Histone-like TAFs within the PCAF histone acetylase complex

Nuclear structure-associated TIF2 recruits glucocorticoid receptor and its target DNA

Assembly of multi-protein complexes on promoter and enhancer elements is a prerequisite for onset of gene transcription. At the beginning of this process, transcription factors are thought to act as nucleating centers for complex formation through the binding of their target DNA sequences, and thereafter recruit coactivators. Here, we investigated this process of assembly by determining the distribution of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and its coactivator, TIF2. Both endogenously and ectopically expressed TIF2 were shown to form foci in the nucleus, and GR could be recruited to the TIF2 foci upon GR agonist but not antagonist treatment. Moreover, we show that the coactivators, p300 and PCAF, are also recruited to the TIF2 foci. The TIF2 foci could recruit GR carrying a microinjected GR responsive element. We propose that TIF2 provides a nuclear compartment that allows the assembly of multi-protein complexes required for GR-mediated gene activation.

Activation domains of gene-specific transcription factors: are histones among their targets?

Activation domains of promoter-specific transcription factors are critical entities involved in recruitment of multiple protein complexes to gene promoters. The activation domains often retain functionality when transferred between very diverse eukaryotic phyla, yet the amino acid sequences of activation domains do not bear any specific consensus or secondary structure. Activation domains function in the context of chromatin structure and are critical for chromatin remodeling, which is associated with transcription initiation. The mechanisms of direct and indirect recruitment of chromatin-remodeling and histone-modifying complexes, including mechanisms involving direct interactions between activation domains and histones, are discussed.Key words: activation domain, transcription, chromatin, nucleosome.

The Human Rap1 Protein Complex and Modulation of Telomere Length

Proper maintenance of telomere length and structure is necessary for normal proliferation of mammalian cells. Mammalian telomere length is regulated by a number of proteins including human repressor activator protein (hRap1), a known association factor of TRF2. To further delineate hRap1 function and its associated proteins, we affinity-purified and identified the hRap1 protein complex through mass spectrometry analysis. In addition to TRF2, we found DNA repair proteins Rad50, Mre11, PARP1 (poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase), and Ku86/Ku70 to be in this telomeric complex. We demonstrated by deletional analysis that Rad-50/Mre-11 and Ku86 were recruited to hRap1 independent of TRF2. PARP1, however, most likely interacted with hRap1 through TRF2. Interestingly, knockdown of endogenous hRap1 expression by small hairpin interference RNA resulted in longer telomeres. In addition, overexpression of full-length and mutant hRap1 that lacked the BRCA1 C-terminal domain functioned as dominant negatives and extended telomeres. Deletion of a novel linker domain of hRap1 (residues 199-223), however, abolished the dominant negative effect of hRap1 overexpression. These results indicate that hRap1 negatively regulates telomere length in vivo and suggest that the linker region of hRap1 may modulate the recruitment of negative regulators of telomere length.

The subcellular localization of the ChoRE-binding protein, encoded by the Williams–Beuren syndrome critical region gene 14, is regulated by 14-3-3

The Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a contiguous gene syndrome caused by chromosomal rearrangements at chromosome band 7q11.23. Several endocrine phenotypes, in particular impaired glucose tolerance and silent diabetes, have been described for this clinically complex disorder. The WBSCR14 gene, one of the genes mapping to the WBS critical region, encodes a member of the basic-helix-loop-helix leucine zipper family of transcription factors, which dimerizes with the Max-like protein, Mlx. This heterodimeric complex binds and activates, in a glucose-dependent manner, carbohydrate response element (ChoRE) motifs in the promoter of lipogenic enzymes. We identified five novel WBSCR14-interacting proteins, four 14-3-3 isotypes and NIF3L1, which form a single polypeptide complex in mammalian cells. Phosphatase treatment abrogates the association between WBSCR14 and 14-3-3, as shown previously for multiple 14-3-3 interactors. WBSCR14 is exported actively from the nucleus through a CRM1-dependent mechanism. This translocation is contingent upon the ability to bind 14-3-3. Through this mechanism the 14-3-3 isotypes directly affect the WBSCR14:Mlx complexes, which activate the transcription of lipogenic genes.

Polyisoprenylated benzophenone, garcinol, a natural histone acetyltransferase inhibitor, represses chromatin transcription and alters global gene expression

Histone acetylation is a diagnostic feature of transcriptionally active genes. The proper recruitment and function of histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and deacetylases (HDACs) are key regulatory steps for gene expression and cell cycle. Functional defects of either of these enzymes may lead to several diseases, including cancer. HATs and HDACs thus are potential therapeutic targets. Here we report that garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone derivative from Garcinia indica fruit rind, is a potent inhibitor of histone acetyltransferases p300 (IC50 approximately 7 microm) and PCAF (IC50 approximately 5 microm) both in vitro and in vivo. The kinetic analysis shows that it is a mixed type of inhibitor with an increased affinity for PCAF compared with p300. HAT activity-dependent chromatin transcription was strongly inhibited by garcinol, whereas transcription from DNA template was not affected. Furthermore, it was found to be a potent inducer of apoptosis, and it alters (predominantly down-regulates) the global gene expression in HeLa cells.

MDM2 Mediates p300/CREB-binding Protein-associated Factor Ubiquitination and Degradation

We recently reported that MDM2, a negative feedback regulator of the tumor suppressor p53, inhibits p300/CREB-binding protein-associated factor (PCAF)-mediated p53 acetylation. Our further study showed that MDM2 also regulates the stability of PCAF. MDM2 ubiquitinated PCAF in vitro and in cells. PCAF ubiquitination occurred at the N terminus and in the nucleus, as the nuclear localization signal sequence-deletion mutant of MDM2, which localized in the cytoplasm and degraded p53, was unable to degrade nuclear PCAF. Restriction of PCAF in the nucleus by leptomycin B did not affect MDM2-mediated PCAF degradation. Consistently, overexpression of MDM2 in p53 null cells caused the reduction of the protein level of PCAF, but not the mRNA level. Conversely, PCAF levels were higher in MDM2-deficient mouse p53(-/-)/mdm2(-/-) embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells than that in MDM2-containing MEF cells. Furthermore, MDM2 reduced the half-life of PCAF by 50%. These results demonstrate that MDM2 regulates the stability of PCAF by ubiquitinating and degrading this protein.

