Sumario:
The International Journal of Developmental Biology
Linking Development, Stem Cells and Cancer Research
Euskal Herriko Unibertsitateko Argitalpen Zerbitzua / Servicio Editorial de la Universidad del País Vasco / University of the Basque Country Press
Volume 58 - Number 1 (2014) Editor-in-Chief: Juan Aréchaga
MORE INFORMATION [Abstract - FullText / FullText Open Access]
ISSN: 0214-6282 / ISSN-e: 1696-3547 www.intjdevbiol.com
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CONTENTS + ABSTRACTS
Reviews
Sox7 in vascular development: review, insights and potential mechanisms
Jeanette J. Wat and Margaret J. Wat
EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology (2014) 58: 1-8
Mechanisms of cranial placode assembly
Marie Anne Breau and Sylvie Schneider-Maunoury
EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology (2014) 58: 9-19
Generation of pluripotent stem cells via protein transduction
Xia Li, Pengfei Zhang, Chao Wei and Yunhai Zhang
EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology (2014) 58: 21-27
Original Articles
Zygotic expression of Exostosin1 (Ext1) is required for BMP signaling and establishment of dorsal-ventral pattern in Xenopus
Yi-Er Shieh, Dan E. Wells and Amy K. Sater
EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology (2014) 58: 27-34
Focal adhesion kinase as a mechanotransducer during rapid brain growth of the chick embryo
Mary E. Desmond, Janice E. Knepper, Angela J. DiBenedetto, Elizabeth Malaugh, Sagrario Callejo, Raquel Carretero, Maria-Isabel Alonso and Angel Gato
EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology (2014) 58: 35-43
Developmental Expression Patterns
Expression pattern of zcchc24 during early Xenopus development
Marta Vitorino, Elizabeth Correia, Ana-Rita Serralheiro, Ana-Catarina De-Jesus, José M. Inácio and José A. Belo
EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology (2014) 58: 45-50
Xenopus cadherin 5 is specifically expressed in endothelial cells of the developing vascular system
Herbert Neuhaus, Sanjeeva Metikala and Thomas Hollemann
EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology (2014) 58: 51-56
Developmental expression of chicken FOXN1 and putative target genes during feather development
Diana K. Darnell, Li S. Zhang, Sridhar Hannenhalli and Sergey Y. Yaklichkin
EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology (2014) 58: 57-64
Multiple Dlk1 splice variants are expressed during early mouse embryogenesis
Antony J. Miller and Susan E. Cole
EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology (2014) 58: 65-70
The International Journal of Developmental Biology
ISSN 1696-3547 (online) and 0214-6282 (print)
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ABSTRACTS
Reviews
EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology 58: 1-8 (2014)
doi: 10.1387/ijdb.130323mw / © UBC Press (www.a360grados.net)
Sox7 in vascular development: review, insights and potential mechanisms
Jeanette J. Wat 1 and Margaret J. Wat 2
1. Department of Chemical Sciences, Rice University
2. Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
Abstract: Cardiovascular development is crucial to the survival of higher organisms, integrally transporting oxygen and nutrients and in later life, facilitating immune function. Only in recent years has the molecular basis of the formation of this ancient conduit system been explored. While transcription factors are essential to specify and differentiate core cellular and structural components of the developing heart and vessels, only a subset of these essential factors are currently known. A transcription factor of emerging importance in the cardiovascular system is Sox7, a member of the F group of Sox genes, as Sox7 removal in recent animal and cellular studies has resulted in disruptions of cardiovascular development. However, the molecular mechanisms of Sox7 action have largely remained obscure. In this paper, we first review the highly conserved and robust cardiovascular expression pattern of Sox7 across multiple species. We then provide evidence of a compelling role for Sox7 in vascular development, elucidating major pathways in which Sox7 functions, including VEGF/Flk1 signaling, Wnt signaling, and Notch pathway. Furthermore, we propose mechanisms connecting all of these important developmental pathways through Sox7, in a way not previously postulated in the developing vascular system. The emerging picture reveals Sox7 as an important developmental gene that connects other vascular regulators and that has significance in human disease.
