of Alternatively Spliced Tbx5 Isoforms in Cell Growth and Differentiation

2008 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 4052-4067 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romain Georges ◽  
Georges Nemer ◽  
Martin Morin ◽  
Chantal Lefebvre ◽  
Mona Nemer
Keyword(s):  
Heart Development ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Protein A ◽  
Growth Stimulation ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Dominant Disease ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACT Mutations in the T-box transcription factor Tbx5 cause Holt-Oram syndrome, an autosomal dominant disease characterized by a wide spectrum of cardiac and upper limb defects with variable expressivity. Tbx5 haploinsufficiency has been suggested to be the underlying mechanism, and experimental models are consistent with a dosage-sensitive requirement for Tbx5 in heart development. Here, we report that Tbx5 levels are regulated through alternative splicing that generates, in addition to the known 518-amino-acid protein, a C-terminal truncated isoform. This shorter isoform retains the capacity to bind DNA, but its interaction with Tbx5 collaborators such as GATA-4 is altered. In vivo, the two spliced isoforms are oppositely regulated in a temporal and growth factor-dependent manner and are present in distinct DNA-binding complexes. The expression of the long isoform correlates with growth stimulation, and its reexpression in postnatal transgenic mouse hearts promotes hypertrophy. Conversely, the upregulation of the short but not the long isoform in C2C12 myoblasts leads to growth arrest and cell death. The results provide novel insight into posttranscriptional Tbx5 regulation and point to an important role not only in cell differentiation but also in cell proliferation and organ growth. The data may help analyze genotype-phenotype relations in patients with Holt-Oram syndrome.

scholarly journals Epigenetic Regulation of Cardiac Neural Crest Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shun Yan ◽  
Jin Lu ◽  
Kai Jiao
Keyword(s):  
Neural Crest ◽  
Epigenetic Regulation ◽  
Heart Development ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Heart Diseases ◽  
Heart Defects ◽  
Neural Crest Cells ◽  
Abnormal Development ◽  
Cardiac Neural Crest ◽  
Epigenetic Regulators

The cardiac neural crest cells (cNCCs) is a transient, migratory cell population that contribute to the formation of major arteries and the septa and valves of the heart. Abnormal development of cNCCs leads to a spectrum of congenital heart defects that mainly affect the outflow region of the hearts. Signaling molecules and transcription factors are the best studied regulatory events controlling cNCC development. In recent years, however, accumulated evidence supports that epigenetic regulation also plays an important role in cNCC development. Here, we summarize the functions of epigenetic regulators during cNCC development as well as cNCC related cardiovascular defects. These factors include ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factors, histone modifiers and DNA methylation modulators. In many cases, mutations in the genes encoding these factors are known to cause inborn heart diseases. A better understanding of epigenetic regulators, their activities and their roles during heart development will ultimately contribute to the development of new clinical applications for patients with congenital heart disease.

scholarly journals The Nuclear Receptor Cofactor Receptor-Interacting Protein 140 Is a Positive Regulator of Amphiregulin Expression and Cumulus Cell-Oocyte Complex Expansion in the Mouse Ovary

Endocrinology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 151 (6) ◽  
pp. 2923-2932 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jaya Nautiyal ◽  
Jennifer H. Steel ◽  
Meritxell M. Rosell ◽  
Evanthia Nikolopoulou ◽  
Kevin Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Receptor ◽  
Granulosa Cells ◽  
Cumulus Cell ◽  
Proximal Promoter ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Camp Response Element ◽  
Response Element ◽  
Cumulus Expansion ◽  
Interacting Protein

The nuclear receptor cofactor receptor-interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is essential for cumulus cell-oocyte complex (COC) expansion, follicular rupture, and oocyte release during ovulation. The expression of many genes necessary for COC expansion is impaired in the absence of RIP140, but the studies herein document that their expression can be restored and COC expansion rescued by treatment with the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like factor amphiregulin (AREG) both in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate by several approaches that RIP140 is required for the expression of the EGF-like factors in granulosa cells, but the dependence of genes involved in cumulus expansion, including Ptgs2 Has2, Tnfaip6, and Ptx3, is indirect because they are induced by AREG. Treatment of granulosa cells with forskolin to mimic the effects of LH increases AREG promoter activity in a RIP140-dependent manner that 1) requires an intact cAMP response element in the proximal promoter region of the Areg gene and 2) involves its actions as a coactivator for cAMP response element-binding protein/c-Jun transcription factors. Although human chorionic gonadotropin and AREG coadministration is sufficient to restore ovulation fully in RIP140 heterozygous mice in vivo, both follicular rupture and ovulation remain impaired in the RIP140 null mice. Thus, we conclude that although the level of RIP140 expression in the ovary is a crucial factor required for the transient expression of EGF-like factors necessary for cumulus expansion, it also plays a role in other signaling pathways that induce follicular rupture.

