scholarly journals Aldo-ketoreductase 1c19 ablation does not affect insulin secretion in murine islets

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0260526
Author(s):  
Yasutaka Miyachi ◽  
Taiyi Kuo ◽  
Jinsook Son ◽  
Domenico Accili
Keyword(s):  
Beta Cell ◽  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Critical Feature ◽  
Beta Cell Failure ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Cellular Dysfunction

Beta cell failure is a critical feature of diabetes. It includes defects of insulin production, secretion, and altered numbers of hormone-producing cells. In previous work, we have shown that beta cell failure is mechanistically linked to loss of Foxo1 function. This loss of function likely results from increased Foxo1 protein degradation, due to hyperacetylation of Foxo1 from increased nutrient turnover. To understand the mechanisms of Foxo1-related beta cell failure, we performed genome-wide analyses of its target genes, and identified putative mediators of sub-phenotypes of cellular dysfunction. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses demonstrated a striking pattern of Foxo1 binding to the promoters of a cluster of aldo-ketoreductases on chromosome 13: Akr1c12, Akr1c13, Akr1c19. Of these, Akr1c19 has been reported as a marker of Pdx1-positive endodermal progenitor cells. Here we show that Akr1c19 expression is dramatically decreased in db/db islets. Thus, we investigated whether Akr1c19 is involved in beta cell function. We performed gain- and loss-of-function experiments in cultured beta cells and generated Akr1c19 knockout mice. We show that Foxo1 and HNF1a cooperatively regulate Akr1c19 expression. Nonetheless, functional characterization of Akr1c19 both using islets and knockout mice did not reveal abnormalities on glucose homeostasis. We conclude that reduced expression of Akr1c19 is not sufficient to affect islet function.

scholarly journals Ins1-Cre and Ins1-CreER Gene Replacement Alleles Are Susceptible To Silencing By DNA Hypermethylation

Endocrinology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 161 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elham Mosleh ◽  
Kristy Ou ◽  
Matthew W Haemmerle ◽  
Teguru Tembo ◽  
Andrew Yuhas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beta Cell ◽  
Endocrine Cells ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Gene Replacement ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Dna Hypermethylation ◽  
Gene Ablation ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
The Brain

Abstract Targeted gene ablation studies of the endocrine pancreas have long suffered from suboptimal Cre deleter strains. In many cases, Cre lines purportedly specific for beta cells also displayed expression in other islet endocrine cells or in a subset of neurons in the brain. Several pancreas and endocrine Cre lines have experienced silencing or mosaicism over time. In addition, many Cre transgenic constructs were designed to include the hGH mini-gene, which by itself increases beta-cell replication and decreases beta-cell function. More recently, driver lines with Cre or CreER inserted into the Ins1 locus were generated, with the intent of producing β cell-specific Cre lines with faithful recapitulation of insulin expression. These lines were bred in multiple labs to several different mouse lines harboring various lox alleles. In our hands, the ability of the Ins1-Cre and Ins1-CreER lines to delete target genes varied from that originally reported, with both alleles displaying low levels of expression, increased levels of methylation compared to the wild-type allele, and ultimately inefficient or absent target deletion. Thus, caution is warranted in the interpretation of results obtained with these genetic tools, and Cre expression and activity should be monitored regularly when using these lines.

scholarly journals Expression of lamina proteins Lamin Dm0 and Kugelkern suppresses stem cell proliferation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roman Petrovsky ◽  
Jörg Großhans
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Nuclear Lamina ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Stem Cell Proliferation ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Nuclear Stability

AbstractThe nuclear lamina is involved in numerous cellular functions, such as gene expression, nuclear organization, nuclear stability, and cell proliferation. The mechanism underlying the involvement of lamina is often not clear, especially in physiological contexts. Here we investigate how the farnesylated lamina proteins Lamin Dm0 and Kugelkern are linked to proliferation control of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) in adult Drosophila flies by loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments. We found that ISCs mutant for Lamin Dm0 or Kugelkern proliferate, whereas overexpression of Lamin Dm0 or Kugelkern strongly suppressed proliferation. The anti-proliferative activity is, at least in part, due to suppression of Jak/Stat but not Delta/Notch signalling. Lamin Dm0 expression suppresses Jak/Stat signalling by normalization of about 50% of the Stat target genes in ISCs.Author summaryThe nuclear lamina is a protein meshwork that lies beneath the inner side of the nuclear membrane and interacts with nuclear pores, chromatin and the cytoskeleton. Changes in proteins of the nuclear lamina cause a wide range of diseases which are often not well understood. It is hypothesized that impairment of stem cell function, as a result of lamina changes, might play a key role in some of those diseases. Here we use the well characterized Drosophila midgut as a system to investigate the role of lamina proteins Lamin Dm0 and Kugelkern on stem cell proliferation.

