Neuronal Cell Fate Specification by the Convergence of Different Spatiotemporal Cues on a Common Terminal Selector Cascade

Abstract

Specification of the myriad of unique neuronal subtypes found in the nervous system depends upon spatiotemporal cues and terminal selector gene cascades, often acting in sequential combinatorial codes to determine final cell fate. However, a specific neuronal cell subtype can often be generated in different parts of the nervous system and at different stages, indicating that different spatiotemporal cues can converge on the same terminal selectors to thereby generate a similar cell fate. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying such convergence are poorly understood. The Nplp1 neuropeptide neurons in the Drosophila ventral nerve cord can be subdivided into the thoracic-ventral Tv1 neurons and the dorsal-medial dAp neurons. The activation of Nplp1 in Tv1 and dAp neurons depends upon the same terminal selector cascade: col>ap/eya>dimm>Nplp1. However, Tv1 and dAp neurons are generated by different neural progenitors (neuroblasts) with different spatiotemporal appearance. Here, we find that the same terminal selector cascade is triggered by Kr/pdm>grn in dAp neurons, but by Antp/hth/exd/lbe/cas in Tv1 neurons. Hence, two different spatiotemporal combinations can funnel into a common downstream terminal selector cascade to determine a highly related cell fate.

A study of neuropeptide neurons in the Drosophila nervous system reveals that two different combinations of spatiotemporal cues—active in different progenitors—converge on a common terminal selector gene to trigger a similar neuronal subtype identity.

Author Summary

A fundamental challenge in developmental neurobiology is to understand how the great diversity of neuronal subtypes is generated during nervous system development. Neuronal subtype cell fate is established in a stepwise manner, starting with spatial and temporal cues that confer distinct identities to neural progenitors and trigger expression of terminal selector genes in the early-born neurons. Terminal selectors are those that determine the final neuronal subtype cell fate. Intriguingly, similar neuronal subtypes can be generated by different progenitors and under the control of different spatiotemporal cues; thus, we wondered how such convergence is achieved. To address this issue, we have decoded the specification of two highly related neuropeptide neurons, which are generated at different locations and time-points in the Drosophila nervous system. We find that two different combinations of spatiotemporal cues, in two different neural progenitors, funnel onto the same terminal selector gene, which in turn activates a shared regulatory cascade, ultimately resulting in the specification of a similar neuronal cell subtype identity.

Introduction

During nervous system development, vast numbers of different neuronal subtypes are generated, and understanding the process of cell fate specification remains a major challenge. Studies have shown that establishment of distinct neuronal identities requires complex cascades of regulatory information, starting from spatial and temporal selector genes [1] and feeding onward to terminal selector genes [2,3], often acting in combinatorial codes to dictate final and unique cell fate [4–6]. One particularly intriguing regulatory challenge pertains to the generation of highly related neuronal subtypes in different regions of the central nervous system (CNS). Examples are plentiful and include e.g., various groups of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons in the mammalian CNS [7,8], as well as neuropeptide-producing neurons in many systems [9,10]. The appearance of highly related neurons in different regions and at distinct developmental time-points clearly indicates that different spatial and temporal cues can converge to trigger the same terminal selector code, to thereby trigger a similar final cell fate. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear.

In the developing Drosophila ventral nerve cord (VNC), two distinct sets of neurons selectively express the neuropeptide Nplp1: dAp and Tv1. Both subtypes express the LIM-homeodomain transcription factor Apterous (Ap; mammalian Lhx2a/b) and the transcription co-factor Eyes absent (Eya; mammalian Eya1-4). dAp neurons constitute a dorsal-medial set of bilateral neurons running the length of the ventral nerve cord, while Tv1 neurons are located ventrolaterally in the three thoracic segments (Fig 1A and 1B). Both dAp and Tv1 project axons ipsilaterally and anteriorly, and join a common Ap fascicle [11,12]. While it is possible that other aspects of their cell fate are different, their common neuropeptide expression and axonal projections suggest that dAp and Tv1 can be grouped into a highly related, if not identical, neuronal subtype. A number of regulatory genes and pathways acting in the specification of the Tv1 neurons have been elucidated [6,11,13–20]. These studies reveal that Tv1 cell fate depends upon a feedforward cascade in which spatial cues, provided by Hox and Hox cofactor input (Antp, Exd and Hth), and temporal cues, provided by the temporal factor Cas, activate a col→ap/eya→dimm terminal selector cascade. This selector cascade ultimately results in the activation of Nplp1 neuropeptide expression. dAp neurons depend upon the same col→ap/eya→dimm terminal selector cascade as Tv1. However, dAp neurons are not restricted to thoracic segments, but rather are distributed throughout the VNC (Fig 1A and 1B). In addition, they are born at an earlier stage than Tv1 [12]. Furthermore, while Tv1 is generated by NB5-6T, the lineage that generates dAp is unknown [6]. Not surprisingly, the upstream spatial and temporal cues that trigger the terminal selector cascade in the Tv1 neuron do not affect the dAp cells [14,17]. Thus, the dAp and Tv1 cells represent a unique scenario for addressing how neurons generated by different neuroblasts (NBs) and with different spatial and temporal regulators can activate the identical terminal selector cascade to ultimately dictate a highly related, if not identical, neuronal subtype identity.

Fig 1. dAp and Tv1 neurons in the Drosophila VNC.

(A) Lateral view of early embryonic Drosophila CNS, showing NB5-6T in the three thoracic segments (red) and the NB that gives rise to the dAp cells (green). Model of NB5-6T lineage, with the Tv1 neuron (red/blue). (B) Model of late embryonic Drosophila VNC (air-filled trachea [AFT] stage), depicting the Ap clusters in the thoracic segments and the dAp cells located in the segments T1-A10.