CNP gene expression is activated by Wnt signaling and correlates with Wnt4 expression during renal injury

2003 ◽  
Vol 284 (4) ◽  
pp. F653-F662 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kameswaran Surendran ◽  
Theodore C. Simon
Keyword(s):  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Renal Injury ◽  
Cultured Cells ◽  
Proximal Promoter ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Binding Factor ◽  
Identical Cell ◽  
Renal Tubular

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) regulates salt excretion, vascular tone, and fibroblast proliferation and activation. CNP inhibits fibroblast activation in vitro and fibrosis in vivo, but endogenous CNP gene ( Nppc) expression during tissue fibrosis has not been reported. We determined that Nppc is induced in renal tubular epithelia and then in interstitial myofibroblasts after unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Induction of Nppcoccurred in identical cell populations to those in which Wnt4 is induced after renal injury. In addition, Nppc was activated in Wnt4-expressing cells during nephrogenesis. Wnt signaling components β-catenin and T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer binding factor (TCF/LEF) specifically bound to cognate elements in the Nppc proximal promoter. Wnt-4, β-catenin, and LEF-1 activated an Nppc transgene in cultured cells, and transgene activation by Wnt-4 and LEF-1 was dependent on the presence of intact cognate elements. These findings suggest that Wnt-4 stimulates Nppc in a TCF/LEF-dependent manner after renal injury and thus may contribute to limiting renal fibrosis.

scholarly journals In VivoAssessment of Drug Efficacy against Mycobacterium abscessus Using the Embryonic Zebrafish Test System

2014 ◽  
Vol 58 (7) ◽  
pp. 4054-4063 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey Bernut ◽  
Vincent Le Moigne ◽  
Tiffany Lesne ◽  
Georges Lutfalla ◽  
Jean-Louis Herrmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Efficacy ◽  
Test System ◽  
Mycobacterium Abscessus ◽  
Zebrafish Embryos ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Bacterial Killing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Fluorescence Measurements ◽  
Drug Concentrations

ABSTRACTMycobacterium abscessusis responsible for a wide spectrum of clinical syndromes and is one of the most intrinsically drug-resistant mycobacterial species. Recent evaluation of thein vivotherapeutic efficacy of the few potentially active antibiotics againstM. abscessuswas essentially performed using immunocompromised mice. Herein, we assessed the feasibility and sensitivity of fluorescence imaging for monitoring thein vivoactivity of drugs against acuteM. abscessusinfection using zebrafish embryos. A protocol was developed where clarithromycin and imipenem were directly added to water containing fluorescentM. abscessus-infected embryos in a 96-well plate format. The status of the infection with increasing drug concentrations was visualized on a spatiotemporal level. Drug efficacy was assessed quantitatively by measuring the index of protection, the bacterial burden (CFU), and the number of abscesses through fluorescence measurements. Both drugs were active in infected embryos and were capable of significantly increasing embryo survival in a dose-dependent manner. Protection from bacterial killing correlated with restricted mycobacterial growth in the drug-treated larvae and with reduced pathophysiological symptoms, such as the number of abscesses within the brain. In conclusion, we present here a new and efficient method for testing and compare thein vivoactivity of two clinically relevant drugs based on a fluorescent reporter strain in zebrafish embryos. This approach could be used for rapid determination of thein vivodrug susceptibility profile of clinical isolates and to assess the preclinical efficacy of new compounds againstM. abscessus.

scholarly journals Cessation of contraction induces cardiomyocyte remodeling during zebrafish cardiogenesis

2014 ◽  
Vol 306 (3) ◽  
pp. H382-H395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingchun Yang ◽  
Katherine A. Hartjes ◽  
Timothy J. Nelson ◽  
Xiaolei Xu
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Heart Development ◽  
Myosin Ii ◽  
Cardiac Contraction ◽  
Zebrafish Embryos ◽  
Mechanical Forces ◽  
In Vivo Animal Model ◽  
Lateral Fusion ◽  
Phosphoinositide 3 Kinase

Contraction regulates heart development via a complex mechanotransduction process controlled by various mechanical forces. Here, we exploit zebrafish embryos as an in vivo animal model to discern the contribution from different mechanical forces and identify the underlying mechanotransductive signaling pathways of cardiogenesis. We treated 2 days postfertilization zebrafish embryos with Blebbistatin, a myosin II inhibitor, to stop cardiac contraction, which induces a response termed cessation of contraction-induced cardiomyocyte (CM) enlargement (CCE). Accompanying the CCE, lateral fusion of myofibrils was attenuated within CMs. The CCE can be blunted by loss of blood in tail-docked zebrafish but not in cloche mutant fish, suggesting that transmural pressure rather than shear stress is accountable for the chamber enlargement. By screening a panel of small molecule inhibitors, our data suggested essential functions of phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling and protein synthesis in CCE, which are independent of the sarcomere integrity. In summary, we defined a unique CCE response in genetically tractable zebrafish embryos. A panel of assays was established to verify the contribution from extrinsic forces and interrogate underlying signaling pathways.

