Maria I. Morasso

Dlx3 Transcriptional Regulation of Osteoblast Differentiation: Temporal Recruitment of Msx2, Dlx3, and Dlx5 Homeodomain Proteins to Chromatin of the Osteocalcin Gene

ABSTRACT Genetic studies show that Msx2 and Dlx5 homeodomain (HD) proteins support skeletal development, but null mutation of the closely related Dlx3 gene results in early embryonic lethality. Here we find that expression of Dlx3 in the mouse embryo is associated with new bone formation and regulation of osteoblast differentiation. Dlx3 is expressed in osteoblasts, and overexpression of Dlx3 in osteoprogenitor cells promotes, while specific knock-down of Dlx3 by RNA interference inhibits, induction of osteogenic markers. We characterized gene regulation by Dlx3 in relation to that of Msx2 and Dlx5 during osteoblast differentiation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed a molecular switch in HD protein association with the bone-specific osteocalcin (OC) gene. The transcriptionally repressed OC gene was occupied by Msx2 in proliferating osteoblasts, while Dlx3, Dlx5, and Runx2 were recruited postproliferatively to initiate transcription. Dlx5 occupancy increased over Dlx3 in mature osteoblasts at the mineralization stage of differentiation, coincident with increased RNA polymerase II occupancy. Dlx3 protein-DNA interactions stimulated OC promoter activity, while Dlx3-Runx2 protein-protein interaction reduced Runx2-mediated transcription. Deletion analysis showed that the Dlx3 interacting domain of Runx2 is from amino acids 376 to 432, which also include the transcriptionally active subnuclear targeting sequence (376 to 432). Thus, we provide cellular and molecular evidence for Dlx3 in regulating osteoprogenitor cell differentiation and for both positive and negative regulation of gene transcription. We propose that multiple HD proteins in osteoblasts constitute a regulatory network that mediates development of the bone phenotype through the sequential association of distinct HD proteins with promoter regulatory elements.

BMP2 Commitment to the Osteogenic Lineage Involves Activation of Runx2 by DLX3 and a Homeodomain Transcriptional Network

Several homeodomain (HD) proteins are critical for skeletal patterning and respond directly to BMP2 as an early step in bone formation. RUNX2, the earliest transcription factor proven essential for commitment to osteoblastogenesis, is also expressed in response to BMP2. However, there is a gap in our knowledge of the regulatory cascade from BMP2 signaling to the onset of osteogenesis. Here we show that BMP2 induces DLX3, a homeodomain protein that activates Runx2 gene transcription. Small interfering RNA knockdown studies in osteoblasts validate that DLX3 is a potent regulator of Runx2. Furthermore in Runx2 null cells, DLX3 forced expression suffices to induce transcription of Runx2, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase genes, thus defining DLX3 as an osteogenic regulator independent of RUNX2. Our studies further show regulation of the Runx2 gene by several homeodomain proteins: MSX2 and CDP/cut repress whereas DLX3 and DLX5 activate endogenous Runx2 expression and promoter activity in non-osseous cells and osteoblasts. These HD proteins exhibit distinct temporal expression profiles during osteoblast differentiation as well as selective association with Runx2 chromatin that is related to Runx2 transcriptional activity and recruitment of RNA polymerase II. Runx2 promoter mutagenesis shows that multiple HD elements control expression of Runx2 in relation to the stages of osteoblast maturation. Our studies establish mechanisms for commitment to the osteogenic lineage directly through BMP2 induction of HD proteins DLX3 and DLX5 that activate Runx2, thus delineating a transcriptional regulatory pathway mediating osteoblast differentiation. We propose that the three homeodomain proteins MSX2, DLX3, and DLX5 provide a key series of molecular switches that regulate expression of Runx2 throughout bone formation.

Epidermal stem cells: the cradle of epidermal determination, differentiation and wound healing

The field of epidermal stem cells has dramatically advanced in the last decade, leading to a better understanding of the molecular factors, signalling pathways and cellular events that identify and characterize stem cells, thus revealing their immense potential for therapeutic use. Furthermore, multipotent epidermal stem cells present the major advantage of easy accessibility with the discovery of their specific location within the bulge of the hair follicle. This review focuses on the most recent findings on epidermal stem cells, and their potential role in initial epidermal commitment, differentiation and wound healing processes in the skin.

