Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arianna Baggiolini, Scott J. Callahan, Emily Montal, Joshua M. Weiss, Tuan Trieu, Mohita M. Tagore, Sam E. Tischfield, Ryan M. Walsh, Shruthy Suresh, Yujie Fan, Nathaniel R. Campbell, Sarah C. Perlee, Nathalie Saurat, Miranda Hunter, Theresa Simon-Vermot, Ting-Hsiang Huang, Yilun Ma, Travis Hollmann, Satish K. Tickoo, Barry S. Taylor, Ekta Khurana, Richard P. Koche, Lorenz Studer, Richard M. White
Summary: The intrinsic transcriptional program present in the cell of origin plays a key role in the transforming ability of oncogenes like BRAF(V600E), with developmental chromatin factors mediating oncogenic competence and allowing for proper response to oncogenes.
Article
Developmental Biology
Tatiana Solovieva, Marianne Bronner
Summary: Schwann cell precursors (SCPs) are a multipotent progenitor population with broader developmental potential, originating from multiple origins in the embryo and showing a level of plasticity in response to injury.
CELLS & DEVELOPMENT
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zachary T. Olmsted, Janet L. Paluh
Summary: Researchers have successfully studied the co-development of the central and peripheral nervous systems with trunk mesendoderm in elongating multi-lineage organized (EMLO) gastruloids. They identified NCCs that differentiate to form peripheral neurons integrated with an upstream spinal cord region after day 8.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Pihu Mehrotra, Izuagie Ikhapoh, Pedro Lei, Georgios Tseropoulos, Yali Zhang, Jianmin Wang, Song Liu, Marianne E. Bronner, Stelios T. Andreadis
Summary: Neural crest-like stem cells derived from adult human tissues can maintain their multipotency and enhance their differentiation potential by activating Wnt and BMP signaling and metabolic reprogramming, suggesting potential implications for regenerative medicine.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marie A. Lefevre, Rodolphe Soret, Nicolas Pilon
Summary: This review provides an updated overview of the cellular diversity and functions of the enteric nervous system (ENS), focusing on the important role of enteric glial cells (EGCs) in regulating bowel functions. It highlights the current research gap in understanding EGCs and their potential in regenerative medicine.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Ruth M. Williams, Martyna Lukoseviciute, Tatjana Sauka-Spengler, Marianne E. Bronner
Summary: This study generates a single-cell atlas of the developing chick epiblast and focuses on the transcriptional changes at the neural plate border. The results reveal the heterogeneity of cells at the neural plate border before early neurulation, suggesting a later onset of lineage segregation compared to previous predictions.
Review
Cell Biology
Peter Fabian, J. Gage Crump
Summary: Of all the cell types arising from the neural crest, ectomesenchyme is unique as it generates connective tissue and skeletal cell types in common with mesoderm. The origin and potential of this ectoderm-derived mesenchyme is still debated, and recent studies are exploring intrinsic and extrinsic cues in determining its potential and its influence on craniofacial repair.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Alek G. Erickson, Polina Kameneva, Igor Adameyko
Summary: Since its discovery by His in 1850, the neural crest has been extensively studied for its crucial role in vertebrate development. Understanding the function and regulation of neural crest cell differentiation has made it an important model system in stem cell biology. Recent advancements in single cell multi-omics, statistical modeling, and developmental biology have provided valuable insights into the intriguing questions surrounding neural crest cells.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Adriana Sanna, Bengt Phung, Shamik Mitra, Martin Lauss, Jiyeon Choi, Tongwu Zhang, Ching-Ni Njauw, Eugenia Cordero, Katja Harbst, Frida Rosengren, Rita Cabrita, Iva Johansson, Karolin Isaksson, Christian Ingvar, Ana Carneiro, Kevin Brown, Hensin Tsao, My Andersson, Kristian Pietras, Goran Jonsson
Summary: Cellular stress contributes to the phenotype switching of melanoma cells, and this is associated with the loss of specific gene expression and increased expression of mesenchymal markers. The loss of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) and SRY-box transcription factor 10 (SOX10) is related to this process, and their loss is associated with promoter hypermethylation and poor patient survival.
