Drosophila betaHeavy-spectrin is essential for development and contributes to specific cell fates in the eye

Development ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 125 (11) ◽  
pp. 2125-2134 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.H. Thomas ◽  
D.C. Zarnescu ◽  
A.E. Juedes ◽  
M.A. Bales ◽  
A. Londergan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Membrane Skeleton ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Cell Integrity ◽  
Cell Fates ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Rhodamine Phalloidin ◽  
Morphological Defects ◽  
Egg Chambers ◽  
Alpha Spectrin ◽  
Cell Cell

The spectrin membrane skeleton is a ubiquitous cytoskeletal structure with several cellular roles, including the maintenance of cell integrity, determination of cell shape and as a contributor to cell polarity. We have isolated mutations in the gene encoding βHeavy-spectrin in Drosophila, and have named this essential locus karst. karst mutant individuals have a pleiotropic phenotype characterized by extensive larval lethality and, in adult escapers, rough eyes, bent wings, tracheal defects and infertility. Within karst mutant eyes, a significant number of ommatidia specifically lack photoreceptor R7 alongside more complex morphological defects. Immunolocalization of betaHeavy-spectrin in wild-type eye-antennal and wing imaginal discs reveals that betaHeavy-spectrin is present in a restricted subdomain of the membrane skeleton that colocalizes with DE-cadherin. We propose a model where normal levels of Sevenless signaling are dependent on tight cell-cell adhesion facilitated by the betaHeavy-spectrin membrane skeleton. Immunolocalization of betaHeavy-spectrin in the adult and larval midgut indicates that it is a terminal web protein, but we see no gross morphological defects in the adult apical brush border in karst mutant flies. Rhodamine phalloidin staining of karst mutant ovaries similarly reveals no conspicuous defect in the actin cytoskeleton or cellular morphology in egg chambers. This is in contrast to mutations in alpha-spectrin, the molecular partner of betaHeavy-spectrin, which affect cellular structure in both the larval gut and adult ovaries. Our results emphasize the fundamental contribution of the spectrin membrane skeleton to normal development and reveals a critical interplay between the integrity of a cell's membrane skeleton, the structure of cell-cell contacts and cell signaling.

scholarly journals Engineering reversible cell–cell interactions using enzymatically lipidated chemically self-assembled nanorings

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 331-340
Author(s):  
Yiao Wang ◽  
Ozgun Kilic ◽  
Clifford M. Csizmar ◽  
Sudhat Ashok ◽  
James L. Hougland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Interactions ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Therapeutic Applications ◽  
Self Assembled ◽  
Cell Cell

Multicellular biology is dependent on the control of cell-cell interactions. The prenylated antigen-targeted CSANs provide a general approach for the regulation of specific cell-cell interactions and will be valuable for a plethora of fundamental and therapeutic applications.

scholarly journals Histone Acetyltransferases and Stem Cell Identity

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2407
Author(s):  
Ruicen He ◽  
Arthur Dantas ◽  
Karl Riabowol
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Epigenetic Modification ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Histone Acetyltransferases ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Cell Fates ◽  
Cell Identity ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem

Acetylation of histones is a key epigenetic modification involved in transcriptional regulation. The addition of acetyl groups to histone tails generally reduces histone-DNA interactions in the nucleosome leading to increased accessibility for transcription factors and core transcriptional machinery to bind their target sequences. There are approximately 30 histone acetyltransferases and their corresponding complexes, each of which affect the expression of a subset of genes. Because cell identity is determined by gene expression profile, it is unsurprising that the HATs responsible for inducing expression of these genes play a crucial role in determining cell fate. Here, we explore the role of HATs in the maintenance and differentiation of various stem cell types. Several HAT complexes have been characterized to play an important role in activating genes that allow stem cells to self-renew. Knockdown or loss of their activity leads to reduced expression and or differentiation while particular HATs drive differentiation towards specific cell fates. In this study we review functions of the HAT complexes active in pluripotent stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, muscle satellite cells, mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells, and cancer stem cells.