Here, we identify the NB generating the dAp neurons as NB4-3 and find that these dAp neurons are generated during an earlier time in development than Tv1, dictated by the temporal factors Kr and Pdm. Hence, the same terminal selector cascade (col→ap/eya→dimm) is triggered by distinct spatial and temporal cues in two different neuroblasts. Additionally, we find two crucial and specific factors refining the action of those spatiotemporal selectors: the GATA factor Grain (Grn), acting in dAp neurons, and the Ladybird early factor (Lbe), in Tv1 neurons. Thus, the col→ap/eya→dimm terminal selector cascade is triggered by the Cas/Exd/Hth/Antp/Lbe spatiotemporal code in NB5-6T, but by the Kr/Pdm/Grn code in NB4-3. These results demonstrate that distinct spatiotemporal combinatorial codes can converge onto a common terminal selector cascade. Because the generation of highly related neurons in different regions of the CNS and at distinct time-points represents a common feature of many animal systems, the regulatory logic outlined here is likely to be widespread.

Results

dAp is Generated by NB4-3 in an Early Temporal Window

Previous work demonstrated that the terminal selector cascade composed by col→ap/eya→dimm is critical for the Nplp1 terminal cell fate both in dAp and Tv1 neurons, and can trigger this fate broadly in the CNS when combinatorially misexpressed [6,11,13–20]. Tv1 neurons have been most extensively studied, and their NB origin is well understood [14,17]. They are generated at the end of the NB5-6T lineage, under a Castor (Cas) temporal window and through a type 0 division mode (Fig 1A) [14,21]. dAp neurons arise from a distinct, previously unknown NB lineage. Thus, we began by identifying the progenitor NB that gives rise to dAp neurons, utilizing sets of markers that identify most, if not all, of the 30 NBs generated in each hemisegment [22–26]. Eya expression commences in dAp at St13, and using Eya together with a number of NB markers, we found that dAp neurons are generated by NB4-3 (Fig 2A–2I). To follow the development of this lineage, we made use of a col enhancer that drives reporter expression selectively in the dAp neuron, as well as in the NB4-3 and parts of the lineage (Fig 2J and 2K). NB4-3 is known to delaminate at St late 11 [25], and we can observe the lineage using col-GFP from this stage and onward. We mapped the expression of the temporal genes, and as anticipated from the early birth of dAp, evident by Eya expression, we did not find expression of the late temporal factor Cas (S3A Fig). We did not observe expression of the early temporal factor Kr (Fig 2L–2N). Because both hb and Kr mutants affect dAp specification (see below), we envision that Hb and Kr are expressed in the NB4-3 prior to the onset of col-GFP. One of the two “middle” temporal factors Pdm1 (Nubbin [Nub], which together with Pdm2 we collectively refer to as Pdm1/2) was, however, expressed in several cells in the NB4-3 lineage (col-GFP cells) (Fig 2Q). When Col and Eya are turned on, we can identify Nub expression specifically in the early dAp neuron itself at St13, to subsequently be downregulated at St15 (Fig 2Q and 2R). Using anti-phospho-Ser10 on Histone 3 (pH3), we were able to monitor cell divisions in the NB4-3 lineage, which revealed that dAp is born by a ganglion mother cell (GMC) and is hence generated in a type I proliferation window (Figs 2K and S3B). In order to unambiguously show that dAp comes from a type I lineage, we analyzed the dAp neuron in a sanpodo (spdo) mutant background. Corroborating the notion deduced with the pH3 analysis, we observe two dAp neurons in that mutant background (S3B Fig). Therefore, dAp is born in a type I proliferation window.

Fig 2. Dorsal Ap cells are generated by NB4-3.

(A–H) NB marker expression, either direct antibody stain or βgal stain of lacZ constructs, costained with Eya to identify the progenitor of the dAp cell. (A–F) None of the markers overlap with the Eya expression of the dAp cell. (G) Msh staining overlaps with the Eya expression in the dAp neuron. (H) βgal expression from the hkb-lacZ construct shows overlap with the Eya expression in the dAp cell. (I) Model of a hemisegment during mid embryogenesis, showing the NBs with their different markers. Combination of immunostains for specific markers made it possible to rule out certain NBs as progenitors of the dAp cell. The dAp cell is positive for hkb-lacZ and Msh, which indicates that NB4-3 is the progenitor of dAp cells. (J) NB staining for Msh shows overlap with Dpn and the col-dAp-GFP enhancer, which indicates that the NB generating the dAp cell, is NB4-3. (K) Expression of GFP, Pros, Dpn, and pH3 at St11 and St12 shows a pH3/Pros positive and Dpn negative cells (St11 thick yellow dashed circle) overlapping with the GFP expression from the col-dAp-GFP enhancer construct, which suggests that the dAp cell is born in a type I division. (L) GFP, Kr, and Dpn expression at different stages (yellow dashed circles). At StE11, Dpn and GFP are expressed in the NB, but Kr is not detectable. At St11, the NB 4-3 lineage progresses (based on the GFP signal from the enhancer construct), Dpn is still detectable, but Kr is not expressed. By StL11, two strong GFP positive cells are detectable and GFP expression is evident in a cell in the previous NB location, but without a Dpn signal. (M) GFP, Kr, and Eya expression at St12, St13, and St14 shows that one of the cells expressing strong GFP is the dAp cell and turns on Eya expression by stage 13 (thick yellow dashed circle). (N) Kr is not expressed in the dAp cells at stage 16 (yellow dashed circles). (O) Costaining for GFP and βgal of the col-dAp-GFP enhancer together with grn-lacZ, shows that grain, one of the critical factors for the dAp specification is expressed in the NB4-3 lineage (yellow dashed circles). (P) Staining for Eya and βgal shows that grn is expressed in the dAp cells by stage 14 (yellow dashed circles). (Q) GFP (col-dAp-GFP), Col, and (Nub) Pdm expression at different stages in the NB4-3 lineage reveals that GFP is detectable prior to endogenous Col expression at StL11. At this stage, Nub (Pdm) starts being expressed in the two strong GFP positive cells (thick yellow dashed circles). At StM13 the GFP signal remains strongly expressed; furthermore, Col and Nub (Pdm) are expressed robustly. Of note, Col and Nub (Pdm) expression overlaps in one of the strong GFP positive cells (thick yellow dashed circles). At St14, Col expression is still strong, whereas Nub (Pdm) expression is downregulated (thick yellow dashed circles); Col, GFP, Nub (Pdm) expressing cell is the dAp cell. (R) Nub (Pdm) is not expressed in the dAp cells at stage 15 (yellow dashed circles). (S) GFP (col-dAp-GFP), Col, and Eya show an overlap in the dAp cell at St14. (T) Part of the lineage model of the NB 4–3. At StE11, Kr was not expressed in the NB (L). Still, we find Grn and Nub expression in the NB and the daughter cells. Together with the positive pH3 staining, prior to birth of the dAp cell, this model suggests that the dAp cell is born in a type I division mode by St12 and subsequently activates Col, Eya, and by later stages Dimm and Nplp1. Genotypes: (A) mirr-lacZ. (B) unpg-lacZ. (C) ind-lacZ. (D, E) OregonR. (F) en-lacZ. (G) OregonR. (H) hkb-lacZ/+. (J) col-dAp-GFP; col-dAp-GFP. (L, M, Q, and S) col-dAp-GFP; col-dAp-GFP. (N) OregonR. (O and P) col-dAp-GFP/+; col-dAp-GFP/grn-lacZ. (R) ap-Gal4, UAS-mRFP/CyO.

