RSPO2 inhibition of RNF43 and ZNRF3 governs limb development independently of LGR4/5/6

Nature. 2018 May;557(7706):564-569. doi: 10.1038/s41586-018-0118-y. Epub 2018 May 16.

Abstract

The four R-spondin secreted ligands (RSPO1-RSPO4) act via their cognate LGR4, LGR5 and LGR6 receptors to amplify WNT signalling1-3. Here we report an allelic series of recessive RSPO2 mutations in humans that cause tetra-amelia syndrome, which is characterized by lung aplasia and a total absence of the four limbs. Functional studies revealed impaired binding to the LGR4/5/6 receptors and the RNF43 and ZNRF3 transmembrane ligases, and reduced WNT potentiation, which correlated with allele severity. Unexpectedly, however, the triple and ubiquitous knockout of Lgr4, Lgr5 and Lgr6 in mice did not recapitulate the known Rspo2 or Rspo3 loss-of-function phenotypes. Moreover, endogenous depletion or addition of exogenous RSPO2 or RSPO3 in triple-knockout Lgr4/5/6 cells could still affect WNT responsiveness. Instead, we found that the concurrent deletion of rnf43 and znrf3 in Xenopus embryos was sufficient to trigger the outgrowth of supernumerary limbs. Our results establish that RSPO2, without the LGR4/5/6 receptors, serves as a direct antagonistic ligand to RNF43 and ZNRF3, which together constitute a master switch that governs limb specification. These findings have direct implications for regenerative medicine and WNT-associated cancers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • DNA-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Extremities / embryology*
  • Female
  • Fibroblasts
  • Gene Knockout Techniques
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Limb Deformities, Congenital / genetics*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Oncogene Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / deficiency
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / metabolism
  • Xenopus / genetics

Substances

  • DNA-Binding Proteins
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • LGR4 protein, human
  • LGR5 protein, human
  • LGR6 protein, human
  • Oncogene Proteins
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Rspo2 protein, human
  • RNF43 protein, human
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases
  • ZNRF3 protein, human