scholarly journals Control of skeletal morphogenesis by the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway

Development ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (21) ◽  
pp. dev187187
Author(s):  
Hannah K. Vanyai ◽  
Fabrice Prin ◽  
Oriane Guillermin ◽  
Bishara Marzook ◽  
Stefan Boeing ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway is an important regulator of tissue growth, but can also control cell fate or tissue morphogenesis. Here, we investigate the function of the Hippo pathway during the development of cartilage, which forms the majority of the skeleton. Previously, YAP was proposed to inhibit skeletal size by repressing chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. We find that, in vitro, Yap/Taz double knockout impairs murine chondrocyte proliferation, whereas constitutively nuclear nls-YAP5SA accelerates proliferation, in line with the canonical role of this pathway in most tissues. However, in vivo, cartilage-specific knockout of Yap/Taz does not prevent chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation or skeletal growth, but rather results in various skeletal deformities including cleft palate. Cartilage-specific expression of nls-YAP5SA or knockout of Lats1/2 do not increase cartilage growth, but instead lead to catastrophic malformations resembling chondrodysplasia or achondrogenesis. Physiological YAP target genes in cartilage include Ctgf, Cyr61 and several matrix remodelling enzymes. Thus, YAP/TAZ activity controls chondrocyte proliferation in vitro, possibly reflecting a regenerative response, but is dispensable for chondrocyte proliferation in vivo, and instead functions to control cartilage morphogenesis via regulation of the extracellular matrix.

Cartilage ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 194760352098015
Author(s):  
Mara H. O’Brien ◽  
Eliane H. Dutra ◽  
Shivam Mehta ◽  
Po-Jung Chen ◽  
Sumit Yadav

Objective Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) plays important roles in cartilage growth and development. Paradoxically, elevated levels of BMP2 leads to hypertrophic differentiation and osteoarthritis of cartilage. We examined the in vivo loss of BMP2 in cells expressing aggrecan of the mandibular condyle and knee. Design Three-week-old BMP2 flox/flox- CreER-positive mice and their Cre-negative littermates were treated with tamoxifen and raised until 3 or 6 months. We also investigated the direct effects of BMP2 on chondrocytes in vitro. Cells from the mandibular condyle of mice were treated with recombinant human BMP2 (rhBMP2) or rhNoggin (inhibitor of BMP2 signaling). Results Conditional deletion of BMP2 caused breakage of the cartilage integrity in the mandibular condyle of mice from both age groups, accompanied by a decrease in cartilage thickness, matrix synthesis, mineralization, chondrocyte proliferation, and increased expression of degeneration markers, while the effects at articular cartilage were not significant. In vitro results revealed that rhBMP2 increased chondrocyte proliferation, mineralization, and differentiation, while noggin induced opposite effects. Conclusions In conclusion, BMP2 is essential for postnatal maintenance of the osteochondral tissues of the mandibular condyle.


Author(s):  
Emma Carley ◽  
Rachel K. Stewart ◽  
Abigail Zieman ◽  
Iman Jalilian ◽  
Diane. E. King ◽  
...  

AbstractWhile the mechanisms by which chemical signals control cell fate have been well studied, how mechanical inputs impact cell fate decisions are not well understood. Here, using the well-defined system of keratinocyte differentiation in the skin, we examine whether and how direct force transmission to the nucleus regulates epidermal cell fate. Using a molecular biosensor, we find that tension on the nucleus through Linker of Nucleoskeleton and Cytoskeleton (LINC) complexes requires integrin engagement in undifferentiated epidermal stem cells, and is released during differentiation concomitant with decreased tension on A-type lamins. LINC complex ablation in mice reveals that LINC complexes are required to repress epidermal differentiation in vivo and in vitro and influence accessibility of epidermal differentiation genes, suggesting that force transduction from engaged integrins to the nucleus plays a role in maintaining keratinocyte progenitors. This work reveals a direct mechanotransduction pathway capable of relaying adhesion-specific signals to regulate cell fate.


2012 ◽  
Vol 111 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Noack ◽  
Maria P Zafiriou ◽  
Anke Renger ◽  
Hans J Schaeffer ◽  
Martin W Bergmann ◽  
...  

Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls adult heart remodeling partly by regulating cardiac progenitor cell (CPC) differentiation. We now identified and characterized a novel cardiac interaction of the transcription factor Krueppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling on adult CPCs. In vitro mutation, reporter gene assays and co-localization studies revealed that KLF15 requires two distinct domains for nuclear localization and for repression of β-catenin-mediated transcription. KLF15 had no effect on β-catenin stability or cellular localization, but interacted with its co-factor TCF4, which is required for activation of β-catenin target gene expression. Moreover, increased TCF4 ubiquitination was induced by KLF15. In line with this finding we found KLF15 to interact with the Nemo-like kinase, which was shown to phosphorylate and target TCF4 for degradation. In vivo analyses of adult Klf15 functional knock-out (KO) vs. wild-type (WT) mice showed a cardiac β-catenin-mediated transcriptional activation and reduced TCF4 degradation along with cardiac dysfunction assessed by echocardiography (n=10). FACS analysis of the CPC enriched-population of KO vs. WT mice revealed a significant reduction of cardiogenic-committed precursors identified as Sca1+/αMHC+ (0.8±0.2% vs. 1.8±0.1%) and Tbx5+ (3.5±0.3% vs. 5.2±0.5%). In contrast, endothelial Sca1+/CD31+ cells were significantly higher in KO mice (11.3±0.4% vs. 8.6±0.4%; n≥9). In addition, Sca1+ isolated cells of Klf15 KO showed increased RNA expression of endothelial markers von Willebrand Factor, CD105, and Flk1 along with upregulation of β-catenin target genes. CPCs co-cultured on adult fibroblasts resulted in increased endothelial Flk1 cells and reduction of αMHC and Hand1 cardiogenic cells in KO vs. WT CPCs (n=9). Treating these co-cultures with Quercetin, an inhibitor of nuclear β-catenin, resulted in partial rescue of the observed phenotype. This study uncovers a critical role of KLF15 for the maintenance of cardiac tissue homeostasis. Via inhibition of β-catenin transcription, KLF15 controls cardiomyogenic cell fate similar to embryonic cardiogenesis. This knowledge may provide a tool for activation of endogenous CPCs in the postnatal heart.


Author(s):  
M Nevin ◽  
X Song ◽  
S Japoni ◽  
J Zagozewski ◽  
Q Jiang ◽  
...  

Introduction: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is refractory to therapy. The identification of histone H3.1/H3.3 K27M mutations in most DIPG has provided new insights. The DLX homeobox genes are expressed in the developing forebrain. The Dlx1/Dlx2 double knockout (DKO) mouse loses tangential GABAergic interneuron migration to the neocortex. We have identified genes that encode glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) enzymes as direct targets of DLX1/DLX2. In DIPG patients with H3.3 K27M mutations there is decreased Dlx2 and increased expression of the myelin transcription factor, Myt1. Methods and Results: We used bioinformatics approaches and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays to identify Olig2, Nkx2.2 and Myt1 promoter sequences as candidate DLX2 targets in vivo. DNA binding specificity was confirmed. The functional consequences of Dlx2 co-expression with reporter constructs of ChIP-isolated promoter fragments of Olig2 and Nkx2.2 demonstrated repression of gene targets in vitro. qPCR showed increased Olig2 and Nkx2.2 expression in the DKO forebrain. Stable transfection of a murine DIPG cell line with Dlx2 resulted in increased Gad1 and Gad2 and decreased Olig2 and Nkx2.2 expression. Of significance, we demonstrated decreased expression of H3.3 K27M and restoration of H3.3 K27 tri-methylation (me3). Conclusions: DLX transcription factors promote GABAergic interneuron and concomitant inhibition of oligodendroglial differentiation in neural progenitors by repression of a suite of genes including Olig2 and Nkx2.2. Restoration of H3 K27me3 expression in DIPG provides a promising lead towards exploration of differentiation as a therapeutic strategy for DIPG.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orazio Fortunato ◽  
Mattia Boeri ◽  
Carla Verri ◽  
Massimo Moro ◽  
Gabriella Sozzi

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although the molecular pathways of lung cancer have been partly known, the high mortality rate is not markedly changed. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that actively modulate cell physiological processes as apoptosis, cell-cycle control, cell proliferation, DNA repair, and metabolism. Several studies demonstrated that miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of lung diseases including lung cancer and they negatively regulate gene and protein expression by acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on the role of miRNAs and their target genes in lung tumorigenesis and evaluate their potential use as therapeutic agents in lung cancer. In particular, we describe methodological approaches such as inhibition of oncogenic miRNAs or replacement of tumor suppressor miRNAs, both inin vitroandin vivoassays. Furthermore we discuss new strategies to achievein vivotissue specific delivery, potential off-target effects, and safety of miRNAs systemic delivery.


Author(s):  
Mary Ellen Pavone ◽  
Allison R Grover ◽  
Rafael Confino ◽  
Elizabeth K Pearson ◽  
Saurabh Malpani ◽  
...  

Objective: Using a baboon model, we determined the changing expression of Retinoic Acid (RA) target genes during the menstrual cycle and during disease progression. This change could explain the cellular response and changes characteristic of endometriosis. In previous studies, we established that endometriosis affects the CRABP2:FABP5 ratio in an in vitro environment, shifting toward apoptosis and differentiation with higher CRABP2, and anti-apoptosis with higher levels of FABP5. Intervention(s): Endometriosis was induced in female baboons with intraperitoneal inoculation of menstrual endometrium ( n = 2–4). Tissue was harvested via endometrectomy during different stages of the menstrual cycle as well at 3, 6, and 12 month timepoints after inoculation with endometriosis. Main outcome measure(s): Real time PCR was used to quantify STRA6 (a gene responsible for retinol uptake), CRABP2 (a gene necessary for apoptotic and anti-apoptotic estrogenic RA effects), and FABP5 (a gene that mediates the anti-apoptotic actions of RA). Results: STRA6 and CRABP2 expression were highest in the proliferative phase and lowest in the late secretory phase. FABP5 expression remained stable throughout the 12 months following the induction of the disease, whereas STRA6 and CRABP2 continued to decrease during the same period. Conclusions: Our study confirms that a shift in the CRABP2:FABP5 ratio has similar in vivo effects as it does in vitro: changing RA expression with disease induction and progression. As CRABP2 may be important in determining cell fate in the endometrium, gene expression changes could contribute to the anti-apoptotic behavior of affected cells. As expression changes more during progression, earlier rather than later treatment becomes more critical in reducing the rate of disease progression.