scholarly journals Gene-centric functional dissection of human genetic variation uncovers regulators of hematopoiesis

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satish K Nandakumar ◽  
Sean K McFarland ◽  
Laura Marlene Mateyka ◽  
Caleb A Lareau ◽  
Jacob C Ulirsch ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Association Studies ◽  
Human Diseases ◽  
Genome Wide Association Studies ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
Causal Variants ◽  
Genomic Regions

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of variants associated with human diseases and traits. However, the majority of GWAS-implicated variants are in non-coding genomic regions and require in depth follow-up to identify target genes and decipher biological mechanisms. Here, rather than focusing on causal variants, we have undertaken a pooled loss-of-function screen in primary hematopoietic cells to interrogate 389 candidate genes contained in 75 loci associated with red blood cell traits. Using this approach, we identify 77 genes at 38 GWAS loci, with most loci harboring 1-2 candidate genes. Importantly, the hit set was strongly enriched for genes validated through orthogonal genetic approaches. Genes identified by this approach are enriched in relevant biological pathways, allowing regulators of human erythropoiesis and blood disease modifiers to be defined. More generally, this functional screen provides a paradigm for gene-centric follow up of GWAS for a variety of human diseases and traits.

scholarly journals Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA)-Mediated Genome-Wide ihpRNAi Mutant Library Construction in Brassica napus

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (19) ◽  
pp. 7243
Author(s):  
Shengbo Zhao ◽  
Junling Luo ◽  
Xinhua Zeng ◽  
Keqi Li ◽  
Rong Yuan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Brassica Napus ◽  
Functional Genomics ◽  
Insertional Mutagenesis ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Agronomic Traits ◽  
Rolling Circle Amplification ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Rolling Circle ◽  
Genome Wide

With the successful completion of genomic sequencing for Brassica napus, identification of novel genes, determination of functions performed by genes, and exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying important agronomic traits were challenged. Mutagenesis-based functional genomics techniques including chemical, physical, and insertional mutagenesis have been used successfully in the functional characterization of genes. However, these techniques had their disadvantages and inherent limitations for allopolyploid Brassica napus, which contained a large number of homologous and redundant genes. Long intron-spliced hairpin RNA (ihpRNA) constructs which contained inverted repeats of the target gene separated by an intron, had been shown to be very effective in triggering RNAi in plants. In the present study, the genome-wide long ihpRNA library of B. napus was constructed with the rolling circle amplification (RCA)-mediated technology. Using the phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene as a target control, it was shown that the RCA-mediated long ihpRNA construct was significantly effective in triggering gene silence in B. napus. Subsequently, the resultant long ihpRNA library was transformed into B. napus to produce corresponding RNAi mutants. Among the obtained transgenic ihpRNA population of B. napus, five ihpRNA lines with observable mutant phenotypes were acquired including alterations in the floral model and the stamen development. The target genes could be quickly identified using specific primers. These results showed that the RCA-mediated ihpRNA construction method was effective for the genome-wide long ihpRNA library of B. napus, therefore providing a platform for study of functional genomics in allopolyploid B. napus.

scholarly journals Impaired compensatory beta-cell function and growth in response to high-fat diet in LDL receptor knockout mice

2014 ◽  
Vol 95 (4) ◽  
pp. 296-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo B. d. Oliveira ◽  
Carolina P. d. F. Carvalho ◽  
Carla C. Polo ◽  
Gabriel d. G. Dorighello ◽  
Antônio C. Boschero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beta Cell ◽  
Knockout Mice ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Beta Cell Function ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Ldl Receptor ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Ldl Receptor Knockout Mice

Detection and functional characterization of a novel MEF2A variation responsible for familial dilated cardiomyopathy