Dkk2 plays an essential role in the corneal fate of the ocular surface epithelium

The Dkk family of secreted cysteine-rich proteins regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling by interacting with the Wnt co-receptor Lrp5/6. Here, we show that Dkk2-mediated repression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is essential to promote differentiation of the corneal epithelial progenitor cells into a non-keratinizing stratified epithelium. Complete transformation of the corneal epithelium into a stratified epithelium that expresses epidermal-specific differentiation markers and develops appendages such as hair follicles is achieved in the absence of the Dkk2 gene function. We show that Dkk2 is a key regulator of the corneal versus epidermal fate of the ocular surface epithelium.

Dlx3 is a crucial regulator of hair follicle differentiation and cycling

Dlx homeobox transcription factors regulate epidermal, neural and osteogenic cellular differentiation. Here, we demonstrate the central role of Dlx3 as a crucial transcriptional regulator of hair formation and regeneration. The selective ablation of Dlx3 in the epidermis results in complete alopecia owing to failure of the hair shaft and inner root sheath to form, which is caused by the abnormal differentiation of the cortex. Significantly, we elucidate the regulatory cascade that positions Dlx3 downstream of Wnt signaling and as an upstream regulator of other transcription factors that regulate hair follicle differentiation, such as Hoxc13 and Gata3. Colocalization of phospho-Smad1/5/8 and Dlx3 is consistent with a regulatory role for BMP signaling to Dlx3 during hair morphogenesis. Importantly, mutant catagen follicles undergo delayed regression and display persistent proliferation. Moreover, ablation of Dlx3 expression in the telogen bulge stem cells is associated with a loss of BMP signaling, precluding re-initiation of the hair follicle growth cycle. Taken together with hair follicle abnormalities in humans with Tricho-Dento-Osseous (TDO) syndrome, an autosomal dominant ectodermal dysplasia linked to mutations in the DLX3 gene, our results establish that Dlx3 is essential for hair morphogenesis, differentiation and cycling programs.

Regulation of Dlx5 and Dlx6 gene expression by p63 is involved in EEC and SHFM congenital limb defects

The congenital malformation Split Hand-Foot Malformation (SHFM, or ectrodactyly) is characterized by a medial cleft of hands and feet, and missing central fingers. Five genetically distinct forms are known in humans; the most common (type-I) is linked to deletions of DSS1 and the distalless-related homeogenes DLX5 and DLX6. As Dlx5;Dlx6 double-knockout mice show a SHFM-like phenotype, the human orthologs are believed to be the disease genes. SHFM-IV and Ectrodactyly-Ectodermal dysplasia-Cleft lip (EEC) are caused by mutations in p63, an ectoderm-specific p53-related transcription factor. The similarity in the limb phenotype of different forms of SHFM may underlie the existence of a regulatory cascade involving the disease genes. Here, we show that p63 and Dlx proteins colocalize in the nuclei of the apical ectodermal ridge (AER). In homozygous p63- (null) and p63EEC (R279H) mutant limbs, the AER fails to stratify and the expression of four Dlx genes is strongly reduced; interestingly, the p63+/EEC and p63+/- hindlimbs, which develop normally and have a normally stratified AER, show reduced Dlx gene expression. The p63+/EEC mutation combined with an incomplete loss of Dlx5 and Dlx6 alleles leads to severe limb phenotypes, which are not observed in mice with either mutation alone. In vitro, ΔNp63α induces transcription from the Dlx5 and Dlx6 promoters, an activity abolished by EEC and SHFM-IV mutations, but not by Ankyloblepharon-Ectodermal defects-Cleft lip/palate (AEC) mutations. ChIP analysis shows that p63 is directly associated with the Dlx5 and Dlx6 promoters. Thus, our data strongly implicate p63 and the Dlx5-Dlx6 locus in a pathway relevant in the aetio-pathogenesis of SHFM.

Differential expression of a Distal-less homeobox gene Xdll-2 in ectodermal cell lineages.

