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. 2018 Aug 29;2018:9873471. doi: 10.1155/2018/9873471

Dynamic Expression of Genes Involved in Proteoglycan/Glycosaminoglycan Metabolism during Skin Development

P J E Uijtdewilligen 1,, E M Versteeg 1, E M A van de Westerlo 1, J van der Vlag 2, W F Daamen 1, T H van Kuppevelt 1
PMCID: PMC6136507  PMID: 30228991

Abstract

Glycosaminoglycans are important for cell signaling and therefore for proper embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Expressions of genes involved in proteoglycan/glycosaminoglycan (GAG) metabolism and of genes coding for growth factors known to bind GAGs were analyzed during skin development by microarray analysis and real time quantitative PCR. GAG related genes were organized in six categories based on their role in GAG homeostasis, viz. (1) production of precursor molecules, (2) production of core proteins, (3) synthesis of the linkage region, (4) polymerization, (5) modification, and (6) degradation of the GAG chain. In all categories highly dynamic up- and downregulations were observed during skin development, including differential expression of GAG modifying isoenzymes, core proteins, and growth factors. In two mice models, one overexpressing heparanase and one lacking C5 epimerase, differential expression of only few genes was observed. Data show that during skin development a highly dynamic and complex expression of GAG-associated genes occurs. This likely reflects quantitative and qualitative changes in GAGs/proteoglycans, including structural fine tuning, which may be correlated with growth factor handling.

1. Introduction

During various cell signaling processes, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as heparan sulfate (HS), chondroitin sulfate (CS), and dermatan sulfate (DS), play a role in binding, guiding, and modulating signaling molecules, e.g., growth factors and morphogens [13]. In skin this role can be illustrated by the importance of GAGs in adult wound healing [2, 4] and in the extracellular matrix architecture formed during dermal development [5, 6]. A further example to illustrate the importance of GAGs comes from mice overexpressing heparanase, an enzyme involved in the degradation of HS, showing accelerated hair growth [7], indicating its involvement in hair follicle morphogenesis and homeostasis. Other observations show that HS is involved in hair follicle cycling, sebaceous gland morphogenesis, and homeostasis [8]. Finally, HS and heparanase influence wound healing in adult mice by enhancing keratinocyte migration and stimulating blood vessel maturation [9]. Taken together, GAGs play an important role in skin healing and development and this prompted us to evaluate the expression of GAG related genes during (embryonic) development in skin.

Inhibition of the expression of genes coding for enzymes involved in GAG modification reactions clearly indicates the importance of GAGs during organogenesis [10], especially with respect to growth factor handling. For example, mice deficient in Ndst1 (N-deacetylase sulfotransferase isoenzyme 1) die neonatally due to several defects in which defective sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is implicated [11, 12]; mice deficient in Hs2st (heparan sulfate 2-O sulfotransferase) or Glce (glucuronic acid epimerase) display renal agenesis [13, 14], whereas mice deficient in Hs6st1 (heparan sulfate 6-O sulfotransferase isozyme 1) show aberrant signaling of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and impaired lung development [15]. A skin phenotype of the above mouse models, however, has not been reported.

In general, it is thought that specific modifications of the GAG chain are involved in the binding and modulation of signaling molecules resulting in cell-type and/or tissue specific reactions [2, 3]. GAG mimetics like the RGTAs (regenerating agents) have been used to treat skin disorders and improve skin healing [16, 17]. To obtain insight in GAG metabolism during skin development we studied the expression of GAG related genes covering six functional classes ranging from the synthesis of precursor molecules to the synthesis and degradation of GAGs. In addition, we probed the expression of a number of (GAG binding) signaling molecules.

2. Materials and Methods

An overview of the experimental setup on the gene expression during murine skin development is given in Figure 1.

Figure 1.

Figure 1

Experimental setup used for the analysis of gene expression involved in GAG biology during skin development in mice. Based on literature data, specific time points in skin development were selected. RNA was isolated, verified, and subsequently analyzed with GeneChip exon arrays and TLDA gene expression cards.

2.1. Animals for the Study on Skin Development

NIH guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals (NIH publication 85–23 Rev. 1985) were followed. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Radboud university medical center (DEC 2005-111, project: 81027). C57BL6/j mice were obtained from Elevage Janvier (Le Genest Saint Isle, France). Mice aged 90 days (90 days post birth [P90]) were used for timed mating and dorsal skin was collected at 14 days (E14) and 16 days after conception (E16). At E14 hair follicle development is initiated, and at E16 this process is almost completed in combination with a stratified epidermis and organized dermis [18, 19]. For the RNA samples of E14, dorsal skin of seven embryos from one female was pooled and used for RNA isolation. Skin was isolated at E14 by snap freezing the whole embryo in liquid nitrogen followed by scraping the skin layer in a cryomicrotome with a scalpel to minimize contamination with other embryonic tissues (skin is very thin at this time point). Samples were stored at -80°C. RNA samples for E16 were taken from two females, collecting dorsal skin form 7 embryos each. In addition, skin from 1-day old pups (P1) and adult mice (P90) was collected. At P1 skin is more organized and has been exposed to air [18, 19]. For the two dorsal skin samples for P1, three pups from two females were taken per sample. Two adult three-month old mice were used for the two dorsal skin samples at P90. Samples for RNA isolation for E16, P1, and P90 were collected by removing dorsal skin and snap freezing it in liquid nitrogen and storage at -80°C.

2.2. Tissue of Genetically Modified Mice

Skin samples of glucuronic acid epimerase (Glce) knockout mice (E18.5 for expression analysis; E17.5 and E18.5 for histological analysis) and of heparanase overexpression (Hpse) mice (P70) were provided by Prof. Dr. Jin-Ping Li (Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Uppsala, Sweden) and Prof. Dr. Israel Vlodavsky (Vascular and Cancer Biology Research Center Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Israel), respectively [7, 20]. For RNA isolation two wildtype and two mutant mice were used of both mouse models.

