Mesodermal Progenitors Research Articles

Evidence for intermediate mesoderm and kidney progenitor cell specification by Pax2 and PTIP dependent mechanisms

Activation of the Pax2 gene marks the intermediate mesoderm shortly after gastrulation, as the mesoderm becomes compartmentalized into paraxial, intermediate, and lateral plate. Using an EGFP knock-in allele of Pax2 to identify and sort cells of the intermediate mesodermal lineage, we compared gene expression patterns in EGFP positive cells that were heterozygous or homozygous null for Pax2. Thus, we identified critical regulators of intermediate mesoderm and kidney development whose expression depended on Pax2 function. In cell culture models, Pax2 is thought to recruit epigenetic modifying complex to imprint activating histone methylation marks through interactions with the adaptor protein PTIP. In kidney organ culture, conditional PTIP deletion showed that many Pax2 target genes, which were activated early in renal progenitor cells, remained on once activated, whereas Pax2 target genes expressed later in kidney development were unable to be fully activated without PTIP. In Pax2 mutants, we also identified a set of genes whose expression was up-regulated in EGFP positive cells and whose expression was consistent with a cell fate transformation to paraxial mesoderm and its derivatives. These data provide evidence that Pax2 specifies the intermediate mesoderm and renal epithelial cells through epigenetic mechanisms and in part by repressing paraxial mesodermal fate.

FOXF1 inhibits hematopoietic lineage commitment during early mesoderm specification.

The molecular mechanisms orchestrating early mesoderm specification are still poorly understood. In particular, how alternate cell fate decisions are regulated in nascent mesoderm remains mostly unknown. In the present study, we investigated both in vitro in differentiating embryonic stem cells, and in vivo in gastrulating embryos, the lineage specification of early mesodermal precursors expressing or not the Forkhead transcription factor FOXF1. Our data revealed that FOXF1-expressing mesoderm is derived from FLK1(+) progenitors and that in vitro this transcription factor is expressed in smooth muscle and transiently in endothelial lineages, but not in hematopoietic cells. In gastrulating embryos, FOXF1 marks most extra-embryonic mesoderm derivatives including the chorion, the allantois, the amnion and a subset of endothelial cells. Similarly to the in vitro situation, FOXF1 expression is excluded from the blood islands and blood cells. Further analysis revealed an inverse correlation between hematopoietic potential and FOXF1 expression in vivo with increased commitment toward primitive erythropoiesis in Foxf1-deficient embryos, whereas FOXF1-enforced expression in vitro was shown to repress hematopoiesis. Altogether, our data establish that during gastrulation, FOXF1 marks all posterior primitive streak extra-embryonic mesoderm derivatives with the remarkable exception of the blood lineage. Our study further suggests that this transcription factor is implicated in actively restraining the specification of mesodermal progenitors to hematopoiesis.

Extracellular Matrix and Integrins in Embryonic Stem Cell Differentiation.

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are pluripotent cells with great therapeutic potentials. The in vitro differentiation of ESC was designed by recapitulating embryogenesis. Significant progress has been made to improve the in vitro differentiation protocols by toning soluble maintenance factors. However, more robust methods for lineage-specific differentiation and maturation are still under development. Considering the complexity of in vivo embryogenesis environment, extracellular matrix (ECM) cues should be considered besides growth factor cues. ECM proteins bind to cells and act as ligands of integrin receptors on cell surfaces. Here, we summarize the role of the ECM and integrins in the formation of three germ layer progenies. Various ECM–integrin interactions were found, facilitating differentiation toward definitive endoderm, hepatocyte-like cells, pancreatic beta cells, early mesodermal progenitors, cardiomyocytes, neuroectoderm lineages, and epidermal cells, such as keratinocytes and melanocytes. In the future, ECM combinations for the optimal ESC differentiation environment will require substantial study.

Dual reporter MESP1 mCherry/w-NKX2-5 eGFP/w hESCs enable studying early human cardiac differentiation.