The transforming acidic coiled coil proteins interact with nuclear histone acetyltransferases

Dysregulation of the human transforming acidic coiled coil (TACC) genes is thought to be important in the development of multiple myeloma, breast and gastric cancer. However, even though these proteins have been implicated in the control of cell growth and differentiation, the mechanism by which they function still remains to be clarified. Using the yeast two-hybrid assay, we have now identified the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) hGCN5L2 as a TACC2-binding protein. GST pull-down analysis subsequently confirmed that all human TACC family members can bind in vitro to hGCN5L2. The authenticity of these interactions was validated by coimmunoprecipitation assays within the human embryonic kidney cell line HEK293, which identified the TACC2s isoform as a component consistently bound to several different members of HAT family. This raises the possibility that aberrant expression of one or more TACC proteins may affect gene regulation through their interaction with components of chromatin remodeling complexes, thus contributing to tumorigenesis.

Deacetylase recruitment by the C/H3 domain of the acetyltransferase p300

The balance between acetylation and deacetylation of histone and nonhistone proteins controls gene expression in a variety of cellular processes, with transcription being activated by acetyltransferases and silenced by deacetylases. We report here the formation and enzymatic characterization of a complex between the acetyltransferase p300 and histone deacetylases. The C/H3 region of p300 was found to co-purify deacetylase activity from nuclear cell extracts. A prototype of class I histone deacetylases, HDAC1, interacts with p300 C/H3 domain in vitro and in vivo. The p300-binding protein E1A competes with HDAC1 for C/H3 binding; and, like E1A, HDAC1 overexpression interferes with either activation of Gal4p300 fusion protein or p300-dependent co-activation of two C/H3-binding proteins, MyoD and p53. The exposure to deacetylase inhibitors could reverse the dominant-negative effect of a C/H3 fragment insulated from the rest of the molecule, on MyoD- and p53-dependent transcription, whereas inhibition by E1A was resistant to trichostatin A. These data support the hypothesis that association between acetyltransferases and deacetylases can control the expression of genes implicated in cellular growth and differentiation, and suggest that the dominant-negative effect of the p300 C/H3 fragment relies on deacetylase recruitment.

Molecular basis for Gcn5/PCAF histone acetyltransferase selectivity for histone and nonhistone substrates

Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) proteins often exhibit a high degree of specificity for lysine-bearing protein substrates. We have previously reported on the structure of the Tetrahymena Gcn5 HAT protein (tGcn5) bound to its preferred histone H3 substrate, revealing the mode of substrate binding by the Gcn5/PCAF family of HAT proteins. Interestingly, the Gcn5/PCAF HAT family has a remarkable ability to acetylate lysine residues within diverse cognate sites such as those found around lysines 14, 8, and 320 of histones H3, H4, and p53, respectively. To investigate the molecular basis for this, we now report on the crystal structures of tGcn5 bound to 19-residue histone H4 and p53 peptides. A comparison of these structures with tGcn5 bound to histone H3 reveals that the Gcn5/PCAF HATs can accommodate divergent substrates by utilizing analogous interactions with the lysine target and two C-terminal residues with a related chemical nature, suggesting that these interactions play a general role in Gcn5/PCAF substrate binding selectivity. In contrast, while the histone H3 complex shows extensive interactions with tGcn5 and peptide residues N-terminal to the target lysine, the corresponding residues in histone H4 and p53 are disordered, suggesting that the N-terminal substrate region plays an important role in the enhanced affinity of the Gcn5/PCAF HAT proteins for histone H3. Together, these studies provide a framework for understanding the substrate selectivity of HAT proteins.

Physical and functional interactions of the Arf tumor suppressor protein with nucleophosmin/B23

The Arf tumor suppressor inhibits cell cycle progression through both p53-dependent and p53-independent mechanisms, including interference with rRNA processing. Using tandem-affinity-tagged p19(Arf), we purified Arf-associated proteins from mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts undergoing cell cycle arrest. Tagged p19(Arf) associated with nucleolar and ribosomal proteins, including nucleophosmin/B23 (NPM), a protein thought to foster the maturation of preribosomal particles. NPM is an abundant protein, only a minor fraction of which binds to p19(Arf); however, a significant proportion of p19(Arf) associates with NPM. The interaction between p19(Arf) and NPM requires amino acid sequences at the Arf amino terminus, which are also required for Mdm2 binding, as well as the central acidic domain of NPM and an adjacent segment that regulates NPM oligomerization. The interaction between p19(Arf) and NPM occurs in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts, including those lacking both Mdm2 and p53. In an NIH 3T3 derivative cell line (MT-Arf) engineered to conditionally express an Arf transgene, induced p19(Arf) associates with NPM and colocalizes with it in high-molecular-weight complexes (2 to 5 MDa). An NPM mutant lacking its carboxyl-terminal nucleic acid-binding domain oligomerizes with endogenous NPM, inhibits p19(Arf) from entering into 2- to 5-MDa particles, and overrides the ability of p19(Arf) to retard rRNA processing.

The diverse superfamily of lysine acetyltransferases and their roles in leukemia and other diseases

Acetylation of the epsilon-amino group of lysine residues, or N(epsilon)-lysine acetylation, is an important post-translational modification known to occur in histones, transcription factors and other proteins. Since 1995, dozens of proteins have been discovered to possess intrinsic lysine acetyltransferase activity. Although most of these enzymes were first identified as histone acetyltransferases and then tested for activities towards other proteins, acetyltransferases only modifying non-histone proteins have also been identified. Lysine acetyltransferases form different groups, three of which are Gcn5/PCAF, p300/CBP and MYST proteins. While members of the former two groups mainly function as transcriptional co-activators, emerging evidence suggests that MYST proteins, such as Esa1, Sas2, MOF, TIP60, MOZ and MORF, have diverse roles in various nuclear processes. Aberrant lysine acetylation has been implicated in oncogenesis. The genes for p300, CBP, MOZ and MORF are rearranged in recurrent leukemia-associated chromosomal abnormalities. Consistent with their roles in leukemogenesis, these acetyltransferases interact with Runx1 (or AML1), one of the most frequent targets of chromosomal translocations in leukemia. Therefore, the diverse superfamily of lysine acetyltransferases executes an acetylation program that is important for different cellular processes and perturbation of such a program may cause the development of cancer and other diseases.

A Chromatin Immunoprecipitation Screen Reveals Protein Kinase Cβ as a Direct RUNX1 Target Gene

RUNX1 (also known as AML1) is a DNA-binding transcription factor that functions as a tumor suppressor and developmental determinant in hematopoietic cells. Target promoters have been identified primarily through the use of differential expression strategies and candidate gene approaches but not biochemical screens. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation screen, we identified protein kinase Cbeta as a direct RUNX1 target gene and demonstrate that endogenous RUNX1 binds the chromatinized protein kinase Cbeta promoter of U937 cells. A phylogenetically conserved RUNX1-binding site within the PKCbeta promoter binds RUNX1 in electrophoretic mobility shift analyses and confers RUNX1 responsiveness on a heterologous promoter. Changes in RUNX1 activity affect endogenous protein kinase Cbeta expression, and a dominant-negative form of RUNX1 protects U937 cells from apoptotic stimuli previously shown to be dependent on protein kinase Cbeta. This protection can be reversed by the ectopic expression of protein kinase Cbeta. Together these findings demonstrate that protein kinase Cbeta is a direct, downstream target of RUNX1 and links RUNX1 to a myeloid apoptotic pathway.