Article
Cell Biology
Karina Goluba, Liga Kunrade, Una Riekstina, Vadims Parfejevs
Summary: Proper functioning of the digestive system relies on the coordinated action of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The peripheral innervation of the digestive system includes intrinsic and extrinsic components. The intrinsic portion consists of neurons and glial cells of the enteric nervous system (ENS), while the extrinsic part is formed by sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sensory branches of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In this review, the focus is shifted towards discussing the functions of Schwann cells (SCs), the glial cells responsible for the extrinsic innervation of the digestive system. SCs play diverse roles, with emphasis on their involvement in cancer progression and pain, as well as their potential in stem cell functions and regenerative medicine.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leah C. Ott, Christopher Y. Han, Jessica L. Mueller, Ahmed A. Rahman, Ryo Hotta, Allan M. Goldstein, Rhian Stavely
Summary: Neurons and glia of the peripheral nervous system are derived from progenitor cell populations originating from embryonic neural crest, and these cells have previously been shown to possess neural stem cell qualities. In this study, a population of neural crest-derived Schwann cells residing in the bone marrow, in association with nerve fibers, were found to exhibit plasticity and generate neural stem cells with neurogenic potential. These cells can form neural networks within the enteric nervous system following transplantation, making them a novel source of autologous neural stem cells for the treatment of neurointestinal disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Harish N. Vasudevan, Calixto-Hope G. Lucas, Javier E. Villanueva-Meyer, Philip Theodosopoulos, David R. Raleigh
Summary: This review highlights the development of Schwann cells from embryonic neural crest cells to mature Schwann cells, focusing on genetic drivers and signaling mechanisms that regulate proliferation and differentiation decisions. The article also discusses potential novel therapeutic strategies for cancers derived from Schwann cell lineages, based on knowledge of Schwann cell development events and mouse models of related tumors.
Article
Biology
Alexander J. Tarashansky, Jacob M. Musser, Margarita Khariton, Pengyang Li, Detlev Arendt, Stephen R. Quake, Bo Wang
Summary: SAMap is a new method that can map cell atlas manifolds across species within phyla, identifying homologous cell types with shared expression programs, even in complex examples where homologous tissues emerge from distinct germ layers.
Article
Oncology
Gregoire Bonnamour, Baptiste Charrier, Sephora Sallis, Elizabeth Leduc, Nicolas Pilon
Summary: This study found that upregulation of the Nr2f1 gene can lead to abnormal development of inner ear and skin melanocytes. In the trunk, excessive Nr2f1 forces melanoblasts to adopt a Schwann cell precursor fate and prevents other cells from adopting a melanoblast fate. In the head, the upregulation of Nr2f1 is not uniform, which may explain why certain melanocytes can reach the cochlea while others cannot reach the vestibule.
PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Gabriele Sanchini, Nathalie Vaes, Werend Boesmans
Summary: Enteric glial cells are a group of peripheral glia that provide structural and functional support to enteric neurons. They play a crucial role in maintaining gut homeostasis and have complex interactions with other gastrointestinal cell types. The heterogeneity of enteric glia is tailored to the local tissue requirements of the digestive tract, but their plasticity and versatility complicate phenotype/function definition. The relative contribution of niche-specific signals and lineage determinants to enteric glial heterogeneity is still uncertain. This review focuses on the phenotypic and functional heterogeneity of enteric glial cells from a microenvironmental and developmental perspective.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tommaso Villa, Odil Porrua
Summary: This review focuses on the actors and strategies used by yeasts to control noncoding RNA production, and discusses recent findings highlighting the dangers of losing control over pervasive transcription.
Review
Cell Biology
Alek G. Erickson, Polina Kameneva, Igor Adameyko
Summary: Since its discovery by His in 1850, the neural crest has been extensively studied for its crucial role in vertebrate development. Understanding the function and regulation of neural crest cell differentiation has made it an important model system in stem cell biology. Recent advancements in single cell multi-omics, statistical modeling, and developmental biology have provided valuable insights into the intriguing questions surrounding neural crest cells.
SEMINARS IN CELL & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Houda Bey, Florent Charton, Helena Cruz de Carvalho, Shun Liu, Richard G. Dorrell, Chris Bowler, Claude Boccara, Martine Boccara
Summary: The dynamic movement of cell organelles is an important yet poorly understood aspect of cellular organization and metabolism. In this study, a non-invasive non-destructive method (Dynamic Cell Imaging, DCI) based on light scattering and interferometry was introduced to monitor dynamic events in photosynthetic cells using diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum as a model system. The method showed that the dynamic movements of cell organelles depend on chloroplast activity and can be applied to studying the effects of various environments on microalgae.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biology
Marketa Kaucka