Keywords: Sox7, Wnt signaling, vascular development, Notch pathway, expression pattern
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EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology 58: 9-19 (2014)
doi: 10.1387/ijdb.130351mb / © UBC Press (www.a360grados.net)
Mechanisms of cranial placode assembly
Marie Anne Breau and Sylvie Schneider-Maunoury
Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, UMR7622, Paris, CNRS, UMR7622, Paris and INSERM, U1156, Paris, France
Abstract: Cranial placodes are transient ectodermal structures contributing to the paired sensory organs and ganglia of the vertebrate head. Placode progenitors are initially spread and intermixed within a continuous embryonic territory surrounding the anterior neural plate, the so-called pan-placodal region, which progressively breaks into distinct and compact placodal structures. The mechanisms driving the formation of these discrete placodes from the initial scattered distribution of their progenitors are poorly understood, and the implication of cell fate changes, local sorting out or massive cell movements is still a matter of debate. Here, we discuss different models that could account for placode assembly and review recent studies unraveling novel cellular and molecular aspects of this key event in the construction of the vertebrate head.
Keywords: cranial placode, sensory organ, sorting-out, cell migration, coalescence
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EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology 58: 21-27 (2014)
doi: 10.1387/ijdb.140007XL / © UBC Press (www.a360grados.net)
Generation of pluripotent stem cells via protein transduction
Xia Li, Pengfei Zhang, Chao Wei and Yunhai Zhang
Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
Abstract: The development of techniques for reprogramming somatic cells led to the birth of the cloned sheep “Dolly” and the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). iPSCs hold great promise for in vitro disease modeling, new drug screening, regenerative medicine and agricultural production. These cells can differentiate into almost any tissue types and they can be used to produce autografts that will not be rejected by the patient. However, practical application has been limited by the potential for insertion mutagenesis and by the complexity of the associated procedures. A protein-based approach to generation of iPSCs could offer better prospects by avoiding these problems. This review provides an overview of the key processes and mechanism involved in protein-based somatic cell reprogramming, discusses some promising methods for increasing its efficiency and future challenges.
Keywords: protein, induced pluripotent stem cell, reprogramming, small molecule, immunogenicity
Original Articles -------------------------------------------------------
EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology 58: 27-34 (2014)
doi: 10.1387/ijdb.130257as / © UBC Press (www.a360grados.net)
Zygotic expression of Exostosin1 (Ext1) is required for BMP signaling and establishment of dorsal-ventral pattern in Xenopus
Yi-Er Shieh 1, Dan E. Wells 2 and Amy K. Sater 3
Dept. of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Houston, Houston TX USA
Abstract: Exostosin 1 (EXT1) is a glycosyltransferase that contributes to the biosynthesis of heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG). Loss of ext1 function leads to the human genetic disorder hereditary multiple exostoses (HME) and inhibits development in mouse, zebrafish and Drosophila. In Xenopus, loss of maternal EXT1 leads to impaired wnt11 signaling, resulting in a loss of dorsal embryonic development (Tao et al., 2005), but the functions of zygotic ext1 have not been elucidated. In this study, morpholino oligonucleotides were used to generate a zygotic partial loss of function for ext1, in order to evaluate the requirements for ext1 function in gastrulation and paracrine signaling. Transcriptional profiling was carried out by microarray. Validation and subsequent analyses of gene expression were performed using Q-RT-PCR and in situ hybridization. Western blots were used to assess paracrine signaling pathway activity. Introduction of ext1 MO led to gastrulation defects, which were partially rescued by co-injection of ext1 mRNA. Microarray-based comparisons of gene expression in control vs. Ext1 MO embryos identified several developmentally significant genes that are dependent upon Ext1 function, including brachyury (Xbra). In addition, decreased Ext1 was shown to reduce the level of Wnt8 and BMP4 signaling and disrupt ventral-specific gene expression. Ext1 function is required for maintenance of normal levels of BMP and wnt, as well as their target genes. In addition, expression of xbra and the establishment of ventral mesoderm depend upon normal levels of Ext1. These findings suggest that ext1-dependent synthesis of HSPG is critical for wnt and BMP signaling, mesodermal identity, and ventral pattern.