Epidermal growth factor increases coactivation of the androgen receptor in recurrent prostate cancer

Growth of normal and neoplastic prostate is mediated by the androgen receptor (AR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor activated by high affinity androgen binding. The AR is highly expressed in recurrent prostate cancer cells that proliferate despite reduced circulating androgen. In this report, we show that epidermal growth factor (EGF) increases androgen-dependent AR transactivation in the recurrent prostate cancer cell line CWR-R1 through a mechanism that involves a post-transcriptional increase in the p160 coactivator transcriptional intermediary factor 2/glucocorticoid receptor interacting protein 1 (TIF2/GRIP1). Site-specific mutagenesis and selective MAPK inhibitors linked the EGF-induced increase in AR transactivation to phosphorylation of TIF2/GRIP1. EGF signaling increased the coimmunoprecipitation of TIF2 and AR. AR transactivation and its stimulation by EGF were reduced by small interfering RNA inhibition of TIF2/GRIP1 expression. The data indicate that EGF signaling through MAPK increases TIF2/GRIP1 coactivation of AR transactivation in recurrent prostate cancer.

Intracellular interleukin-1alpha functionally interacts with histone acetyltransferase complexes

Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) is an inflammatory cytokine acting extracellularly via membrane receptors. Interestingly, a significant portion of synthesized IL-1alpha is not secreted; instead, it is actively translocated into the cell nucleus. IL-1alpha was indeed shown to be involved in certain intracellular processes, such as control of proliferation, apoptosis, or migration, however, the mechanisms of such actions are not known. Here we show that intracellular IL-1alpha fused to the Gal4p DNA-binding domain (Gal4BD) possesses strong transactivation potential that can be boosted by overexpression of the transcriptional coactivator p300. We demonstrate that the IL-1alpha precursor interacts via its N-terminal peptide (IL-1NTP) with histone acetyltransferases p300, PCAF, Gcn5 and with the adaptor component Ada3, and that it integrates into the PCAF.p300 complex in a non-destructive manner. In analogy with known acidic coactivators, yeast strains expressing Gal4BD/IL-1NTP display a toxic phenotype that can be relieved by depletion of various components of the SAGA complex. Our data provide the first solid evidence for the nuclear target of the IL-1alpha precursor and suggest its novel function in transcriptional control.

Advances in estrogen receptor biology: prospects for improvements in targeted breast cancer therapy

Estrogen receptor (ER) has a crucial role in normal breast development and is expressed in the most common breast cancer subtypes. Importantly, its expression is very highly predictive for response to endocrine therapy. Current endocrine therapies for ER-positive breast cancers target ER function at multiple levels. These include targeting the level of estrogen, blocking estrogen action at the ER, and decreasing ER levels. However, the ultimate effectiveness of therapy is limited by either intrinsic or acquired resistance. Identifying the factors and pathways responsible for sensitivity and resistance remains a challenge in improving the treatment of breast cancer. With a better understanding of coordinated action of ER, its coregulatory factors, and the influence of other intracellular signaling cascades, improvements in breast cancer therapy are emerging.

The human proliferating Cell nuclear antigen regulates transcriptional coactivator p300 activity and promotes transcriptional repression

Chromatin structure plays an important role in DNA replication, repair, and transcription. p300 is a transcriptional coactivator with protein acetyltransferase activity, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) plays important roles in DNA replication and repair. It has been shown recently that p300 is necessary for DNA synthesis and repair. However, it is not known whether human PCNA, in a reciprocal manner, can regulate the enzymatic activity and transcriptional regulatory properties of p300. Here we show that human PCNA associates with p300 and potently inhibits the acetyltransferase activity and transcriptional activation properties of p300. Surprisingly, PCNA fails to inhibit p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) acetyltransferase function as well as PCAF-dependent transcription. Additionally, PCNA potently represses transcription when targeted to chromatin in vivo. Consistent with these observations, using chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we demonstrate that PCNA recruitment to promoters causes hypoacetylation of chromatin. Together, our results demonstrate for the first time a novel role for human PCNA in transcriptional repression and in modulating chromatin modification. The reciprocal modulation of p300 and PCNA activities by each other provides an example of integrative regulatory cross-talk among chromatin-based processes such as DNA transcription, repair, and synthesis.

Identification of new subunits of the multiprotein mammalian TRRAP/TIP60-containing histone acetyltransferase complex

The mammalian ATM/PI 3-kinase-related TRRAP protein was previously found to be a component of a multi-protein histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complex containing the HAT TIP60. In this report, we identify a previously uncharacterized protein encoded by the FLJ10914 ORF, which we designate MRGBP, as a new component of the TRRAP/TIP60 HAT complex. In addition, through purification of MRGBP and its associated proteins from HeLa cell nuclear extracts, we identify the thyroid receptor coactivating protein (TRCp120), DMAP1, and the related MRG15 and MRGX proteins as MRGBP-associating proteins, and we present biochemical evidence that they are previously unrecognized components of the TRRAP/TIP60 HAT complex. Taken together, our findings shed new light on the structure and function of the mammalian TRRAP/TIP60 histone acetyltransferase complex.

The coactivator p/CIP/SRC-3 facilitates retinoic acid receptor signaling via recruitment of GCN5

p/CIP/SRC-3 is a member of a family of steroid receptor coactivators/nuclear receptor coactivators (SRC/NCoA) proteins that mediate the transcriptional effects of nuclear hormone receptors (NRs). Using deletion analysis we have mapped the location of two distinct activation domains in p/CIP (AD1 and AD2) capable of activating transcription in mammalian cells when fused to the Gal4-DNA binding domain. In addition to AD1 being coincident with the interaction domain for CBP, we demonstrate a novel in vivo interaction between the AD1 and GCN5. Overexpression of a Gal4-AD1 fusion protein in yeast leads to growth arrest that is relieved by mutation of genes encoding components of the SAGA complex including GCN5, ADA3, and SPT7. In addition, the AD1 of p/CIP and the ADA3 gene are shown to be essential for retinoic acid receptor alpha-dependent transcription in yeast. Transient transfection assays in mammalian cells indicate that GCN5 cooperates with p/CIP as a coactivator of RAR alpha-dependent transcription. Down-regulation of GCN5 using small interfering RNA in mammalian cells indicates that the AD1 domain and the RAR beta promoter activity are dependent, in part, on GCN5. Mutational analysis of AD1 has identified two helical motifs that are required for interactions with GCN5 and CBP. Taken together, these results support a model by which p/CIP functions as a ligand-dependent adapter, through specific protein-protein interactions with AD1, to recruit members from at least two distinct families of acetyltransferase proteins to NRs.

