scholarly journals SIX1 cooperates with RUNX1 and SMAD4 in cell fate commitment of Müllerian duct epithelium

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jumpei Terakawa ◽  
Vanida A. Serna ◽  
Devi Nair ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Kiyoshi Kawakami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Mesenchymal Cells ◽  
Mullerian Duct ◽  
Müllerian Duct ◽  
Duct Epithelium ◽  
Putative Precursor

AbstractDuring female mammal reproductive tract development, epithelial cells of the lower Müllerian duct are committed to become stratified squamous epithelium of vagina and ectocervix, when the expression of ΔNp63 transcription factor is induced by mesenchymal cells. The absence of ΔNp63 expression leads to adenosis, the putative precursor of vaginal adenocarcinoma. Our previous studies with genetically engineered mouse models have established that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/SMAD, and activin A/runt related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) signaling pathways are independently required for ΔNp63 expression in Müllerian duct epithelium (MDE). Here we report that sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (SIX1) plays a critical role in the activation of ΔNp63 locus in MDE as a downstream transcription factor of mesenchymal signals. In mouse developing reproductive tract, SIX1 expression was restricted to MDE of the future cervix and vagina. SIX1 expression was totally absent in SMAD4 null MDE and was reduced in RUNX1 null and FGFR2 null MDE, indicating that SIX1 is under the control of vaginal mesenchymal factors, BMP4, activin A and FGF7/10. Furthermore, Six1, Runx1 and Smad4 gene-dose-dependently activated ΔNp63 expression in MDE within vaginal fornix. Using a mouse model of diethylstilbestrol (DES)-associated vaginal adenosis, we found DES action through epithelial estrogen receptor α (ESR1) down-regulates SIX1 and RUNX1 in MDE within the vaginal fornix. This study establishes that the vaginal/ectocervical cell fate of MDE is regulated by a collaboration of multiple transcription factors including SMAD4, SIX1 and RUNX1, and the down-regulation of these key transcription factors leads to vaginal adenosis.Author SummaryIn embryogenesis, differentiation fate of cells is specified through constant communication between neighboring cells. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of epithelial cell fate commitment in the lower female reproductive organs utilizing mouse genetic models. The cell fate of epithelial cells in the uterus, cervix and vagina is directed by signaling from mesenchymal cells. We demonstrated that within the epithelial cells of the developing vagina, signals from mesenchymal cells are integrated into activities of transcription factors including SMAD4, RUNX1 and SIX1, which dose-dependently co-operate in the determination of vaginal epithelial cell fate. Disruption of these processes alters the cell fate from vaginal to uterine epithelium, resulting in a condition called vaginal adenosis, a putative precursor of vaginal adenocarcinoma. Women exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in the womb have about 40 times the risk of developing vaginal adenocarcinoma. We determined that developmental exposure to DES induces vaginal adenosis by repressing SIX1 and RUNX1 through ESR1 in the epithelial cells. This discovery enhances the understanding of how early-life events, such as exposure to endocrine disruptors, causes vaginal adenosis, and thus may contribute to the prevention and therapeutic treatment of idiopathic vaginal adenocarcinoma.

scholarly journals SIX1 cooperates with RUNX1 and SMAD4 in cell fate commitment of Müllerian duct epithelium

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (12) ◽  
pp. 3307-3320
Author(s):  
Jumpei Terakawa ◽  
Vanida A. Serna ◽  
Devi M. Nair ◽  
Shigeru Sato ◽  
Kiyoshi Kawakami ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Activin A ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase ◽  
Mullerian Duct ◽  
Müllerian Duct ◽  
Duct Epithelium