In a screen for regulators and specific markers of dAp cell fate, we identified the GATA factor Grain (Grn) as being expressed in the dAp cell (see below), and could hence use a grn-lacZ reporter to map the NB4-3 lineage. We found that grn-lacZ expression is concomitant with Pdm and hence precedes Col, being turned on in the GMC that generates the dAp cell (Fig 2O). We further observed grn-lacZ expression in dAp neurons at all later embryonic stages (Fig 2P).

In summary, we map the origin of dAp to NB4-3 and find that it is born in the middle of this lineage. At the stage when NB4-3 generates the GMC that in turn will divide to generate the dAp neuron, it expresses Pdm and Grn (Fig 2O and 2Q). Hence, dAp and Tv1 are lineage-unrelated neurons, generated in different temporal windows, mid versus late, and during two different proliferation modes, type I versus type 0.

The Early Born dAp Neurons Depend upon Early Temporal Genes

Having identified that dAp is born early in NB4-3, we next tested the expression of Nplp1/Eya markers in mutants for the temporal genes. In the early temporal mutant hb, we observed an apparent duplication of dAp neurons, evident by Col, Eya, and Dimm expression (Fig 3B and S2). In Kr mutants we found a reduction of Col, Eya, Dimm, and Nplp1 expressing cells (Fig 3C, 3H and 3L). As anticipated from the expression of Pdm in the GMC generating the dAp cells, and in the dAp cells themselves, we also observed loss of dAp neuron markers in pdm mutants (Df(2L)ED773, a genomic deletion that removes both nub and Pdm2) (Fig 3D, 3I and 3L). Previous studies revealed that Kr regulates Pdm [27,28]; to address their relationship with regards to dAp specification, we attempted to cross-rescue Kr mutants with UAS-pdm, driven from the NB driver pros-Gal4. This experiment revealed a partial rescue, evident by expression of Col and Nplp1, while Eya was not significantly rescued (Fig 3J, 3K and 3N and S1 Data). As anticipated from previous studies [14], the late temporal gene cas specifically affected Tv1 and not dAp, while grh did not affect either cell (Fig 3E, 3F and 3L and S1 Data). To determine if dAp neurons undergo cell death in Kr and pdm mutants, we combined these mutants with the cell death mutant Df(3R)H99, which removes all embryonic cell death [29]. We did not, however, note any rescue of dAp cell in these double mutants (S7A and S7B Fig). We conclude that dAp neurons, which are born in an early temporal window, depend upon the early temporal genes hb, Kr, and pdm for their specification. In contrast, Tv1 neurons, which are born late, depend upon the late temporal gene cas.

Fig 3. Early temporal genes are critical for dAp specification.

(A–F) Expression of Eya and Nplp1 in control and temporal mutants, at St16 or AFT. (B) In hb mutants (boxed area), we observe two dorsal Ap cells (yellow dotted circles), which both express Eya, Col, and Dimm. Quantification of Nplp1 positive dAp cells in hb mutants fails since hb mutants do not develop into stage AFT at which Nplp1 is expressed. (C and D) Both Kr and pdm mutants show decreased numbers of Eya and Nplp1 expressing dAp cells (long dotted brackets). (E and F) Eya and Nplp1 expression in cas and grh mutants is not affected. (G–I) Dimm and Col expression shows a loss of both factors in the dAp cells in Kr and pdm mutants (long dotted brackets). (J) Cross-rescue of Kr mutants by UAS-pdm from pros-Gal4 does not rescue Eya expression in dAp cells, but can partially rescue Nplp1 expression. (K) Col and Nplp1 expression in dAp cells of control and Kr mutants expressing pdm from pros-Gal4 shows that pdm can restore the Col and Nplp1 expression in Kr mutants. (L) Quantification of Eya and Nplp1 positive dAp neurons in temporal mutants (n > 10; asterisk denotes p < 0.05; Student´s two-tailed t test; see S1 Data). (M) Genetic model of the dAp specification cascade, showing that the early temporal genes Kr and pdm act to specify the dorsal Ap cell fate. (N) Quantification of Eya and Nplp1 positive dAp neurons in (n > 10 VNC; asterisk denotes p < 0.05; Student´s two-tailed t test; see S1 Data). Numbers of Nplp1 positive dAp neurons in Kr mutants expressing pdm are significantly increased compared to Kr mutants. Genotypes: (A) OregonR. (B) hb^P1, hb^FB. (C, H) Kr¹, Kr^CD. (D, I) Df(2L)ED773. (E) cas^Δ1/ cas^Δ1. (F) grh^IM/grh^IM. (G) OregonR. (J, and K) Kr¹, Kr^CD; pros-Gal4/UAS-nub.

