scholarly journals Inducible and reversible inhibition of miRNA-mediated gene repression in vivo

eLife ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaspare La Rocca ◽  
Bryan King ◽  
Bing Shui ◽  
Xiaoyi Li ◽  
Minsi Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Networks ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Gene Repression ◽  
Acute Injury ◽  
Mirna Biogenesis ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Individual Mirnas ◽  
Functional Consequences

Although virtually all gene networks are predicted to be controlled by miRNAs, the contribution of this important layer of gene regulation to tissue homeostasis in adult animals remains unclear. Gain and loss of function experiments have provided key insights into the specific function of individual miRNAs, but effective genetic tools to study the functional consequences of global inhibition of miRNA activity in vivo are lacking. Here we report the generation and characterization of a genetically engineered mouse strain in which miRNA-mediated gene repression can be reversibly inhibited without affecting miRNA biogenesis or abundance. We demonstrate the usefulness of this strategy by investigating the consequences of acute inhibition of miRNA function in adult animals. We find that different tissues and organs respond differently to global loss of miRNA function. While miRNA-mediated gene repression is essential for the homeostasis of the heart and the skeletal muscle, it is largely dispensable in the majority of other organs. Even in tissues where it is not required for homeostasis, such as the intestine and hematopoietic system, miRNA activity can become essential during regeneration following acute injury. These data support a model where many metazoan tissues primarily rely on miRNA function to respond to potentially pathogenic events.

scholarly journals Inducible and reversible inhibition of miRNA-mediated gene repression in vivo

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaspare La Rocca ◽  
Bryan King ◽  
Bing Shui ◽  
Xiaoyi Li ◽  
Minsi Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Networks ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Gene Repression ◽  
Acute Injury ◽  
Mirna Biogenesis ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Individual Mirnas ◽  
Functional Consequences

Although virtually all gene networks are predicted to be controlled by miRNAs, the contribution of this important layer of gene regulation to tissue homeostasis in adult animals remains unclear. Gain and loss of function experiments have provided key insights into the specific function of individual miRNAs, but effective genetic tools to study the functional consequences of global inhibition of miRNA activity in vivo are lacking. Here we report the generation and characterization of a genetically engineered mouse strain in which miRNA-mediated gene repression can be reversibly inhibited without affecting miRNA biogenesis or abundance. We demonstrate the usefulness of this strategy by investigating the consequences of acute inhibition of miRNA function in adult animals. We find that different tissues and organs respond differently to global loss of miRNA function. While miRNA-mediated gene repression is essential for the homeostasis of the heart and the skeletal muscle, it is largely dispensable in the majority of other organs. Even in tissues where it is not required for homeostasis, such as the intestine and hematopoietic system, miRNA activity can become essential during regeneration following acute injury. These data support a model where many metazoan tissues primarily rely on miRNA function to respond to potentially pathogenic events.

scholarly journals Molecular Characterization of HOXA2 and HOXA3 Binding Properties

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 55
Author(s):  
Joshua Mallen ◽  
Manisha Kalsan ◽  
Peyman Zarrineh ◽  
Laure Bridoux ◽  
Shandar Ahmad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Sequence Motif ◽  
Body Parts ◽  
Binding Affinities ◽  
Binding Properties ◽  
Functional Consequences

The highly conserved HOX homeodomain (HD) transcription factors (TFs) establish the identity of different body parts along the antero–posterior axis of bilaterian animals. Segment diversification and the morphogenesis of different structures is achieved by generating precise patterns of HOX expression along the antero–posterior axis and by the ability of different HOX TFs to instruct unique and specific transcriptional programs. However, HOX binding properties in vitro, characterised by the recognition of similar AT-rich binding sequences, do not account for the ability of different HOX to instruct segment-specific transcriptional programs. To address this problem, we previously compared HOXA2 and HOXA3 binding in vivo. Here, we explore if sequence motif enrichments observed in vivo are explained by binding affinities in vitro. Unexpectedly, we found that the highest enriched motif in HOXA2 peaks was not recognised by HOXA2 in vitro, highlighting the importance of investigating HOX binding in its physiological context. We also report the ability of HOXA2 and HOXA3 to heterodimerise, which may have functional consequences for the HOX patterning function in vivo.

