Expression of the LIM class homeobox gene Xlim-1 in pronephros and CNS cell lineages of Xenopus embryos is affected by retinoic acid and exogastrulation

Development ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 120 (6) ◽  
pp. 1525-1536 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Taira ◽  
H. Otani ◽  
M. Jamrich ◽  
I.B. Dawid
Keyword(s):  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Organizer Region ◽  
Homeobox Gene ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Cell Specification ◽  
Spemann Organizer ◽  
Xenopus Embryos ◽  
Prechordal Mesoderm ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Lateral Mesoderm

The LIM class homeobox gene Xlim-1 is expressed in Xenopus embryos in the lineages leading to (i) the notochord, (ii) the pronephros, and (iii) certain cells of the central nervous system (CNS). In its first expression phase, Xlim-1 mRNA arises in the Spemann organizer region, accumulates in prechordal mesoderm and notochord during gastrulation, and decays in these tissues during neurula stages except that it persists in the posterior tip of the notochord. In the second phase, expression in lateral mesoderm begins at late gastrula, and converges to the pronephros at tailbud stages. Expression in a central location of the neural plate also initiates at late gastrula, expands anteriorly and posteriorly, and becomes established in the lateral regions of the spinal cord and hindbrain at tailbud stages. Thus Xlim-1 expression precedes morphogenesis, suggesting that it may be involved in cell specification in these lineages. Enhancement of Xlim-1 expression by retinoic acid (RA) was first detectable in the dorsal mesoderm at initial gastrula. During gastrulation and early neurulation, RA strongly enhanced Xlim-1 expression in all three lineages and also expanded its expressing domains; this overexpression correlated well with RA phenotypes such as enlarged pronephros and hindbrain-like structure. Exogastrulation reduced Xlim-1 expression in the lateral mesoderm and ectoderm but not in the notochord, suggesting that the second phase of Xlim-1 expression requires mesoderm/ectoderm interactions. RA treatment of exogastrulae did not revert this reduction.

Retinoic acid modifies the pattern of cell differentiation in the central nervous system of neurula stage Xenopus embryos

Development ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 112 (4) ◽  
pp. 945-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Ruiz i Altaba ◽  
T.M. Jessell
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Neural Cell ◽  
Xenopus Embryos ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
Neurula Stage

Neural cell markers have been used to examine the effect of retinoic acid (RA) on the development of the central nervous system (CNS) of Xenopus embryos. RA treatment of neurula stage embryos resulted in a concentration-dependent perturbation of anterior CNS development leading to a reduction in the size of the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. In addition the overt segmental organization of the hindbrain was abolished by high concentrations of RA. The regional expression of two cell-specific markers, the homeobox protein Xhox3 and the neurotransmitter serotonin was also examined in embryos exposed to RA. Treatment with RA caused a concentration-dependent change in the pattern of expression of Xhox3 and serotonin and resulted in the ectopic appearance of immunoreactive neurons in anterior regions of the CNS, including the forebrain. Collectively, our results extend previous studies by showing that RA treatment of embryos at the neurula stage inhibits the development of anterior regions of the CNS while promoting the differentiation of more posterior cell types. The relevance of these findings to the possible role of endogenous retinoids in the determination of neural cell fate and axial patterning is discussed.

scholarly journals A beta-catenin/engrailed chimera selectively suppresses Wnt signaling

2000 ◽  
Vol 113 (10) ◽  
pp. 1759-1770 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.T. Montross ◽  
H. Ji ◽  
P.D. McCrea
Keyword(s):  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Transcriptional Repression ◽  
Organizer Region ◽  
Chimeric Protein ◽  
Homeobox Gene ◽  
Beta Catenin ◽  
Embryonic Axes ◽  
Xenopus Embryos ◽  
Cell Cell

beta-catenin plays an integral role in cell-cell adhesion by linking the cadherin complex of the adherens junction to the underlying actin cytoskeleton. In addition, beta-catenin transduces intracellular signals within the Wnt developmental pathway that are crucial to the proper establishment of embryonic axes and pattern formation of early mesoderm and ectoderm. For example, in the context of a defined dorsal ‘organizer’ region of early Xenopus embryos, beta-catenin enters the nucleus and associates with transcription factors of the HMG (High Mobility Group) Lef/Tcf protein family. Consequently, genes such as siamois, a homeobox gene contributing to the specification of the dorsoanterior axis, are activated. To further examine the role that beta-catenin plays in Wnt signaling, we generated a chimeric protein, beta-Engrailed (beta-Eng), in which the C-terminal trans-activation domain of beta-catenin is replaced with the transcriptional repression domain of Drosophila Engrailed. Dorsal overexpression of this mRNA in early Xenopus embryos leads to suppression of organizer-specific molecular markers such as siamois, Xnr-3 and goosecoid, corresponding with the dramatic morphological ventralization of embryos. Ventralized embryos further exhibit reduced activity of the Wnt pathway, as indicated by the loss of the notochord/organizer marker, chordin. Importantly, beta-Eng associates and functions normally with the known components of the cadherin complex, providing the experimental opportunity to repress beta-catenin's signaling function apart from its role in cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion.