grain is Necessary for dAp but not for Tv1 Specification

The distinct NB origin and spatiotemporal generation of dAp and Tv1 demonstrates that two different sets of spatiotemporal inputs can converge upon the same terminal selector cascade (col→ap/eya→dimm), which triggers Nplp1 expression. Although the temporal factors are selectively expressed at different points of the lineage development, they are broadly spatially expressed in most NBs during neurogenesis [27,28]. Hence, we predicted the existence of additional upstream spatially-defining regulatory genes acting with the Kr and pdm temporal genes. In order to identify such additional upstream cues, we analysed a number of mutants for changes in Nplp1 expression in dAp but not in Tv1 cells or vice-versa (see Materials and Methods). In the case of the dAp neurons, one mutant identified in this survey was grain (grn), which encodes a GATA transcription factor known to be dynamically expressed in the developing VNC [30]. Our expression mapping of NB4-3 revealed expression of grn^lacZ in the NB at StE11, in the GMC at StL11, and in early dAp cells from St14 and onward to St16 (Figs 2O, 2P and S4A). Addressing the function of grn, we found that several grn allelic combinations all displayed complete loss of Col, Eya, ap^lacZ, Dimm, and Nplp1 expression in dAp, but not in Tv1 neurons (Fig 4A–4G and S1 Data). To determine if dAp neurons undergo cell death in grn mutants, we expressed the cell death blocker p35. This did not, however, result in rescue of dAp cells (S7C Fig). Thus, the grn mutant analysis indicates that grn is an early factor, acting upstream of col, in the dAp specification cascade. Strikingly, grn is not involved in triggering this cascade in the Tv1 neuron (Figs 4A–4D, S4A and S4B).

Fig 4. grain is critical for dAp specification.

(A, B) Eya and Nplp1 expression in VNCs at stage AFT. In grn mutants, Eya and Nplp1 expression in dAp cells is almost completely lost (long dotted bracket). (C-F) Expression of Dimm, Col and βgal (ap^rK568) in control and grn mutants. In grn mutants all three markers are strongly downregulated, specifically in dAp cells (long dotted brackets). In contrast, expression in Tv1 cells is unperturbed. (G) Quantification of Nplp1 and Eya expressing dAp cells in control and grn mutant VNCs (n > 10 VNCs; asterisks denote significant difference in grn mutants compared to control; p < 0.05, Student´s two-tailed t test; see S1 Data). Genotypes: (A) OregonR. (B) grn^7L12/grn^SPJ9. (C, E) ap^rK568/+. (D, F) ap^rK568/+; grn^SPJ9/grn^7L12.

grain Acts at an Early Stage of dAp Specification

col is a critical determinant of early dAp neuron identity [6], and we find that grn acts upstream of col. Thus, we next addressed whether all of the grn functions in the dAp specification are mediated by col. To this end, we re-expressed col in grn mutants from Gal4 drivers with different temporal onset: pros-Gal4 at St10 and elav-Gal4 at St12 [17,21]. We found robust re-appearance of dAp neurons, showing both the Eya and Nplp1 markers, when we used either the pros-Gal4 or elav-Gal4 drivers (Fig 5B, 5D and 5G). As anticipated from previous studies [6], expression of UAS-col from either pros-Gal4 or elav-Gal4 also triggered a number of ectopic Eya/Nplp1 cells (Fig 5A and 5C). In a reciprocal experiment we tried to cross-rescue dAp cell fate in col mutants by expressing grn from elav-Gal4 or pros-Gal4. We did not, however, find any rescue of dAp cell specification in these cross-rescues (Fig 5E, 5F and 5H; S5 Fig and S1 Data).

Fig 5. Cross-rescue reveals that the primary role of grn is to activate col.

(A-D) Eya and Nplp1 expression in grn mutants cross-rescued with UAS-col, from either pros-Gal4 or elav-Gal4. Both early and late misexpression of col rescues the grn mutant phenotype and results in ectopic expression of Eya and Nplp1 positive dAp cells. (E and F) In contrast, cross-rescue of col mutants with UAS-grn, from either pros-Gal4 or elav-Gal4, fails to rescue the col mutant phenotype (long dotted bracket). (G) Quantification of Eya and Nplp1 positive dAp cells shows a significant increase when col is misexpressed in grn mutants from either pros-Gal4 or elav-Gal4 compared to control VNCs (n = 8 VNCs for elav>col and grn; elav>col for all others, n > 10 VNCs; asterisks denote p < 0.05, Student´s two-tailed t test). (H) Quantification of Eya and Nplp1 positive dAp cells in col mutants with grn misexpression shows that grn does not rescue the col mutant phenotype (n = 7 VNCs for pros>grn, Eya cell quantification; for all others, n > 10 VNCs; asterisks denote p < 0.05, Student´s two-tailed t test; see S1 Data). Genotypes: (A) UAS-col/pros-Gal4. (B) UAS-col/pros-Gal4; grn^SPJ9/grn^7L12. (C) elav-Gal4/UAS-col. (D) elav-Gal4/UAS-col; grn^SPJ9/grn^SPJ9. (E) col¹/col¹, UAS-grn; pros-Gal4/+. (F) col¹/col¹, UAS-grn; elav-Gal4/+.

Together, these results suggest that the main, if not the only, role of grn in dAp cells is to trigger the expression of col, setting in motion the cascade of regulatory events that culminate with the dAp specification.

grain Acts Downstream of the Kr and pdm Temporal Genes

Our lineage and expression analyses indicated that grn acts downstream of the Kr and pdm temporal genes, and that its primary role is to trigger col expression. To further test this notion, we drove the expression of grn in Kr and pdm mutants. In both cases, we found partial rescue of the dAp neurons (Fig 6A, 6B and 6E). Next, we expressed col in Kr and pdm mutants and observed rescue of dAp neurons in both experiments (Fig 6C, 6D and 6F and S1 Data). Misexpression of UAS-col again triggered a number of ectopic Eya/Nplp1 cells (Fig 6C and 6D).

Fig 6. Cross-rescue reveals that Kr and pdm act upstream of grn and col.