scholarly journals Overexpression of Lifeact-GFP Disrupts F-Actin Organization in Cardiomyocytes and Impairs Cardiac Function

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Xu ◽  
Shaojun Du
Keyword(s):  
Actin Filament ◽  
Heart Development ◽  
Molecular Probe ◽  
Actin Dynamics ◽  
Transgenic Zebrafish ◽  
Zebrafish Embryos ◽  
Gfp Expression ◽  
Actin Organization ◽  
Cardiac Muscles

Lifeact-GFP is a frequently used molecular probe to study F-actin structure and dynamic assembly in living cells. In this study, we generated transgenic zebrafish models expressing Lifeact-GFP specifically in cardiac muscles to investigate the effect of Lifeact-GFP on heart development and its application to study cardiomyopathy. The data showed that transgenic zebrafish with low to moderate levels of Lifeact-GFP expression could be used as a good model to study contractile dynamics of actin filaments in cardiac muscles in vivo. Using this model, we demonstrated that loss of Smyd1b, a lysine methyltransferase, disrupted F-actin filament organization in cardiomyocytes of zebrafish embryos. Our studies, however, also demonstrated that strong Lifeact-GFP expression in cardiomyocytes was detrimental to actin filament organization in cardiomyocytes that led to pericardial edema and early embryonic lethality of zebrafish embryos. Collectively, these data suggest that although Lifeact-GFP is a good probe for visualizing F-actin dynamics, transgenic models need to be carefully evaluated to avoid artifacts induced by Lifeact-GFP overexpression.

scholarly journals Mycophenolic Acid-Induced Developmental Defects in Zebrafish Embryos

2016 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 712-718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling-Ling Jiang ◽  
Mei-Hui Liu ◽  
Jian-Ying Li ◽  
Zhi-Heng He ◽  
Huan Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mycophenolic Acid ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Solid Organ Transplantation ◽  
Zebrafish Embryos ◽  
Solid Organ ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Inosine Monophosphate Dehydrogenase ◽  
Developmental Defects

With the increasing use of mycophenolic acid (MPA) in solid organ transplantation, some clinical studies indicate that it is also a human teratogen. However, it is unknown by which mechanism MPA acts as a teratogen. Mycophenolic acid was a selective blocker of de novo purine synthesis, and its immunosuppressive effect is mediated by the inhibition of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase, which could be a target for MPA-induced toxicity as well. The aim of our study was to examine the direct influence of MPA exposure on zebrafish ( Danio rerio) embryos. Morphological defects including tail curvature and severe pericardial edema in zebrafish embryos caused by MPA (3.7-11.1 µmol/L) were found in a dose-dependent manner. The teratogenic index (25% lethal concentration value (LC25)/no observed adverse effect level ratio) was 16, which indicated MPA as a teratogen. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the expression level of impdh1b and impdh2 was significantly reduced by MPA treatment at 8 µmol/L (equals to LC25 level). All the toxic effects could be partially reversed by the addition of 33.3 µmol/L guanosine. Our results indicated that MPA impairs the development of zebrafish embryos via inhibition of impdh activity, which subsequently caused a guanosine nucleotide depletion in vivo.

scholarly journals Moss Kinesin-14 KCBP accelerates chromatid motility in anaphase

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari Yoshida ◽  
Moé Yamada ◽  
Gohta Goshima
Keyword(s):  
Physcomitrella Patens ◽  
Function Analysis ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Tail Region ◽  
Cargo Transport ◽  
Direct Binding ◽  
Knockout Line

KCBP is a microtubule (MT) minus-end-directed kinesin widely conserved in plants. It was shown in Arabidopsis that KCBP controls trichome cell shape by orchestrating MT and actin cytoskeletons using its tail and motor domains. In contrast, the KCBP knockout (KO) line in the moss Physcomitrella patens showed a defect in nuclear and organelle positioning in apical stem cells. Moss KCBP is postulated to transport the nucleus and chloroplast via direct binding to their membranes, since it binds to and transports liposomes composed of phospholipids in vitro. However, domains required for cargo transport in vivo have not been mapped. Here, we performed a structure-function analysis of moss KCBP. We found that the FERM domain in the tail region, which is known to bind to lipids as well as other proteins, is essential for both nuclear and chloroplast positioning, whereas the proximal MyTH4 domain plays a supporting role in chloroplast transport. After anaphase but prior to nuclear envelope re-formation, KCBP accumulates on the chromosomes, in particular at the centromeric region in a FERM-dependent manner. In the KCBP knockout line, poleward chromosome motility in anaphase was reduced and lagging chromosomes occasionally appeared. These results suggest that KCBP binds to non-membranous naked chromosomes via an unidentified protein(s) for their transport. Finally, the liverwort orthologue of KCBP rescued the chromosome/chloroplast mis-positioning of the moss KCBP KO line, suggesting that the cargo transport function is conserved at least in bryophytes.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document