Retinoic Acid Promotes Endothelial Cell Cycle Early G1 State to Enable Human Hemogenic Endothelial Cell Specification

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingyao Qiu ◽  
Sofia Nordling ◽  
Hema Vasavada ◽  
Eugene Butcher ◽  
Karen K. Hirschi
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Endothelial Cell ◽  
Cell Specification

Induction of a RAR beta 2-lacZ transgene by retinoic acid reflects the neuromeric organization of the central nervous system

Development ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 116 (4) ◽  
pp. 977-983 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Zimmer ◽  
A. Zimmer
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Retinoic Acid Receptor ◽  
Induction Pattern ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Beta 2 ◽  
Transgenic Embryos ◽  
Craniofacial Defects ◽  
Pair Rule

The hormone retinoic acid (RA) has been implicated in the organization of the anteroposterior (AP) body axis. In this paper, we describe the effects of RA on the activity of the RA-inducible retinoic acid receptor-beta 2 (RAR beta 2) promoter. When transgenic embryos carrying a RAR beta 2-lacZ reporter gene were exposed to a single dose of RA between gestational days 8.5 to 10.5, lacZ expression was induced in the anterior central nervous system (CNS). Strikingly, the transgene was expressed in a segmented pattern reminiscent of that of Drosophila ‘pair-rule’ genes. RA treatment of midgastrulation embryos at day 7.5 disturbed the segmentation and produced severe craniofacial defects. We discuss the possibility that the entire anterior CNS is segmented and that this segmentation is reflected by the RAR beta 2-lacZ induction pattern.

Retinoic acid and chick limb bud development

Development ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 113-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Tickle
Keyword(s):  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Homeobox Gene ◽  
Experimental System ◽  
Shoulder Girdle ◽  
Limb Bud ◽  
Local Concentration ◽  
Anterior Position ◽  
Mesenchyme Cells ◽  
Vitamin A Derivative

The chick limb bud is a powerful experimental system in which to study pattern formation in vertebrate embryos. Exogenously applied retinoic acid, a vitamin A derivative, can bring about changes in pattern and, on several grounds, is a good candidate for an endogenous morphogen. As such, the local concentration of retinoic acid might provide cells with information about their position in relation to one axis of the limb. Alternatively, retinoic acid may be part of a more complex signalling system. Homeobox genes are possible target genes for regulation by retinoic acid in the limb. In particular, one homeobox gene, XlHbox 1 is expressed locally in the mesenchyme of vertebrate forelimbs and might code for an anterior position. When the pattern of the chick wing is changed by retinoic acid or by grafts of signalling tissue such that anterior cells now form posterior structures, the domain of XlHbox 1 expression expands rather than contracts. The expansion of XlHbox 1 expression correlates with shoulder girdle abnormalities. Retinoic acid application leads to visible changes in bud shape and this allows dissection of the way in which patterning is co-ordinated with morphogenesis. Results of recombination experiments and studies of changes in the apical ridge and proliferation in the mesenchyme suggest the following scheme: retinoic acid is involved in specification of position of mesenchyme cells; this specification determines their local interaction with the ridge that controls ridge morphology; the thickened apical ridge permits local proliferation in the underlying mesenchyme. The recent advances in molecular biology that permit analysis of the expression of various interesting genes in developing limbs hold out the promise that further investigation may soon allow a complete account of the patterning process in one part of the vertebrate embryo.

Mouse Hox-3.4: homeobox sequence and embryonic expression patterns compared with other members of the Hox gene network

Development ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 109 (2) ◽  
pp. 329-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.J. Gaunt ◽  
P.L. Coletta ◽  
D. Pravtcheva ◽  
P.T. Sharpe
Keyword(s):  
Gene Network ◽  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Homeobox Gene ◽  
Predicted Amino Acid Sequence ◽  
Chromosome 15 ◽  
Hox Gene ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Genomic Organisation