(A–D) Eya and Nplp1 expression in cross-rescue of Kr and pdm mutants with either UAS-col or UAS-grn misexpressed from pros-Gal4, at stage AFT. (A) While the number of Eya expressing dAp neurons in Kr mutants is not restored by misexpression of grn, (B) in pdm mutants misexpression of grn results in partial rescue in numbers of dAp neurons expressing both Eya and Nplp1. (C) Cross-rescue of Kr with col can fully rescue the mutant phenotype and results in ectopic numbers of dAp neurons expressing both Eya or Nplp1. (D) Cross-rescue of pdm with col can fully rescue the pdm mutant phenotype with respect to Eya and Nplp1 positive dAp neurons, and results in ectopic Eya and Nplp1 expression. (E, F) Quantification of Eya and Nplp1 positive dAp neurons from the different rescue experiments (n = 9 VNCs for Kr; pros>grn, n = 8 VNCs for pdm; pros>col. For all others n >10 VNCs; asterisk denotes p < 0.05, Student´s two-tailed t test; see S1 Data). Genotypes: (A) Kr¹, Kr^CD; pros-Gal4/ UAS-grn. (B) Df(2L)ED773; pros-Gal4/UAS-grn. (C) Kr¹, Kr^CD; pros-Gal4/UAS-col. (D) Df(2L)ED773; pros-Gal4/UAS-col.

These findings indicate that dAp cell fate is specified by a Kr/pdm>grn>col cascade, in which the function of Kr/pdm is to activate grn, and the function of grn is to activate col. However, the partial rescue of Kr by grn suggests that Kr may be involved in a feedforward manner to regulate col.

ladybird early Delimits the Broad Action of the Spatio-temporal Cues Responsible for the Tv1 Specification

Having identified grn as a key spatial regulator upon which the temporal factors act to specify a dAp fate, we attempted to find a counterpart of grn in Tv1 fate specification. Recently we performed a large-scale forward genetic screen looking for genes critical for Tv4/FMRFa cell fate which resulted in the identification of additional genes controlling NB5-6T development [31]. One of the mutants identified in this genetic screen, by its loss of FMRFa-EGFP expression, was mapped to ladybird early (lbe) (mammalian Lbx1/2). This EMS allele, lbe^12C005, has a nonsense mutation at amino acid 29 (a likely null allele) [31], and was placed over deletion Df(lbl-lbe)B44 to avoid genetic background problems (hereafter referred to as lbe mutants). In lbe mutants, we observe a complete loss of Eya, Dimm, and Nplp1 (Fig 7A and 7B). Strikingly, we find that lbe does not affect dAp neurons (Fig 7A, 7B, 7M and 7N).

Fig 7. lbe is critical for Ap cluster formation and Tv1 specification.

(B) Eya, Dimm, and Nplp1 expression in control VNCs at stage AFT, showing that Eya is expressed in all four neurons of the Ap clusters and the dAp cells. Dimm is expressed in two out of four Ap cluster cells and the dAp cells, while Nplp1 is expressed in one neuron (Tv1 cell) of each Ap cluster and the dAp cells. (C) In lbe mutants Eya, Dimm and Nplp1 expression is lost in the Ap clusters, whereas their expression in dAp cells is unchanged. (D–E) GFP (lbe(K)-EGFP), Dpn, Col, and Nab expression in NB5-6T at St14 showing that Col expression is lost in lbe mutants while Nab expression is unaffected. (F, G) GFP, Dpn, Lbe, and Nab expression in NB5-6T at St14 in control and col mutants, showing that Lbe expression is not affected in col mutants. (H, I) GFP, Dimm, Nplp1, and Eya expression in the Ap cluster at stage AFT in control, reveals loss of Eya, Dimm, and Nplp1 in lbe mutants. (J, K) GFP, Lbe, Eya, and Nab expression in the Ap cluster at St16 reveals no effect on Lbe expression in col mutants. (L, M) GFP, Lbe, Col, Dpn expression in NB5-6T at St12 and St13 reveals that Lbe is expressed prior to the onset of Col expression. (N, O) Eya, Col, Dimm, and Nplp1 expression at St17 and AFT in the dAp cells of control and lbe mutants, revealing no difference in cell fate specification with respect to Nplp1 expression. Genotypes: (B) OregonR. (C) lbe^12C005/Df(lbl-lbe)B44. (D, L, M) lbe(K)-EGFP. (E) lbe(K)-EGFP/+; lbe^12C005/Df(lbl-lbe)B44. (F) lbe(K)-EGFP/TTG homozygous. (G) col¹/col³; lbe(K)-EGFP/+.

In order to further characterize the loss-of-function phenotype of lbe, we analysed the expression of other key regulators acting during Ap cluster specification. In lbe mutants, we observed normal expression of the sub-temporal factor Nab (Fig 7C and 7D) [14]. However, we observed complete loss of Col, Eya, Dimm, and Nplp1 expression (Fig 7A–7D, 7G and 7H). The loss of Col expression in lbe mutants prompted us to reciprocally address Lbe expression in col mutants. We observed normal Lbe expression as well as normal Nab expression in col mutants (Fig 7E and 7F). As previously described [6], col mutants show complete loss of Eya (Fig 7I and 7J). As anticipated, temporal expression analysis revealed that Lbe expression precedes Col expression (Fig 7K and 7L), in line with previous studies showing Lbe expression already at St9 in the NB5-6T [32]. Hence, Lbe is expressed in NB5-6T prior to the onset of any Ap cluster determinants and is critical for the activation of the col→ap/eya→dimm terminal selector cascade.

lbe Acts in a Feedforward Manner with col in the Tv1 Specification Cascade

lbe regulates col, but is this the only role that lbe plays, or does it play multiple roles, perhaps acting on targets downstream of col? To address this, we attempted to cross-rescue lbe using elav-Gal4 driving UAS-col. First, as a control, we rescued lbe mutants with UAS-lbe, and, as anticipated, this resulted in rescue of thoracic lateral Eya/Dimm/Nplp1 cells (Fig 8A and 8B). Next, we attempted to cross-rescue lbe with UAS-col, but did not observe any thoracic lateral Eya/Dimm/Nplp1 cells (Fig 8C). These results indicate that lbe plays roles in addition to activating col, perhaps acting downstream together with col. To test this idea, we misexpressed lbe and col alone, and compared this to the effects of combinatorial misexpression. We noted that each gene alone could trigger ectopic ap^lacZ/Eya/Dimm/Nplp1 expression. However, their combinatorial action was striking, with vast numbers of ectopic ap^lacZ/Eya cells (Fig 8D–8G). Interestingly, only a subset of ectopic ap^lacZ/Eya cells co-expressed Dimm/Nplp1, which may be explained by the fact that lbe and col are also critical for the Ap cluster Tv2 and Tv3 cell fate: non-neuropeptide expressing interneurons. Finally, we addressed whether lbe is regulated by other Tv1 upstream regulators, and stained for Lbe in cas, hth and Antp mutants. This revealed no effects on Lbe expression in any of these three mutants (S1A–S1F Fig). Reciprocally, we tested lbe mutants for expression of Cas, Hth, and Antp, but did not observe any effects (S1G–S1J Fig).

