Functions of the extracellular matrix in development: Lessons from Caenorhabditis elegans

Amran, Aqilah; Pigatto, Lara; Pocock, Roger; Gopal, Sandeep

doi:10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110006

Cited by 6 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 106 publications

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“…This is likely a function of the short-term silencing and abundance of these proteins that are pre-deposited during development and stable during the window of analysis owing to their slow turnover (49). We found that growth factors and their likely receptors (proteoglycans) mostly function in the distal pachytene region of the germline, aligning with their previously ascribed roles (6,7). Similarly, we confirmed the previously identified role of hedgehog related genes in the distal germline while identifying additional roles at the proximal and oocyte regions (50).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 74%

“…In addition, by employing the C. elegans germline model, we could study cell fate in self-contained tissue (12,30). While cells are contained in the germ tube, they receive signals from other tissues and extracellular structures (6). The comprehensive analysis of phenotypes resulting from silencing matrisome genes reveals a complex functional network of molecules that control germ cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, to produce healthy oocytes (30).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Yet, how the entire matrisome collectively controls germ cell fate and behavior in vivo is unclear. In C. elegans, individual matrisome molecules such as growth factors, structural proteins and proteoglycans can function in germ cell regulation (6)(7)(8). However, systematic analysis of matrisome functions in the development of germline stem cells into gametes is lacking.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A matrisome atlas of germ cell development

Amran

Pigatto

Farley

et al. 2023

Preprint

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The extracellular matrix (matrisome) provides chemical and mechanical cues to control the structure and function of cells and tissues. Yet, comprehensive understanding of how matrisome factors individually and collectively control cell and tissue behavior in vivo is lacking. Here, we systematically investigate the function of 443 conserved matrisome-coding genes in controlling germ cell behavior within a complex tissue - the Caenorhabditis elegans germline. Using high-content imaging, 3D reconstruction and cell behavior analysis of >3500 germlines and >7 million germ cells, we identify specific matrisome factors that regulate germline structure, protein distribution, germ cell cycle and fate, apoptosis, and oocyte health. These findings reveal matrisome networks acting autonomously and non-autonomously to coordinate germ cell behavior, providing new avenues to study and manipulate cell fates.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 74%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A matrisome atlas of germ cell development

Amran

Pigatto

Farley

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…Electrical synapse remodeling is responsible for the altered locomotory and chemosensory behavior of Dauer affected neurons ( Starich et al, 2009 ). These neurons are regulated by a mechanism that involves FoxO transcription factors that mediate dynamic innexin expression plasticity in a neuron-type- and environment-specific manner ( Hobert, 2010 ; Amran et al, 2021 ). C. elegans is a useful model for the examination of developmental processes regulated by ECM components ( Hobert, 2010 ; Amran et al, 2021 ).…”

Section: Developmental Animal Models Used To Examine Neural Development and Regulation In A Whole Organism Environmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These neurons are regulated by a mechanism that involves FoxO transcription factors that mediate dynamic innexin expression plasticity in a neuron-type- and environment-specific manner ( Hobert, 2010 ; Amran et al, 2021 ). C. elegans is a useful model for the examination of developmental processes regulated by ECM components ( Hobert, 2010 ; Amran et al, 2021 ). HSPGs and chondroitin proteoglycans (CPGs) both have prominent roles to play in developmental processes in C. elegans ( Saied-Santiago et al, 2017 ).…”

Section: Developmental Animal Models Used To Examine Neural Development and Regulation In A Whole Organism Environmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neural Tissue Homeostasis and Repair Is Regulated via CS and DS Proteoglycan Motifs

Hayes

Melrose

2021

Front. Cell Dev. Biol.

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Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is the most abundant and widely distributed glycosaminoglycan (GAG) in the human body. As a component of proteoglycans (PGs) it has numerous roles in matrix stabilization and cellular regulation. This chapter highlights the roles of CS and CS-PGs in the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS/PNS). CS has specific cell regulatory roles that control tissue function and homeostasis. The CNS/PNS contains a diverse range of CS-PGs which direct the development of embryonic neural axonal networks, and the responses of neural cell populations in mature tissues to traumatic injury. Following brain trauma and spinal cord injury, a stabilizing CS-PG-rich scar tissue is laid down at the defect site to protect neural tissues, which are amongst the softest tissues of the human body. Unfortunately, the CS concentrated in gliotic scars also inhibits neural outgrowth and functional recovery. CS has well known inhibitory properties over neural behavior, and animal models of CNS/PNS injury have demonstrated that selective degradation of CS using chondroitinase improves neuronal functional recovery. CS-PGs are present diffusely in the CNS but also form denser regions of extracellular matrix termed perineuronal nets which surround neurons. Hyaluronan is immobilized in hyalectan CS-PG aggregates in these perineural structures, which provide neural protection, synapse, and neural plasticity, and have roles in memory and cognitive learning. Despite the generally inhibitory cues delivered by CS-A and CS-C, some CS-PGs containing highly charged CS disaccharides (CS-D, CS-E) or dermatan sulfate (DS) disaccharides that promote neural outgrowth and functional recovery. CS/DS thus has varied cell regulatory properties and structural ECM supportive roles in the CNS/PNS depending on the glycoform present and its location in tissue niches and specific cellular contexts. Studies on the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans have provided insightful information on neural interconnectivity and the role of the ECM and its PGs in neural development and in tissue morphogenesis in a whole organism environment.

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