A novel human Ada2 homologue functions with Gcn5 or Brg1 to coactivate transcription

In yeast, the transcriptional adaptor yeast Ada2 (yAda2) is a part of the multicomponent SAGA complex, which possesses histone acetyltransferase activity through action of the yGcn5 catalytic enzyme. yAda2, among several SAGA proteins, serves to recruit SAGA to genes via interactions with promoter-bound transcription factors. Here we report identification of a new human Ada2 homologue, hAda2beta. Ada2beta differs both biochemically and functionally from the previously characterized hAda2alpha, which is a stable component of the human PCAF (human Gcn5 homologue) acetylase complex. Ada2beta, relative to Ada2alpha, interacted selectively, although not stably, with the Gcn5-containing histone acetylation complex TFTC/STAGA. In addition, Ada2beta interacted with Baf57 (a component of the human Swi/Snf complex) in a yeast two-hybrid screen and associated with human Swi/Snf in vitro. In functional assays, hAda2beta (but not Ada2alpha), working in concert with Gcn5 (but not PCAF) or Brg1 (the catalytic component of hSwi/Snf complex), increased transcription via the B-cell-specific transcription factor Pax5/BSAP. These findings support the view that Gcn5 and PCAF have distinct roles in vivo and suggest a new mechanism of coactivator function, in which a single adaptor protein (Ada2beta) can coordinate targeting of both histone acetylation and chromatin remodeling activities.

Purification and identification of a novel complex which is involved in androgen receptor-dependent transcription

The androgen receptor (AR) binds to and activates transcription of target genes in response to androgens. In an attempt to isolate cofactors capable of influencing AR transcriptional activity, we used an immunoprecipitation method and identified a 44-kDa protein, designated p44, as a new AR-interacting protein. p44 interacts with AR in the nucleus and with an androgen-regulated homeobox protein (NKX3.1) in the cytoplasm of LNCaP cells. Transient-transfection assays revealed that p44 enhances AR-, glucocorticoid receptor-, and progesterone receptor-dependent transcription but not estrogen receptor- or thyroid hormone receptor-dependent transcription. p44 was recruited onto the promoter of the prostate-specific antigen gene in the presence of the androgen in LNCaP cells. p44 exists as a multiprotein complex in the nuclei of HeLa cells. This complex, but not p44 alone, enhances AR-driven transcription in vitro in a cell-free transcriptional system and contains the protein arginine methyltransferase 5, which acts synergistically with p44 to enhance AR-driven gene expression in a methyltransferase-independent manner. Our data suggest a novel mechanism by which the protein arginine methyltransferase is involved in the control of AR-driven transcription. p44 expression is dramatically enhanced in prostate cancer tissue compared with adjacent benign prostate tissue.

In vivo functional analysis of the histone 3-like TAF9 and a TAF9-related factor, TAF9L

The majority of the TATA-binding protein (TBP)-associated factors (TAFs) that constitute transcription factor II D (TFIID) contain histone fold motifs (HFMs). Our previous results utilizing DT40 cells containing a conditional TAF9 allele indicated that the histone 3-like TAF9 is essential for cell viability but largely dispensable for general transcription. In this study, we investigated further the role of TAF9 structural domains in TFIID integrity and cell growth and the functions of a TAF9-related factor, TAF9L. We first show that TAF9 depletion severely disrupts TFIID, indicating that the observed ongoing transcription is initiated with at least partially TAF-free TATA-binding protein. We also provide evidence for specific roles of TAF HFMs, highlighting the functional significance of HFM specificity observed in vitro and, importantly, of the TAF9-histone 3 similarity. Although we provide evidence that TAF9 and TAF9L are partly redundant, RNA interference experiments suggest that TAF9L is essential for HeLa cell growth. Strikingly, we provide evidence that TAF9L plays a role in transcriptional repression and/or silencing.

Dynamic recruitment of NF-Y and histone acetyltransferases on cell-cycle promoters

Regulation of transcription during the cell-cycle is under the control of E2 factors (E2Fs), often in cooperation with nuclear factor Y (NF-Y), a histone-like CCAAT-binding trimer. NF-Y is paradigmatic of a constitutive, ubiquitous factor that pre-sets the promoter architecture for other regulatory proteins to access it. We analyzed the recruitment of NF-Y, E2F1/4/6, histone acetyltransferases, and histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1/3/4 to several cell-cycle promoters by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in serum-starved and restimulated NIH3T3 cells. NF-Y binding is not constitutive but timely regulated in all promoters tested, being displaced when promoters are repressed. p300 association correlates with activation, and it is never found in the absence of NF-Y, whereas PCAF/hGCN5 is often found before NF-Y association. E2F4 and E2F6, together with HDACs, are bound to repressed promoters, including the G2/M Cyclin B2. As expected, an inverse relationship between HDACs association and histones H3/H4 acetylation is observed. Blocking cells in G1 with the cyclin-dependent kinase 2 inhibitor R-roscovitine confirms that NF-Y is bound to G1/S but not to G2/M promoters in G1. These data indicate that following the release of E2Fs/HDACs, a hierarchy of PCAF-NF-Y-p300 interactions and H3-H4 acetylations are required for activation of cell-cycle promoters.

Steroid hormone receptor signaling in cancer

SHRs function as hormone activated, sequence specific DNA binding transcription factors that recruit multiple coactivator and other proteins to specific genes and generally stimulate transcription of these genes. SHR may have further genomic actions, that do not involve direct DNA binding, through protein-protein interactions with other sequence specific transcription factors, although these may still involve weak binding to nonconsensus steroid responsive elements in vivo. SHRs also appear to have nongenomic effects mediated through interactions with cytoplasmic signaling proteins. The major functions of SHRs in normal adult tissues appear to involve stimulation of differentiation, rather than proliferation. In contrast, the ER alpha and AR directly stimulate the growth of breast and prostate cancers, respectively, indicating a critical change in their functions. The ER alpha and AR appear to undergo further adaptation in tumor cells in response to hormonal therapies, that render these therapies ineffective. Understanding the molecular basis for these changes in SHR function during cancer development and progression may provide new targets for the generation of drugs to prevent and treat steroid stimulated cancers.