Genetic analysis of laminin A reveals diverse functions during morphogenesis in Drosophila

Development ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 118 (2) ◽  
pp. 325-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Henchcliffe ◽  
L. Garcia-Alonso ◽  
J. Tang ◽  
C.S. Goodman
Keyword(s):  
Cell Fate ◽  
Genetic Characterization ◽  
Complete Loss ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Partial Loss ◽  
Multidomain Structure ◽  
A Subunit ◽  
Wing Structure

In order to dissect the functions of laminin A in vivo, we have undertaken a molecular and genetic characterization of the laminin A subunit (lamA) gene in Drosophila. Sequence analysis predicts a multidomain structure similar to mammalian homologs. We generated a series of complete and partial loss-of-function mutant alleles of the lamA gene; complete loss-of-function mutations lead to late embryonic lethality. Certain combinations of partial loss-of-function lamA alleles give rise to escaper adults, which have rough eyes associated with changes in cell fate and pattern, misshapen legs and defects in wing structure. These phenotypes suggest that laminin A has diverse functions during morphogenesis in Drosophila.

scholarly journals Dysbindin deficiency Alters Cardiac BLOC-1 Complex and Myozap Levels in Mice

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2390
Author(s):  
Ankush Borlepawar ◽  
Nesrin Schmiedel ◽  
Matthias Eden ◽  
Lynn Christen ◽  
Alexandra Rosskopf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Direct Interaction ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Interaction Partners ◽  
Lysosome Related Organelles ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Schizophrenia Susceptibility

Dysbindin, a schizophrenia susceptibility marker and an essential constituent of BLOC-1 (biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex-1), has recently been associated with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through the activation of Myozap-RhoA-mediated SRF signaling. We employed sandy mice (Dtnbp1_KO), which completely lack Dysbindin protein because of a spontaneous deletion of introns 5–7 of the Dtnbp1 gene, for pathophysiological characterization of the heart. Unlike in vitro, the loss-of-function of Dysbindin did not attenuate cardiac hypertrophy, either in response to transverse aortic constriction stress or upon phenylephrine treatment. Interestingly, however, the levels of hypertrophy-inducing interaction partner Myozap as well as the BLOC-1 partners of Dysbindin like Muted and Pallidin were dramatically reduced in Dtnbp1_KO mouse hearts. Taken together, our data suggest that Dysbindin’s role in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy is redundant in vivo, yet essential to maintain the stability of its direct interaction partners like Myozap, Pallidin and Muted.

scholarly journals Characterization of a Spontaneous 9.5-Kilobase-Deletion Mutant of Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 Reveals Tissue-Specific Genetic Requirements for Latency

2002 ◽  
Vol 76 (13) ◽  
pp. 6532-6544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric T. Clambey ◽  
Herbert W. Virgin ◽  
Samuel H. Speck
Keyword(s):  
Deletion Mutant ◽  
Latent Infection ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Murine Gammaherpesvirus ◽  
Peritoneal Cells ◽  
Gammaherpesvirus 68 ◽  
Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68

ABSTRACT Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68 [also known as MHV-68]) establishes a latent infection in mice, providing a small-animal model with which to identify host and viral factors that regulate gammaherpesvirus latency. While γHV68 establishes a latent infection in multiple tissues, including splenocytes and peritoneal cells, the requirements for latent infection within these tissues are poorly defined. Here we report the characterization of a spontaneous 9.5-kb-deletion mutant of γHV68 that lacks the M1, M2, M3, and M4 genes and eight viral tRNA-like genes. Previously, this locus has been shown to contain the latency-associated M2, M3, and viral tRNA-like genes. Through characterization of this mutant, we found that the M1, M2, M3, M4 genes and the viral tRNA-like genes are dispensable for (i) in vitro replication and (ii) the establishment and maintenance of latency in vivo and reactivation from latency following intraperitoneal infection. In contrast, following intranasal infection with this mutant, there was a defect in splenic latency at both early and late times, a phenotype not observed in peritoneal cells. These results indicate (i) that there are different genetic requirements for the establishment of latency in different latent reservoirs and (ii) that the genetic requirements for latency depend on the route of infection. While some of these phenotypes have been observed with specific mutations in the M1 and M2 genes, other phenotypes have never been observed with the available γHV68 mutants. These studies highlight the importance of loss-of-function mutations in defining the genetic requirements for the establishment and maintenance of herpesvirus latency.