Keywords: exostosin, microarray, BMP, Xenopus, gastrula
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EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology 58: 35-43 (2014)
doi: 10.1387/ijdb.130305md / © UBC Press (www.a360grados.net)
Focal adhesion kinase as a mechanotransducer during rapid brain growth of the chick embryo
Mary E. Desmond 1, Janice E. Knepper 1, Angela J. DiBenedetto 1, Elizabeth Malaugh 1, Sagrario Callejo 2, Raquel Carretero 2, Maria-Isabel Alonso 2 and Angel Gato 2
1. Department of Biology, Villanova University, Villanova, PA, USA
2. Departamento de Anatomia y Radiologia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
Abstract: Expansion of the hollow fluid-filled embryonic brain occurs by an increase in intraluminal pressure created by accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Experiments have shown a direct correlation between cavity pressure and cell proliferation within the neuroepithelium. These findings lead us to ask how mechanistically this might come about. Are there perhaps molecules on the luminal surface of the embryonic neuroepithelium, such as focal adhesion kinases (FAKs) known to respond to tension in other epithelial cells? Immunodetection using antibodies to total FAK and p-FAK was performed with subsequent confocal analysis of the pattern of their activation under normal intraluminal pressure and induced chronic pressure. Western analysis was also done to look at the amount of FAK expression, as well as its activation under these same conditions. Using immunolocalization, we have shown that FAK is present and activated on both apical and basolateral surfaces and within the cytoplasm of the neuroepithelial cells. This pattern changed profoundly when the neuroepithelium was under pressure. By Western blot, we have shown that FAK was upregulated and activated in the neuroepithelium of the embryos just after the neural tube becomes a closed pressurized system, with phosphorylation detected on the luminal instead of the basal surface, along with an increase in cell proliferation. Chronic hyper-pressure does not induce an increase in phosphorylation of FAK. In conclusion, here we show that neuroepithelial cells respond to intraluminal pressure via FAK phosphorylation on the luminal surface.
Keywords: cerebrospinal fluid, neuroepithelium, mitosis, hydrostatic pressure, FAK, cell proliferation
Developmental Expression Patterns -----------------------------------------
EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology 58: 45-50 (2014)
doi: 10.1387/ijdb.130261jb / © UBC Press (www.a360grados.net)
Expression pattern of zcchc24 during early Xenopus development
Marta Vitorino 1,2, Elizabeth Correia 1,2, Ana-Rita Serralheiro 2, Ana-Catarina De-Jesus 1,2, José M. Inácio 1,2 and José A. Belo 1,2,3
1. Regenerative Medicine Program, Departamento de Ciências Biomédicas e Medicina, Universidade do Algarve
2. IBB-Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centro de Biomedicina Molecular e Estrutural, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, Faro
3. Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.
Abstract: We report the expression pattern of a novel Xenopus laevis gene, zcchc24, which encodes a protein containing two zinc finger domains from the zf-CCHC and zf-3CxxC superfamilies. This protein shares >84% amino acid identity with its vertebrate homologues. During X. laevis embryonic development, zcchc24 is expressed at gastrula stages in the dorsal mesoderm, including the cardiac precursors region. During neurula stages, zcchc24 is expressed as two stripes in the dorsal region, more precisely, in the somitogenic mesoderm until the cardiac mesoderm. At early tailbud stages, zcchc24 continues to be expressed in these regions, but starts to be expressed in the migrating neural crest. Later, this gene is expressed in the head, branchial arches, heart and somites. The zinc finger domains present in Zcchc24 protein and its dynamic gene expression pattern suggest that Zcchc24 might be involved in the regulation of heart, somites and of branchial arch formation/patterning, namely in the regulation of apoptosis.
