Epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in epicardium is independent of snail1

The epicardium is the outer epithelial covering the heart. This tissue undergoes an epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) to generate mesenchymal epicardial‐derived cells (EPDCs) that populate the extracellular matrix of the subepicardium and contribute to the development of the coronary vessels and cardiac interstitial cells. Although epicardial EMT plays a crucial role in heart development, the molecular regulation of this process is incompletely understood. Here we examined the possible role of the EMT regulator Snail1 in this process. Snail1 is expressed in the epicardium and EPDCs during mouse cardiac development. To determine the function of Snail1 in epicardial EMT, we deleted Snail1 in the epicardium using Wt1‐ and Tbx18‐Cre drivers. Unexpectedly, epicardial‐specific Snail1 mutants are viable and fertile and do not display any obvious morphological or functional cardiac abnormalities. Molecular analysis of these mice reveals that epicardial EMT occurs normally, and epicardial derivatives are established in these mutants. We conclude that Snail1 is not required for the initiation and progression of embryonic epicardial EMT. genesis 51:32–40, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Tbx18-Cre基因敲入小鼠的繁殖、鉴定及其应用

为了探讨Tbx18-Cre基因敲入小鼠(Tbx18:Cre knock-in Mus musculus)的繁殖、鉴定及Tbx18基因敲除小鼠和遗传示踪小鼠模型的应用,将Tbx18-Cre基因敲入杂合子小鼠进行繁殖,应用PCR法鉴定其子代基因型。将子代雌雄杂合子小鼠互交,应用H.E染色观察Tbx18基因敲除胚鼠心的形态学变化。将杂合子小鼠与RosaEYFP报告小鼠交配,应用心冰冻切片技术观察Tbx18:Cre/Rosa26REYFP双转基因遗传示踪胚鼠心内Tbx18阳性心外膜祖细胞发育命运。结果表明,用于繁殖、基因敲除研究及基因遗传示踪的子代基因型均符合孟德尔遗传规律。同时心H.E染色和心冰冻切片发现,Tbx18敲除小鼠心窦房结发育存在缺陷,而Tbx18阳性心外膜祖细胞是心发育重要的祖细胞来源。研究结果揭示,Tbx18-Cre基因敲除小鼠是研究先天性心脏病发病机制的理想模式动物,Tbx18阳性心外膜祖细胞可能是心脏病患者心脏修复和再生潜在的种子细胞。     

Tbx18+心外膜祖细胞参与成年小鼠部分心脏组织形成

转录因子Tbx18在胚胎心脏发育过程中起重要调控作用,是心外膜祖细胞标记之一|故以Tbx18为标记的阳性祖细胞群被称为：Tbx18+心外膜祖细胞(epicardial progenitor cells, EPCs)。小鼠胚胎、新生和成年期心脏组织细胞的特性区别较大,成年小鼠的心脏属于终末分化组织。但是,Tbx18+EPCs对成年小鼠心脏组织的贡献大小尚存争议。本研究拟定量分析Tbx18+EPCs对成年小鼠心脏组织的贡献大小。采用整体和组织切片X-gal染色检测成年心脏组织LacZ的表达|荧光激活细胞分选法(fluorescence activated cell sorting,FACS)分离成年Tbx18Cre/R26EYFP小鼠心脏组织EYFP+细胞。结果显示,在Tbx18+EPCs遗传谱系示踪小鼠,报告基因LacZ和EYFP在成年小鼠心脏的心室、心房、冠状动脉、室间隔等处表达|成年Tbx18Cre/R26EYFP小鼠心脏组织细胞用FACS分离,分选的EYFP+细胞比例平均约为33.94%。由此可见,成年小鼠心脏的心室、心房、冠状动脉、室间隔等心脏组织均可来源于Tbx18+EPCs|约1/3成年小鼠心脏组织细胞来源于Tbx18+EPCs。故Tbx18+EPCs参与成年小鼠心脏组织的部分形成。     