Systematic analysis of essential yeast TAFs in genome-wide transcription and preinitiation complex assembly

The general transcription factor TFIID is composed of the TATA box binding protein (TBP) and a set of conserved TBP-associated factors (TAFs). Here we report the completion of genome-wide expression profiling analyses of yeast strains bearing temperature-sensitive mutations in each of the 13 essential TAFs. The percentage of the yeast genome dependent on each TAF ranges from 3% (TAF2) to 59-61% (TAF9). Approximately 84% of yeast genes are dependent upon one or more TAFs and 16% of yeast genes are TAF independent. In addition, this complete analysis defines three distinct classes of yeast promoters whose transcriptional requirements for TAFs differ substantially. Using this collection of temperature-sensitive mutants, we show that in all cases the transcriptional dependence for a TAF can be explained by a requirement for TBP recruitment and assembly of the preinitiation complex (PIC). Unexpectedly, these assembly experiments reveal that TAF11 and TAF13 appear to provide the critical functional contacts with TBP during PIC assembly. Collectively, our results confirm and extend the proposal that individual TAFs have selective transcriptional roles and distinct functions.

Interaction of the HPV E7 proteins with the pCAF acetyltransferase

Most cervical carcinomas express the E6 and E7 proteins of a high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). These proteins affect growth control by interfering with the functions of cell regulatory proteins, promoting oncogenic transformation. A key target of E7 is the tumor suppressor protein pRb, which directly interacts with E7. However, binding to additional cellular regulatory proteins is clearly required for oncogenesis, as mutants of E7 have been identified that bind to pRb, yet fail to transform efficiently. Here we demonstrate the interaction of the HPV 6, 16 and 18 E7 proteins with the pCAF acetyltransferase, which has been reported to function as a coactivator for a variety of transcription factors including p53. Mutation of a highly conserved leucine residue within the zinc finger region of HPV 16 E7 disrupts binding to pCAF and also impairs transformation and transcriptional activation. HPV 16 E7 interacts with the acetyltransferase domain of pCAF, and reduces its acetyltransferase activity in vitro. Our analysis of the interaction between the pCAF acetyltransferase and E7 provides new insight into the mechanisms by which the E7 oncoproteins can alter cellular gene expression and growth.

E-proteins directly regulate expression of activation-induced deaminase in mature B cells

Activated mature B cells in which the DNA-binding activity of E-proteins has been disrupted fail to undergo class switch recombination. Here we show that activated B cells overexpressing the antagonist helix-loop-helix protein Id3 do not induce expression of the murine Aicda gene encoding activation-induced deaminase (AID). A highly conserved intronic regulatory element in Aicda binds E-proteins both in vitro and in vivo. The transcriptional activity of this element is regulated by E-proteins. We show that the enforced expression of AID in cells overexpressing Id3 partially restores class switch recombination. Taken together, our observations link helix-loop-helix activity and Aicda gene expression in a common pathway, in which E-protein activity is required for the efficient induction of Aicda transcription.

TAF10 (TAF(II)30) is necessary for TFIID stability and early embryogenesis in mice

TAF10 (formerly TAF(II)30), is a component of TFIID and the TATA box-binding protein (TBP)-free TAF-containing complexes (TFTC/PCAF/STAGA). To investigate the physiological function of TAF10, we disrupted its gene in mice by using a Cre recombinase/LoxP strategy. Interestingly, no TAF10(-/-) animals were born from intercrosses of TAF10(+/-) mice, indicating that TAF10 is required for embryogenesis. TAF10(-/-) embryos developed to the blastocyst stage, implanted, but died shortly after ca. 5.5 days postcoitus. Surprisingly, trophoblast cells from TAF10(-/-) blastocysts were viable, whereas inner cell mass cells failed to survive, highlighting that TAF10 is not generally required for transcription in all cells. TAF10-deficient cells express normal levels of TBP and TAFs other than TAF10 but contain only partially formed TFIID, are endocycle arrested, and have undetectable levels of transcription. Thus, our results demonstrate that TAF10 is required for TFIID stability, cell cycle progression, and transcription in the early mouse embryo.

MYC recruits the TIP60 histone acetyltransferase complex to chromatin

The transcription factor MYC binds specific DNA sites in cellular chromatin and induces the acetylation of histones H3 and H4. However, the histone acetyltransferases (HATs) that are responsible for these modifications have not yet been identified. MYC associates with TRRAP, a subunit of distinct macromolecular complexes that contain the HATs GCN5/PCAF or TIP60. Although the association of MYC with GCN5 has been shown, its interaction with TIP60 has never been analysed. Here, we show that MYC associates with TIP60 and recruits it to chromatin in vivo with four other components of the TIP60 complex: TRRAP, p400, TIP48 and TIP49. Overexpression of enzymatically inactive TIP60 delays the MYC-induced acetylation of histone H4, and also reduces the level of MYC binding to chromatin. Thus, the TIP60 HAT complex is recruited to MYC-target genes and, probably with other other HATs, contributes to histone acetylation in response to mitogenic signals.

Two Drosophila Ada2 homologues function in different multiprotein complexes

The reversible acetylation of the N-terminal tails of histones is crucial for transcription, DNA repair, and replication. The enzymatic reaction is catalyzed by large multiprotein complexes, of which the best characterized are the Gcn5-containing N-acetyltransferase (GNAT) complexes. GNAT complexes from yeast to humans share several conserved subunits, such as Ada2, Ada3, Spt3, and Tra1/TRRAP. We have characterized these factors in Drosophila and found that the flies have two distinct Ada2 variants (dAda2a and dAda2b). Using a combination of biochemical and cell biological approaches we demonstrate that only one of the two Drosophila Ada2 homologues, dAda2b, is a component of Spt-Ada-Gcn5-acetyltransferase (SAGA) complexes. The other Ada2 variant, dAda2a, can associate with dGcn5 but is not incorporated into dSAGA-type complexes. This is the first example of a complex-specific association of the Ada-type transcriptional adapter proteins with GNATs. In addition, dAda2a is part of Gcn5-independent complexes, which are concentrated at transcriptionally active regions on polytene chromosomes. This implicates novel functions for dAda2a in transcription. Humans and mice also possess two Ada2 variants with high homology to dAda2a and dAda2b, respectively. This suggests that the mammalian and fly homologues of the transcriptional adapter Ada2 form two functionally distinct subgroups with unique characteristics.