2.3. RNA Isolation, Real Time Quantitative PCR, and Microarray Analysis

Frozen samples were grinded in a micro-dismembrator (Sartorius, Bunnik, The Netherlands) and RNA was isolated using the TRIZOL-method (Invitrogen, Paisley, UK) in combination with RNeasy Mini kit with DNAse step (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany). RNA quality was assessed using the Bioanalyzer system (Agilent Technologies, Amstelveen, The Netherlands). The RNA integrity numbers (RIN, 27) were 8.8±0.25 (technical replicate N=2), 8.0±0.35, 8.5±0.55, and 7.3±0.2 for E14, E16, P1, and P90 (biological replicates N=2), respectively. The same procedure was used for the RNA isolation for the Glce knockout mouse and Hpse overexpression mouse. The RIN was 6.5±0.51 for Glce-/- samples and 8.0±0.48 for Glce+/+ and 6.3±0.3 and 7.7±0.6 for HPA-TG and HPA-WT, respectively (all biological replicate N=2).

Gene Chip Mouse exon 1.0 ST Arrays (Affymetrix, High Mycombe, UK) were used to analyze gene expression for E14, E16, P1, and P90 using 1 μg of RNA per chip. Expression data were preprocessed to check sensitivity and specificity of the results based on Kadota et al. (2009) as shown in Uijtdewilligen et al. (2016) [18, 21]. Gene level expression data were calculated for the CORE transcripts (probe sets supported by RefSeq mRNAs) using Affymetrix Expression Console software with quantile normalization (all arrays are considered to have an equal intensity distribution), GC-content background correction (probes with high GC-content hybridize better, corrected for with built-in probes with different known GC-contents) and summarization with the RMA algorithm [22]. Data were imported into GeneSpring GX 7.3 (Agilent Technologies), duplicates were averaged, and the expression of each transcript was normalized to the median per array.

Real Time-Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was performed using custom designed Taqman Low Density arrays (TLDA) (Applied Biosystems, Nieuwerkerk aan de IJssel, the Netherlands) containing probes against genes involved in GAG metabolism and GAG binding proteins (Supplementary data Table 1). Glce and Hpse samples were analyzed using qPCR using custom designed TLDA with an adapted design containing additional GAG related genes (Supplementary data Table 2).

For the TLDA cards, 100 ng cDNA in Taqman Universal PCR Master Mix (Applied Biosystems) was loaded on the TLDA card per slot and run on a 7900HT Fast Real Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems). Expression was analyzed based on the threshold cycle (Ct) which was obtained using the SDS 2.3 software and RQ Manager 1.2 of Applied Biosystems using the combined expression data of the tested TLDA cards. In Microsoft Excel the reference genes for ΔCt calculation were checked for stability of expression by analyzing the results of the reference genes across all used TLDA cards and selecting the reference genes with the smallest deviation across the cards tested. Subsequently ΔCt values were calculated using a reference gene with the smallest difference between the average Ct found for the gene of interest and for the reference gene. The obtained ΔCt values were further processed using the 2−ΔΔCt method using P90 as a calibration point in case of the developmental study and the wild type background (C57BL6 mice) data in case of the two mouse models [23].

2.4. Statistical Methods

Statistical significance of the exon array data was analyzed using ANOVA and Benjamini-Hoghberg multiple testing correction [24]. Statistical significance of the TLDA card data was tested with an unpaired T-test (2-tailed) using Microsoft Excel. Data with a statistical threshold of p<0.10 and a fold threshold of >2.0 were considered statistically significant.

3. Results

Genes involved in glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, modification, and degradation were studied during skin development at 14 and 16 days after conception (E14 and E16, respectively) and at one day after birth (P1) and compared to mature skin of a 3 month old mouse (P90). In addition, two mouse models, a Glce knockout mouse (E18.5) and an Hpse overexpression mouse model (P70), were analyzed. Taqman Low Density Array (TLDA) cards were designed to contain genes involved in GAG metabolism (Supplementary data Tables 1 and 2). The expression data obtained using TLDA cards and exon arrays were screened for genes with 2-fold differential expression at a statistical threshold of p<0.10 (Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4, Supplementary data Tables 4, 5, and 6).

Table 1.

Comparison of the number of differentially expressed genes during skin development in mice (p<0.10, fold>2.0) based on real-time qPCR and on exon array analysis.

Total genes System E14 vs. P90 E16 vs. P90 P1 vs. P90
Down Up Down Up Down Up
Production of precursors
43 TLDA 1 4 3 2 1 2
43 Exon 2 6 2 0 1 0
Overlap 0 2 2 0 1 0
Core proteins
14 TLDA 2 3 1 1 2 2
14 Exon 3 2 1 1 0 2
Overlap 2 2 0 1 0 2
Preparation of linkage region
8 TLDA 0 1 0 1 0 1
8 Exon 0 2 0 0 0 0
Overlap 0 0 0 0 0 0
Glycosaminoglycan chain polymerisation
13 TLDA 1 4 1 2 0 2
13 Exon 1 2 0 0 0 0
Overlap 0 0 0 0 0 0
Glycosaminoglycan chain modification
32 TLDA 1 9 0 5 0 8
32 Exon 1 3 0 3 0 1
Overlap 1 2 0 1 0 0
Glycosaminoglycan chain degradation
19 TLDA 2 2 3 1 0 1
19 Exon 3 1 1 1 2 0
Overlap 2 1 1 1 0 0
Growth factors
37 TLDA 0 13 3 8 1 11
37 Exon 2 14 3 10 1 4
Overlap 0 10 2 8 0 4

P values for the exon array measurements were calculated using Benjamini–Hochberg multitesting correction. P values for the TLDA assay were calculated using an unpaired T-test.

Overlap refers to genes differentially expressed in both TLDA card and exon array.

Table 2.

Differentially expressed GAG related genes during skin development in mice in comparison to mature skin (p<0.10) based on real-time qPCR.

