Journal of Developmental Biology

9 pages, 3458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Expression of Transcription Factors in Fetal Lamb Kidney

by Yuri Nishiya, Kohei Kawaguchi, Kosuke Kudo, Takuya Kawaguchi, Juma Obayashi, Kunihide Tanaka, Kei Ohyama, Hideki Nagae, Shigeyuki Furuta, Yasuji Seki, Junki Koike, Kevin C. Pringle and Hiroaki Kitagawa

J. Dev. Biol. 2021, 9(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb9020022 - 19 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2480

Abstract

(1) Background: Renal development involves frequent expression and loss of transcription factors, resulting in the activation of genes. Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1), hepatocyte nuclear factor-1-beta (HNF1β), and paired box genes 2 and 8 (Pax2 and Pax8) play an important role in renal development. [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Renal development involves frequent expression and loss of transcription factors, resulting in the activation of genes. Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1), hepatocyte nuclear factor-1-beta (HNF1β), and paired box genes 2 and 8 (Pax2 and Pax8) play an important role in renal development. With this in vivo study, we examined the period and location of expression of these factors in renal development. (2) Methods: Fetal lamb kidneys (50 days from gestation to term) and adult ewe kidneys were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Serial sections were subjected to immunohistochemistry for WT1, HNF1β, Pax2, and Pax8. (3) Results: Pax2, Pax8, and HNF1β expression was observed in the ureteric bud and collecting duct epithelial cells. We observed expression of WT1 alone in metanephric mesenchymal cells, glomerular epithelial cells, and interstitial cells in the medullary rays and Pax8 and HNF1β expression in tubular epithelial cells. WT1 was highly expressed in cells more proximal to the medulla in renal vesicles and in C- and S-shaped bodies. Pax2 was expressed in the middle and peripheral regions, and HNF1β in cells in the region in the middle of these. (4) Conclusions: WT1 is involved in nephron development. Pax2, Pax8, and HNF1β are involved in nephron maturation and the formation of peripheral collecting ducts from the Wolffian duct. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Scientific Papers by Developmental Biologists in Japan)

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3 pages, 161 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue “2020 Feature Papers by JDB’ Editorial Board Members”

by Simon J. Conway

J. Dev. Biol. 2021, 9(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb9020021 - 02 Jun 2021

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Abstract

For this Special Issue “2020 Feature Papers by JDB’ Editorial Board Members,” we present a collection of studies, including original research papers, and review articles by our distinguished editorial board members that focus on advances in understanding multicellular organisms’ growth, differentiation, and remodeling [...] Read more.

For this Special Issue “2020 Feature Papers by JDB’ Editorial Board Members,” we present a collection of studies, including original research papers, and review articles by our distinguished editorial board members that focus on advances in understanding multicellular organisms’ growth, differentiation, and remodeling [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2020 Feature Papers by JDB’s Editorial Board Members)

19 pages, 848 KiB

Open AccessReview

Do Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance and Immune System Development Share Common Epigenetic Processes?

by Rwik Sen and Christopher Barnes

J. Dev. Biol. 2021, 9(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb9020020 - 12 May 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5631

Abstract

Epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression for development, immune response, disease, and other processes. A major role of epigenetics is to control the dynamics of chromatin structure, i.e., the condensed packaging of DNA around histone proteins in eukaryotic nuclei. Key epigenetic factors include enzymes [...] Read more.

Epigenetic modifications regulate gene expression for development, immune response, disease, and other processes. A major role of epigenetics is to control the dynamics of chromatin structure, i.e., the condensed packaging of DNA around histone proteins in eukaryotic nuclei. Key epigenetic factors include enzymes for histone modifications and DNA methylation, non-coding RNAs, and prions. Epigenetic modifications are heritable but during embryonic development, most parental epigenetic marks are erased and reset. Interestingly, some epigenetic modifications, that may be resulting from immune response to stimuli, can escape remodeling and transmit to subsequent generations who are not exposed to those stimuli. This phenomenon is called transgenerational epigenetic inheritance if the epigenetic phenotype persists beyond the third generation in female germlines and second generation in male germlines. Although its primary function is likely immune response for survival, its role in the development and functioning of the immune system is not extensively explored, despite studies reporting transgenerational inheritance of stress-induced epigenetic modifications resulting in immune disorders. Hence, this review draws from studies on transgenerational epigenetic inheritance, immune system development and function, high-throughput epigenetics tools to study those phenomena, and relevant clinical trials, to focus on their significance and deeper understanding for future research, therapeutic developments, and various applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epigenetics and Development)

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15 pages, 6984 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

E-Cadherin/HMR-1 Membrane Enrichment Is Polarized by WAVE-Dependent Branched Actin

by Luigy Cordova-Burgos, Falshruti B. Patel and Martha C. Soto

J. Dev. Biol. 2021, 9(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb9020019 - 07 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2739

Abstract

Polarized epithelial cells adhere to each other at apical junctions that connect to the apical F-actin belt. Regulated remodeling of apical junctions supports morphogenesis, while dysregulated remodeling promotes diseases such as cancer. We have documented that branched actin regulator, WAVE, and apical junction [...] Read more.

