Crosstalk of the MAP3K1 and EGFR pathways mediates gene-environment interactions that disrupt developmental tissue closure

Abstract

AbstractAberrant signal transduction pathways can adversely derail developmental processes. One such process is embryonic eyelid closure that requires MAP3K1.Map3k1knockout mice have defective eyelid closure and an autosomal recessive eye-open at birth phenotype.In uteroexposure to dioxin, a persistent environmental toxicant, causes the same eye defect inMap3k1+/-hemizygous but not wild type pups. Here we explore the mechanisms ofMap3k1(gene) and dioxin (environment) interactions (GxE) in the tissue closure defect. We show that, acting through the AHR, dioxin activates EGFR signaling, which in turn depresses MAP3K1-dependent JNK activity. This effect of dioxin is exacerbated byMap3k1heterozygosity. Therefore, dioxin exposedMap3k1+/-embryonic eyelids have a marked reduction of JNK activity, accelerated differentiation and impeded polarization in the epithelial cells. Knocking outAhrorEgfrin eyelid epithelium attenuates the open-eye defects in dioxin-treatedMap3k1+/-pups, whereas knockout ofJnk1andS1pr, encoding the S1P receptors upstream of the MAP3K1-JNK pathway, potentiates dioxin toxicity. Our novel findings suggest that dioxin and genes of the AHR, EGFR and S1P-MAP3K1-JNK pathways constitute a multifactorial mechanism underlying tissue closure abnormalities.Summary statementThe crosstalk between a global environmental pollutant and the pre-existing genetic conditions is mediated through interactive signaling pathways, resulting in anatomical tissue closure abnormalities in development.