Fig 8. lbe is critical for Ap cluster formation and Tv1 specification.

(A–C) Expression of Eya, Dimm, and Nplp1 in control and in lbe mutants rescued with UAS-lbe, or cross-rescued with UAS-col, driven from elav-Gal4. Rescue of lbe mutants by misexpression of UAS-lbe can rescue the mutant phenotype in the Ap clusters with respect to Nplp1 expression and gives rise to more Eya positive cells. In contrast, the cross-rescue of lbe by misexpression of UAS-col fails to rescue the Ap cluster expression of Eya, Dimm, and Nplp1. (D–G) Expression of Eya, βgal (ap^rK568), Dimm, and Nplp1. Single misexpression of lbe or col results in some ectopic Eya, βgal (ap^rK568), Dimm, and Nplp1 expression. Co-misexpression of lbe and col results in a dramatic increase of ectopic Eya, βgal (ap^rK568), Dimm, and Nplp1 expression. (H) Model of a potential feed-forward cascade for the Nplp1 specification. lbe both activates col and potentially feeds forward on downstream targets such as eya and ap. Genotypes: (A) OregonR. (B) UAS-col/+; lbe^12C005/Df(lbl-lbe)B44, elav-Gal4. (C) UAS-lbe/+; lbe^12C005/Df(lbl-lbe)B44, elav-Gal4. (D) OregonR. (E) ap^rK568/+; elav-Gal4/UAS-lbe. (F) ap^rK568/+; elav-Gal4/UAS-col.(G) UAS-col/ap^rK568; elav-Gal4/UAS-lbe.

These results demonstrate that lbe acts in parallel to the four other Ap cluster upstream determinants, and acts in a feedforward manner, first activating col and subsequently acting with col to activate Ap/Eya/Dimm/Nplp1 (Fig 8H).

Discussion

A number of previous studies have addressed the final steps of neuronal specification with regards to neuropeptide expression in single neuronal lineages in Drosophila [6,11,13,14,17,20, 33–36]. However, there are many examples in Drosophila of neurons in diverse locations expressing the same neuropeptide [10]. The current study addresses the mechanism by which different upstream cues are integrated to trigger neuropeptide, Nplp1, expression in two spatially and temporally unrelated cells: the Tv1 and dAp cells. We find that the late-born Tv1 cell requires an interplay in the NB5-6T lineage of late temporal selector gene input from cas together with spatial input from Antp, lbe, hth, and exd to activate col; a key trigger gene for the Nplp1 terminal selector cascade (Fig 9). In contrast, the early-born dAp cell requires an input of the early temporal selectors Kr and pdm, together with the GATA factor grn, to activate col in NB4-3 (Fig 9). Once col is activated in either Tv1 or dAp cell, an identical feed-forward terminal selector cascade plays out downstream of col to activate the Nplp1 expression. Hence, the more restricted expression of grn and lbe acts to refine the broader spatiotemporal cues, triggering a highly restricted terminal selector code, which is initiated by Col expression. Thus, col could be viewed as a genetic integrator of different spatiotemporal input.

Fig 9. Illustration summarizing the findings.

(Left) Lateral view of the early developing Drosophila embryonic CNS depicting the thoracic NB5-6T, which generates the Tv1 cells, and the NB4-3, which generates the dAp cells. (Middle-right) Our results reveal that the critical terminal selector gene col is activated by different spatio-temporal selector genes acting in the two different NB lineages. In the NB5-6T col is activated by the late temporal gene cas, together with Hox input, via Antp/hth/exd, and lbe. In NB4-3 col is activated by the early temporal genes Kr and pdm and the GATA gene grn. Downstream of col, the Nplp1 activation cascade in the NB5-6T and NB 4–3 lineages is near identical and acts to specify the related cell fate of the dAp and Tv1 cells. In the NB5-6T lineage, we identified two new players involved in the Nplp1 cell fate specification: lbe which activates col and feeds forward onto ap and eya, and Kr, which shows a late onset in the Tv1 cell to maintain col expression. Hence, different spatiotemporal selector genes acting in cells of a different developmental history triggers a common terminal selector cascade via the key entry point gene col.

Logical Basis for the Different Spatiotemporal Selector Inputs

Thoracic Hox input (Antp), along with the Hox co-factors Exd and Hth, is required for Tv1 specification, while dAp does not require segment-specific Hox input, neither from Antp nor from the posterior bithorax Hox genes [17]. The most obvious reason for this difference is that Tv1 displays a thoracic-specific restriction, while dAp is generated throughout the VNC. Along similar lines, Tv1 cells are born late in NB5-6T and depend upon the late temporal selector Cas, while dAp cells are born early-middle and hence depend upon Kr and Pdm.

In NB5-6T, Col is triggered by a combinatorial code of spatiotemporal selectors (cas Antp, lbe, hth, and exd) that to some extent explain its selective expression. However, Col expression is in itself fairly broad and highly dynamic in the developing VNC [6], and hence its expression cannot explain the highly restricted expression of Ap/Eya. However, here lbe plays a secondary role, as it acts with col to activate Ap/Eya expression. Hence, the highly selective expression of lbe, in only a few row 5 NBs, and its feedforward action with col combine to refine the action of col.

In the case of dAp and NB4-3, we are likely still missing additional upstream and feedforward regulators. First, although Grn contributes to refine the action of Kr/Pdm, the specific activation of expression of Kr, Pdm, and Grn is still not restricted enough to explain the specific triggering of Col in NB4-3. Second, as mentioned above, Col itself is also broadly expressed and needs additional factors to refine its role in NB4-3. Thus, we envision the existence of additional upstream factors in the dAp genetic cascade.