Polarized epithelial cells adhere to each other at apical junctions that connect to the apical F-actin belt. Regulated remodeling of apical junctions supports morphogenesis, while dysregulated remodeling promotes diseases such as cancer. We have documented that branched actin regulator, WAVE, and apical junction protein, Cadherin, assemble together in developing C. elegans embryonic junctions. If WAVE is missing in embryonic epithelia, too much Cadherin assembles at apical membranes, and yet apical F-actin is reduced, suggesting the excess Cadherin is not fully functional. We proposed that WAVE supports apical junctions by regulating the dynamic accumulation of Cadherin at membranes. To test this model, here we examine if WAVE is required for Cadherin membrane enrichment and apical–basal polarity in a maturing epithelium, the post-embryonic C. elegans intestine. We find that larval and adult intestines have distinct apicobasal populations of Cadherin, each with distinct dependence on WAVE branched actin. In vivo imaging shows that loss of WAVE components alters post-embryonic E-cadherin membrane enrichment, especially at apicolateral regions, and alters the lateral membrane. Analysis of a biosensor for PI(4,5)P2 suggests loss of WAVE or Cadherin alters the polarity of the epithelial membrane. EM (electron microscopy) illustrates lateral membrane changes including separations. These findings have implications for understanding how mutations in WAVE and Cadherin may alter cell polarity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Adhesion Molecules in Development)

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14 pages, 281 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Biological and Clinical Significance of Mosaicism in Human Preimplantation Embryos

by Ioanna Bouba, Elissavet Hatzi, Paris Ladias, Prodromos Sakaloglou, Charilaos Kostoulas and Ioannis Georgiou

J. Dev. Biol. 2021, 9(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb9020018 - 07 May 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3781

Abstract

Applications and indications of assisted reproduction technology are expanding, but every new approach is under scrutiny and thorough consideration. Recently, groups of assisted reproduction experts have presented data that support the clinical use of mosaic preimplantation embryos at the blastocyst stage, previously excluded [...] Read more.

Applications and indications of assisted reproduction technology are expanding, but every new approach is under scrutiny and thorough consideration. Recently, groups of assisted reproduction experts have presented data that support the clinical use of mosaic preimplantation embryos at the blastocyst stage, previously excluded from transfer. In the light of published contemporary studies, with or without clinical outcomes, there is growing evidence that mosaic embryos have the capacity for further in utero development and live birth. Our in-depth discussion will enable readers to better comprehend current developments. This expansion into the spectrum of ART practices requires further evidence and further theoretical documentation, basic research, and ethical support. Therefore, if strict criteria for selecting competent mosaic preimplantation embryos for further transfer, implantation, fetal growth, and healthy birth are applied, fewer embryos will be excluded, and more live births will be achieved. Our review aims to discuss the recent literature on the transfer of mosaic preimplantation embryos. It also highlights controversies as far as the clinical utilization of preimplantation embryos concerns. Finally, it provides the appropriate background to elucidate and highlight cellular and genetic aspects of this novel direction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2021 Feature Papers by JDB’s Editorial Board Members)

15 pages, 2877 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Physical Laws Shape Up HOX Gene Collinearity

by Spyros Papageorgiou

J. Dev. Biol. 2021, 9(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb9020017 - 06 May 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2685

Abstract

Hox gene collinearity (HGC) is a multi-scalar property of many animal phyla particularly important in embryogenesis. It relates entities and events occurring in Hox clusters inside the chromosome DNA and in embryonic tissues. These two entities differ in linear size by more than [...] Read more.

Hox gene collinearity (HGC) is a multi-scalar property of many animal phyla particularly important in embryogenesis. It relates entities and events occurring in Hox clusters inside the chromosome DNA and in embryonic tissues. These two entities differ in linear size by more than four orders of magnitude. HGC is observed as spatial collinearity (SC), where the Hox genes are located in the order (Hox1, Hox2, Hox3 …) along the 3′ to 5′ direction of DNA in the genome and a corresponding sequence of ontogenetic units (E1, E2, E3, …) located along the Anterior—Posterior axis of the embryo. Expression of Hox1 occurs in E1, Hox2 in E2, Hox3 in E3, etc. Besides SC, a temporal collinearity (TC) has been also observed in many vertebrates. According to TC, first Hox1 is expressed in E1; later, Hox2 is expressed in E2, followed by Hox3 in E3, etc. Lately, doubt has been raised about whether TC really exists. A biophysical model (BM) was formulated and tested during the last 20 years. According to BM, physical forces are created which pull the Hox genes one after the other, driving them to a transcription factory domain where they are transcribed. The existing experimental data support this BM description. Symmetry is a physical–mathematical property of matter that was explored in depth by Noether who formulated a ground-breaking theory (NT) that applies to all sizes of matter. NT may be applied to biology in order to explain the origin of HGC in animals developing not only along the A/P axis, but also to animals with circular symmetry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hox Genes in Development: New Paradigms)