E14 vs. P90 E16 vs. P90 P1 vs. P90
Gene symbol Full gene name and probe set P-value Relative change P-value Relative change P-value Relative change
Production of precursors
Galk1 ‡ Galactokinase 1 0.029 5.897 0.057 3.867 0.074 3.043
Mm00444182_m1
Galt ‡ Gal-1-P-Uridylyltransferase 0.042 0.573 0.027 0.497 0.832 0.964
Mm00489459_g1
Gfpt1 ‡ Glu-Fru-6-P-Transaminase 1 0.002 2.378 0.160 1.273 0.282 1.481
Mm00600127_m1
Gfpt2 ‡ Glu-Fru-6-P-Transaminase 2 0.269 0.772 0.079 0.494 0.356 0.780
Mm00496565_m1
Hk2 ‡ Hexokinase 2 0.027 0.652 0.253 1.390 0.586 0.904
Mm00443385_m1
Pgm3 ‡ Phosphoglucomutase 2 0.058 1.876 0.296 1.249 0.098 1.470
Mm00459270_m1
Pgm5 ‡ Phosphoglucomutase 5 0.002 4.053 0.033 2.792 0.019 2.515
Mm00723432_m1
Slc13a5 ‡ Solute Carrier Family 13 Member A5 Not detected Not detected Not detected
Mm00523288_m1
Slc26a9 ‡ Solute Carrier Family 26 Member A9 Not detected 0.036 0.264 0.023 0.318
Mm00628490_m1
Slc35a3 ‡ Solute Carrier Family 35 Member a3 0.008 0.444 0.060 0.567 0.455 0.811
Mm00523288_m1

Core proteins
Cd44 CD44 Molecule 0.018 0.536 0.171 0.637 0.223 1.385
Mm01277164_m1
Gpc2 ‡ Glypican 2 0.005 11.686 0.638 1.294 0.369 1.249
Mm00549650_m1
Gpc3 † Glypican 3 <0.001 6.765 0.019 3.734 0.013 8.044
Mm00516722_m1
Gpc6 ‡ Glypican 6 0.027 2.880 0.275 1.376 0.130 1.926
Mm00516235_m1
Hspg2 ‡ Perlecan 0.030 1.504 0.064 1.959 0.007 3.325
Mm01181179_g1
Sdc1 ‡ Syndecan 1 0.012 0.293 0.107 0.313 0.069 0.403
Mm00448918_m1
Sdc4 † Syndecan 4 0.002 0.201 0.039 0.240 0.065 0.471
Mm00488527_m1

Preparation of linkage region
B3gat1 β-1,3-Glucuronyltransferase 1 Not detected Not detected Not detected
Mm00661499_m1
B3gat2 β-1,3-Glucuronyltransferase 2 Not detected Not detected Not detected
Mm00549042_m1
B4galt2 ‡ β-1,4-Galactosyltransferase 2 0.023 4.562 0.059 2.679 0.038 3.384
Mm00479556_m1

Glycosaminoglycan chain polymerisation
Chpf ‡ Chondroitin Polymerizing Factor <0.001 2.991 0.059 1.865 0.050 2.401
Mm01262239_g1
Chsy1 ‡ CS Synthase 1 0.013 3.900 0.024 2.282 0.072 2.229
Mm01319178_m1
Chsy3 ‡ CS Synthase 3 0.026 4.006 0.075 2.184 0.101 2.013
Mm01545329_m1
Csgalnact1 ‡ CS-GalNAc-transferase 1 0.099 0.496 0.098 0.475 0.634 1.128
Mm00555164_m1
Extl1 ‡ Exostoses (multiple)-like 1 Not detected Not detected Not detected
Mm00621977_s1
Extl2 ‡ Exostoses (multiple)-like 2 0.007 2.043 0.660 1.220 0.106 1.765
Mm00469621_m1
Has2 ‡ Hyaluronan Synthase 2 0.188 1.933 0.235 1.705 0.410 1.577
Mm00515089_m1

Glycosaminoglycan chain modification
Chst11 ‡ Chondroitin 4-O-Sulfotransferase 1 0.002 3.000 0.087 1.195 0.087 1.957
Mm00517563_m1
Chst14 ‡ Dermatan 4 Sulfotransferase 1 0.026 2.459 0.156 1.513 0.203 1.707
Mm00511291_s1
Chst2 ‡ Carbohydrate Sulfotransferase 2 0.014 3.664 0.010 3.145 0.006 2.773
Mm00490018_g1
Chst3 ‡ Chondroitin 6-O-Sulfotransferase 1 0.041 3.241 0.152 1.941 0.028 3.550
Mm00489736_m1
Chst8 ‡ GalNAc-4-O-Sulfotransferase 1 0.089 2.587 0.221 0.591 0.139 2.280
Mm00558321_m1
Hs3st1 ‡ HS 3-O-sulfotransferase 0.051 1.796 0.039 1.937 0.027 2.809
Mm01964038_m1
Hs3st3b1‡ HS 3-O-sulfotransferase 3b1 0.004 3.204 0.028 2.511 0.002 2.629
Mm00479621_m1
Hs3st6 ‡ HS 3-O-sulfotransferase 6 0.006 0.208 0.089 0.664 0.041 1.765
Mm01299930_m1
Hs6st2 HS 6-O-sulfotransferase 2 Not detected Not detected Not detected
Mm00479296_m1
Ndst1 ‡ N-deacet./N-sulfotrans. 1 0.118 1.487 0.140 1.449 0.054 2.202
Mm00447005_m1
Ndst2 ‡ N-deacet./N-sulfotrans. 2 0.008 1.347 0.001 2.017 0.002 2.021
Mm00447818_m1
Ndst3 ‡ N-deacet./N-sulfotrans. 3 0.004 4.708 0.041 7.910 0.004 12.034
Mm00453178_m1
Sulf1 ‡ Sulfatase 1 0.004 4.644 0.079 2.674 0.089 2.077
Mm00552283_m1
Sumf2 ‡ Sulfatase modifying factor 2 0.008 2.657 0.104 2.023 0.038 1.857
Mm01197721_m1