The intracellular localisation of TAF7L, a paralogue of transcription factor TFIID subunit TAF7, is developmentally regulated during male germ-cell differentiation

Transcription regulation in male germ cells can involve specialised mechanisms and testis-specific paralogues of the general transcription machinery. Here we describe TAF7L, a germ-cell-specific paralogue of the TFIID subunit TAF7. TAF7L is expressed through most of the male germ-cell differentiation programme, but its intracellular localisation is dynamically regulated from cytoplasmic in spermatogonia and early spermatocytes to nuclear in late pachytene spermatocytes and haploid round spermatids. Import of TAF7L into the nucleus coincides with decreased TAF7 expression and a strong increase in nuclear TBP expression, which suggests that TAF7L replaces TAF7 as a TFIID subunit in late pachytene spermatocytes and in haploid cells. In agreement with this, biochemical experiments indicate that a subpopulation of TAF7L is tightly associated with TBP in both pachytene and haploid cells and TAF7L interacts with the TFIID subunit TAF1. We further show that TAF3, TAF4 and TAF10 are all strongly expressed in early spermatocytes, but that in contrast to TBP and TAF7L, they are downregulated in haploid cells. Hence, different subunits of the TFIID complex are regulated in distinct ways during male germ-cell differentiation. These results show for the first time how the composition of a general transcription factor such as TFIID and other TAF-containing complexes are modulated during a differentiation programme highlighting the unique nature of the transcription regulatory machinery in spermatogenesis.

Transcriptional activation by thyroid hormone receptor-beta involves chromatin remodeling, histone acetylation, and synergistic stimulation by p300 and steroid receptor coactivators

Transcriptional regulation by heterodimers of thyroid hormone receptor (TR) and the 9-cis retinoid X receptor (RXR) is a highly complex process involving a large number of accessory factors, as well as chromatin remodeling. We have used a biochemical approach, including an in vitro chromatin assembly and transcription system that accurately recapitulates ligand- and activation function (AF)-2-dependent transcriptional activation by TRbeta/RXRalpha heterodimers, as well as in vitro chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, to study the mechanisms of TRbeta-mediated transcription with chromatin templates. Using this approach, we show that chromatin is required for robust ligand-dependent activation by TRbeta. We also show that the binding of liganded TRbeta to chromatin induces promoter-proximal chromatin remodeling and histone acetylation, and that histone acetylation is correlated with increased TRbeta-dependent transcription. Additionally, we find that steroid receptor coactivators (SRCs) and p300 function synergistically to stimulate TRbeta-dependent transcription, with multiple functional domains of p300 contributing to its coactivator activity with TRbeta. A major conclusion from our experiments is that the primary role of the SRC proteins is to recruit p300/cAMP response element binding protein-binding protein to hormone-regulated promoters. Together, our results suggest a multiple step pathway for transcriptional regulation by liganded TRbeta, including chromatin remodeling, recruitment of coactivators, targeted histone acetylation, and recruitment of the RNA polymerase II transcriptional machinery. Our studies highlight the functional importance of chromatin in transcriptional control and further define the molecular mechanisms by which the SRC and p300 coactivators facilitate transcriptional activation by liganded TRbeta.

Targeted recruitment of a histone H4-specific methyltransferase by the transcription factor YY1

Methylation of specific residues within the N-terminal histone tails plays a critical role in regulating eukaryotic gene expression. Although great advances have been made toward identifying histone methyltransferases (HMTs) and elucidating the consequences of histone methylation, little is known about the recruitment of HMTs to regulatory regions of chromatin. Here we report that the sequence-specific DNA-binding transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) binds to and recruits the histone H4 (Arg 3)-specific methyltransferase, PRMT1, to a YY1-activated promoter. Our data confirm that histone methylation does not occur randomly but rather is a targeted event and provides one mechanism by which HMTs can be recruited to chromatin to activate gene expression.

The role of transcriptional corepressor Nif3l1 in early stage of neural differentiation via cooperation with Trip15/CSN2

Mouse Nif3l1 gene is highly conserved from bacteria to human. Even though this gene is expressed throughout embryonic development, its biological function is still obscure. Here, we show that Nif3l1 participates in retinoic acid-primed neural differentiation of P19 embryonic carcinoma cells through cooperation with Trip15/CSN2, a transcriptional corepressor/component of COP9 signalosome. We isolated Nif3l1 cDNA from P19 cell cDNA library by a yeast two-hybrid screening using Trip15/CSN2 as a bait. This interaction was confirmed by a pull-down assay and an epitope-tagged coimmunoprecipitation. Although Nif3l1 was mainly detected in the cytoplasm, the translocation of Nif3l1 into the nuclei was observed in retinoic acid-primed neural differentiation of P19 cells and enhanced by the enforced expression of Trip15/CSN2. Furthermore, enforced expression of sense Nif3l1 RNA, but not antisense RNA, enhanced the neural differentiation of P19 cells accompanying the intense down-regulation of Oct-3/4 mRNA expression and the rapid induction of Mash-1 mRNA expression. Luciferase reporter assay showed that Nif3l1 could act as a transcriptional repressor and synergized the transcriptional repression by Trip15/CSN2. These results indicate that Nif3l1 implicates in neural differentiation through the cooperation with Trip15/CSN2.

Dynamic chromatin alterations triggered by natural and synthetic activation domains

The activation domains (ADs) of transcription activators recruit a multiplicity of enzymatic activities to gene promoters. The mechanisms by which such recruitment takes place are not well understood. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate dynamic alterations in the abundance of histones H2A, H3, and H4 at promoters of genes regulated by the HSF and Gal4 activators of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Transcriptional activation of these genes, particularly those regulated by HSF, is accompanied by a significant reduction in both acetylated and unacetylated histones at promoters and may involve the transient displacement of histone octamers. To gain insight into the function of ADs, we conducted a genetic screen to identify polypeptides that could substitute for the 340-residue C-terminal activator of HSF and rescue the temperature sensitivity caused by its deletion. We found that the ts(-) phenotype of HSF(1-493) could be complemented by peptides as short as 11 amino acids. Such peptides are enriched in acidic and hydrophobic residues, and exhibit both trans-activating and chromatin-modifying activities when fused to the Gal4 DNA-binding domain. We also demonstrate that a previously identified 14-amino acid histone H3-binding module of human CTF1/NF1, which is similar to synthetic ADs, can substitute for the HSF C-terminal activator in conferring temperature resistance and can mediate the modification of promoter chromatin structure. Possible mechanisms of AD function, including one involving direct interactions with histones, are discussed.