Understanding early differentiation events leading to cardiogenesis is crucial for controlling fate of human pluripotent stem cells and developing protocols that yield sufficient cell numbers for use in regenerative medicine and drug screening. Here, we develop a new tool to visualize patterning of early cardiac mesoderm and cardiomyocyte development in vitro by generating a dual MESP1(mCherry/w)-NKX2-5(eGFP/w) reporter line in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and using it to examine signals that lead to formation of cardiac progenitors and subsequent differentiation. MESP1 is a pivotal transcription factor for precardiac mesoderm in the embryo, from which the majority of cardiovascular cells arise. Transcription factor NKX2-5 is expressed upon cardiac crescent formation. Induction of cardiac differentiation in this reporter line resulted in transient expression of MESP1-mCherry, followed by continuous expression of NKX2-5-eGFP. MESP1-mCherry cells showed increased expression of mesodermal and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition markers confirming their mesodermal identity. Whole-genome microarray profiling and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis of MESP1-mCherry cells showed enrichment for mesodermal progenitor cell surface markers PDGFR-α, CD13, and ROR-2. No enrichment was found for the previously described KDR+PDGFR-α+ progenitors. MESP1-mCherry derivatives contained an enriched percentage of NKX2-5-eGFP and Troponin T expressing cells, indicating preferential cardiac differentiation; this was enhanced by inhibition of the Wnt-pathway. Furthermore, MESP1-mCherry derivatives harbored smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells, demonstrating their cardiac and vascular differentiation potential under appropriate conditions. The MESP1-NKX2-5 hESC reporter line allows us to identify molecular cues crucial for specification and expansion of human cardiac mesoderm and early progenitors and their differentiation to specific cardiovascular derivatives.

Abstract 11664: The Identification and Hierarchy of Bone Marrow-Derived Artery-Resident Mesodermal Progenitor Cells and Their Dynamics in Atherosclerosis

Background: We recently identified bone marrow (BM)-derived artery resident calcifying progenitor cells. Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells may possess bipotent (osteoblastic/osteoclastic) characteristics. However, the nature of progenitor cells remains elusive. Hypothesis: We investigated developmental hierarchy of progenitor cells and in vivo dynamics in atherosclerosis. Methods and Results: We harvested cells from BM and artery of C57 mice. In BM, Lin-CD29+Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells showed hematopoietic potential and differentiated into osteoclasts (OC). They also possessed mesenchymal stem cell property including osteoblastic (OB) differentiation, suggesting that Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells could be mesodermal progenitor cells. Interestingly, BM-derived artery-resident, clonal Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells maintained bipotency but lost hematopoietic nature. In contrast, Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells in BM and artery only showed unipotency (OB). When we overexpressed or knocked down PDGFRα, there was no alteration in OB or OC differentiation of Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells and no effect on OB differentiation of Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells, indicating PDGFRα as a surface marker but not a functional player. In hyperlipidemic ApoE-KO mice compared with control, Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells were less mobilized from BM to peripheral circulation and less infiltrated into atherosclerotic plaque, whereas Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells were not significantly affected. Multiplex cytokine assay of serum and artery revealed that IL-1β was significantly increased and IL-5 was markedly decreased in atherosclerotic mice. IL-1β decreased the migration of Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells by 5 folds compared with TNFα, and IL-5 increased the migration as much as TNFα. But the migration of Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells was not altered. These data indicate that atherosclerosis-related humoral factors mainly regulated mesodermal progenitor cells’ dynamics. Conclusion: We demonstrate that Sca-1+PDGFRα- cell is a mesodermal progenitor cell that possesses both hematopoietic and mesenchymal potentials. In atherogenesis, the mobilization and infiltration of Sca-1+PDGFRα- progenitor cells were regulated by IL-1β and IL-5. These data provide a novel mechanism regarding the role of bipotent progenitor cells in atherosclerosis.

Neural-mesodermal progenitor interactions in pattern formation: an introduction to the collection.