Tbx18通过下调EMT信号分子参与调控心脏发育

转录因子Tbx18(Tbx18)在小鼠胚胎心外膜上皮细胞表达并调控心外膜上皮细胞向心系细胞分化.上皮间充质转化(EMT)过程是器官发育和形成的重要机制.为阐述Tbx18通过调控下游EMT关键信号分子参与心外膜上皮细胞分化和心脏发育,本研究运用Tbx18-Cre/Rosa26R-EYFP双杂合基因敲入小鼠和免疫荧光共聚焦,证实Tbx18+心系细胞和EMT关键信号分子Snail1、Smad、Slug、Twist在发育后期胚鼠心外膜和心外膜下间充质发生共聚焦.同时还发现,Tbx18在胚鼠不同发育阶段的表达模式和Tbx18+心系细胞内上述EMT关键信号分子的表达模式相似.Tbx18和EMT关键信号分子在发育心脏存在相似的时空表达模式,因此,它们之间可能存在相互调控作用.运用Tbx18突变技术揭示了Tbx18突变型胚鼠心脏EMT关键信号分子表达水平均较野生型显著下调,直接证实了上述4个EMT信号分子是Tbx18的可能靶点.理解Tbx18参与心脏发育的下游靶点有助于改善成年心脏损伤后的再生修复.     

Tbx1 and Brn4 regulate retinoic acid metabolic genes during cochlear morphogenesis

Background  

In vertebrates, the inner ear is comprised of the cochlea and vestibular system, which develop from the otic vesicle. This process is regulated via inductive interactions from surrounding tissues. Tbx1, the gene responsible for velo-cardio-facial syndrome/DiGeorge syndrome in humans, is required for ear development in mice. Tbx1 is expressed in the otic epithelium and adjacent periotic mesenchyme (POM), and both of these domains are required for inner ear formation. To study the function of Tbx1 in the POM, we have conditionally inactivated Tbx1 in the mesoderm while keeping expression in the otic vesicle intact.     

Tbx18 regulates development of the epicardium and coronary vessels

The epicardium and coronary vessels originate from progenitor cells in the proepicardium. Here we show that Tbx18, a T-box family member highly expressed in the proepicardium, controls critical early steps in coronary development. In Tbx18^−/− mouse embryos, both the epicardium and coronary vessels exhibit structural and functional defects. At E12.5, the Tbx18-deficient epicardium contains protrusions and cyst-like structures overlying a disorganized coronary vascular plexus that contains ectopic structures resembling blood islands. At E13.5, the left and right coronary stems form correctly in mutant hearts. However, analysis of PECAM-1 whole mount immunostaining, distribution of SM22α^lacZ/+ activity, and analysis of coronary vascular casts suggest that defective vascular plexus remodeling produces a compromised arterial network at birth consisting of fewer distributing conduit arteries with smaller lumens and a reduced capacity to conduct blood flow. Gene expression profiles of Tbx18^−/− hearts at E12.5 reveal altered expression of 79 genes that are associated with development of the vascular system including sonic hedgehog signaling components patched and smoothened, VEGF-A, angiopoietin-1, endoglin, and Wnt factors compared to wild type hearts. Thus, formation of coronary vasculature is responsive to Tbx18-dependent gene targets in the epicardium, and a poorly structured network of coronary conduit vessels is formed in Tbx18 null hearts due to defects in epicardial cell signaling and fate during heart development. Lastly, we demonstrate that Tbx18 possesses a SRF/CArG box dependent repressor activity capable of inhibiting progenitor cell differentiation into smooth muscle cells, suggesting a potential function of Tbx18 in maintaining the progenitor status of epicardial-derived cells.     

Spatial-temporal targeting of lung-specific mesenchyme by a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tbx4</Emphasis>enhancer

Background

Reciprocal interactions between lung mesenchymal and epithelial cells play essential roles in lung organogenesis and homeostasis. Although the molecular markers and related animal models that target lung epithelial cells are relatively well studied, molecular markers of lung mesenchymal cells and the genetic tools to target and/or manipulate gene expression in a lung mesenchyme-specific manner are not available, which becomes a critical barrier to the study of lung mesenchymal biology and the related pulmonary diseases.

Results

We have identified a mouse Tbx4 gene enhancer that contains conserved DNA sequences across many vertebrate species with lung or lung-like gas exchange organ. We then generate a mouse line to express rtTA/LacZ under the control of the Tbx4 lung enhancer, and therefore a Tet-On inducible transgenic system to target lung mesenchymal cells at different developmental stages. By combining a Tbx4-rtTA driven Tet-On inducible Cre expression mouse line with a Cre reporter mouse line, the spatial-temporal patterns of Tbx4 lung enhancer targeted lung mesenchymal cells were defined. Pulmonary endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells were targeted by the Tbx4-rtTA driver line prior to E11.5 and E15.5, respectively, while other subtypes of lung mesenchymal cells including airway smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, pericytes could be targeted during the entire developmental stage.