2008 ◽  
Vol 412 (3) ◽  
pp. 399-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdenour Soufi ◽  
Padma-Sheela Jayaraman

The PRH (proline-rich homeodomain) [also known as Hex (haematopoietically expressed homeobox)] protein is a critical regulator of vertebrate development. PRH is able to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation and is required for the formation of the vertebrate body axis, the haematopoietic and vascular systems and the formation of many vital organs. PRH is a DNA-binding protein that can repress and activate the transcription of its target genes using multiple mechanisms. In addition, PRH can regulate the nuclear transport of specific mRNAs making PRH a member of a select group of proteins that control gene expression at the transcriptional and translational levels. Recent biophysical analysis of the PRH protein has shown that it forms homo-oligomeric complexes in vivo and in vitro and that the proline-rich region of PRH forms a novel dimerization interface. Here we will review the current literature on PRH and discuss the complex web of interactions centred on this multifunctional protein.


2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (30) ◽  
pp. 17808-17819 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Lees ◽  
Alexander J. McIntyre ◽  
Nyree T. Crawford ◽  
Fiammetta Falcone ◽  
Christopher McCann ◽  
...  

p53 is the most frequently mutated, well-studied tumor-suppressor gene, yet the molecular basis of the switch from p53-induced cell-cycle arrest to apoptosis remains poorly understood. Using a combination of transcriptomics and functional genomics, we unexpectedly identified a nodal role for the caspase-8 paralog and only human pseudo-caspase, FLIP(L), in regulating this switch. Moreover, we identify FLIP(L) as a direct p53 transcriptional target gene that is rapidly up-regulated in response to Nutlin-3A, an MDM2 inhibitor that potently activates p53. Genetically or pharmacologically inhibiting expression of FLIP(L) using siRNA or entinostat (a clinically relevant class-I HDAC inhibitor) efficiently promoted apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells in response to Nutlin-3A, which otherwise predominantly induced cell-cycle arrest. Enhanced apoptosis was also observed when entinostat was combined with clinically relevant, p53-activating chemotherapy in vitro, and this translated into enhanced in vivo efficacy. Mechanistically, FLIP(L) inhibited p53-induced apoptosis by blocking activation of caspase-8 by the TRAIL-R2/DR5 death receptor; notably, this activation was not dependent on receptor engagement by its ligand, TRAIL. In the absence of caspase-8, another of its paralogs, caspase-10 (also transcriptionally up-regulated by p53), induced apoptosis in Nutlin-3A-treated, FLIP(L)-depleted cells, albeit to a lesser extent than in caspase-8-proficient cells. FLIP(L) depletion also modulated transcription of canonical p53 target genes, suppressing p53-induced expression of the cell-cycle regulator p21 and enhancing p53-induced up-regulation of proapoptotic PUMA. Thus, even in the absence of caspase-8/10, FLIP(L) silencing promoted p53-induced apoptosis by enhancing PUMA expression. Thus, we report unexpected, therapeutically relevant roles for FLIP(L) in determining cell fate following p53 activation.


2005 ◽  
Vol 280 (12) ◽  
pp. 11851-11858 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantelle D. Hudson ◽  
Peter J. Morris ◽  
David S. Latchman ◽  
Vishwanie S. Budhram-Mahadeo

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 156 (2) ◽  
pp. 677-686
Author(s):  
Jeffrey A Pederson ◽  
James W LaFollette ◽  
Cornelius Gross ◽  
Alexey Veraksa ◽  
William McGinnis ◽  
...  

Abstract Homeotic genes of Drosophila melanogaster encode transcription factors that specify segment identity by activating the appropriate set of target genes required to produce segment-specific characteristics. Advances in understanding target gene selection have been hampered by the lack of genes known to be directly regulated by the HOM-C proteins. Here we present evidence that the gene 1.28 is likely to be a direct target of Deformed in the maxillary segment. We identified a 664-bp Deformed Response Element (1.28 DRE) that directs maxillary-specific expression of a reporter gene in transgenic embryos. The 1.28 DRE contains in vitro binding sites for Deformed and DEAF-1. The Deformed binding sites do not have the consensus sequence for cooperative binding with the cofactor Extradenticle, and we do not detect cooperative binding to these sites, though we cannot rule out an independent role for Extradenticle. Removing the four Deformed binding sites renders the 1.28 DRE inactive in vivo, demonstrating that these sites are necessary for activation of this enhancer element, and supporting the proposition that 1.28 is activated by Deformed. We show that the DEAF-1 binding region is not required for enhancer function. Comparisons of the 1.28 DRE with other known Deformed-responsive enhancers indicate that there are multiple ways to construct Deformed Response Elements.


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