Glycosaminoglycan chain degradation
ArsJ ‡ Arylsulfatase J 0.013 7.805 0.010 12.075 0.014 7.146
Mm00557970_m1
ArsK ‡ Arylsulfatase K 0.306 0.801 0.059 0.466 0.143 0.678
Mm00513099_m1
Galns ‡ Galactosamine (N-Acetyl)-6-Sulfatase <0.001 2.648 0.066 1.674 0.091 1.584
Mm00489575_m1
Hpse ‡ Heparanase 0.044 0.304 0.342 1.450 0.169 0.578
Mm00461768_m1
Hyal1 ‡ Hyaluronoglucosamini-dase 1 0.001 0.198 0.008 0.288 0.006 0.607
Mm00476206_m1
Sgsh ‡ N-Sulfoglucosamine Sulfohydrolase 0.055 0.647 0.002 0.435 0.644 0.897
Mm00450747_m1

Growth factors
Areg Amphiregulin Not detected Not detected 0.656 0.834
Mm00437583_m1
Bmp3 ‡ Bone morphogenetic growth factor 3 0.007 4.270 0.004 7.240 0.002 11.628
Mm00557790_m1
Bmp5 ‡ Bone morphogenetic growth factor 5 0.022 12.051 0.303 1.788 0.587 1.300
Mm00432091_m1
Ctgf ‡ Connective tissue growth factor 0.668 1.079 0.011 0.232 0.076 0.580
Mm01192931_g1
Fgf10 ‡ Fibroblast growth factor 10 0.063 1.649 0.050 1.801 0.093 2.262
Mm00433275_m1
Fgf13 ‡ Fibroblast growth factor 13 0.002 3.205 0.059 1.750 0.181 1.544
Mm00438910_m1
Fgf2 ‡ Fibroblast growth factor 2 0.277 0.651 0.166 0.539 0.382 1.446
Mm01285715_m1
Fgf20 Fibroblast growth factor 20 Not detected Not detected Not detected
Mm00748347_m1
Fgf22 ‡ Fibroblast growth factor 22 Not detected 0.386 0.632 0.060 0.614
Mm00445749_m1
Fgf7 ‡ Fibroblast growth factor 7 0.045 0.606 0.002 0.394 0.087 0.630
Mm00433291_m1
Fgf8 Fibroblast growth factor 8 Not detected Not detected Not detected
Mm00438921_m1
Figf ‡ C-fos induced growth factor 0.081 1.397 0.030 1.787 0.545 0.834
Mm01131929_m1
Gdf10 ‡ Growth differentaition factor 10 0.015 3.181 0.454 1.143 0.166 1.519
Mm03024279_s1
Hbegf ‡ Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor Not detected 0.015 0.347 0.016 0.423
Mm00439305_g1
Hdgf † Hepatoma-derived growth factor 0.257 1.221 0.737 0.911 0.975 1.008
Mm00725733_s1
Igf1 ‡ Insulin-like growth factor 1 0.320 1.207 0.217 0.705 0.364 0.790
Mm00439560_m1
Igf2 † Insulin-like growth factor 2 <0.001 592.335 0.002 338.094 0.001 416.096
Mm00439565_g1
Nog ‡ Noggin 0.054 2.945 0.019 2.935 0.021 3.067
Mm01297833_s1
Pdgfa ‡ Platelet-derived growth factor a 0.021 3.005 Not detected 0.016 3.669
Mm01205760_m1
Pdgfb ‡ Platelet-derived growth factor b 0.321 1.098 0.033 1.468 0.010 2.096
Mm01298578_m1
Pdgfc ‡ Platelet-derived growth factor c Not detected 0.016 2.362 Not detected
Mm00480205_m1
Pdgfd ‡ Platelet-derived growth factor d Not detected 0.288 0.709 0.139 1.644
Mm00546829_m1
Shh Sonic hedgehog Not detected Not detected Not detected
Mm00436527_m1
Tgfb1 ‡ Transforming growth factor beta 1 0.027 0.540 0.488 0.817 0.157 1.372
Mm01178820_m1
Tgfb2 ‡ Transforming growth factor beta 2 0.039 2.697 0.757 1.081 0.127 1.809
Mm01321739_m1
Tgfb3 ‡ Transforming growth factor beta 3 0.033 2.420 0.094 1.854 0.034 2.517
Mm01307950_m1
Vegfa ‡ Vascular endothelial growth factor a 0.394 1.108 0.112 1.613 0.461 1.358
Mm01281447_m1
Vegfb Vascular endothelial growth factor b Not detected Not detected Not detected
Mm00442102_m1
Vegfc ‡ Vascular endothelial growth factor c 0.024 1.839 0.303 1.250 0.015 1.996
Mm00437313_m1
Wnt10b ‡ Wingless-related integration site 10b 0.180 5.829 0.122 9.688 0.105 11.748
Mm00442104_m1
Wnt16 ‡ Wingless-related integration site 16 0.066 2.094 0.016 4.809 0.014 4.362
Mm00446420_m1
Wnt2 ‡ Wingless-related integration site 2 0.054 3.144 0.090 3.555 0.074 3.760
Mm00470018_m1
Wnt2b Wingless-related integration site 2b Not detected Not detected Not detected
Mm00437330_m1
Wnt3a ‡ Wingless-related integration site 3a 0.394 1.610 0.441 1.520 0.840 1.106
Mm00437337_m1
Wnt6 ‡ Wingless-related integration site 6 0.015 11.709 0.018 10.400 0.016 10.758
Mm00437353_m1
Wnt7a Wingless-related integration site 7a Not detected Not detected Not detected
Mm00437355_m1
Wnt7b ‡ Wingless-related integration site 7b 0.003 4.180 0.056 6.076 0.003 4.181
Mm00437357_m1

Numbers in italic are significant (p<0.10); numbers in bold are >2-fold differentially expressed. Gene symbols indicated with a †-symbol are normalized using GAPDH as a reference gene. Gene symbols indicated with a ‡-symbol are normalized using TBP as a reference gene. Genes, for which a signal was not or only partly detected at a given time point or multiple time points and therefore a fold change and/or p value could not be calculated based on the available data, are given as “not detected.” Gene symbols for which all time points were classified as “not detected” do not show a symbol for the used reference gene due to lack of data for a calculation.

Table 3.

Differentially expressed GAG related genes during skin development in mice in comparison to mature skin (p<0.10) based on gene Chip Mouse Exon 1.0 ST Arrays.