Disruption mutations of ADA2b and GCN5 transcriptional adaptor genes dramatically affect Arabidopsis growth, development, and gene expression

We previously identified Arabidopsis genes homologous with the yeast ADA2 and GCN5 genes that encode components of the ADA and SAGA histone acetyltransferase complexes. In this report, we explore the biological roles of the Arabidopsis ADA2b and GCN5 genes. T-DNA insertion mutations in ADA2b and GCN5 were found to have pleiotropic effects on plant growth and development, including dwarf size, aberrant root development, and short petals and stamens in flowers. Approximately 5% of the 8200 genes assayed by DNA microarray analysis showed changes of expression in the mutants, three-fourths of which were upregulated and only half of which were altered similarly in the two mutant strains. In cold acclimation experiments, C-repeat binding factors (CBFs) were induced in the mutants as in wild-type plants, but subsequent transcription of cold-regulated (COR) genes was reduced in both mutants. Remarkably, nonacclimated ada2b-1 (but not gcn5-1) mutant plants were more freezing tolerant than nonacclimated wild-type plants, suggesting that ADA2b may directly or indirectly repress a freezing tolerance mechanism that does not require the expression of CBF or COR genes. We conclude that the Arabidopsis ADA2b and GCN5 proteins have both similar and distinct functions in plant growth, development, and gene expression and may be components of both a common coactivator complex and separate complexes with distinct biological activities.

A broad but restricted requirement for TAF-5 (human TAFII100) for embryonic transcription in Caenorhabditis elegans

As conserved components of the transcription factor (TF) IID- and TFTC/SAGA-related complexes, TATA-binding protein-associated factors (TAF(II)s) are important for eukaryotic mRNA transcription. In yeast, genetic analyses suggest that, although some individual TAF(II)s are required for transcription of most genes, others have highly specialized functions. Much less is known about the functions of TAF(II)s in metazoans, which have more complex genomes that include many tissue-specific genes. TAF-5 (human (h) TAF(II)100) is of particular interest because it is predicted to have an important structural role. Here we describe the first genetics-based analysis of TAF-5 in a metazoan. By performing RNA interference in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, which can survive for several cell generations without transcription, we found that taf-5 is important for a significant fraction of transcription. However, TAF-5 is apparently not essential for the expression of multiple developmental and other metazoan-specific genes. This phenotype remarkably resembles the previously described effects of similarly depleting two C. elegans histone fold TAF(II)s, TAF-9 (hTAF(II)31/32) and TAF-10 (hTAF(II)30), but is distinct from the widespread transcription block caused by TAF-4 (hTAF(II)130) depletion. Our findings suggest that TAF-5, TAF-9, and TAF-10 are part of a functional module of TFIID- and TFTC/SAGA-related complexes that can be bypassed in many metazoan-specific genes.

Protein-protein interaction map for yeast TFIID

A major rate-limiting step in transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II is recognition and binding of the TATA element by the transcription factor TFIID. TFIID is composed of TATA binding protein (TBP) and approximately a dozen TBP-associated factors (TAFs). Emerging consensus regarding the role of TAFs is that TFIID assumes a gene specific activity that is regulated by interaction with other factors. In spite of many studies demonstrating the essential nature of TAFs in transcription, very little is known about the subunit contacts within TFIID. To understand fully the functional role of TAFs, it is imperative to define TAF-TAF interactions and their topological arrangement within TFIID. We performed a systematic two-hybrid analysis using the 13 essential TAFs of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae TFIID complex and TBP. Specific interactions were defined for each component, and the biological significance of these interactions is supported by numerous genetic and biochemical studies. By combining the interaction profiles presented here, and the available studies utilizing specific TAFs, we propose a working hypothesis for the arrangement of components in the TFIID complex. Thus, these results serve as a foundation for understanding the overall architecture of yeast TFIID.

Transcriptional activation in Drosophila spermatogenesis involves the mutually dependent function of aly and a novel meiotic arrest gene cookie monster

In Drosophila spermatogenesis, meiotic cell cycle progression and cellular differentiation are linked by the function of the meiotic arrest genes. The meiotic arrest genes control differentiation by regulating the transcriptional activation of many differentiation-specific genes. The meiotic arrest genes have been subdivided into aly and can classes, based on the mechanism by which they control cell cycle progression. aly has previously been shown to encode a chromatin-associated protein. We present the identification, cloning and characterisation of a novel Drosophila meiotic arrest gene, cookie monster (comr), that has a mutant phenotype indistinguishable from that of aly. A null mutant allele of comr is viable but male sterile. Mutant primary spermatocytes fail to initiate transcription of a large number of genes, and arrest before entry into the meiotic divisions. In adult males, expression of comr is testis specific, low levels of transcripts are detected at other stages of development. comr encodes a novel acidic protein, which is nuclear and primarily localised to regions of chromatin in primary spermatocytes. The nuclear localisation of Aly and Comr proteins are mutually dependent. Finally, we show that active RNA polymerase II is found in distinct domains in the nucleus that constitute a subset of the total Comr stained chromatin.

Interaction of histone acetylases and deacetylases in vivo

Having opposing enzymatic activities, histone acetylases (HATs) and deacetylases affect chromatin and regulate transcription. The activities of the two enzymes are thought to be balanced in the cell by an unknown mechanism that may involve their direct interaction. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer analysis, we demonstrated that the acetylase PCAF and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) are in close spatial proximity in living cells, compatible with their physical interaction. In agreement, coimmunoprecipitation assays demonstrated that endogenous HDACs are associated with PCAF and another acetylase, GCN5, in HeLa cells. We found by glycerol gradient sedimentation analysis that HATs are integrated into a large multiprotein HDAC complex that is distinct from the previously described HDAC complexes containing mSin3A, Mi-2/NRD, or CoREST. This HDAC-HAT association is partly accounted for by a direct protein-protein interaction observed in vitro. The HDAC-HAT complex may play a role in establishing a dynamic equilibrium of the two enzymes in vivo.

A second pathway for modulating glucocorticoid receptor transactivation properties

We recently reported that three factors (a cis-acting element and changing concentrations of receptor or coactivator TIF2) act at a common rate-limiting step to modulate the position of the dose-response curve and the partial agonist activity of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). The ability of saturating levels of GR, and added inhibitors, to prevent the actions of the three modulators (cis-acting element, GR, and TIF2) but not the currently investigated C-terminal fragment of E1A-13S (E1A-133C) indicates that E1A-133C alters GR properties via a second pathway that is downstream of the common step for the original three modulators. hSur2 binds to E1A-133C. We find that hSur2 modulates GR transactivation properties, thus suggesting that the effects of E1A-133C are due to the recruitment of hSur2. hSur2 also modifies GR activities in the presence of saturating GR concentrations, which is consistent with hSur2 acting downstream of the common step for the original three modulators. The H160Y mutation, which eliminates hSur2 binding to E1A, blocks most of the activity of E1A-133C. This suggests that the modulatory activity of E1A-133C is largely due to the binding of hSur2, which is a component of the Mediator complex. Collectively, these data support the existence of a new pathway for modulating GR transactivation processes, thereby increasing the number of cellular mechanisms that permit differential control of gene expression by endogenous levels of glucocorticoid hormones.