Expanding Steps of Coherent Feedforward Loops

Expression analysis in mutant and misexpression backgrounds will most often help to place two regulators, X and Y, in relationship to each other. If X expression is not lost in Y mutants, but Y expression is lost in X mutants, one would propose that X regulates Y. However, to address whether or not the only thing X does is to regulate Y, we employ two other approaches: cross-rescue and combinatorial misexpression. The cross-rescue can show, for example, that dAp cells can be fully rescued in grn mutants by col re-expression, while in contrast, Tv1 cells cannot be rescued in lbe mutants by col re-expression. Regarding combinatorial misexpression, we observe a striking combinatorial misexpression effect of lbe/col when compared to either gene alone. Such cross-rescue and co-misexpression experiments prompts us to postulate a direct linear and non-feedforward regulation of col by grn in dAp cells. In contrast, for Tv1 cells we propose feedforward regulation of lbe on col, and subsequently with col on ap/eya. Such loops, i.e., X→YX→Z, are denoted coherent feedforward loops, and are common in Escherichia coli and yeast gene regulatory networks [37]. Coherent feedforward loops act as regulatory timing devices and allow for gene X to carry different regulatory output (or meaning) at successive developmental time-points. col is a salient example of this; its transient expression in NB5-6T triggers an initial “generic” Ap/Eya interneuron cell fate in the four Ap cluster neurons, while its maintained expression (specifically in Tv1) acts to propagate the terminal selector cascade that ultimately results in the activation of Nplp1 [6,14].

Coherent feedforward loops have also been identified during nervous system development in other animals, including Caenorhabditis elegans [38,39]. With regards to neuropeptide cell specification, we now find increasingly longer loops; five steps between Kr and Nplp1 in dAp cells, and ranging in developmental time from St10 to late embryonic stage. The presence of coherent feedforward loops has not been extensively tested in vertebrate systems, primarily because cross-rescue and multiple combinatorial misexpression experiments are technically challenging in these systems. But it is tempting to speculate that coherent feedforward loops are extensively utilized by more complex systems, and that the number of regulatory levels in these loops may increase with evolutionary complexity.

Materials and Methods

Fly Stocks

lbe^12C005 [31]. Df(lbl-lbe)B44, UAS-lbe, and ladybird early fragment K driving lacZ (referred to as lbe(K)-lacZ) (provided by C. Jagla) [32]. lbe(K)-EGFP [40]. elav-Gal4 (provided by A. DiAntonio) [41]. prospero-Gal4 (F. Matsuzaki, Kobe, Japan). cas^Δ1 and cas^Δ3 (provided by W. Odenwald) [42]. UAS-nls-myc-EGFP (referred to as UAS-nmEGFP) [11]. col¹, col³ [43] and UAS-col (provided by A. Vincent) [44]. hkb⁵⁹⁵³ (referred to as hkb^lacZ) [45]. UAS-ap and ap^md544 (referred to as ap^Gal4)[46]. ap^rK568 (referred to as ap^lacZ) [47]. UAS-grn-HA (#F001916; provided by FlyORF). grh^IM [48]. hb^P1, hb^FB and Kr¹, Kr^CD [27], unpg^1912-r37 = unpg-lacZ (provided by C.Q. Doe) [23]. Antp¹² (provided by F. Hirth) [49]. ind-lacZ and en-lacZ (provided by H. Reichert). grn-lacZ, grn^7L12, grn^SPJ9, UAS-grn (provided by J. Castelli-Gair Hombría). col- dAp-GFP was generated by inserting a genomic fragment from the col gene into the vector pEGFP.attB (provided by K. Basler and J. Bischof) and generating transgenes by PhiC31 transgenic integration (BestGene Inc, California, United States).

From Bloomington Drosophila Stock Center: Antp²⁵ (BL#3020). Df(2L)ED773 (removes both nub and Pdm2; BL#7416). mirr-lacZ (mirr^B1-12; BL#30023). elav^C155 = elav-Gal4 (BL#458). elav-Gal4 (BL#8765). hth^5E04 (BL#4221). Df(3R)Exel6158 (BL#7637; referred to as hth^Df3R). Mutants were maintained over GFP- or YFP-marked balancer chromosomes. As wild type, w¹¹¹⁸ or OregonR was used. Staging of embryos was performed according to Campos-Ortega and Hartenstein [50].

Exploratory Screen to Study Nplp1 Specification

The following transcription factor mutants were scored for changes in Nplp1 expression, without any apparent effects: escargot (esg), shuttle craft (stc), elbow/No ocelli (el/noc), rotund (rn), eagle (eg), kruppel homolog (kr h), knirps (kni), schnurri (shn), klumpfuss (klu), zfh2, dachshund (dac), defective proventriculus (dve), seven up (svp), vein (vn), beadex (bx), scribbler (sbb).

Immunohistochemistry

Primary antibodies were: Guinea pig a-Deadpan (1:1,000) (provided by J.B. Skeath). Rabbit a-ß-Gal (1:5,000; ICN-Cappel, Aurora, Ohio, US). Rabbit a-GFP (1:500; Molecular Probes, Eugene, OR, US). Guinea pig a-Col (1:1,000), guinea pig a-Dimm (1:1,000), chicken a-proNplp1 (1:1000), and rabbit a-proFMRFa (1:1,000). Rat a-Grh (1:1,000). Rabbit a-Cas (1:250) (provided by W. Odenwald). Rat mAb a-GsbN (1:10) (provided by R. Holmgren). Mouse a-Nubbin (referred to in the figure as Nub [Pdm]; 1:20) (provided by Steve Cohen). Mouse mAb a-Dac dac2–3 (1:25), mAb a-Antp (1:10), mAb a-Pros MR1A (1:10), mAb a-Eya 10H6 (1:250) (Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank, Iowa City, Iowa, US). Guinea pig anti-Odd (1:500); guinea pig anti-Runt (both provided by M. Ruiz and D. Kosman). Rat a-Msh (1:500) (provided by Z. Paroush) [51].

Confocal Imaging and Data Acquisition

Zeiss LSM 700 or Zeiss META 510 Confocal microscopes were used for fluorescent images; confocal stacks were merged using LSM software or Adobe Photoshop. Statistic calculations were performed in Graphpad prism software (v4.03). To address statistical significance, Student's t test or nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test or Wilcoxon signed rank test, in the case of non-Gaussian distribution of variables, was used. Images and graphs were compiled in Adobe Illustrator.