scholarly journals Generation and Characterization of Typhoid Toxin-Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibodies

2020 ◽  
Vol 88 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xuyao Jiao ◽  
Sarah Smith ◽  
Gabrielle Stack ◽  
Qi Liang ◽  
Allan Bradley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Typhoid Fever ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Human Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
Genetically Engineered Mice ◽  
Typhoid Toxin

ABSTRACT Typhoid toxin is a virulence factor of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever, and is thought to be responsible for the symptoms of severe disease. This toxin has a unique A2B5 architecture with two active subunits, the ADP ribosyl transferase PltA and the DNase CdtB, linked to a pentameric B subunit, which is alternatively made of PltB or PltC. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of typhoid toxin-neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies by immunizing genetically engineered mice that have a full set of human immunoglobulin variable region genes. We identified several monoclonal antibodies with strong in vitro and in vivo toxin-neutralizing activity and different mechanisms of toxin neutralization. These antibodies could serve as the basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against typhoid fever.

The zebrafish homologs of SET/I2PP2A oncoprotein: expression patterns and insights into their physiological roles during development

2016 ◽  
Vol 473 (24) ◽  
pp. 4609-4627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iliana Serifi ◽  
Eleni Tzima ◽  
Katerina Soupsana ◽  
Zoe Karetsou ◽  
Dimitris Beis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Lateral Line ◽  
Gene Networks ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Otic Vesicle ◽  
Lateral Line System ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Line System ◽  
Eye Retina

The oncoprotein SET/I2PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor 2) participates in various cellular mechanisms such as transcription, cell cycle regulation and cell migration. SET is also an inhibitor of the serine/threonine phosphatase PP2A, which is involved in the regulation of cell homeostasis. In zebrafish, there are two paralogous set genes that encode Seta (269 amino acids) and Setb (275 amino acids) proteins which share 94% identity. We show here that seta and setb are similarly expressed in the eye, the otic vesicle, the brain and the lateral line system, as indicated by in situ hybridization labeling. Whole-mount immunofluorescence analysis revealed the expression of Seta/b proteins in the eye retina, the olfactory pit and the lateral line neuromasts. Loss-of-function studies using antisense morpholino oligonucleotides targeting both seta and setb genes (MOab) resulted in increased apoptosis, reduced cell proliferation and morphological defects. The morphant phenotypes were partially rescued when MOab was co-injected with human SET mRNA. Knockdown of setb with a transcription-blocking morpholino oligonucleotide (MOb) resulted in phenotypic defects comparable with those induced by setb gRNA (guide RNA)/Cas9 [CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-associated 9] injections. In vivo labeling of hair cells showed a significantly decreased number of neuromasts in MOab-, MOb- and gRNA/Cas9-injected embryos. Microarray analysis of MOab morphant transcriptome revealed differential expression in gene networks controlling transcription in the sensory organs, including the eye retina, the ear and the lateral line. Collectively, our results suggest that seta and setb are required during embryogenesis and play roles in the zebrafish sensory system development.