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Qiao ◽  
Cui-Mei Zhao ◽  
Chen-Xi Yang ◽  
Jia-Ning Gu ◽  
Yu-Han Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Dilated Cardiomyopathy ◽  
Sanger Sequencing ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Luciferase Assay ◽  
Chinese Family ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Loss Of Function

AbstractObjectivesDilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) represents the most frequent form of cardiomyopathy, leading to heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias and death. Accumulating evidence convincingly demonstrates the crucial role of genetic defects in the pathogenesis of DCM, and over 100 culprit genes have been implicated with DCM. However, DCM is of substantial genetic heterogeneity, and the genetic determinants underpinning DCM remain largely elusive.MethodsWhole-exome sequencing and bioinformatical analyses were implemented in a consanguineous Chinese family with DCM. A total of 380 clinically annotated control individuals and 166 more DCM index cases then underwent Sanger sequencing analysis for the identified genetic variation. The functional characteristics of the variant were delineated by utilizing a dual-luciferase assay system.ResultsA heterozygous variation in the MEF2A gene (encoding myocyte enhancer factor 2A, a transcription factor pivotal for embryonic cardiogenesis and postnatal cardiac adaptation), NM_001365204.1: c.718G>T; p. (Gly240*), was identified, and verified by Sanger sequencing to segregate with autosome-dominant DCM in the family with complete penetrance. The nonsense variation was neither detected in 760 control chromosomes nor found in 166 more DCM probands. Functional analyses revealed that the variant lost transactivation on the validated target genes MYH6 and FHL2, both causally linked to DCM. Furthermore, the variation nullified the synergistic activation between MEF2A and GATA4, another key transcription factor involved in DCM.ConclusionsThe findings firstly indicate that MEF2A loss-of-function variation predisposes to DCM in humans, providing novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of DCM and suggesting potential implications for genetic testing and prognostic evaluation of DCM patients.

scholarly journals Genetic and Functional Characterization of ANGPTL7 as a Therapeutic Target for Glaucoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kavita Praveen ◽  
Gaurang Patel ◽  
Lauren Gurski ◽  
Ariane Ayer ◽  
Trikaladarshi Persaud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Knockout Mice ◽  
Human Genetics ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Pathological Changes ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Adult Mice ◽  
Sirna Knockdown ◽  
Coding Variants

Abstract Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness. Current glaucoma medications work by lowering intraocular pressure (IOP), a risk factor for glaucoma, but most treatments do not directly target the pathological changes leading to increased IOP, which can manifest as medication resistance as disease progresses. To identify physiological modulators of IOP, we performed genome- and exome-wide association analysis in >129,000 individuals with IOP measurements and extended these findings to an analysis of glaucoma risk. We report the identification and functional characterization of rare coding variants (including loss-of-function variants) in ANGPTL7 associated with reduction in IOP and glaucoma protection. We validated the human genetics findings in mice by establishing that Angptl7 knockout mice have lower (~2 mmHg) basal IOP compared to wild-type, with a trend towards lower IOP also in heterozygotes. Conversely, increasing mAngptl7 levels via injection into mouse eyes increases the IOP. We also show that acute gene silencing via siRNA knockdown of Angptl7 in adult mice lowers the IOP (~2-4 mmHg), reproducing the observations in knockout mice. Collectively, our data suggest that ANGPTL7 is important for IOP homeostasis and is amenable to therapeutic modulation to help maintain a healthy IOP that can prevent onset or slow the progression of glaucoma.

scholarly journals Serotonin and Melatonin Biosynthesis in Plants: Genome-Wide Identification of the Genes and Their Expression Reveal a Conserved Role in Stress and Development

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (20) ◽  
pp. 11034
Author(s):  
Bidisha Bhowal ◽  
Annapurna Bhattacharjee ◽  
Kavita Goswami ◽  
Neeti Sanan-Mishra ◽  
Sneh L. Singla-Pareek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Target Genes ◽  
Functional Characterization ◽  
Gene Families ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Tryptophan Decarboxylase ◽  
Cellular Processes ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Suitable Target