Plakoglobin expression and localization in zebrafish embryo development

2004 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 797-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.D. Martin ◽  
M. Grealy
Keyword(s):  
Confocal Microscopy ◽  
Embryo Development ◽  
Western Blotting ◽  
Protein Level ◽  
Adherens Junctions ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Heart Chamber ◽  
Heart Region ◽  
Cell Cell

Plakoglobin (γ-catenin) and β-catenin are major components of the adherens junctions and can be localized to the nucleus by activation of the Wnt signalling pathway. In addition, plakoglobin is also found in desmosomes, a vertebrate-specific cell–cell adhesion structure. Plakoglobin expression and localization were examined at the protein level during zebrafish embryonic development by Western blotting and confocal microscopy. Plakoglobin was expressed throughout embryo development at the protein level. Western blotting revealed that embryonic plakoglobin protein content increased between 12- and 24-h post-fertilization (hpf). Confocal microscopy showed that at stages up to 12 hpf, plakoglobin and β-catenin were co-localized and expressed in both the nucleus and in cell–cell junctions. At 24- and 72-hpf, separate patterns were seen for plakoglobin and β-catenin. These data indicate that plakoglobin localization in the heart region shifts from adherens junctions to desmosomes during heart chamber development.

scholarly journals Localization and site-specific cell–cell interactions of group 2 innate lymphoid cells

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiniwa Tsuyoshi ◽  
Kazuyo Moro
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Production ◽  
Allergic Diseases ◽  
Innate Lymphoid Cells ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cell Interactions ◽  
Lymphoid Cells ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Cell Cell

Abstract Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) are novel lymphocytes discovered in 2010. Unlike T or B cells, ILC2s are activated nonspecifically by environmental factors and produce various cytokines, thus playing a role in tissue homeostasis, diseases including allergic diseases, and parasite elimination. ILC2s were first reported as cells abundantly present in fat-associated lymphoid clusters in adipose tissue. However, subsequent studies revealed their presence in various tissues throughout the body, acting as key players in tissue-specific diseases. Recent histologic analyses revealed that ILC2s are concentrated in specific regions in tissues, such as the lamina propria and perivascular regions, with their function being controlled by the surrounding cells, such as epithelial cells and other immune cells, via cytokine and lipid production or by cell–cell interactions through surface molecules. Especially, some stromal cells are identified as the niche cells for ILC2s, both in the steady state and under inflammatory conditions, through the production of IL-33 or extracellular-matrix factors. Additionally, peripheral neurons reportedly co-localize with ILC2s and alter their function directly through neurotransmitters. These findings suggest that the different localizations or different cell–cell interactions might affect the function of ILC2s. Furthermore, generally, ILC2s are thought to be tissue-resident cells; however, they occasionally migrate to other tissues and perform a new role; this supports the importance of the microenvironment for their function. We summarize here the current understanding of how the microenvironment controls ILC2 localization and function with the aim of promoting the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

(Tissue) P systems with cell polarity

2009 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 1141-1160 ◽  
Author(s):  
DANIELA BESOZZI ◽  
NADIA BUSI ◽  
PAOLO CAZZANIGA ◽  
CLAUDIO FERRETTI ◽  
ALBERTO LEPORATI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Polarity ◽  
Formal System ◽  
Cell Junctions ◽  
P Systems ◽  
Intestinal Lumen ◽  
Epithelial Tissue ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Formal Property ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
Cell Cell

We consider the structure of the intestinal epithelial tissue and of cell–cell junctions as the biological model inspiring a new class of P systems. First we define the concept of cell polarity, a formal property derived from epithelial cells, which present morphologically and functionally distinct regions of the plasma membrane. Then we show two preliminary results for this new model of computation: on the theoretical side, we show that P systems with cell polarity are computationally (Turing) complete; on the modelling side, we show that the transepithelial movement of glucose from the intestinal lumen into the blood can be described by such a formal system. Finally, we define tissue P systems with cell polarity, where each cell has fixed connections to the neighbouring cells and to the environment, according to both the cell polarity and specific cell–cell junctions.

An activity gradient of decapentaplegic is necessary for the specification of dorsal pattern elements in the Drosophila embryo

Development ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 117 (2) ◽  
pp. 807-822 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.A. Wharton ◽  
R.P. Ray ◽  
W.M. Gelbart
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Gene Dosage ◽  
Early Embryo ◽  
Drosophila Embryo ◽  
Cell Fates ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Intercellular Signalling ◽  
Overlapping Domains ◽  
Dorsal Pattern

decapentaplegic (dpp) is a zygotically expressed gene encoding a TGF-beta-related ligand that is necessary for dorsal-ventral patterning in the Drosophila embryo. We show here that dpp is an integral part of a gradient that specifies many different cell fates via intercellular signalling. There is a graded requirement for dpp activity in the early embryo: high levels of dpp activity specify the amnioserosa, while progressively lower levels specify dorsal and lateral ectoderm. This potential for dpp to specify cell fate is highly dosage sensitive. In the wild-type embryo, increasing the gene dosage of dpp can shift cell fates along the dorsal-ventral axis. Furthermore, in mutant embryos, in which only a subset of the dorsal-ventral pattern elements are represented, increasing the gene dosage of dpp can specifically transform those pattern elements into more dorsal ones. We present evidence that the zygotic dpp gradient and the maternal dorsal gradient specify distinct, non-overlapping domains of the dorsal-ventral pattern.

scholarly journals Minireview: The Neuroendocrine Regulation of Puberty: Is the Time Ripe for a Systems Biology Approach?