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14 pages, 3803 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-2 Alters Craniofacial Patterning during Early Embryonic Development of Chick

by Bhaval Parmar, Urja Verma, Kashmira Khaire, Dhanush Danes and Suresh Balakrishnan

J. Dev. Biol. 2021, 9(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb9020016 - 23 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3204

Abstract

A recent study from our lab revealed that the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) exclusively reduces the level of PGE₂ (Prostaglandin E₂) among prostanoids and hampers the normal development of several structures, strikingly the cranial vault, in chick embryos. In order [...] Read more.

A recent study from our lab revealed that the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) exclusively reduces the level of PGE₂ (Prostaglandin E₂) among prostanoids and hampers the normal development of several structures, strikingly the cranial vault, in chick embryos. In order to unearth the mechanism behind the deviant development of cranial features, the expression pattern of various factors that are known to influence cranial neural crest cell (CNCC) migration was checked in chick embryos after inhibiting COX-2 activity using etoricoxib. The compromised level of cell adhesion molecules and their upstream regulators, namely CDH1 (E-cadherin), CDH2 (N-cadherin), MSX1 (Msh homeobox 1), and TGF-β (Transforming growth factor beta), observed in the etoricoxib-treated embryos indicate that COX-2, through its downstream effector PGE₂, regulates the expression of these factors perhaps to aid the migration of CNCCs. The histological features and levels of FoxD3 (Forkhead box D3), as well as PCNA (Proliferating cell nuclear antigen), further consolidate the role of COX-2 in the migration and survival of CNCCs in developing embryos. The results of the current study indicate that COX-2 plays a pivotal role in orchestrating craniofacial structures perhaps by modulating CNCC proliferation and migration during the embryonic development of chicks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Craniofacial Genetics and Developmental Biology)

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21 pages, 4670 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

A New Toolbox in Experimental Embryology—Alternative Model Organisms for Studying Preimplantation Development

by Claudia Springer, Eckhard Wolf and Kilian Simmet

J. Dev. Biol. 2021, 9(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb9020015 - 02 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3807

Abstract

Preimplantation development is well conserved across mammalian species, but major differences in developmental kinetics, regulation of early lineage differentiation and implantation require studies in different model organisms, especially to better understand human development. Large domestic species, such as cattle and pig, resemble human [...] Read more.

Preimplantation development is well conserved across mammalian species, but major differences in developmental kinetics, regulation of early lineage differentiation and implantation require studies in different model organisms, especially to better understand human development. Large domestic species, such as cattle and pig, resemble human development in many different aspects, i.e., the timing of zygotic genome activation, mechanisms of early lineage differentiations and the period until blastocyst formation. In this article, we give an overview of different assisted reproductive technologies, which are well established in cattle and pig and make them easily accessible to study early embryonic development. We outline the available technologies to create genetically modified models and to modulate lineage differentiation as well as recent methodological developments in genome sequencing and imaging, which form an immense toolbox for research. Finally, we compare the most recent findings in regulation of the first lineage differentiations across species and show how alternative models enhance our understanding of preimplantation development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Research Organisms to Study Development)

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18 pages, 2604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Zebrafish Optomotor Response and Morphology Are Altered by Transient, Developmental Exposure to Bisphenol-A

by Mikayla Crowley-Perry, Angelo J. Barberio, Jude Zeino, Erica R. Winston and Victoria P. Connaughton

J. Dev. Biol. 2021, 9(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb9020014 - 02 Apr 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3302

Abstract

Estrogen-specific endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are potent modulators of neural and visual development and common environmental contaminants. Using zebrafish, we examined the long-term impact of abnormal estrogenic signaling by testing the effects of acute, early exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA), a weak estrogen agonist, [...] Read more.