A putative mouse homeobox gene (Hox-3.4) was previously identified 4kb downstream of the Hox-3.3 (Hox-6.1)* gene (Sharpe et al. 1988). We have now sequenced the Hox-3.4 homeobox region. The predicted amino acid sequence shows highest degree of homology in the mouse with Hox-1.3 and -2.1. This, together with similarities in the genomic organisation around these three genes, suggests that they are comembers of a subfamily, derived from a common ancestor. Hox-3.4 appears to be a homologue of the Xenopus Xlhbox5 and human cp11 genes (Fritz and De Robertis, 1988; Simeone et al. 1988). Using a panel of mouse-hamster somatic cell hybrids we have mapped the Hox-3.4 gene to chromosome 15. From the results of in situ hybridization experiments, we describe the distribution of Hox-3.4 transcripts within the 12 1/2 day mouse embryo, and we compare this with the distributions of transcripts shown by seven other members of the Hox gene network. We note three consistencies that underlie the patterns of expression shown by Hox-3.4. First, the anterior limits of Hox-3.4 transcripts in the embryo are related to the position of the Hox-3.4 gene within the Hox-3 locus. Second, the anterior limits of Hox-3.4 expression within the central nervous system are similar to those shown by subfamily homologues Hox-2.1 and Hox-1.3, although the tissue-specific patterns of expression for these three genes show many differences. Third, the patterns of Hox-3.4 expression within the spinal cord and the testis are very similar to those shown by a neighbouring Hox-3 gene (Hox-3.3), but they are quite different from those shown by Hox-1 genes (Hox-1.2, -1.3 and -1.4).

scholarly journals All-Trans-Retinoic Acid Augments the Histopathological Outcome of Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration in Lupus-Prone MRL/lpr Mice

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle H. Theus ◽  
Joshua B. Sparks ◽  
Xiaofeng Liao ◽  
Jingjing Ren ◽  
Xin M. Luo
Keyword(s):  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Plasma Cells ◽  
Third Ventricle ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Systemic Autoimmune Disease ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Trans Retinoic Acid ◽  
All Trans Retinoic Acid ◽  
The Central Nervous System

Recently, we demonstrated that treatment with all- trans-retinoic acid (tRA) induced a paradoxical effect on immune activation during the development of autoimmune lupus. Here, we further describe its negative effects on mediating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Female MRL/lpr mice were orally administered tRA or VARA (retinol mixed with 10% tRA) from 6 to 14 weeks of age. Both treatments had a significant effect on brain weight, which correlated with histopathological evidence of focal astrogliosis, meningitis, and ventriculitis. Infiltration of CD138- and Iba1-positve immune cells was observed in the third ventricle and meninges of treated mice that co-labeled with ICAM-1, indicating their inflammatory nature. Increased numbers of circulating plasma cells, autoantibodies, and total IgG were also apparent. IgG and C3 complement deposition in these brain regions were also prominent as was focal astrogliosis surrounding the ventricular lining and meninges. Using Fluoro-Jade staining, we further demonstrate that neuroinflammation was accompanied by neurodegeneration in the cortex of treated mice compared with vehicle controls. These findings indicate that vitamin A exposure exacerbates the immunogenic environment of the brain during the onset of systemic autoimmune disease. Vitamin A may therefore compromise the immuno-privileged nature of the central nervous system under a predisposed immunogenic environment.

Goosecoid suppresses cell growth and enhances neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells

2000 ◽  
Vol 113 (15) ◽  
pp. 2705-2713
Author(s):  
K. Sawada ◽  
Y. Konishi ◽  
M. Tominaga ◽  
Y. Watanabe ◽  
J. Hirano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transcription Factor ◽  
Neurite Outgrowth ◽  
Neuronal Differentiation ◽  
Pc12 Cells ◽  
Mammalian Cells ◽  
Homeobox Gene ◽  
S Phase ◽  
Bhlh Transcription Factor ◽  
Spemann Organizer

In all vertebrate species, the homeobox gene goosecoid serves as a marker of the Spemann organizer tissue. One function of the organizer is the induction of neural tissue. To investigate the role of goosecoid in neuronal differentiation of mammalian cells, we have introduced goosecoid into PC12 cells. Expression of goosecoid resulted in reduced cell proliferation and enhanced neurite outgrowth in response to NGF. Expression of goosecoid led to a decrease in the percentage of S-phase cells and to upregulation of the expression of the neuron-specific markers MAP-1b and neurofilament-L. Analysis of goosecoid mutants revealed that these effects were independent of either DNA binding or homodimerization of Goosecoid. Coexpression of the N-terminal portion of the ets transcription factor PU.1, a protein that can bind to Goosecoid, repressed neurite outgrowth and rescued the proliferation of PC12 cultures. In contrast, expression of the bHLH transcription factor HES-1 repressed goosecoid-mediated neurite outgrowth without changing the proportion of S-phase cells. These results suggest that goosecoid is involved in neuronal differentiation in two ways, by slowing the cell cycle and stimulating neurite outgrowth, and that these two events are separately regulated.

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