Project description:We demonstrated previously that THAP1 plays a cell-autonomous role in regulating myelination during early postnatal CNS development (Yellajoshyula et al., Dev Cell, 42, 52-67, 2017). To begin to examine the mechanisms responsible for this role, we performed RNAseq at multiple time points on cultured control (Thap1+/+) and Thap1 null (derived from Thap1flx/-; Olig2-Cre+) OPC under differentiating conditions.
Project description:Loss of function mutations in the transcription factor THAP1 cause DYT6 dystonia, a childhood-onset motor disorder. DYT6 subjects display abnormalities in the white matter regions of the brain. Here, we generated conditional THAP1 knockout mice and analyzed the gene expression profiles from motor regions of mice brains to identify a role for THAP1 in the control of myelination
Project description:Goal of the experiment : Retroviral-mediated gene transfer of the THAP-zinc finger protein THAP1 inhibits endothelial cell proliferation through coordinated repression of critical cell cycle regulators and pRB-E2F target genes. Experimental design: To gain insight into the effects of THAP1 on endothelial cell growth regulatory pathways, we identified THAP1 target genes in primary human endothelial cells using oligonucleotide-based microarray technology. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were transduced with pMLV-MCS or pMLV-THAP1 retroviral expression vectors and, after 48h, cells were harvested for isolation of total RNA and preparation of Cy3- or Cy5-labeled cRNA probes, which were hybridized to DNA microarrays that contained 22 000 unique 60-nt oligonucleotide probes representing > 17 000 human genes. Independent microarray experiments were performed after one (#1xTHAP1) or two (#2xTHAP1) consecutive transductions using independent HUVEC primary cell cultures. Dye swap experiments were performed to eliminate the effect of dye bias, and for each gene probe, the data were subjected to statistical analysis to identify those probes for which a significant difference (p value < 0.01) in mean hybridization intensity was observed between HUVECs transduced with pMLV-MCS or pMLV-THAP1 retroviral expression vectors. Among the gene probes demonstrating a significant difference between the two conditions, we selected those whose expression varied in a similar manner in the two independent microarray experiments. . #2xTHAP1 experiment (Microarrays Code Bars 16011521022012 and 16011521022013): comparison of HUVEC-THAP1 and HUVEC-MCS after two consecutive retroviral transductions of HUVECs with pMLV-THAP1 or pMLV-MCS vectors (higher percentage of genes differentially expressed with p value < 0.01; higher folds) #1xTHAP1 experiment (Microarrays Code Bars 16011521025800 and 16011524025685): comparison of HUVEC-THAP1 and HUVEC-MCS after a single retroviral transduction of HUVECs with pMLV-THAP1 or pMLV-MCS vectors (lower percentage of genes differentially expressed with p value < 0.01; lower folds).
Project description:THAP1 is a transcription factor and its mutations are responsible for DYT6 dystonia. However, how THAP1 mutations lead to these gene expression alterations and whether the gene expression changes are also reflected in the brain of THAP1 patients are still unclear. In this study we used epigenetic and transcriptomic approaches combined with multiple model systems to uncover the function of THAP1 and the potential pathogenesis of DYT6 dystonia. THAP1 mutations lead to dysregulation of genes mainly through regulation of SP1 family members, SP1 and SP4, in a cell type dependent manner.
Project description:THAP1 is a transcription factor and its mutations are responsible for DYT6 dystonia. However, how THAP1 mutations lead to these gene expression alterations and whether the gene expression changes are also reflected in the brain of THAP1 patients are still unclear. In this study we used epigenetic and transcriptomic approaches combined with multiple model systems to uncover the function of THAP1 and the potential pathogenesis of DYT6 dystonia. THAP1 mutations lead to dysregulation of genes mainly through regulation of SP1 family members, SP1 and SP4, in a cell type dependent manner.
Project description:THAP1 is a transcription factor and its mutations are responsible for DYT6 dystonia. However, how THAP1 mutations lead to these gene expression alterations and whether the gene expression changes are also reflected in the brain of THAP1 patients are still unclear. In this study we used epigenetic and transcriptomic approaches combined with multiple model systems to uncover the function of THAP1 and the potential pathogenesis of DYT6 dystonia. THAP1 mutations lead to dysregulation of genes mainly through regulation of SP1 family members, SP1 and SP4, in a cell type dependent manner.
Project description:Exposure to environmental chemicals can impair neurodevelopment. Oligodendrocytes that wrap around axons to boost neurotransmission may be particularly vulnerable to chemical toxicity as they develop throughout fetal development and into adulthood. However, few environmental chemicals have been assessed for potential risks to oligodendrocyte development. Here, we utilized a high-throughput developmental screen and human cortical brain organoids, which revealed environmental chemicals in two classes that disrupt oligodendrocyte development. Quaternary compounds, ubiquitous in disinfecting agents, hair conditioners, and fabric softeners, were potently and selectively cytotoxic to developing oligodendrocytes through activation of the integrated stress response. Organophosphate flame retardants, commonly found in household items such as furniture and electronics, were non-cytotoxic but prematurely arrested oligodendrocyte maturation. Chemicals from each of the two classes impaired human oligodendrocyte development in a 3D organoid model of prenatal cortical development. In analysis of epidemiological data from the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes were associated with childhood exposure to the top organophosphate flame retardant identified in our oligodendrocyte toxicity platform. Collectively, our work identifies toxicological vulnerabilities specific to oligodendrocyte development and highlights common household chemicals with high exposure risk to children that warrant deeper scrutiny for their impact on human health.
Project description:Exposure to environmental chemicals can impair neurodevelopment, and oligodendrocytes may be particularly vulnerable as their development extends from gestation into adulthood. However, few environmental chemicals have been assessed for potential risks to oligodendrocytes. Here, using a high-throughput developmental screen in cultured cells, we identified environmental chemicals in two classes that disrupt oligodendrocyte development through distinct mechanisms. Quaternary compounds, ubiquitous in disinfecting agents and personal care products, were potently and selectively cytotoxic to developing oligodendrocytes, whereas organophosphate flame retardants, commonly found in household items such as furniture and electronics, prematurely arrested oligodendrocyte maturation. Chemicals from each class impaired oligodendrocyte development postnatally in mice and in a human 3D organoid model of prenatal cortical development. Analysis of epidemiological data showed that adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes were associated with childhood exposure to the top organophosphate flame retardant identified by our screen. This work identifies toxicological vulnerabilities for oligodendrocyte development and highlights the need for deeper scrutiny of these compounds’ impacts on human health.
Project description:Mfsd2a is involved in transport of essential fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from the periphery across blood brain barrier (BBB) into the brain parenchyma. Loss of Mfsd2a in humans leads to microcephaly and hypomyelination. The significance of lipid species transported by Mfsd2a on oligodendrocyte lineage development is not known. Using OPC specific deletion of Mfsd2a (2aOKO) in mice we found that OPC cell state, differentiation and oligodendrocytes maturation is disrupted resulting in hypomyelination compared to 2afl/fl controls. Single cell RNAsequencing analysis was performed on total oligodendrocyte population from postnatal mouse brain using Ribo-TRAP mouse lines that labels complete oligodendrocyte lineage with GFP fluorescence to understand the influence of Mfsd2a on oligodendrocyte development.