AbstractDuring female mammal reproductive tract development, epithelial cells of the lower Müllerian duct are committed to become stratified squamous epithelium of the vagina and ectocervix, when the expression of ΔNp63 transcription factor is induced by mesenchymal cells. The absence of ΔNp63 expression leads to adenosis, the putative precursor of vaginal adenocarcinoma. Our previous studies with genetically engineered mouse models have established that fibroblast growth factor (FGF)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/SMAD, and activin A/runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) signaling pathways are independently required for ΔNp63 expression in Müllerian duct epithelium (MDE). Here, we report that sine oculis homeobox homolog 1 (SIX1) plays a critical role in the activation of ΔNp63 locus in MDE as a downstream transcription factor of mesenchymal signals. In the developing mouse reproductive tract, SIX1 expression was restricted to MDE within the future cervix and vagina. SIX1 expression was totally absent in SMAD4 null MDE and was reduced in RUNX1 null and FGFR2 null MDE, indicating that SIX1 is under the control of vaginal mesenchymal factors: BMP4, activin A and FGF7/10. Furthermore, Six1, Runx1, and Smad4 gene-dose-dependently activated ΔNp63 expression in MDE within the vaginal fornix. Using a mouse model of diethylstilbestrol (DES)-associated vaginal adenosis, we found DES action through epithelial estrogen receptor α (ESR1) inhibits activation of ΔNp63 locus in MDE by transcriptionally repressing SIX1 and RUNX1 in the vaginal fornix.

scholarly journals Diethylstilbestrol induces vaginal adenosis by disrupting SMAD/RUNX1-mediated cell fate decision in the Müllerian duct epithelium

2013 ◽  
Vol 381 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monica M. Laronda ◽  
Kenji Unno ◽  
Kazutomo Ishi ◽  
Vanida A. Serna ◽  
Lindsey M. Butler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Mullerian Duct ◽  
Cell Fate Decision ◽  
Müllerian Duct ◽  
Duct Epithelium ◽  
Fate Decision

scholarly journals Osterix functions downstream of anti-Müllerian hormone signaling to regulate Müllerian duct regression

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel D. Mullen ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
Bin Liu ◽  
Emma L. Moore ◽  
Richard R. Behringer
Keyword(s):  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Gene Networks ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Mesenchymal Cells ◽  
Female Reproductive Tract ◽  
Mullerian Duct ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Müllerian Duct

AbstractIn mammals, the developing reproductive tract primordium of male and female fetuses consists of the Wolffian duct and the Müllerian duct (MD), two epithelial tube pairs surrounded by mesenchyme. During male development, mesenchyme-epithelia interactions mediate MD regression to prevent its development into a uterus, oviduct and upper vagina. It is well established that transforming growth factor-beta family member anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secreted from the fetal testis and its type 1 and 2 receptors expressed in MD mesenchyme regulate MD regression. However, little is known about the molecular network regulating downstream actions of AMH signaling. To identify potential AMH-induced genes and regulatory networks controlling MD regression in a global non-biased manner, we examined transcriptome differences in MD mesenchyme between males (AMH signaling on) and females (AMH signaling off) by RNA-Seq analysis of purified fetal MD mesenchymal cells. This analysis found 82 genes up-regulated in males during MD regression and identified Osterix (Osx)/Sp7, a key transcriptional regulator of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, as a novel downstream effector of AMH signaling during MD regression. Osx/OSX was expressed in a male-specific pattern in MD mesenchyme during MD regression. OSX expression was lost in mutant males without AMH signaling. In addition, transgenic mice ectopically expressing human AMH in females induced a male pattern of Osx expression. Together these results indicate that AMH signaling is necessary and sufficient for Osx expression in the MD mesenchyme. In addition, MD regression was delayed in Osx null males, identifying Osx as a new factor that regulates MD regression.SignificanceIn mammals, each embryo forms both male and female reproductive tract organ progenitor tissues. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) secreted by fetal testes acts on mesenchyme cells adjacent to the Müllerian duct (MD) epithelium, the progenitor tissue of the female reproductive tract, to induce MD regression. While AMH and early AMH signaling components are elucidated, downstream gene networks directing this process are largely unknown. A global non-biased approach using whole transcriptome sequencing of fetal MD mesenchymal cells identified 82 factors as potential target genes of AMH including Osterix (Osx). Our findings provide in vivo evidence Osx is an AMH-induced gene that regulates MD regression. Identification of Osx may provide key insights into gene regulatory networks underlying MD regression and male sex differentiation.

scholarly journals Single-Cell RNA-seq Identifies Cell Diversity in Embryonic Salivary Glands

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Sekiguchi ◽  
D. Martin ◽  
K.M. Yamada ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Parotid Gland ◽  
Single Cell ◽  
Salivary Glands ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Mesenchymal Cell ◽  
Muscle Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Cells ◽  
Organ Specificity ◽  
Bud Initiation