Imidazole ring-opened DNA purines and their biological significance

Fragmentation of purine imidazole ring and production of formamidopyrimidines in deoxynucleosides (Fapy lesions) occurs upon DNA oxidation as well as upon spontaneous or alkali-triggered rearrangement of certain alkylated bases. Many chemotherapeutic agents such as cyclophosphamide or thiotepa produce such lesions in DNA. Unsubstituted FapyA and FapyG, formed upon DNA oxidation cause moderate inhibition of DNA synthesis, which is DNA polymerase and sequence dependent. Fapy-7MeG, a methylated counterpart of FapyG-, a efficiently inhibits DNA replication in vitro and in E.coli, however its mutagenic potency is low. This is probably due to preferential incorporation of cytosine opposite Fapy-7MeG and preferential extension of Fapy-7MeG:C pair. In contrast, FapyA and Fapy-7MeA possess miscoding potential. Both lesions in SOS induced E.coli preferentially mispair with cytosine giving rise to A-->G transitions. Fapy lesions substituted with longer chain alkyl groups also show simult aneous lethal and mutagenic properties. Fapy lesions are actively eliminated from DNA by repair glycosylases specific for oxidized purines and pyrimidines both in bacteria and eukaryotic cells. Bacterial enzymes include E.coli formamidopyrimidine-DNA-glycosylase (Fpg protein), endonuclease III (Nth protein) and endonuclease VIII (Nei protein).

A critical evaluation of DNA adducts as biological markers for human exposure to polycyclic aromatic compounds

The causative role of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in human carcinogenesis is undisputed. Measurements of PAH-DNA adduct levels in easily accessible white blood cells therefore represent useful early endpoints in exposure intervention or chemoprevention studies. The successful applicability of DNA adducts as early endpoints depends on several criteria: i. adduct levels in easily accessible surrogate tissues should reflect adduct levels in target-tissues, ii. toxicokinetics and the temporal relevance should be properly defined. iii. sources of interand intra-individual variability must be known and controllable, and finally iv. adduct analyses must have advantages as compared to other markers of PAHexposure. In general, higher DNA adduct levels or a higher proportion of subjects with detectable DNA adduct levels were found in exposed individuals as compared with nonexposed subjects, but saturation may occur at high exposures. Furthermore, DNA adduct levels varied according to changes in exposure, for example smoking cessation resulted in lower DNA adduct levels and adduct levels paralleled seasonal variations of air-pollution. Intraindividual variation during continuous exposure was low over a short period of time (weeks), but varied significantly when longer time periods (months) were investigated. Inter-individual variation is currently only partly explained by genetic polymorphisms in genes involved in PAH-metabolism and deserves further investigation. DNA adduct measurements may have three advantages over traditional exposure assessment: i. they can smooth the extreme variability in exposure which is typical for environmental toxicants and may integrate exposure over a longer period of time. Therefore, DNA adduct assessment may reduce the monitoring effort. ii. biological monitoring of DNA adducts accounts for all exposure routes. iii. DNA adducts may account for inter-individual differences in uptake, elimination, distribution, metabolism and repair amongst exposed individuals. In conclusion, there is now a sufficiently large scientific basis to justify the application of DNA adduct measurements as biomarkers in exposure assessment and intervention studies. Their use in risk-assessment, however, requires further investigation.

Hypoxia-induced angiogenesis during carcinogenesis

The formation of new blood vessels, angiogenesis, is an essential process during development and disease. Angiogenesis is well known as a crucial step in tumor growth and progression. Angiogenesis is induced by hypoxic conditions and regulated by the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). The expression of HIF-1 correlates with hypoxia-induced angiogenesis as a result of the induction of the major HIF-1 target gene, vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF). In this review, a brief overview of the mechanism of angiogenesis is discussed, focusing on the regulatory processes of the HIF-1 transcription factor. HIF-1 consists of a constitutively expressed HIF-1 beta (HIF-1beta) subunit and an oxygen-regulated HIF-1 alpha (HIF-1a) subunit. The stability and activity of HIF-1alpha are regulated by the interaction with various proteins, such as pVHL, p53, and p300/CBP as well as by post-translational modifications, hydroxylation, acetylation, and phosphorylation. It was recently reported that HIF-1alpha binds a co-activator of the AP-1 transcription factor, Jab-1, which inhibits the p53-dependent degradation of HIF-1 and enhances the transcriptional activity of HIF-1 and the subsequent VEGF expression under hypoxic conditions. ARD1 acetylates HIF-1alpha and stimulates pVHL-mediated ubiquitination of HIF-1alpha. With a growing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms in this field, novel strategies to prevent tumor angiogenesis can be developed, and from these, new anticancer therapies may arise.

Two different Drosophila ADA2 homologues are present in distinct GCN5 histone acetyltransferase-containing complexes

We have isolated a novel Drosophila (d) gene coding for two distinct proteins via alternative splicing: a homologue of the yeast adaptor protein ADA2, dADA2a, and a subunit of RNA polymerase II (Pol II), dRPB4. Moreover, we have identified another gene in the Drosophila genome encoding a second ADA2 homologue (dADA2b). The two dADA2 homologues, as well as many putative ADA2 homologues from different species, all contain, in addition to the ZZ and SANT domains, several evolutionarily conserved domains. The dada2a/rpb4 and dada2b genes are differentially expressed at various stages of Drosophila development. Both dADA2a and dADA2b interacted with the GCN5 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) in a yeast two-hybrid assay, and dADA2b, but not dADA2a, also interacted with Drosophila ADA3. Both dADA2s further potentiate transcriptional activation in insect and mammalian cells. Antibodies raised either against dADA2a or dADA2b both immunoprecipitated GCN5 as well as several Drosophila TATA binding protein-associated factors (TAFs). Moreover, following glycerol gradient sedimentation or chromatographic purification combined with gel filtration of Drosophila nuclear extracts, dADA2a and dGCN5 were detected in fractions with an apparent molecular mass of about 0.8 MDa whereas dADA2b was found in fractions corresponding to masses of at least 2 MDa, together with GCN5 and several Drosophila TAFs. Furthermore, in vivo the two dADA2 proteins showed different localizations on polytene X chromosomes. These results, taken together, suggest that the two Drosophila ADA2 homologues are present in distinct GCN5-containing HAT complexes.