E14 vs. P90 E16 vs. P90 P1 vs. P90
Gene symbol Full gene name and probe set Stepup P-value Fold change Stepup P-value Fold change Stepup P-value Fold change
Production of precursors
Galk1 Galactokinase 1 0.030 4.242 0.126 2.483 0.231 2.194
6792485
Galt Gal-1-P-Uridylyltransferase 0.664 0.814 0.231 1.864 0.665 1.340
6912944
Gfpt1 Glu-Fru-6-P-Transaminase 1 0.020 2.110 0.077 1.682 0.801 1.081
6947679
Gfpt2 Glu-Fru-6-P-Transaminase 2 0.176 0.610 0.087 0.426 0.229 0.547
6780767
Hk2 Hexokinase 2 0.003 0.451 0.040 1.375 0.039 0.655
6954982
Pgm3 Phosphoglucomutase 2 0.083 2.193 0.676 1.178 0.654 1.286
6997513
Pgm5 Phosphoglucomutase 5 0.058 2.338 0.104 2.209 0.291 1.696
6872290
Slc13a5 Solute Carrier Family 13 Member A5 0.003 2.588 0.059 1.322 0.576 1.075
6789531
Slc26a9 Solute Carrier Family 26 Member A9 0.012 0.227 0.090 0.471 0.091 0.392
6753079
Slc35a3 Solute Carrier Family 35 Member A3 0.105 0.767 0.596 0.925 0.572 0.890
6908510

Core proteins
Cd44 CD44 Molecule 0.009 0.370 0.144 0.728 0.873 0.955
6889258
Gpc2 Glypican 2 Not measured Not measured Not measured
Gpc3 Glypican 3 0.003 4.339 0.013 3.305 0.015 4.721
7016826
Gpc6 Glypican 6 0.019 2.767 0.109 1.747 0.193 1.640
6821985
Hspg2 Perlecan 0.309 1.183 0.075 1.554 0.042 2.230
6917933
Sdc1 Syndecan 1 0.031 0.380 0.067 0.413 0.103 0.424
6793226
Sdc4 Syndecan 4 0.017 0.341 0.094 0.536 0.215 0.621
6892905

Preparation of linkage region
B3gat1 β-1,3-Glucuronyltransferase 1 0.008 3.467 0.256 1.302 0.828 0.929
6987632
B3gat2 β-1,3-Glucuronyltransferase 2 0.009 3.241 0.286 1.269 0.690 1.129
6748174
B4galt2 β-1,4-Galactosyltransferase 2 0.039 1.726 0.053 1.856 0.176 1.477
6924869

Glycosaminoglycan chain polymerisation
Chpf Chondroitin Polymerizing Factor 0.071 1.679 0.182 1.459 0.309 1.403
6759816
Chsy1 CS Synthase 1 Not measured Not measured Not measured
Chsy3 CS Synthase 3 0.429 1.153 0.056 1.769 0.849 1.058
6861281
Cs-galnact1 CS-GalNAc-transferase 1 0.137 0.512 0.202 0.541 0.974 0.975
6983073
Extl1 Exostoses (multiple)-like 1 0.025 0.407 0.149 0.625 0.144 0.505
6926017
Extl2 Exostoses (multiple)-like 2 0.085 1.702 0.819 1.066 0.518 1.272
6900659
Has2 Hyaluronan Synthase 2 0.095 2.107 0.157 1.969 0.537 1.403
6854042

Glycosaminoglycan chain modification
Chst11 Chondroitin 4-O-Sulfotransferase 1 0.049 1.922 0.465 1.208 0.239 1.531
6769366
Chst14 Dermatan 4 Sulfotransferase 1 0.151 1.491 0.506 1.191 0.773 1.122
6880476
Chst2 Carbohydrate Sulfotransferase 2 0.035 2.302 0.072 2.160 0.207 1.682
6997990
Chst3 Chondroitin 6-O-Sulfotransferase 1 0.885 1.034 0.108 1.545 0.162 1.530
6774295
Chst8 GalNAc-4-O-Sulfotransferase 1 0.945 1.007 0.569 1.054 0.420 1.108
6966453
Hs3st1 HS 3-O-sulfotransferase 1 0.074 1.658 0.105 1.688 0.119 1.824
6937654
Hs3st3b1 HS 3-O-sulfotransferase 3b1 0.683 1.178 0.253 1.634 0.511 1.432
6788991
Hs3st6 HS 3-O-sulfotransferase 6 0.019 0.406 0.291 0.771 0.721 1.130
6849317
Hs6st2 HS 6O-sulfotransferase 2 0.004 6.417 0.012 5.609 0.041 3.080
7016808
Ndst1 N-Deacetylase and N-Sulfotransferase 1 0.090 1.363 0.056 1.649 0.067 1.763
6865926
Ndst2 N-Deacetylase and N-Sulfotransferase 2 0.822 1.044 0.059 1.697 0.083 1.733
6823122
Ndst3 N-Deacetylase and N-Sulfotransferase 3 0.173 2.472 0.111 3.856 0.122 4.860
6908958
Sulf1 Sulfatase 1 0.010 4.522 0.051 2.546 0.232 1.627
6747641
Sumf2 Sulfatase modifying factor 2 Not measured Not measured Not measured

Glycosaminoglycan chain degradation
ArsJ Arylsulfatase J 0.003 2.498 0.006 3.164 0.031 1.702
6901136
ArsK Arylsulfatase K 0.368 0.784 0.102 0.543 0.514 0.779
6814451
Galns Galactosamine (N-Acetyl)-6-Sulfatase 0.087 1.671 0.322 1.311 0.786 1.115
6985943
Hpse Heparanase 0.021 0.267 0.540 1.244 0.095 0.360
6940363
Hyal1 Hyaluronoglucosamini-dase 1 0.003 0.154 0.011 0.222 0.041 0.402
6992224
Sgsh N-Sulfoglucosamine Sulfohydrolase 0.017 0.458 0.052 0.537 0.201 0.699
6792702