Conclusions

Developmental lung mesenchymal cells can be specifically marked by Tbx4 lung enhancer activity. With our newly created Tbx4 lung enhancer-driven Tet-On inducible system, lung mesenchymal cells can be specifically and differentially targeted in vivo for the first time by controlling the doxycycline induction time window. This novel system provides a unique tool to study lung mesenchymal cell lineages and gene functions in lung mesenchymal development, injury repair, and regeneration in mice.

     

Partial Absence of Pleuropericardial Membranes in Tbx18- and Wt1-Deficient Mice

The pleuropericardial membranes are fibro-serous walls that separate the pericardial and pleural cavities and anchor the heart inside the mediastinum. Partial or complete absence of pleuropericardial membranes is a rare human disease, the etiology of which is poorly understood. As an attempt to better understand these defects, we wished to analyze the cellular and molecular mechanisms directing the separation of pericardial and pleural cavities by pleuropericardial membranes in the mouse. We found by histological analyses that both in Tbx18- and Wt1-deficient mice the pleural and pericardial cavities communicate due to a partial absence of the pleuropericardial membranes in the hilus region. We trace these defects to a persisting embryonic connection between these cavities, the pericardioperitoneal canals. Furthermore, we identify mesenchymal ridges in the sinus venosus region that tether the growing pleuropericardial membranes to the hilus of the lung, and thus, close the pericardioperitoneal canals. In Tbx18-deficient embryos these mesenchymal ridges are not established, whereas in Wt1-deficient embryos the final fusion process between these tissues and the body wall does not occur. We suggest that this fusion is an active rather than a passive process, and discuss the interrelation between closure of the pericardioperitoneal canals, lateral release of the pleuropericardial membranes from the lateral body wall, and sinus horn development.     

Regional differences in WT-1 and Tcf21 expression during ventricular development: implications for myocardial compaction

Background

Morphological and functional differences of the right and left ventricle are apparent in the adult human heart. A differential contribution of cardiac fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells (populations of epicardium-derived cells) to each ventricle may account for part of the morphological-functional disparity. Here we studied the relation between epicardial derivatives and the development of compact ventricular myocardium.

Results

Wildtype and Wt1^CreERT2/+ reporter mice were used to study WT-1 expressing cells, and Tcf21^lacZ/+ reporter mice and PDGFRα^-/-;Tcf21^LacZ/+ mice to study the formation of the cardiac fibroblast population. After covering the heart, intramyocardial WT-1+ cells were first observed at the inner curvature, the right ventricular postero-lateral wall and left ventricular apical wall. Later, WT-1+ cells were present in the walls of both ventricles, but significantly more pronounced in the left ventricle. Tcf21-^LacZ + cells followed the same distribution pattern as WT-1+ cells but at later stages, indicating a timing difference between these cell populations. Within the right ventricle, WT-1+ and Tcf21-lacZ+ cell distribution was more pronounced in the posterior inlet part. A gradual increase in myocardial wall thickness was observed early in the left ventricle and at later stages in the right ventricle. PDGFRα^-/-;Tcf21^LacZ/+ mice showed deficient epicardium, diminished number of Tcf21-^LacZ + cells and reduced ventricular compaction.

Conclusions

During normal heart development, spatio-temporal differences in contribution of WT-1 and Tcf21-^LacZ + cells to right versus left ventricular myocardium occur parallel to myocardial thickening. These findings may relate to lateralized differences in ventricular (patho)morphology in humans.     