Serotonin (Ser) and melatonin (Mel) serve as master regulators of plant growth and development by influencing diverse cellular processes. The enzymes namely, tryptophan decarboxylase (TDC) and tryptamine 5-hydroxylase (T5H) catalyse the formation of Ser from tryptophan. Subsequently, serotonin N-acetyl transferase (SNAT) and acetyl-serotonin methyltransferase (ASMT) form Mel from Ser. Plant genomes harbour multiple genes for each of these four enzymes, all of which have not been identified. Therefore, to delineate information regarding these four gene families, we carried out a genome-wide analysis of the genes involved in Ser and Mel biosynthesis in Arabidopsis, tomato, rice and sorghum. Phylogenetic analysis unravelled distinct evolutionary relationships among these genes from different plants. Interestingly, no gene family except ASMTs showed monocot- or dicot-specific clustering of respective proteins. Further, we observed tissue-specific, developmental and stress/hormone-mediated variations in the expression of the four gene families. The light/dark cycle also affected their expression in agreement with our quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. Importantly, we found that miRNAs (miR6249a and miR-1846e) regulated the expression of Ser and Mel biosynthesis under light and stress by influencing the expression of OsTDC5 and OsASMT18, respectively. Thus, this study may provide opportunities for functional characterization of suitable target genes of the Ser and Mel pathway to decipher their exact roles in plant physiology.

scholarly journals Importin α7 deficiency causes infertility in male mice by disrupting spermatogenesis

Development ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Liu ◽  
Fatimunnisa Qadri ◽  
Hauke Busch ◽  
Stefanie Huegel ◽  
Gabin Sihn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sertoli Cells ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Altered Expression ◽  
Importin Α

Spermatogenesis is driven by an ordered series of events, which rely on trafficking of specific proteins between nucleus and cytoplasm. The importin α family of proteins mediates movement of specific cargo proteins when bound to importin β. Importin α genes have distinct expression patterns in mouse testis, implying they may have unique roles during mammalian spermatogenesis. Here we use a loss-of-function approach to specifically determine the role of importin α7 in spermatogenesis and male fertility. We show that ablation of importin α7 in male mice leads to infertility and has multiple cumulative effects on both germ cells and Sertoli cells. Importin α7-deficient mice exhibit an impaired Sertoli cell function, including loss of Sertoli cells and a compromised nuclear localization of the androgen receptor. Furthermore, our data demonstrate devastating defects in spermiogenesis including incomplete sperm maturation and massive loss of sperms that are accompanied by disturbed histone-protamine-exchange, differential localization of the transcriptional regulator Brwd1 and altered expression of Rfx2 target genes. Our work uncovers the essential role of importin α7 in spermatogenesis and hence in male fertility.

scholarly journals Paupar LncRNA Promotes KAP1 Dependent Chromatin Changes And Regulates Subventricular Zone Neurogenesis

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ioanna Pavlaki ◽  
Farah Alammari ◽  
Bin Sun ◽  
Neil Clark ◽  
Tamara Sirey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subventricular Zone ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Neuroblastoma Cell ◽  
Regulatory Protein ◽  
Regulatory Elements ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Transcriptional Regulatory Elements ◽  
Genome Wide

ABSTRACTMany long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are expressed during central nervous system (CNS) development, yet their in vivo roles and molecular mechanisms of action remain poorly understood. Paupar, a CNS expressed lncRNA, controls neuroblastoma cell growth by binding and modulating the activity of genome-wide transcriptional regulatory elements. We show here that Paupar transcript directly binds KAP1, an essential epigenetic regulatory protein, and thereby regulates the expression of shared target genes important for proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Paupar promotes KAP1 chromatin occupancy and H3K9me3 deposition at a subset of distal targets, through formation of a DNA binding ribonucleoprotein complex containing Paupar, KAP1 and the PAX6 transcription factor. Paupar-KAP1 genome-wide co-occupancy reveals a 4-fold enrichment of overlap between Paupar and KAP1 bound sequences. Furthermore, both Paupar and Kap1 loss of function in vivo accelerates lineage progression in the mouse postnatal subventricular zone (SVZ) stem cell niche and disrupts olfactory bulb neurogenesis. These observations provide important conceptual insights into the trans-acting modes of lncRNA-mediated epigenetic regulation, the mechanisms of KAP1 genomic recruitment and identify Paupar and Kap1 as regulators of SVZ neurogenesis.

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