Growth factors
Areg Amphiregulin 0.016 0.157 0.043 0.200 0.333 0.550
6932394
Bmp3 Bone morphogenetic growth factor 3 0.280 1.392 0.067 2.381 0.100 2.365
6932718
Bmp5 Bone Morphogenetic growth factor 5 0.001 7.247 0.141 1.191 0.688 1.057
6990569
Ctgf Connective tissue growth factor 0.148 0.729 0.025 0.366 0.068 0.485
6766623
Fgf10 Fibroblast growth factor 10 0.138 1.521 0.057 2.250 0.094 2.142
6810592
Fgf13 Fibroblast growth factor 13 0.012 2.998 0.075 1.824 0.296 1.391
7017134
Fgf2 Fibroblast growth factor 2 0.201 0.664 0.279 0.696 0.952 0.967
6896850
Fgf20 Fibroblast growth factor 20 0.659 1.228 0.125 2.483 0.777 1.220
6981854
Fgf22 Fibroblast growth factor 22 0.005 0.329 0.972 0.994 0.097 0.646
6769141
Fgf7 Fibroblast growth factor 7 0.531 0.740 0.078 0.286 0.212 0.418
6880900
Fgf8 Fibroblast growth factor 8 0.492 0.883 0.655 1.085 0.682 0.895
6873363
Figf C-fos induced growth factor 0.051 1.734 0.062 1.909 0.548 0.832
7015007
Gdf10 Growth differentiation factor 10 0.028 2.334 0.757 1.086 0.894 1.060
6818153
Hbegf Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor 0.037 0.551 0.063 0.547 0.087 0.530
6864680
Hdgf Hepatoma-derived growth factor 0.104 1.246 0.575 1.070 0.409 1.147
6899028
Igf1 Insulin-like growth factor 1 0.235 0.631 0.173 0.537 0.398 0.641
6769597
Igf2 Insulin-like growth factor 2 0.001 59.615 0.002 55.864 0.002 52.364
6972317
Nog Noggin 0.275 2.605 0.517 1.773 0.677 1.712
6790670
Pdgfa Platelet-derived growth factor a 0.028 2.013 0.035 2.347 0.057 2.338
6942654
Pdgfb Platelet-derived growth factor b 0.037 0.704 0.199 1.197 0.157 1.298
6837144
Pdgfc Platelet-derived growth factor c 0.019 2.152 0.035 2.207 0.902 1.042
6898686
Pdgfd Platelet-derived growth factor d 0.925 0.952 0.191 0.504 0.790 1.205
6986677
Shh Sonic hedgehog 0.448 0.595 0.308 2.117 0.152 4.571
6936889
Tgfb1 Transforming growht factor beta 1 0.106 0.552 0.241 0.653 0.975 0.981
6959236
Tgfb2 Transforming growht factor beta 2 0.057 2.441 0.448 1.335 0.264 1.802
6764953
Tgfb3 Transforming growth factor beta 3 0.026 2.386 0.238 1.408 0.100 2.077
6802449
Vegfa Vascular endothelial growth factor a 0.779 0.875 0.721 1.174 0.940 1.061
6855659
Vegfb Vascular endothelial growth factor b 0.008 1.461 0.031 1.318 0.060 1.277
6871273
Vegfc Vascular endothelial growth factor c 0.088 2.120 0.477 1.316 0.316 1.700
6976200
Wnt10b Wingless-related integration site 10b 0.629 1.280 0.120 2.812 0.240 2.325
6838399
Wnt16 Wingless-related integration site 16 0.358 1.180 0.026 2.402 0.093 1.710
6944581
Wnt2 Wingless-related integration site 2 0.057 3.047 0.082 3.260 0.122 3.219
6951974
Wnt2b Wingless-related integration site 2b 0.009 2.189 0.024 2.030 0.077 1.590
6907887
Wnt3a Wingless-related integration site 3a 0.457 1.199 0.103 1.728 0.684 1.159
6788662
Wnt6 Wingless-related integration site 6 0.011 3.166 0.032 2.668 0.064 2.352
6750567
Wnt7a Wingless-related integration site 7a 0.060 2.117 0.131 1.865 0.395 1.456
6955539
Wnt7b Wingless-related integration site 7b 0.072 2.297 0.050 3.623 0.237 1.912
6837582

Numbers in Italic are significant (p<0.10); numbers in bold are >2-fold differentially expressed. Genes indicated as “not measured” represent genes for which probes were not available on the used exon array version.

Table 4.

Differentially expressed genes in C5 epimerase (Glce) knockout mouse (p<0.10) based on real-time qPCR.

Gene symbol Full gene name and probe set P-value Relative change
Production of precursors
Gnpnat1 Glucosamine-Phosphate N-Acetyltransferase 1 0.033 0.468
Mm00834602_mH
Slc2a4 Solute Carrier Family 2 Member 4 0.086 2.526
Mm01245507_g1
Core proteins
Acan Aggrecan 0.005 0.242
Mm00545807_m1
Aspn Asporin 0.010 0.382
Mm00445945_m1
Glycosaminoglycan chain polymerisation
Csgalnact CS N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 0.049 0.431
2 Mm00513340_m1
Glycosaminoglycan chain modification
Glce Glucuronic Acid Epimerase 0.013 0.079
Mm00473667_m1

Numbers in Italic are significant (p<0.10); numbers in bold are >2 fold differentially expressed.

All genes were normalized using 18S RNA as a reference gene.

In Tables 13 and Supplementary data Table 3, an overview is given of the differentially expressed genes applying TLDA cards and exon arrays. In all categories of genes involved in GAG metabolism, i.e., production of precursor molecules, core proteins, synthesis of linkage region, polymerization, modification and degradation of the GAG chain, and differences in expression were found (Tables 13). This indicates a highly dynamic expression pattern during skin development. Some isoenzymes were upregulated, whereas other isoenzymes were downregulated, further stressing metabolic complexity. This is, for instance, the case with GFPT1 and 2, both rates limiting enzymes involved in the production of hexosamines, and the isoenzymes HS 3-O sulfotransferase 6 and 3b1.