The level of BMP4 signaling is critical for the regulation of distinct T-box gene expression domains and growth along the dorso-ventral axis of the optic cup

Background  

Polarised gene expression is thought to lead to the graded distribution of signaling molecules providing a patterning mechanism across the embryonic eye. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Bmp4) is expressed in the dorsal optic vesicle as it transforms into the optic cup. Bmp4 deletions in human and mouse result in failure of eye development, but little attempt has been made to investigate mammalian targets of BMP4 signaling. In chick, retroviral gene overexpression studies indicate that Bmp4 activates the dorsally expressed Tbx5 gene, which represses ventrally expressed cVax. It is not known whether the Tbx5 related genes, Tbx2 and Tbx3, are BMP4 targets in the mammalian retina and whether BMP4 acts at a distance from its site of expression. Although it is established that Drosophila Dpp (homologue of vertebrate Bmp4) acts as a morphogen, there is little evidence that BMP4 gradients are interpreted to create domains of BMP4 target gene expression in the mouse.     

基因谱系示踪技术揭示小鼠Tbx18+心脏祖细胞向心系细胞分化的潜能

心脏祖细胞(cardiac progenitor cells,CPCs)的研究对阐明先天性心脏病的机制及治疗心血管疾病具有重要意义.哺乳动物的心脏组织由多种不同CPCs分化形成.转录因子Tbx18在发育中的心外膜中表达,对心脏的发育形成起重要的调节作用.为了在组织及活体细胞水平检测和阐明Tbx18+CPC的分化潜能,应用Cre-LoxP系统建立Tbx18+CPCs基因命运谱系示踪模型:Tbx18-Cre/Rosa26R-EYFP和Tbx18-Cre/Rosa26R-LacZ双杂合基因敲入小鼠.该双杂合基因敲入小鼠通过Cre的表达能有效地示踪Tbx18+细胞在胚胎和成年小鼠中的分化命运.Tbx18-Cre/Rosa26R-EYFP双杂合小鼠心脏能非常容易地利用流式细胞分选系统(FACS)分离出YFP+细胞,也可在倒置共聚焦显微镜下观察.应用X-gal染色分析其表达模式,揭示Tbx18命运谱系参与心房肌、室间隔、心室肌、冠状动脉、瓣膜等的形成.应用免疫荧光技术初步揭示Tbx18+CPCs向心脏肌钙蛋白T(cTNT)阳性心肌细胞和平滑肌肌球蛋白重链11(MYH11)阳性血管平滑肌细胞分化的潜能.心脏是一个由多种肌肉和非肌肉组织细胞构成的复杂器官.推测Tbx18可能在心脏祖细胞向肌源性细胞分化的信号通路中起重要调节作用.在上述研究中应用基因谱系示踪技术,验证Tbx18可作为一类CPCs的标志,为更深入揭示心脏祖细胞向心系细胞的分化潜能打下基础.     

Membrane-lipid homeostasis in a prodromal rat model of Alzheimer's disease: Characteristic profiles in ganglioside distributions during aging detected using MALDI imaging mass spectrometry

Background

Accumulation of simple gangliosides GM2 and GM3, and gangliosides with longer long-chain bases (d20:1) have been linked to toxicity and the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Conversely, complex gangliosides, such as GM1, have been shown to be neuroprotective. Recent evidence using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) has demonstrated that a-series gangliosides are differentially altered during normal aging, yet it remains unclear how simple species are shifting relative to complex gangliosides in the prodromal stages of AD.

Nkx2-5- and Isl1-expressing cardiac progenitors contribute to proepicardium

Correct delineation of the hierarchy of cardiac progenitors is a key step to understanding heart development, and will pave the way for future use of cardiac progenitors in the treatment of heart disease. Multipotent Nkx2-5 and Isl1 cardiac progenitors contribute to cardiomyocyte, smooth muscle, and endothelial lineages, which constitute the major lineages of the heart. Recently, progenitors located within the proepicardium and epicardium were reported to differentiate into cardiomyocytes, as well as smooth muscle and endothelial cells. However, the relationship of these proepicardial progenitors to the previously described Nkx2-5 and Isl1 cardiac progenitors is incompletely understood. To address this question, we performed in vivo Cre-loxP-based lineage tracing. Both Nkx2-5- and Isl1-expressing progenitors contributed to the proepicardium and expressed Wt1 and Tbx18, markers of proepicardial progenitor cells. Interestingly, Nkx2-5 knockout resulted in abnormal proepicardial development and decreased expression of Wt1, suggesting a functional role for Nkx2-5 in proepicardium formation. Taken together, these results suggest that Nkx2-5 and/or Isl1 cardiac progenitors contribute to proepicardium during heart development.