Estrogen-specific endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are potent modulators of neural and visual development and common environmental contaminants. Using zebrafish, we examined the long-term impact of abnormal estrogenic signaling by testing the effects of acute, early exposure to bisphenol-A (BPA), a weak estrogen agonist, on later visually guided behaviors. Zebrafish aged 24 h postfertilization (hpf), 72 hpf, and 7 days postfertilization (dpf) were exposed to 0.001 μM or 0.1 μM BPA for 24 h, and then allowed to recover for 1 or 2 weeks. Morphology and optomotor responses (OMRs) were assessed after 1 and 2 weeks of recovery for 24 hpf and 72 hpf exposure groups; 7 dpf exposure groups were additionally assessed immediately after exposure. Increased notochord length was seen in 0.001 μM exposed larvae and decreased in 0.1 μM exposed larvae across all age groups. Positive OMR was significantly increased at 1 and 2 weeks post-exposure in larvae exposed to 0.1 μM BPA when they were 72 hpf or 7 dpf, while positive OMR was increased after 2 weeks of recovery in larvae exposed to 0.001 μM BPA at 72 hpf. A time-delayed increase in eye diameter occurred in both BPA treatment groups at 72 hpf exposure; while a transient increase occurred in 7 dpf larvae exposed to 0.1 μM BPA. Overall, short-term developmental exposure to environmentally relevant BPA levels caused concentration- and age-dependent effects on zebrafish visual anatomy and function. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2021 Feature Papers by JDB’s Editorial Board Members)

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Graphical abstract

14 pages, 3879 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Electroporation of Mouse Follicles, Oocytes and Embryos without Manipulating Zona Pellucida

by Bilal Ahmad Hakim, Vaishali Tyagi, Saurabh Kumar Agnihotri, Amar Nath, Ankit Kumar Agrawal, Ankita Jain, Deependra Singh, Rituraj Konwar and Monika Sachdev

J. Dev. Biol. 2021, 9(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb9020013 - 01 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3276

Abstract

Electroporation is an effective technique of transfection, but its efficiency depends on the optimization of various parameters. In this study, a simplified and efficient method of gene manipulation was standardized through electroporation to introduce a recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) construct as well [...] Read more.

Electroporation is an effective technique of transfection, but its efficiency depends on the optimization of various parameters. In this study, a simplified and efficient method of gene manipulation was standardized through electroporation to introduce a recombinant green fluorescent protein (GFP) construct as well as RNA-inhibitors in intact mouse follicles, oocytes and early embryos, where various electroporation parameters like voltage, pulse number and pulse duration were standardized. Electroporated preantral follicles were cultured further in vitro to obtain mature oocytes and their viability was confirmed through the localization of a known oocyte maturation marker, ovastacin, which appeared to be similar to the in vivo-derived mature oocytes and thus proved the viability of the in vitro matured oocytes after electroporation. Standardized electroporation parameters, i.e., three pulses of 30 V for 1 millisecond at an interval of 10 s, were applied to manipulate the expression of mmu-miR-26a in preantral follicles through the electroporation of miR inhibitors and mimics. The TUNEL apoptosis assay confirmed the normal development of the electroporated embryos when compared to the normal embryos. Conclusively, for the first time, this study demonstrated the delivery of exogenous oligonucleotides into intact mouse follicles, oocytes and embryos without hampering their zona pellucida (ZP) and further development. Full article

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19 pages, 15197 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Mutation in the Ciliary Protein C2CD3 Reveals Organ-Specific Mechanisms of Hedgehog Signal Transduction in Avian Embryos

by Evan C. Brooks, Christian Louis Bonatto Paese, Anne H. Carroll, Jaime N. Struve, Nandor Nagy and Samantha A. Brugmann

J. Dev. Biol. 2021, 9(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/jdb9020012 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4315

Abstract

Primary cilia are ubiquitous microtubule-based organelles that serve as signaling hubs for numerous developmental pathways, most notably the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. Defects in the structure or function of primary cilia result in a class of diseases called ciliopathies. It is well known that [...] Read more.

Primary cilia are ubiquitous microtubule-based organelles that serve as signaling hubs for numerous developmental pathways, most notably the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway. Defects in the structure or function of primary cilia result in a class of diseases called ciliopathies. It is well known that primary cilia participate in transducing a Hh signal, and as such ciliopathies frequently present with phenotypes indicative of aberrant Hh function. Interestingly, the exact mechanisms of cilia-dependent Hh signaling transduction are unclear as some ciliopathic animal models simultaneously present with gain-of-Hh phenotypes in one organ system and loss-of-Hh phenotypes in another. To better understand how Hh signaling is perturbed across different tissues in ciliopathic conditions, we examined four distinct Hh-dependent signaling centers in the naturally occurring avian ciliopathic mutant talpid² (ta²). In addition to the well-known and previously reported limb and craniofacial malformations, we observed dorsal-ventral patterning defects in the neural tube, and a shortened gastrointestinal tract. Molecular analyses for elements of the Hh pathway revealed that the loss of cilia impact transduction of an Hh signal in a tissue-specific manner at variable levels of the pathway. These studies will provide increased knowledge into how impaired ciliogenesis differentially regulates Hh signaling across tissues and will provide potential avenues for future targeted therapeutic treatments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Hedgehog Signaling in Embryogenesis)

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J. Dev. Biol., Volume 9, Issue 2 (June 2021) – 11 articles

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