With respect to the core proteins, differential expression was found for both HS and CS/DS proteoglycans. Differential expression was found for two of the four syndecans, viz. Sdc1 and Sdc4, three of the six glypicans, viz. Gpc2, Gpc3, and Gpc6, and Hspg2 (Tables 2 and 3). The syndecans were downregulated, while the glypicans were upregulated, indicating an embryonic role for glypicans as described in literature [25, 26]. Hspg2, a secreted HS presenting proteoglycan coding for perlecan [2], was found to be upregulated (Tables 2 and 3). Based on the exon array the CS/DS core protein of versican (Vcan) was upregulated at all time points (Supplementary data Table 5).

The upregulated expression of genes involved in the synthesis of the linkage region may signal increased GAG synthesis during development since after the formation of the linkage region the GAG chain is formed. For HS polymerization differential expression was found for, e.g., Extl1 and Extl2. Extl1 showed downregulation at E14 while Extl2 was upregulated, and both enzymes are involved in the initiation and elongation of the HS chain [2].

During and after synthesis of the glycosaminoglycan chain, disaccharide units within the chain are specifically modified. These modifications determine which effector molecules can bind to the chain and thus play a role in cell signaling [1, 3]. Upregulated expression was found for three of the four N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferases (Ndst; TLDA cards, Table 2), especially isoenzyme Ndst3. Upregulation was also found for two out of seven genes coding for 3-O-sulfotransferases (Hs3st1 and Hs3st3b1), involved in 3-O sulfation of GlcNS and GlnNAc residues, whereas one was downregulated (Hs3st6).

The GlcNS and GlcNAc residues can also be 6-O sulfated by 6-O-sulfotransferases (Hs6st) [2] and selectively desulfated extracellularly by two sulfatases (Sulf1 and Sulf2) aided by two cofactors (Sumf1 and Sumf2) [2, 27]. Hs6st2 was upregulated at all time points (Table 3). Sulf1 was upregulated during embryonic development, whereas Sumf2 was upregulated at E14 (Tables 2 and 3). These results indicate that specific expression of GAG modifying enzymes may play a role in specific cellular signaling during skin development.

Within the class of genes encoding for GAG chain degradation enzymes, two genes were differentially expressed. Heparanase expression was downregulated at E14 and P1 (Tables 2 and 3), whereas N-sulfoglucosamine sulfohydrolase (Sgsh) was downregulated during embryonic development at E16 (Table 2) and at E14 (Table 3).

In addition to genes involved in GAG metabolism, the TLDA card contained 37 genes encoding growth factors, which were also present in the microarray (Tables 2 and 3). Differential expression was found by both TLDA card and microarray analysis for 10, 9 and 4 growth factors at E14, E16 and P1 respectively. Examples are insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2), wingless-related integration site 6 (Wnt6), and Wnt7b. Igf2 was dramatically upregulated at all time points, as expected based on previous research [18]. Wnt6 was also upregulated at all time points, while Wnt7b was upregulated only during embryonic development.

Next to their expression during development, gene expression of GAG-associated genes was studied in a Glce (glucuronyl epimerase) knockout mouse model and a heparanase overexpression mouse model using TLDA cards. In the Glce knockout mice six genes were differentially expressed (Table 4). Three of them are involved in CS and DS proteoglycans and were downregulated, i.e., aggrecan (Acan), asporin (Aspn), and chondroitin sulfate N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 (Csgalnact2). Up/downregulation was not found for HS related genes, except for Glce, which was downregulated as expected. For the heparanase overexpression mouse model, in which a human heparanase was overexpressed [7], the results showed only one gene to be differentially expressed, i.e., aggrecan (Acan) which was 2.5-fold upregulated. The complete results of both the Glce knockout mouse and the Hpse overexpression mouse are given in Supplementary data Table 6.

4. Discussion

GAGs play a regulating role during embryonic development of various organs [13]. Therefore, we examined the expression of genes involved in GAG metabolism during skin development using custom designed Taqman Low Density Arrays (TLDA card) and exon arrays. To structure the data we studied gene expression in six functional classes, viz. the production of precursor molecules, the synthesis of core proteins and the linkage region, and the synthesis, modification, and degradation of the GAG chain proper. In addition we studied a number of growth factors, since GAGs are involved in their regulation including growth factor diffusion and signaling [3, 28].

With respect to core proteins, the heparan sulfate proteoglycans syndecan and glypican showed notable differential expression (Tables 2 and 3). Glypicans play an important role in development and cell signaling [12, 26, 29], and we found upregulation of 3 out of 6 glypican core proteins. Gpc3 was upregulated during embryonic development and one day postbirth, suggesting that this glypican has a role during skin development. A possible function of Gpc3 in skin has been suggested for the Gpc3-null mouse, which showed pigmentation defects [30]. Humans deficient in Gpc3 suffer from the Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SBGS). Based on the symptoms of SGBS and the phenotype found for the Gpc3-null mice, it has been suggested that Gpc3 is involved in the regulation of hedgehog signaling [31], a signaling pathway involved in hair follicle development [32]. Surprisingly, the Gpc3-null mice did not show a defect in appendage formation [30], indicating a functional but not essential role. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of Gpc3 and the two other differentially expressed glypicans, i.e., Gpc2 and Gpc6.

Syndecans are described to take part in adult wound healing [33]. We found downregulation of the core proteins of two syndecans during embryonic development, which could indicate that these proteoglycans do not play a major general role during skin development. Specific roles, such as the involvement of Sdc1 in hair follicle development, as described on basis of immunohistochemical data [34], can, however, not be excluded.

In the class of GAG chain polymerization, we found differential expression of genes encoding for the initiation of HS or CS/DS synthesis. HS chain polymerization is initiated by the addition of GlcNAc by Extl2 [35] or Extl3 [36], while CS/DS chain polymerization is initiated by the addition of GalNAc by Csgalnact1 [37]. Extl2 was upregulated during early skin development (Table 2), while Csgalnact1 was downregulated (Supplementary data Table 5), which suggests that during early skin development HS production is stimulated in comparison to CS/DS production.