Mesodermal and spinal cord progenitors originate from common founder cells from which they segregate during development. Moreover, neural and mesodermal tissues closely interact during embryogenesis to ensure timely patterning and differentiation of both head and trunk structures. For instance, the fate and morphogenesis of neural progenitors is dependent on signals produced by mesodermal cells and vice-versa. While some of the cellular and molecular signals that mediate these interactions have been described, much more remains to be uncovered. The scope of this collection will cover these interactions between neural (CNS or PNS) and mesodermal progenitors in patterning body plans and specific body systems in vertebrate embryos. This includes, but is not limited to, interactions influencing the formation of body axes, neural tube formation, neural crest migration, gut development, muscle patterning and myogenesis.

An Expandable, Inducible Hemangioblast State Regulated by Fibroblast Growth Factor

SummaryDuring development, the hematopoietic and vascular lineages are thought to descend from common mesodermal progenitors called hemangioblasts. Here we identify six transcription factors, Gata2, Lmo2, Mycn, Pitx2, Sox17, and Tal1, that “trap” murine cells in a proliferative state and endow them with a hemangioblast potential. These “expandable” hemangioblasts (eHBs) are capable, once released from the control of the ectopic factors, to give rise to functional endothelial cells, multilineage hematopoietic cells, and smooth muscle cells. The eHBs can be derived from embryonic stem cells, from fetal liver cells, or poorly from fibroblasts. The eHBs reveal a central role for fibroblast growth factor, which not only promotes their expansion, but also facilitates their ability to give rise to endothelial cells and leukocytes, but not erythrocytes. This study serves as a demonstration that ephemeral progenitor states can be harnessed in vitro, enabling the creation of tractable progenitor cell lines.

Endoderm Generates Endothelial Cells during Liver Development

SummaryOrganogenesis requires expansion of the embryonic vascular plexus that migrates into developing organs through a process called angiogenesis. Mesodermal progenitors are thought to derive endothelial cells (ECs) that contribute to both embryonic vasculogenesis and the subsequent organ angiogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that during development of the liver, which is an endoderm derivative, a subset of ECs is generated from FOXA2+ endoderm-derived fetal hepatoblast progenitor cells expressing KDR (VEGFR2/FLK-1). Using human and mouse embryonic stem cell models, we demonstrate that KDR+FOXA2+ endoderm cells developing in hepatic differentiation cultures generate functional ECs. This introduces the concept that ECs originate not exclusively from mesoderm but also from endoderm, supported in Foxa2 lineage-tracing mouse embryos by the identification of FOXA2+ cell-derived CD31+ ECs that integrate the vascular network of developing fetal livers.

Transcriptomic analysis of mouse limb tendon cells during development.

The molecular signals driving tendon development are not fully identified. We have undertaken a transcriptome analysis of mouse limb tendon cells that were isolated at different stages of development based on scleraxis (Scx) expression. Microarray comparisons allowed us to establish a list of genes regulated in tendon cells during mouse limb development. Bioinformatics analysis of the tendon transcriptome showed that the two most strongly modified signalling pathways were TGF-β and MAPK. TGF-β/SMAD2/3 gain- and loss-of-function experiments in mouse limb explants and mesenchymal stem cells showed that TGF-β signalling was sufficient and required via SMAD2/3 to drive mouse mesodermal stem cells towards the tendon lineage ex vivo and in vitro. TGF-β was also sufficient for tendon gene expression in late limb explants during tendon differentiation. FGF does not have a tenogenic effect and the inhibition of the ERK MAPK signalling pathway was sufficient to activate Scx in mouse limb mesodermal progenitors and mesenchymal stem cells.

Early lineage restriction in temporally distinct populations of Mesp1 progenitors during mammalian heart development.