Keywords: zcchc24, zinc finger, heart development, somitogenic mesoderm, neural crest
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EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology 58: 51-56 (2014)
doi: 10.1387/ijdb.140013hn / © UBC Press (www.a360grados.net)
Xenopus cadherin 5 is specifically expressed in endothelial cells of the developing vascular system
Herbert Neuhaus, Sanjeeva Metikala and Thomas Hollemann
Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, Halle (Saale), Germany
Abstract: Vasculogenesis is an important, multistep process leading to the formation of a functional primary network of blood vessels in the developing embryo. A series of interactions between secreted growth factors and their specific receptors leads to the specification of mesodermal cells to become hemangioblasts, which then differentiate into angioblasts. These subsequently proliferate, coalesce into cords and finally form tubular vascular structures. For proper function of these primary blood vessels, the close connection of endothelial cells is required. This is conferred by the interaction of an endothelium specific cadherin (Cadherin-5), starting during early vascular development. However, this interaction remains important throughout life and ageing. Therefore, cadherin-5 is a useful marker for late stages of vasculogenesis in several vertebrate species. To establish cadherin-5 as a marker for vascular studies in Xenopus, we cloned the Xenopus laevis ortholog and analyzed its expression pattern during embryogenesis.
Keywords: vasculogenesis, cadherin, early embryogenesis, ageing, paralogs
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EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology 58: 57-64 (2014)
doi: 10.1387/ijdb.130023sy / © UBC Press (www.a360grados.net)
Developmental expression of chicken FOXN1 and putative target genes during feather development
Diana K. Darnell 1, Li S. Zhang 1, Sridhar Hannenhalli 2 and Sergey Y. Yaklichkin 3
1. Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
2. Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
3. Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX, USA
Abstract: FOXN1 is a member of the forkhead box family of transcription factors. FOXN1 is crucial for hair outgrowth and thymus differentiation in mammals. Unlike the thymus, which is found in all amniotes, hair is an epidermal appendage that arose after the last shared common ancestor between mammals and birds, and hair and feathers differ markedly in their differentiation and gene expression. Here, we show that FOXN1 is expressed in embryonic chicken feathers, nails and thymus, demonstrating an evolutionary conservation that goes beyond obvious homology. At embryonic day (ED) 12, FOXN1 is expressed in some feather buds and at ED13 expression extends along the length of the feather filament. At ED14 FOXN1 mRNA is restricted to the proximal feather filament and is not detectable in distal feather shafts. At the base of the feather, FOXN1 is expressed in the epithelium of the feather sheath and distal barb and marginal plate, whereas in the midsection FOXN1 transcripts are mainly detected in the barb plates of the feather filament. FOXN1 is also expressed in claws; however, no expression was detected in skin or scales. Despite expression of FOXN1 in developing feathers, examination of chick homologs of five putative mammalian FOXN1 target genes shows that, while these genes are expressed in feathers, there is little similarity to the FOXN1 expression pattern, suggesting that some gene regulatory networks may have diverged during evolution of epidermal appendages.
Keywords: chick, forkhead, WHN, HFH11, thymus, nudee
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EHU/UPV/UBC - The International Journal of Developmental Biology 58: 65-70 (2014)
doi: 10.1387/ijdb.130316sc / © UBC Press (www.a360grados.net)
Multiple Dlk1 splice variants are expressed during early mouse embryogenesis
Antony J. Miller and Susan E. Cole
The Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, OH, USA
Abstract: Delta-like homologue 1 (Dlk1), an atypical Notch ligand, is known to have roles in growth and development, stem cell maintenance, and cancer. Evidence suggests that Dlk1 expression patterns are more complex than previously appreciated, with multiple isoforms expressed in various tissues in both the embryo and adult. However, the early embryonic expression of Dlk1 has not been well examined. Given that tissue specific Dlk1 knockouts have to date failed to recapitulate phenotypes associated with the conventional Dlk1 loss of function model, a better understanding of early Dlk1 expression is important. To address this question, we have examined Dlk1 expression during the early stages of mouse embryogenesis. Dlk1 expression was first detected at Theiler Stage 14 (TS14), and its expression pattern persisted in specific tissues through TS20. Further, we found that all known Dlk1 splice isoforms were expressed in early embryogenesis, with Dlk1-A and Dlk1-C/C2 isoforms being expressed at the highest levels. The broad co-expression of multiple Dlk1 isoforms corroborates recent work suggesting that Dlk1-mediated signaling may act through multiple DLK1 isoforms to balance differentiation.
Keywords: Dlk1, alternative splicing, embryonic expression
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