Enzyme mediated chemical modifications of the GAG chains result in the creation of specific binding sites for effector molecules [38]. Enzymes forming the class of N-deacetylase/sulfotransferases (Ndst's) are initiating elements in this respect. Especially Ndst3 was upregulated, being one of four enzymes responsible for the removal of the acetyl group from the N-acetylated glycosamine and for the addition of a sulfate group. The additional expression of Ndst3 in combination with Ndst1 and Ndst2 points to the fine tuning of HS chains for specific recognition of ligands. Ndst3 has a higher deacetylation activity in comparison to the N-sulfotransferase activity, while Ndst1 and Ndst2 have a slightly higher N-sulfotransferase activity [39]. In addition, the data on the expression of heparan sulfate 3-O sulfotransferases (Hs3sts) [40] and heparan sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferases (Hs6sts) [41] suggest dynamic and specific modification of HS chains.

Three genes encoding for enzymes involved in HS and CS/DS degradation were differentially expressed, one of them being Hpse (heparanase). Hpse is downregulated at E14 and at P1, but not at E16 at which time point hair follicle development is taking place. Hpse has been reported to be involved in this process [42, 43].

Glycosaminoglycans are involved in growth factor regulation during developmental processes [1, 2]. We therefore studied 37 growth factors implied in skin development. A number of genes encoding growth factors were differentially expressed during development and the data are in line with earlier results for, e.g., Igf2 [18], Wnt6, and Wnt7b [44]. Although speculative, the dynamics in GAG structure may be correlated with the dynamics of growth factors.

Next to skin development we also studied gene expression in skin of a Glce (glucuronyl epimerase) knockout mouse and an Hpse (heparanase) overexpression mouse [7, 13]. In the Glce knockout mice relatively few genes were differentially expressed, suggesting that skin is relatively unaffected by the lack of Glce in line with the observation that skin in these mice is phenotypically normal [20]. The skin phenotype of the Hpse overexpression mouse shows accelerated hair growth [7]. Gene expression analysis of this model showed only one differentially expressed gene (aggrecan). These results may touch upon the regulation of translation of mRNAs coding for GAG related enzymes. Enzymes involved in the synthesis and modification of GAGs as well genes coding for (some) growth factors share a common alternative translation mechanism via IRES sites [45, 46]. In general mRNAs are translated by the ribosomal scanning mechanism which scans for short leader sequences of 50 to 70 nucleotides [46, 47]. The leader sequences of the HS modifying enzymes and growth factors are characterized by long but structured sequences, which are not recognized by the ribosomal scanning mechanism [46, 47]. Within these sequences internal ribosomal entry sites (IRES) allow alternative translation, e.g., under stress conditions [47]. This indicates that in addition to mRNA levels an additional control mechanism on the translational level may be present. In addition, other types of regulatory levels are known including the interaction of biosynthetic enzymes with each other and the (possible) presence of large biosynthetic complexes (GAGosomes) [48]. This makes the regulation of GAG biosynthesis very complex, gene expression being only a part of it.

Taken together, it is concluded that a highly dynamic expression of genes involved in GAG metabolism and in GAG binding growth factors is associated with skin development. This indicates the importance of fine tuning of GAG structures during developmental processes. Further studies should focus on the biochemical analysis of the GAGs chains themselves.

Acknowledgments

This study was financially supported by the Dutch Program for Tissue Engineering (DPTE6735). The authors would like to thank the Microarray Facility Nijmegen of the Radboud University Medical Center (The Netherlands) for carrying out the array experiments and assistance with the data analysis. The Central Animal Laboratory of the Radboud University Medical Center is acknowledged for assistance with the animal experiments.

Data Availability

The EXON array data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article and are provided via [18]. The Taqman low density array data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article. The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Authors' Contributions

P. J. E. Uijtdewilligen wrote the main manuscript text and prepared Figure 1, Tables 14, and Supplementary data Tables 16. P. J. E. Uijtdewilligen, E. M. Versteeg, and E. M. A. van de Westerlo were responsible for the performance of the genetic analysis using RNA isolation, real time quantitative PCR, and microarray analysis. P. J. E. Uijtdewilligen, J. van der Vlag and T. H. van Kuppevelt were responsible for the design of the Taqman Low Density Array as described in Supplementary data 1-2. W. F. Daamen and T. H. van Kuppevelt were involved in study design, manuscript text, and design of the figures. All authors have given approval for the final version of the manuscript.

Supplementary Materials

Supplementary Materials

The supplementary data contains 6 tables: Supplemental data Table 1: Design TLDA cart version 1: An overview of the used genes/assays on the Taqman Low Density Array, version 1. This table supports the materials and method section and the results section. Supplemental data Table 2: Design TLDA cart version 2: An overview of the used genes/assays on the Taqman Low Density Array, version 2. This table supports the materials and method section and the results section. Supplemental data Table 3: Deferentially expressed genes as % per category. This table provides a comparison between the EXON array expression data and the TLDA Data Supplemental data Table 4: Deferentially expressed genes during skin development in mice in comparison to mature mouse skin using TLDA cards. Supplemental data Table 5: Differentially expressed genes during skin development in mice in comparison to mature mouse skin using EXON array Supplementary data Table 6: Differentially expressed genes found using Taqman Low Density Arrays for the Glce knockout and HSPEtg mouse compared to wild type.

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Associated Data

This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.

Supplementary Materials

Supplementary Materials

The supplementary data contains 6 tables: Supplemental data Table 1: Design TLDA cart version 1: An overview of the used genes/assays on the Taqman Low Density Array, version 1. This table supports the materials and method section and the results section. Supplemental data Table 2: Design TLDA cart version 2: An overview of the used genes/assays on the Taqman Low Density Array, version 2. This table supports the materials and method section and the results section. Supplemental data Table 3: Deferentially expressed genes as % per category. This table provides a comparison between the EXON array expression data and the TLDA Data Supplemental data Table 4: Deferentially expressed genes during skin development in mice in comparison to mature mouse skin using TLDA cards. Supplemental data Table 5: Differentially expressed genes during skin development in mice in comparison to mature mouse skin using EXON array Supplementary data Table 6: Differentially expressed genes found using Taqman Low Density Arrays for the Glce knockout and HSPEtg mouse compared to wild type.

Data Availability Statement

The EXON array data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article and are provided via [18]. The Taqman low density array data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article. The data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.


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