Cardiac development arises from two sources of mesoderm progenitors, the first heart field (FHF) and the second (SHF). Mesp1 has been proposed to mark the most primitive multipotent cardiac progenitors common for both heart fields. Here, using clonal analysis of the earliest prospective cardiovascular progenitors in a temporally controlled manner during early gastrulation, we found that Mesp1 progenitors consist of two temporally distinct pools of progenitors restricted to either the FHF or the SHF. FHF progenitors were unipotent, whereas SHF progenitors were either unipotent or bipotent. Microarray and single-cell PCR with reverse transcription analysis of Mesp1 progenitors revealed the existence of molecularly distinct populations of Mesp1 progenitors, consistent with their lineage and regional contribution. Together, these results provide evidence that heart development arises from distinct populations of unipotent and bipotent cardiac progenitors that independently express Mesp1 at different time points during their specification, revealing that the regional segregation and lineage restriction of cardiac progenitors occur very early during gastrulation.

Abstract 255: A Fibroblast Population Shares A Developmental Origin With Cardiovascular Lineages

Rationale: The traditional definition of “cardiovascular” lineages describes the eponymous cell types - cardiomyoctes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells - that arise from a common mesodermal progenitor cell during heart development. Fibroblasts are an abundant mesenchymal population in the mammalian heart which may have multiple, discrete developmental origins. Mesp1 represents the earliest marker of cardiovascular progenitors, contributing to the majority of cardiac lineages. To date no link between Mesp1 and fibroblast generation has been reported. Objective: We hypothesized progenitor cells expressing Mesp1 can also give rise to cardiac fibroblasts during heart development. Methods and Results: We generated Mesp1cre/+;R26RmTmG reporter mice where Cre-mediated recombination results in GFP activation in all Mesp1 expressing cells and their progeny. To explore their developmental potential, we isolated GFP+ cells from E7.5 Mesp1cre/+;R26RmTmG mouse. In vitro culture and transplantation studies into SCID mouse kidney capsule as wells as chick embryos showed fibroblastic adoption. Results showed that at E9.5 Mesp1+ and Mesp1- progenitors contributed to the proepicardium organ and later at E11.5 they formed epicardium. Analysis of adult hearts demonstrated that the majority of cardiac fibroblasts are derived from Mesp1 expressing cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of heart sections demonstrated expression of fibroblast markers (including DDR2, PDGFRα and Col1) in cells derived from both Mesp1+ and Mesp1- progenitors. Additionally, we investigated whether the two distinct fibroblast populations have different potency towards reprogramming to cardiomyocytes. Results showed no significant difference between Mesp1 and non-Mesp1 isolated fibroblasts to convert to cardiomyocyte fate. Conclusions: Our data demonstrates that cardiovascular progenitors expressing Mesp1 contribute to the proepicardium. These cells, as cardiovascular progenitors, also give rise to the highest portion of cardiac fibroblasts in the mouse heart.

Abstract 45: The Identification and Hierarchy of Bone Marrow-derived Artery-resident Mesodermal Progenitor Cells and their Dynamics in Atherosclerosis

Background: We recently identified bone marrow (BM)-derived artery resident calcifying progenitor cells. Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells may possess bipotent (osteoblastic/osteoclastic) characteristics. However, the nature of progenitor cells remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated developmental hierarchy of progenitor cells and in vivo dynamics in atherosclerosis. Methods and Results: We harvested cells from BM and artery of C57 mice. In BM, Lin-CD29+Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells showed hematopoietic potential and differentiated into osteoclasts OC). They also possessed mesenchymal stem cell property including osteoblastic (OB) differentiation, suggesting that Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells could be mesodermal progenitor cells. Interestingly, BM-derived artery-resident, clonal Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells maintained bipotency (OB/OC) but lost hematopoietic nature. In contrast, Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells in BM and artery only showed unipotency (OB). When we overexpressed or knocked down PDGFRα, there was no alteration in OB or OC differentiation of Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells and no effect on OB differentiation of Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells, indicating PDGFRα as a surface marker but not a functional player. In hyperlipidemic ApoE-KO mice compared with control, Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells were less mobilized from BM to peripheral circulation and less infiltrated into atherosclerotic plaque, whereas Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells were not significantly affected. Multiplex cytokine assay of serum and artery revealed that IL-1β was significantly increased and IL-5 was markedly decreased in atherosclerotic mice. IL-1β decreased the migration of Sca-1+PDGFRα- cells by 5 folds compared with TNFα, and IL-5 increased the migration as much as TNFα. But the migration of Sca-1+PDGFRα+ cells was not altered. These data indicate that atherosclerosis-related humoral factors mainly regulated mesodermal progenitor cells’ dynamics. Conclusion: We demonstrate that Sca-1+PDGFRα- cell is a mesodermal progenitor cell that possesses both hematopoietic and mesenchymal potentials. In atherogenesis, the mobilization and infiltration of Sca-1+PDGFRα- progenitor cells were regulated by IL-1β and IL-5. These data provide a novel mechanism regarding the role of bipotent progenitor cells in atherosclerosis.