Neural induction in Xenopus requires the activation of new sets of genes that are necessary for cellular and regional specification of the neural tube. It has been reported earlier that members of the Distal-less homeobox gene family are specifically activated in distinct regions of the central nervous system (CNS) of Xenopus embryos (Dirksen et al., 1993; Papalopulu and Kintner, 1993). In this paper we describe in detail a Xenopus homeobox containing gene Xdll-2, which belongs to the Distal-less gene family. In contrast to other previously described Xenopus family members, Xdll-2 is expressed in the embryonic ectoderm and is specifically repressed in the CNS. This repression can be mimicked in isolated animal caps by treatment with activin. Expression of Xdll-2 persists in the epidermis and some neural crest cells. Because of its spatial and temporal expression pattern this gene is a good candidate to have a regulatory function in the initial formation of the epidermis. Its high level of expression in adult skin indicates that its function is continuously required in this tissue.

Role of homeobox genes in the patterning, specification, and differentiation of ectodermal appendages in mammals

Homeobox genes are an evolutionarily conserved class of transcription factors that are key regulators during developmental processes such as regional specification, patterning, and differentiation. In this review, we summarize the expression pattern, loss‐ and/or gain‐of‐function mouse models, and naturally occurring mouse and human mutations of known homeobox genes required for the development of ectodermal appendages. J. Cell. Physiol. 216: 337–346, 2008.

IL-17 drives psoriatic inflammation via distinct, target cell-specific mechanisms

Significance Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease affecting the skin, a barrier site. The disease is characterized by abnormal growth of keratinocytes and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Clinical trials targeting the IL-17 cytokine have shown remarkable efficacy, and IL-17 also has been strongly implicated in the imiquimod-induced mouse model of psoriasis. However why IL-17 cytokines should be so central is not known, because target cells and their functions have not been clearly delineated. Here we demonstrate that IL-17 signaling into nonkeratinocytes, specifically dermal fibroblasts, induces mediators that further increase IL-17 production by innate γδT cells and promote cellular infiltration, whereas IL-17 signaling into keratinocytes aids proliferation and blocks their differentiation. These findings reveal the circuitry underpinning critical disease-driving effects of IL-17. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and by an influx of inflammatory cells. The mechanisms underlying psoriasis in humans and in mouse models are poorly understood, although evidence strongly points to crucial contributions of IL-17 cytokines, which signal via the obligatory adaptor CIKS/Act1. Here we identify critical roles of CIKS/Act1-mediated signaling in imiquimod-induced psoriatic inflammation, a mouse model that shares features with the human disease. We found that IL-17 cytokines/CIKS-mediated signaling into keratinocytes is essential for neutrophilic microabscess formation and contributes to hyperproliferation and markedly attenuated differentiation of keratinocytes, at least in part via direct effects. In contrast, IL-17 cytokines/CIKS-mediated signaling into nonkeratinocytes, particularly into dermal fibroblasts, promotes cellular infiltration and, importantly, leads to enhanced the accumulation of IL-17–producing γδT cells in skin, comprising a positive feed-forward mechanism. Thus, CIKS-mediated signaling is central in the development of both dermal and epidermal hallmarks of psoriasis, inducing distinct pathologies via target cell-specific effects. CIKS-mediated signaling represents a potential therapeutic target in psoriasis.

Homeobox gene Dlx3 is regulated by p63 during ectoderm development: relevance in the pathogenesis of ectodermal dysplasias.

Ectodermal dysplasias (EDs) are a group of human pathological conditions characterized by anomalies in organs derived from epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during development. Dlx3 and p63 act as part of the transcriptional regulatory pathways relevant in ectoderm derivatives, and autosomal mutations in either of these genes are associated with human EDs. However, the functional relationship between both proteins is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Dlx3 is a downstream target of p63. Moreover, we show that transcription of Dlx3 is abrogated by mutations in the sterile α-motif (SAM) domain of p63 that are associated with ankyloblepharon-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting (AEC) dysplasias, but not by mutations found in ectrodactylyectodermal dysplasia-cleft lip/palate (EEC), Limb-mammary syndrome (LMS) and split hand-foot malformation (SHFM) dysplasias. Our results unravel aspects of the transcriptional cascade of events that contribute to ectoderm development and pathogenesis associated with p63 mutations.