Branching organs, including the salivary and mammary glands, lung, and kidney, arise as epithelial buds that are morphologically very similar. However, the mesenchyme is known to guide epithelial morphogenesis and to help govern cell fate and eventual organ specificity. We performed single-cell transcriptome analyses of 14,441 cells from embryonic day 12 submandibular and parotid salivary glands to characterize their molecular identities during bud initiation. The mesenchymal cells were considerably more heterogeneous by clustering analysis than the epithelial cells. Nonetheless, distinct clusters were evident among even the epithelial cells, where unique molecular markers separated presumptive bud and duct cells. Mesenchymal cells formed separate, well-defined clusters specific to each gland. Neuronal and muscle cells of the 2 glands in particular showed different markers and localization patterns. Several gland-specific genes were characteristic of different rhombomeres. A muscle cluster was prominent in the parotid, which was not myoepithelial or vascular smooth muscle. Instead, the muscle cluster expressed genes that mediate skeletal muscle differentiation and function. Striated muscle was indeed found later in development surrounding the parotid gland. Distinct spatial localization patterns of neuronal and muscle cells in embryonic stages appear to foreshadow later differences in adult organ function. These findings demonstrate that the establishment of transcriptional identities emerges early in development, primarily in the mesenchyme of developing salivary glands. We present the first comprehensive description of molecular signatures that define specific cellular landmarks for the bud initiation stage, when the neural crest–derived ectomesenchyme predominates in the salivary mesenchyme that immediately surrounds the budding epithelium. We also provide the first transcriptome data for the largely understudied embryonic parotid gland as compared with the submandibular gland, focusing on the mesenchymal cell populations.

Immunolocalisation of androgen receptor to interstitial cells in fetal rat testes and to mesenchymal and epithelial cells of associated ducts

1995 ◽  
Vol 147 (2) ◽  
pp. 285-293 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Majdic ◽  
M R Millar ◽  
P T K Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Leydig Cells ◽  
Interstitial Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Cells ◽  
Wolffian Duct ◽  
Nuclear Staining ◽  
Mullerian Duct ◽  
Fetal Rat ◽  
Fetal Leydig Cells

Abstract Androgens are required for the development of male internal and external genitalia. Androgen action is mediated by an intracellular receptor which acts as a transcription factor following activation by ligand binding. The aim of the present study was to define the time of appearance of androgen receptor (AR) in the male fetal rat gonad using immunohistochemistry. Intact fetuses (days 13·5–16·5) or testicular tissue (days 16·5–20·5 and days 3–7 postnatal) were fixed in Bouins' solution and processed into paraffin wax. On day 16·5 nuclear AR were present in mesenchymal cells surrounding the Wolffian duct but those around the Mullerian duct were receptor negative. During the following day (17–18) the abundance of nuclear staining increased, becoming detectable in the epithelial cells of the Wolffian ducts. Within the testis some nuclear staining was apparent at day 17 but was confined to interstitial cells surrounding the seminiferous cords. As development of the testis proceeded the abundance of nuclear AR in peritubular and elongated mesenchymal cells increased. AR were not detected in fetal Leydig cells expressing 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase nor in the ovaries or associated ducts of female fetuses at the same ages. In conclusion, in the rat we have found AR expression detectable by immunohistochemistry in mesonephric mesenchyme to be confined to that underlying the Wolffian ducts and to be absent from the area around the degenerating Mullerian duct. On and after day 17 of gestation AR is present in Wolffian duct epithelial cell nuclei and within the testis it is confined to peritubular and interstitial cells which may have migrated from the mesonephros. Fetal Leydig cells were receptor negative. Within the seminiferous cords AR in Sertoli cells remained low until after birth and some perinuclear staining was detected in cells thought to be gonocytes. We believe this to be the first report of immunolocalisation of AR to fetal testicular interstitial cells. Journal of Endocrinology (1995) 147, 285–293

scholarly journals Regulation of E2F1-Dependent Gene Transcription and Apoptosis by the ETS-Related Transcription Factor GABPγ1

2002 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 2147-2158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludger Hauck ◽  
Rudolf G. Kaba ◽  
Martin Lipp ◽  
Rainer Dietz ◽  
Rüdiger von Harsdorf
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Binding Domain ◽  
Pocket Proteins ◽  
Related Transcription Factor ◽  
Terminal Amino ◽  
Fate Decision