Pax3 and Tbx5 Specify Whether PDGFRα+ Cells Assume Skeletal or Cardiac Muscle Fate in Differentiating Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) represent an ideal model to study how lineage decisions are established during embryonic development. Using a doxycycline-inducible mouse ESC line, we have previously shown that expression of the transcriptional activator Pax3 in early mesodermal cells leads to the robust generation of paraxial mesoderm progenitors that ultimately differentiate into skeletal muscle precursors. Here, we show that the ability of this transcription factor to induce the skeletal myogenic cell fate occurs at the expenses of the cardiac lineage. Our results show that the PDGFRα+FLK1--subfraction represents the main population affected by Pax3, through downregulation of several transcripts encoding for proteins involved in cardiac development. We demonstrate that although Nkx2-5, Tbx5, and Gata4 negatively affect Pax3 skeletal myogenic activity, the cardiac potential of embryoid body-derived cultures is restored solely by forced expression of Tbx5. Taking advantage of this model, we used an unbiased genome-wide approach to identify genes whose expression is rescued by Tbx5, and which could represent important regulators of cardiac development. These findings elucidate mechanisms regulating the commitment of mesodermal cells in the early embryo and identify the Tbx5 cardiac transcriptome.

Involvement of β-adrenoceptors in the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into mesodermal progenitor cells

Previous studies suggest that β-adrenoceptor stimulation may enhance the cardiac differentiation of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. It remains unclear whether the differentiations of ES cells and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells rely on similar molecular mechanisms. In addition, no previous studies have shown that human iPS cells express β-adrenoceptors.Therefore, in the present study, we determined the involvement of β-adrenoceptors in the differentiation of human iPS cells into mesodermal progenitor cells. The induction of differentiation of human iPS cells into kinase insert domain receptor (KDR)-positive mesodermal progenitor cells was performed on feeder cells in a differentiation medium with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4), and activin A. When the iPS cells that were exposed to bFGF, BMP-4, and activin A were treated with L-isoproterenol (a β-adrenoceptor agonist) for 4 days, the expression of KDR was significantly increased compared to that in the cells that were not treated with L-isoproterenol. Pretreatment of the cells with either atenolol (a β1-adrenoceptor antagonist) or ICI-118551 (a β2-adrenoceptor antagonist) significantly inhibited the L-isoproterenol-induced increase in KDR expression. In addition, pretreatment with both H89 (a protein kinase A inhibitor) and SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) significantly inhibited the L-isoproterenol-induced increase in KDR expression. Treatment with L-isoproterenol enhanced the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in human iPS cells exposed to bFGF, BMP-4, and activin A. These results suggest that β-adrenoceptor stimulation in human iPS cells may enhance their differentiation into mesodermal progenitor cells via the activation of either protein kinase A or p38 MAPK.

Endothelial cells regulate neural crest and second heart field morphogenesis.

