Publications

Publications Search

Search for publications by author
Search for publications by abstract keyword(s)

Analysis of gene network bifurcation during optic cup morphogenesis in zebrafish

Abstract

Sight depends on the tight cooperation between photoreceptors and pigmented cells, which derive from common progenitors through the bifurcation of a single gene regulatory network into the neural retina (NR) and retinal-pigmented epithelium (RPE) programs. Although genetic studies have identified upstream nodes controlling these networks, their regulatory logic remains poorly investigated. Here, we characterize transcriptome dynamics and chromatin accessibility in segregating NR/RPE populations in zebrafish. We analyze cis-regulatory modules and enriched transcription factor motives to show extensive network redundancy and context-dependent activity. We identify downstream targets, highlighting an early recruitment of desmosomal genes in the flattening RPE and revealing Tead factors as upstream regulators. We investigate the RPE specification network dynamics to uncover an unexpected sequence of transcription factors recruitment, which is conserved in humans. This systematic interrogation of the NR/RPE bifurcation should improve both genetic counseling for eye disorders and hiPSCs-to-RPE differentiation protocols for cell-replacement therapies in degenerative diseases.

Type Journal
ISBN 2041-1723 (Electronic) 2041-1723 (Linking)
Authors Buono, L.; Corbacho, J.; Naranjo, S.; Almuedo-Castillo, M.; Moreno-Marmol, T.; de la Cerda, B.; Sanbria-Reinoso, E.; Polvillo, R.; Diaz-Corrales, F. J.; Bogdanovic, O.; Bovolenta, P.; Martinez-Morales, J. R.
Responsible Garvan Author Associate Professor Ozren Bogdanovic
Publisher Name Nature Communications
Published Date 2021-06-23
Published Volume 12
Published Issue 1
Published Pages 3866
Status Published in-print
DOI 10.1038/s41467-021-24169-7
URL link to publisher's version https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34162866