Endocrinology ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 147 (3) ◽  
pp. 1166-1174 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergio R. Ojeda ◽  
Alejandro Lomniczi ◽  
Claudio Mastronardi ◽  
Sabine Heger ◽  
Christian Roth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Global Analysis ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Functional Integration ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Cell Interaction ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Gnrh Secretion ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Hierarchical Arrangement ◽  
Cell Cell

The initiation of mammalian puberty requires an increase in pulsatile release of GnRH from the hypothalamus. This increase is brought about by coordinated changes in transsynaptic and glial-neuronal communication. As the neuronal and glial excitatory inputs to the GnRH neuronal network increase, the transsynaptic inhibitory tone decreases, leading to the pubertal activation of GnRH secretion. The excitatory neuronal systems most prevalently involved in this process use glutamate and the peptide kisspeptin for neurotransmission/neuromodulation, whereas the most important inhibitory inputs are provided by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and opiatergic neurons. Glial cells, on the other hand, facilitate GnRH secretion via growth factor-dependent cell-cell signaling. Coordination of this regulatory neuronal-glial network may require a hierarchical arrangement. One level of coordination appears to be provided by a host of unrelated genes encoding proteins required for cell-cell communication. A second, but overlapping, level might be provided by a second tier of genes engaged in specific cell functions required for productive cell-cell interaction. A third and higher level of control involves the transcriptional regulation of these subordinate genes by a handful of upper echelon genes that, operating within the different neuronal and glial subsets required for the initiation of the pubertal process, sustain the functional integration of the network. The existence of functionally connected genes controlling the pubertal process is consistent with the concept that puberty is under genetic control and that the genetic underpinnings of both normal and deranged puberty are polygenic rather than specified by a single gene. The availability of improved high-throughput techniques and computational methods for global analysis of mRNAs and proteins will allow us to not only initiate the systematic identification of the different components of this neuroendocrine network but also to define their functional interactions.

scholarly journals Mesenchymal condensation-dependent accumulation of collagen VI stabilizes organ-specific cell fates during embryonic tooth formation

2015 ◽  
Vol 244 (6) ◽  
pp. 713-723 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tadanori Mammoto ◽  
Akiko Mammoto ◽  
Amanda Jiang ◽  
Elisabeth Jiang ◽  
Basma Hashmi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Specific Cell ◽  
Collagen Vi ◽  
Cell Fates ◽  
Tooth Formation ◽  
Organ Specific ◽  
Mesenchymal Condensation

The role of the NK-homeobox gene slouch (S59) in somatic muscle patterning

Development ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 126 (20) ◽  
pp. 4525-4535 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Knirr ◽  
N. Azpiazu ◽  
M. Frasch
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Development ◽  
Ectopic Expression ◽  
Homeobox Gene ◽  
Drosophila Embryo ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Cell Fates ◽  
Somatic Muscle ◽  
Gene Encoding ◽  
Body Wall Muscles ◽  
Founder Cells

In the Drosophila embryo, a distinct class of myoblasts, designated as muscle founders, prefigures the mature pattern of somatic body wall muscles. Each founder cell appears to be instrumental in generating a single larval muscle with a defined identity. The NK homeobox gene S59 was the first of a growing number of proposed ‘identity genes’ that have been found to be expressed in stereotyped patterns in specific subsets of muscle founders and their progenitor cells and are thought to control their developmental fates. In the present study, we describe the effects of gain- and loss-of-function experiments with S59. We find that a null mutation in the gene encoding S59, which we have named slouch (slou), disrupts the development of all muscles that are derived from S59-expressing founder cells. The observed phenotypes upon mutation and ectopic expression of slouch include transformations of founder cell fates, thus confirming that slouch (S59) functions as an identity gene in muscle development. These fate transformations occur between sibling founder cells as well as between neighboring founders that are not lineage-related. In the latter case, we show that slouch (S59) activity is required cell-autonomously to repress the expression of ladybird (lb) homeobox genes, thereby preventing specification along the lb pathway. Together, these findings provide new insights into the regulatory interactions that establish the somatic muscle pattern.

Folate receptor-specific cell-cell adhesion by using a folate-modified peptide-based anchor

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 983-993
Author(s):  
Hiroko Nagai ◽  
Wataru Hatanaka ◽  
Masayoshi Matsuda ◽  
Akihiro Kishimura ◽  
Yoshiki Katayama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Folate Receptor ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Cell Cell
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