ABSTRACTCardiac and craniofacial developmental programs are intricately linked during early embryogenesis, which is also reflected by a high frequency of birth defects affecting both regions. The molecular nature of the crosstalk between mesoderm and neural crest progenitors and the involvement of endothelial cells within the cardio–craniofacial field are largely unclear. Here we show in the mouse that genetic ablation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (Flk1) in the mesoderm results in early embryonic lethality, severe deformation of the cardio–craniofacial field, lack of endothelial cells and a poorly formed vascular system. We provide evidence that endothelial cells are required for migration and survival of cranial neural crest cells and consequently for the deployment of second heart field progenitors into the cardiac outflow tract. Insights into the molecular mechanisms reveal marked reduction in Transforming growth factor beta 1 (Tgfb1) along with changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. Our collective findings in both mouse and avian models suggest that endothelial cells coordinate cardio–craniofacial morphogenesis, in part via a conserved signaling circuit regulating ECM remodeling by Tgfb1.

Reelin/DAB‐1 Signaling in the Embryonic Limb Regulates the Chondrogenic Differentiation of Digit Mesodermal Progenitors

Reelin is a bioactive component of some extracellular matrices. Most studies on this signaling glycoprotein have been performed in the developing nervous system, where Reelin binds to the very-low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) and apolipoprotein E receptor 2 (ApoER2) of target cells. This induces phosphorylation of the intracellular adaptor protein Disabled-1 (Dab-1), which subsequently activates downstream effectors to regulate important aspects of neuroblast biology. Here, we show that the components of the Reelin signaling pathway exhibit a dynamic expression pattern during the development of the digits in chick and mouse embryonic limbs. Reelin and Dab-1 are highly expressed in the differentiating digit cartilages and tendinous blastemas. Immunolabeling of phospho-Dab-1 indicates that the pattern of gene expression correlates with zones of active signaling. Intense signaling is also present in the early stages of cartilage differentiation in micromass cultures of digit mesodermal progenitors. In this in vitro assay, disruption of the Reelin signaling pathway by gene silencing causes cystoskeletal and cell shape modifications accompanied by reduced chondrogenesis and down-regulation of specific cartilage molecular markers. Of note, Scleraxis and Six2, which are master genes of tendinous blastemas, become up-regulated in these experiments. We further show that the receptors ApoER2 and VLDLR are differentially expressed in cartilage and tendons and that these receptors show temporal expression differences in the micromass cultures. Sox9 and other chondrogenic markers were downregulated in micromass cultures after ApoER2 gene silencing, while gene silencing of VLDLR up-regulates Scleraxis. In summary, our findings provide evidence of a role for Reelin signaling in skeletogenesis that promotes chondrogenesis through ApoER2 and inhibits tenogenic differentiation through VLDLR.

Are MSCs angiogenic cells? New insights on human nestin-positive bone marrow-derived multipotent cells

Recent investigations have made considerable progress in the understanding of tissue regeneration driven by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Data indicate the anatomical location of MSC as residing in the “perivascular” space of blood vessels dispersed across the whole body. This histological localization suggests that MSCs contribute to the formation of new blood vessels in vivo. Indeed, MSCs can release angiogenic factors and protease to facilitate blood vessel formation and in vitro are able to promote/support angiogenesis. However, the direct differentiation of MCSs into endothelial cells is still matter of debate. Most of the conflicting data might arise from the presence of multiple subtypes of cells with heterogeneous morpho functional features within the MSC cultures. According to this scenario, we hypothesize that the presence of the recently described Mesodermal Progenitor Cells (MPCs) within the MSCs cultures is responsible for their variable angiogenic potential. Indeed, MPCs are Nestin-positive CD31-positive cells exhibiting angiogenic potential that differentiate in MSC upon proper stimuli. The ISCT criteria do not account for the presence of MPC within MSC culture generating confusion in the interpretation of MSC angiogenic potential. In conclusion, the discovery of MPC gives new insight in defining MSC ancestors in human bone marrow, and indicates the tunica intima as a further, and previously overlooked, possible additional source of MSC.

Smad1 transcription factor integrates BMP2 and Wnt3a signals in migrating cardiac progenitor cells.