ABSTRACT The E2F family of transcription factors comprises six related members which are involved in the control of the coordinated progression through the G1/S-phase transition of cell cycle or in cell fate decision. Their activity is regulated by pocket proteins, including pRb, p107, and p130. Here we show that E2F1 directly interacts with the ETS-related transcription factor GABPγ1 in vitro and in vivo. The binding domain interacting with GABPγ1 was mapped to the C-terminal amino acids 310 to 437 of E2F1, which include its transactivation and pRb binding domain. Among the E2F family of transcription factors, the interaction with GABPγ1 is restricted to E2F1. DNA-binding E2F1 complexes containing GABPγ1 are characterized by enhanced E2F1-dependent transcriptional activity. Moreover, GABPγ1 suppresses E2F1-dependent apoptosis by mechanisms other than the inhibition of the transactivation capacity of E2F1. In summary, our results provide evidence for a novel pRb-independent mechanism regulating E2F1-dependent transcription and apoptosis.

scholarly journals Mathematical modeling of plant cell fate transitions controlled by hormonal signals

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filip Z. Klawe ◽  
Thomas Stiehl ◽  
Peter Bastian ◽  
Christophe Gaillochet ◽  
Jan U. Lohmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Cell Division ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Plant Architecture ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Cell Dynamics ◽  
Non Linear

AbstractCoordination of fate transition and cell division is crucial to maintain the plant architecture and to achieve efficient production of plant organs. In this paper, we analysed the stem cell dynamics at the shoot apical meristem (SAM) that is one of the plant stem cells locations. We designed a mathematical model to elucidate the impact of hormonal signaling on the fate transition rates between different zones corresponding to slowly dividing stem cells and fast dividing transit amplifying cells. The model is based on a simplified two-dimensional disc geometry of the SAM and accounts for a continuous displacement towards the periphery of cells produced in the central zone. Coupling growth and hormonal signaling results in a non-linear system of reaction-diffusion equations on a growing domain with the growth velocity depending on the model components. The model is tested by simulating perturbations in the level of key transcription factors that maintain SAM homeostasis. The model provides new insights on how the transcription factor HECATE is integrated in the regulatory network that governs stem cell differentiation.SummaryPlants continuously generate new organs such as leaves, roots and flowers. This process is driven by stem cells which are located in specialized regions, so-called meristems. Dividing stem cells give rise to offspring that, during a process referred to as cell fate transition, become more specialized and give rise to organs. Plant architecture and crop yield crucially depend on the regulation of meristem dynamics. To better understand this regulation, we develop a computational model of the shoot meristem. The model describes the meristem as a two-dimensional disk that can grow and shrink over time, depending on the concentrations of the signalling factors in its interior. This allows studying how the non-linear interaction of multiple transcription factors is linked to cell division and fate-transition. We test the model by simulating perturbations of meristem signals and comparing them to experimental data. The model allows simulating different hypotheses about signal effects. Based on the model we study the specific role of the transcription factor HECATE and provide new insights in its action on cell dynamics and in its interrelation with other known transcription factors in the meristem.

scholarly journals Studies on the Role of the Transcription Factor Tcf21 in the Transdifferentiation of Parietal Epithelial Cells into Podocyte-Like Cells

2021 ◽  
Vol 55 (S4) ◽  
pp. 48-67
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Bhlh Transcription Factor ◽  
Binding Motif ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Parietal Epithelial Cells ◽  
Transcription Factor Yy1