Summary: The extensive morphological variation in mammals stems from their diverse ecological adaptations. The craniofacial region exhibits the highest morphological diversity, primarily determined by the bony skull. Mammalian craniofacial development relies on complex multistep processes governed by conserved genes that require precise spatio-temporal control. The understanding of the origin, divergence, and function of cis-regulatory elements deepens our comprehension of morphological novelty and provides insights into the principles of morphological evolution.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biology
Stella Kyomen, Andrea P. Murillo-Rincon, Marketa Kaucka
Summary: Mammals show great variation in craniofacial morphology, which is a result of their adaptation to different ecological niches and lifestyles. The development of craniofacial structures occurs during embryonic development and is tightly regulated at various levels. Changes in timing, position, and concentration of molecular drivers can influence the final shape of the skull. Recent research has linked changes in developmental timing, spatial organization, and gene expression levels to species-specific skull morphologies in mammals. This review explores the evolutionary mechanisms of heterochrony, heterotopy, and heterometry and their effects on craniofacial development.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kazunori Sunadome, Alek G. G. Erickson, Delf Kah, Ben Fabry, Csaba Adori, Polina Kameneva, Louis Faure, Shigeaki Kanatani, Marketa Kaucka, Ivar Dehnisch Ellstroem, Marketa Tesarova, Tomas Zikmund, Jozef Kaiser, Steven Edwards, Koichiro Maki, Taiji Adachi, Takuya Yamamoto, Kaj Fried, Igor Adameyko
Summary: The developing skeleton produces mechanical tension that guides the directional outgrowth of skeletal muscles. Formation of oriented myofibrils is crucial in musculoskeletal development. The mechanisms that control myocyte orientation and fusion for muscle directionality in adults are still unknown.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julian Petersen, Lukas Englmaier, Artem V. Artemov, Irina Poverennaya, Ruba Mahmoud, Thibault Bouderlique, Marketa Tesarova, Ruslan Deviatiiarov, Anett Szilvasy-Szabo, Evgeny E. Akkuratov, David Pajuelo Reguera, Hugo Zeberg, Marketa Kaucka, Maria Eleni Kastriti, Jan Krivanek, Tomasz Radaszkiewicz, Kristina Goemoeryova, Sarah Knauth, David Potesil, Zbynek Zdrahal, Ranjani Sri Ganji, Anna Grabowski, Miriam E. Buhl, Tomas Zikmund, Michaela Kavkova, Hakan Axelson, David Lindgren, Rafael Kramann, Christoph Kuppe, Ferenc Erdelyi, Zoltan Mate, Gabor Szabo, Till Koehne, Tibor Harkany, Kaj Fried, Jozef Kaiser, Peter Boor, Csaba Fekete, Jan Rozman, Petr Kasparek, Jan Prochazka, Radislav Sedlacek, Vitezslav Bryja, Oleg Gusev, Igor Adameyko
Summary: Using comparative genomics, we discovered a gene called FAME (Factor Associated with Metabolism and Energy) with unknown function. We found that FAME has significantly diverged in birds and mammals. Comparison of single nucleotide polymorphisms revealed gene flow of FAME from Neandertals to modern humans. Knockout experiments in animals showed altered body weight and decreased energy expenditure, consistent with genome-wide association studies linking FAME to higher body mass index in humans. Gene expression and subcellular localization analyses demonstrated that FAME is a membrane-bound protein enriched in the kidneys. Although the knockout did not result in structural abnormalities in the kidneys, we observed elevated albumin in urine and decreased ferritin in the blood. Experimental validation confirmed interactions between FAME and ferritin, and showed co-localization in vesicular and plasma membranes.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Darya Krupenko, Aleksei Miroliubov, Emil Kryukov, Louis Faure, Ryo Minemizu, Lars Haag, Magnus Lundgren, Polina Kameneva, Maria Eleni Kastriti, Igor Adameyko
Summary: Parasitic flatworms have evolved various strategies, such as mimicking prey, to survive and transmit within hosts. This article describes the formation of a mimicry colony composed of different morphotypes of cercariae, and their functional specialization. The analysis of ribosomal sequences indicates that these cercariae belong to the digenean family Acanthocolpidae, likely genus Pleorchis. This discovery provides insight into the cooperative behavior of morphologically and functionally heterogeneous individuals for infection.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Teng Gao, Maria Eleni Kastriti, Viktor Ljungstrom, Andreas Heinzel, Arthur S. Tischler, Rainer Oberbauer, Po-Ru Loh, Igor Adameyko, Peter J. Park, Peter V. Kharchenko
Summary: This study investigates mosaic chromosomal alterations (mCAs) in various human tissues and finds that approximately a quarter of healthy individuals carry clonally-expanded mCAs in at least one tissue, with varying prevalence and patterns across different tissue types.
Meeting Abstract
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Alek Erickson, Igor Adameyko, Kazunori Sunadome, Delf Kah, Ben Fabry, Csaba Adori, Shigeaki Kanatani, Polina Kameneva, Louis Faure, Marketa Kaucka, Ivar Dehnisch Ellstrom, Marketa Tesarova, Tomas Zikmund, Jozef Kaiser, Steven Edwards, Koichiro Maki, Taiji Adachi, Kaj Fried
JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Louis Faure, Ruslan Soldatov, Peter Kharchenko, Igor Adameyko
Summary: scFates is an extensive toolset for analyzing dynamic trajectories, including tree learning, feature association testing, branch differential expression, with a focus on cell biasing and fate splits at the level of bifurcations. It is designed to be fully integrated into the scanpy ecosystem for seamless analysis of trajectories from single-cell data of various modalities (e.g., RNA and ATAC).