In vertebrate embryos, cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) undergo long-range migration after emerging from the primitive streak during gastrulation. Together with other mesoderm progenitors, they migrate laterally and then toward the ventral midline, where they form the heart. Signals controlling the migration of different progenitor cell populations during gastrulation are poorly understood. Several pathways are involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and ingression of mesoderm cells through the primitive streak, including fibroblast growth factors and wingless-type family members (Wnt). Here we focus on early CPC migration and use live video microscopy in chicken embryos to demonstrate a role for bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/SMA and MAD related (Smad) signaling. We identify an interaction of BMP and Wnt/glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) pathways via the differential phosphorylation of Smad1. Increased BMP2 activity altered migration trajectories of prospective cardiac cells and resulted in their lateral displacement and ectopic differentiation, as they failed to reach the ventral midline. Constitutively active BMP receptors or constitutively active Smad1 mimicked this phenotype, suggesting a cell autonomous response. Expression of GSK3β, which promotes the turnover of active Smad1, rescued the BMP-induced migration phenotype. Conversely, expression of GSK3β-resistant Smad1 resulted in aberrant CPC migration trajectories. De-repression of GSK3β by dominant negative Wnt3a restored normal migration patterns in the presence of high BMP activity. The data indicate the convergence of BMP and Wnt pathways on Smad1 during the early migration of prospective cardiac cells. Overall, we reveal molecular mechanisms that contribute to the emerging paradigm of signaling pathway integration in embryo development.

Epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 is a marker of the endothelial lineage and active angiogenesis.

Epidermal growth factor-like domain 7 (Egfl7) expression in the developing embryo is largely restricted to sites of mesodermal progenitors of angioblasts/hemangioblasts and the vascular endothelium. We hypothesize that Egfl7 marks the endothelial lineage during embryonic development, and can be used to define the emergence of endothelial progenitor cells, as well as to visualize newly-forming vasculature in the embryo and during the processes of physiologic and pathologic angiogenesis in the adult. We have generated a transgenic mouse strain that expresses enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of a minimal Egfl7 regulatory sequence (Egfl7:eGFP). Expression of the transgene recapitulated that of endogenous Egfl7 at sites of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in the allantois, yolk sac, and in the embryo proper. The transgene was not expressed in the quiescent endothelium of most adult organs. However, the uterus and ovary, which undergo vascular growth and remodeling throughout the estrus cycle, expressed high levels of Egfl7:eGFP. Importantly, expression of the Egfl7:eGFP transgene was induced in adult neovasculature. We also found that increased Egfl7 expression contributed to pathologic revascularization in the mouse retina. To our knowledge, this is the first mouse model that enables monitoring of endothelial cells at sites of active vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. This model also facilitated the isolation and characterization of EGFL7(+) endothelial cell populations by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Together, our results demonstrate that the Egfl7:eGFP reporter mouse is a valuable tool that can be used to elucidate the mechanisms by which blood vessels form during development and under pathologic circumstances.

Collier/OLF/EBF-Dependent Transcriptional Dynamics Control Pharyngeal Muscle Specification from Primed Cardiopharyngeal Progenitors

In vertebrates, pluripotent pharyngeal mesoderm progenitors produce the cardiac precursors of the second heart field as well as the branchiomeric head muscles and associated stem cells. However, the mechanisms underlying the transition from multipotent progenitors to distinct muscle precursors remain obscured by the complexity of vertebrate embryos. Using Ciona intestinalis as a simple chordate model, we show that bipotent cardiopharyngeal progenitors are primed to activate both heart and pharyngeal muscle transcriptional programs, which progressively become restricted to corresponding precursors. The transcription factor COE (Collier/OLF/EBF) orchestrates the transition to pharyngeal muscle fate both by promoting an MRF-associated myogenic program in myoblasts and by maintaining an undifferentiated state in their sister cells through Notch-mediated lateral inhibition. The latter are stem cell-like muscle precursors that form most of the juvenile pharyngeal muscles. We discuss the implications of our findings for the development and evolution of the chordate cardiopharyngeal mesoderm.