Functional consequences of contrasting properties of α1/α2 systems

1985 ◽  
Vol 68 (s10) ◽  
pp. 93s-97s ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter B. M. W. M. Timmermans ◽  
Martin J. M. C. Thoolen ◽  
Adriaan De Jonge ◽  
Bob Wilffert ◽  
Pieter A. Van Zwieten
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Experimental Evidence ◽  
Diastolic Pressure ◽  
Previous Treatment ◽  
Pithed Rat ◽  
Pithed Rats ◽  
Functional Consequences ◽  
Adrenoceptor Agonists

Ample experimental evidence supports the existence of two distinct types of vasoconstrictor α-adrenoceptors in vascular smooth muscle at postjunctional sites, showing similarities with α1 and α2-adrenoceptors. Especially in vivo, the characterization of an α2-adrenoceptor mediating an increase in diastolic pressure has been most successful. In this respect the model of the pithed rat has been employed most frequently (for reviews see [1, 2]). At present, the agents cirazoline, (−) phenylephrine, (±)-erythro-methoxamine, (−)-amidephrine, SKF89748, St587 and Sgd 101/75 fulfil the criteria for selective α1-adrenoceptor agonists; their log dose-vasopressor effect curves are virtually unaffected by previous treatment with yohimbine or rauwolscine (selective dose in pithed rats: 1 mg/kg), whereas prazosin (selective dose in pithed rats: 0.1 mg/kg) causes an appreciable parallel rightward displacement. The reverse holds true for the stimulants B-HT 920, B-HT 933, B-HT 958, UK-14304, xylazine, TL-99, M-7 and DP-6,7-ADTN, which all have been classified as preferential agonists of vascular postjunctional α-adrenoceptors.

scholarly journals Characterization of the interaction domains of Ure2p, a prion-like protein of yeast

1999 ◽  
Vol 338 (2) ◽  
pp. 403-407 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric FERNANDEZ-BELLOT ◽  
Elisabeth GUILLEMET ◽  
Agnès BAUDIN-BAILLIEU ◽  
Sébastien GAUMER ◽  
Anton A. KOMAR ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Catalytic Domain ◽  
Deletion Mutants ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Hybrid Analysis ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Interaction Domains ◽  
Two Hybrid

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the non-Mendelian inherited genetic element [URE3] behaves as a prion. A hypothesis has been put forward which states that [URE3] arises spontaneously from its cellular isoform Ure2p (the product of the URE2 gene), and propagates through interactions of the N-terminal domain of the protein, thus leading to its aggregation and loss of function. In the present study, various N- and C-terminal deletion mutants of Ure2p were constructed and their cross-interactions were tested in vitro and in vivo using affinity binding and a two-hybrid analysis. We show that the self-interaction of the protein is mediated by at least two domains, corresponding to the first third of the protein (the so-called prion-forming domain) and the C-terminal catalytic domain.

scholarly journals High-resolution in vivo identification of miRNA targets by Halo-Enhanced Ago2 Pulldown

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoyi Li ◽  
Yuri Pritykin ◽  
Carla P. Concepcion ◽  
Yuheng Lu ◽  
Gaspare La Rocca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binding Sites ◽  
Embryonic Stem ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Lung Cancers ◽  
Mirna Targets ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Non Coding Rnas ◽  
Mrna Binding

SUMMARYThe identification of miRNA targets by Ago2 crosslinking-immunoprecipitation (CLIP) methods has provided major insights into the biology of this important class of non-coding RNAs. However, these methods are technically challenging and not easily translated to an in vivo setting. To overcome these limitations and to facilitate the investigation of miRNA functions in mice, we have developed a method (HEAP: for Halo-Enhanced Ago2 Pulldown) to map miRNA-mRNA binding sites. This method is based on a novel genetically engineered mouse harboring a conditional, Cre-regulated, Halo-Ago2 allele expressed from the endogenous Ago2 locus. By using a resin conjugated to the HaloTag ligand, Ago2-miRNA-mRNA complexes can be efficiently purified from cells and tissues expressing the endogenous Halo-Ago2 allele. We demonstrate the reproducibility and sensitivity of this method in mouse embryonic stem cells, in developing embryos, in adult tissues and in autochthonous mouse models of human brain and lung cancers.The tools and the datasets we have generated will serve as a valuable resource to the scientific community and will facilitate the characterization of miRNA functions under physiological and pathological conditions.

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