Supporting Information

S1 Data. Data underlying Figs 3L, 3N, 4G, 5, 6E, 6F and S5D.

(XLSX)

S1 Fig. lbe acts in parallel with Antp, cas, and hth.

(A–F) GFP/βgal, Col, Nab, and Lbe expression in the NB5-6T at St14 in control and Antp, cas, and hth mutants. Antp and hth mutants show loss of Col expression, while Lbe expression is not affected. (D) cas mutants show, in addition to a negative Col expression, a loss of Nab expression, since cas regulates nab via the sub-temporal gene sqz. Lbe expression is however not affected. (G-J) Staining against Antp, Cas, and Hth at St14 in NB5-6 of control and lbe mutants shows that neither of these three factors are affected in lbe mutants. Genotypes: (A) lbe(K)-GFP. (B) lbe(K)-GFP/+; Antp²⁵/Antp¹². (C) lbe(K)-GFP. (D) lbe(K)-GFP/+; cas^Δ1/cas^Δ3. (E) lbe(K)-lacZ. (F) lbe(K)-lacZ/+; hth^5E04/hth^Df. (G, I) lbe(K)-GFP. (H, J) lbe(K)-GFP/+; lbe^12C005/Df(lbl-lbe)B44.

(TIF)

S2 Fig. Origin of extra dAp cells in hb mutant background.

Co-staining for GFP and Eya of the col-dAp-GFP enhancer (to visualize the NB4-3 from which dAp cell originated) in (A) control and (B) hb mutant background. Both the bonafide dAp and the supernumerary one are GFP positive. Thus, the supernumerary dAp generated in hb mutant originate from the NB4-3. Genotypes: col-dAp-GFP/+; hb^P1, hb^FB.

(TIF)

S3 Fig. Castor is not expressed in the NB4-3 early lineage and dAp is generated in a type I division mode.

(A and B) Co-staining for GFP and Cas of the col-dAp-GFP enhancer (to visualize the NB4-3 lineage from which dAp cell originated) at Stage 12 and 13 to analyze the expression of Cas in the NB4-3 lineage when it is generating the dAp neuron. Cas is not expressed in the NB4-3 early lineage (C) Co-staining for GFP, Dimm, and Eya of the col-dAp-GFP enhancer (to visualize the NB4-3 lineage from which dAp cell originated) in spodo mutant background. Additional dAp cell express GFP, Eya, and Dimmed in Spodo mutant. Genotypes: (A) col-dAp-GFP; col-dAp-GFP. (B) col-dAp-GFP/+; spdo⁶¹⁰⁴/spodo⁶¹⁰⁴.

(TIF)

S4 Fig. Grn expression in the NB5-6 lineage at two different stages.

(A) Co-staining for βgal of the grn-lacZ and Eya to analyze the expression of grn-lacZ at the Ap cluster at St16. We do not find grn-lacZ expression in the NB5-6 lineage at St 16. (B) Co-staining for GFP of the lbe(K)-GFP (to visualize the NB5-6 lineage) together with βgal for the grn-lacZ construct at Stage 15 to analyze the expression of grn-lacZ in the NB5-6 lineage. We do not find grn-lacZ expression in the NB5-6 lineage at St 15. Genotypes: (A) grn-lacZ/+. (B) lbe(K)-GFP/ grn-lacZ.

(TIF)

S5 Fig. Overexpression of grn.

(A-C) Co-staining for Eya, Nplp1 and Col in (A) control, (B) pros-Gal4>UAS-grn, and (C) elav-Gal4>UAS-grn genetic background. Overexpression of grn is not able to induce ectopic dAp neurons. (D) Quantification of Nplp1 and Eya expressing dAp cells in control, prospero-Gal4>UAS-grn, and elav-Gal4>UAS-grn genetic background VNCs (n = 7 VNCs for pros>grn for Eya cell quantification; for all others, n >10 VNCs; asterisks denote p < 0.05, Student´s two-tailed t-test; see S1 Data) Genotypes: (A) OregonR. (B). prospero-Gal4/UAS-grn. (C) elav-Gal4/UAS-col.

(TIF)

S6 Fig. Origin of supernumerary Eya cells in col and lbe co-misexpression.

(A, B) Co-staining for βgal, Dimm, Eya, and GsbN of the mirror-lacZ construct in (A) control and (B) elav-Gal4>UAS-col, UAS-lbe genetic background. White dotted lines represent the Gsbn compartment whereas magenta dotted lines represent the Mirr compartment. Supernumerary Eya cells generated by UAS-col, UAS-lbe co-misexpression originate from lineages generated by NBs in row 5 (Gsbn) as well from lineages generated by NBs in row 1, 2 and 3 (mirr-lacZ). Genotypes: (A) mirr-lacZ/ UAS-col; UAS-lbe. (B) elav-Gal4;; mirr-lacZ/ UAS-col, UAS-lbe.

(TIF)

S7 Fig. Kr, pdm, and grn are not required for dAp cell survival.

(A–C) Co-staining for Dimm and Eya in Kr, pdm, and grn mutants, in which cell death has been impaired by Df(3R)H99 or by expression of cell death blocker UAS-p35. dAp cells are lost in mutants and not restored by cell death impairment.

(TIF)

Abbreviations

AFT

air-filled trachea

Ap

Apterous

Cas

Castor

CNS

central nervous system

Eya

Eyes absent

GMC

ganglion mother cell

Grn

Grain

NB

neuroblast

VNC

ventral nerve cord

Data Availability

All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files

Funding Statement

The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. This work was funded by Swedish Research Council (VR-NT; 621-2010-5214; www.vr.se) to ST, Wallenberg Foundation (KAW2012.0101; www.wallenberg.com/kaw/) to ST, Swedish Cancer Foundation (120531; www.cancerfonden.se) to ST, Spanish Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (BFU2013-43858-P; http://www.idi.mineco.gob.es/portal/site/MICINN/menuitem.26172fcf4eb029fa6ec7da6901432ea0/?vgnextoid=264ecb2b1890f310VgnVCM1000001d04140aRCRD) to JBS.