Background/Aims: Podocyte differentiation is essential for proper blood filtration in the kidney. It is well known that transcription factors play an essential role to maintain the differentiation of podocytes. The present study is focused on the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor Tcf21 (Pod1) which is essential for the development of podocytes in vivo. Since parietal epithelial cells (PECs) are still under debate to be progenitor cells which can differentiate into podocytes, we wanted to find out whether the expression of Tcf21 induces a transition of PECs into podocytes. Methods: We transfected PECs with Tcf21-GFP and analyzed the expression of PEC- and podocyte-specific markers. Furthermore, we performed ChIP-Seq analysis to identify new putative interaction partners and target genes of Tcf21. Results: By gene arrays analysis, we found that podocytes express high levels of Tcf21 in vivo in contrast to cultured podocytes and parietal epithelial cells (PECs) in vitro. After the expression of Tcf21 in PECs, we observed a downregulation of specific PEC markers like caveolin‑1, β-catenin and Pax2. Additionally, we found that the upregulation of Tcf21 induced multi-lobulation of cell nuclei, budding and a formation of micronuclei (MBM). Furthermore, a high number of PECs showed a tetraploid set of chromosomes. By qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis, we revealed that the transcription factor YY1 is downregulated by Tcf21. Interestingly, co-expression of YY1 and Tcf21 rescues MBM and reduced tetraploidy. By ChIP-Seq analysis, we identified a genome-wide Tcf21-binding site (CAGCTG), which matched the CANNTG sequence, a common E-box binding motif used by bHLH transcription factors. Using this technique, we identified additional Tcf21 targets genes that are involved in the regulation of the cell cycle (e.g. Mdm2, Cdc45, Cyclin D1, Cyclin D2), on the stability of microtubules (e.g. Mapt) as well as chromosome segregation. Conclusion: Taken together, we demonstrate that Tcf21 inhibits the expression of PEC-specific markers and of the transcription factor YY1, induces MBM as well as regulates the cell cycle suggesting that Tcf21 might be important for PEC differentiation into podocyte-like cells.

scholarly journals Ratio-based sensing of two transcription factors regulates the transit to differentiation

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian M. Bernasek ◽  
Jean-François Boisclair Lachance ◽  
Nicolás Peláez ◽  
Rachael Bakker ◽  
Heliodoro Tejedor Navarro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Statistical Physics ◽  
Gene Dosage ◽  
State Transitions ◽  
Developmental Context ◽  
The Absolute

ABSTRACTCells must reliably respond to changes in transcription factor levels in order to execute cell state transitions in the correct time and place. These transitions are typically thought to be triggered by changes in the absolute nuclear concentrations of relevant transcription factors. We have identified a developmental context in which cell fate transitions depend on changes in the relative concentrations of two transcription factors. Here, we quantify the in vivo expression dynamics of Yan and Pointed, two essential E-twenty-six (ETS) proteins that regulate transcription during eye development in Drosophila. These two factors exert opposing influences; one impedes transcription of gene targets required for differentiation while the other promotes it. We show that both proteins are transiently co-expressed in eye progenitor cells and also during photoreceptor specification. To decide whether to undergo state transitions, cells respond to the ratio of the two protein concentrations rather than changes in the absolute abundance of either transcription factor. We show that a simple model based on the statistical physics of protein-DNA binding illustrates how this ratiometric sensing of transcription factor concentrations could occur. Gene dosage experiments reveal that progenitor cells stabilize the ratio against fluctuations in the absolute concentration of either protein. We further show that signaling inputs via the Notch and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase (RTK) pathways set the ratio in progenitor cells, priming them for either transit to differentiation or for continued multipotency. A sustained change in the ratio accompanies the transit to differentiation This novel mechanism allows for distributed control of developmental transitions by multiple transcription factors, making the system robust to fluctuating genetic or environmental conditions.

scholarly journals 2-hydroxyglutarate inhibits MyoD-mediated differentiation by preventing H3K9 demethylation

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (26) ◽  
pp. 12851-12856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan-Manuel Schvartzman ◽  
Vincent P. Reuter ◽  
Richard P. Koche ◽  
Craig B. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Competitive Inhibition ◽  
Mesenchymal Cells ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Idh Mutations ◽  
Differentiation Block

Oncogenic IDH1/2 mutations produce 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG), resulting in competitive inhibition of DNA and protein demethylation. IDH-mutant cancer cells show an inability to differentiate but whether 2HG accumulation is sufficient to perturb differentiation directed by lineage-specifying transcription factors is unknown. A MyoD-driven model was used to study the role of IDH mutations in the differentiation of mesenchymal cells. The presence of 2HG produced by oncogenic IDH2 blocks the ability of MyoD to drive differentiation into myotubes. DNA 5mC hypermethylation is dispensable while H3K9 hypermethylation is required for this differentiation block. IDH2-R172K mutation results in H3K9 hypermethylation and impaired accessibility at myogenic chromatin regions but does not result in genome-wide decrease in accessibility. The results demonstrate the ability of the oncometabolite 2HG to block transcription factor-mediated differentiation in a molecularly defined system.

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