151
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Aoki H, Hara A, Kunisada T. White spotting phenotype induced by targeted REST disruption during neural crest specification to a melanocyte cell lineage. Genes Cells 2015; 20:439-49. [DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Aoki
- Department of Tissue and Organ Development, Regeneration, and Advanced Medical Science; Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine; 1-1 Yanagido Gifu 501-1194 Japan
| | - Akira Hara
- Department of Tumor Pathology; Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine; 1-1 Yanagido Gifu 501-1194 Japan
| | - Takahiro Kunisada
- Department of Tissue and Organ Development, Regeneration, and Advanced Medical Science; Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine; 1-1 Yanagido Gifu 501-1194 Japan
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152
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Achour M, Le Gras S, Keime C, Parmentier F, Lejeune FX, Boutillier AL, Neri C, Davidson I, Merienne K. Neuronal identity genes regulated by super-enhancers are preferentially down-regulated in the striatum of Huntington's disease mice. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:3481-96. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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153
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Love CE, Prince VE. Rest represses maturation within migrating facial branchiomotor neurons. Dev Biol 2015; 401:220-35. [PMID: 25769695 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2015.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate brain arises from the complex organization of millions of neurons. Neurogenesis encompasses not only cell fate specification from neural stem cells, but also the terminal molecular and morphological maturation of neurons at correct positions within the brain. RE1-silencing transcription factor (Rest) is expressed in non-neural tissues and neuronal progenitors where it inhibits the terminal maturation of neurons by repressing hundreds of neuron-specific genes. Here we show that Rest repression of maturation is intimately linked with the migratory capability of zebrafish facial branchiomotor neurons (FBMNs), which undergo a characteristic tangential migration from hindbrain rhombomere (r) 4 to r6/r7 during development. We establish that FBMN migration is increasingly disrupted as Rest is depleted in zebrafish rest mutant embryos, such that around two-thirds of FBMNs fail to complete migration in mutants depleted of both maternal and zygotic Rest. Although Rest is broadly expressed, we show that de-repression or activation of Rest target genes only within FBMNs is sufficient to disrupt their migration. We demonstrate that this migration defect is due to precocious maturation of FBMNs, based on both morphological and molecular criteria. We further show that the Rest target gene and alternative splicing factor srrm4 is a key downstream regulator of maturation; Srrm4 knockdown partially restores the ability of FBMNs to migrate in rest mutants while preventing their precocious morphological maturation. Rest must localize to the nucleus to repress its targets, and its subcellular localization is highly regulated: we show that targeting Rest specifically to FBMN nuclei rescues FBMN migration in Rest-deficient embryos. We conclude that Rest functions in FBMN nuclei to inhibit maturation until the neurons complete their migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal E Love
- Committee on Development, Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60615, USA
| | - Victoria E Prince
- Committee on Development, Regeneration and Stem Cell Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60615, USA; Department of Organismal Biology and Anatomy, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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154
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Landgrave-Gómez J, Mercado-Gómez O, Guevara-Guzmán R. Epigenetic mechanisms in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:58. [PMID: 25774124 PMCID: PMC4343006 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of epigenetic mechanisms in the function and homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) and its regulation in diseases is one of the most interesting processes of contemporary neuroscience. In the last decade, a growing body of literature suggests that long-term changes in gene transcription associated with CNS's regulation and neurological disorders are mediated via modulation of chromatin structure. "Epigenetics", introduced for the first time by Waddington in the early 1940s, has been traditionally referred to a variety of mechanisms that allow heritable changes in gene expression even in the absence of DNA mutation. However, new definitions acknowledge that many of these mechanisms used to perpetuate epigenetic traits in dividing cells are used by neurons to control a variety of functions dependent on gene expression. Indeed, in the recent years these mechanisms have shown their importance in the maintenance of a healthy CNS. Moreover, environmental inputs that have shown effects in CNS diseases, such as nutrition, that can modulate the concentration of a variety of metabolites such as acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-coA), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD(+)) and beta hydroxybutyrate (β-HB), regulates some of these epigenetic modifications, linking in a precise way environment with gene expression. This manuscript will portray what is currently understood about the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the function and homeostasis of the CNS and their participation in a variety of neurological disorders. We will discuss how the machinery that controls these modifications plays an important role in processes involved in neurological disorders such as neurogenesis and cell growth. Moreover, we will discuss how environmental inputs modulate these modifications producing metabolic and physiological alterations that could exert beneficial effects on neurological diseases. Finally, we will highlight possible future directions in the field of epigenetics and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Landgrave-Gómez
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoMéxico, D.F., México
| | - Octavio Mercado-Gómez
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoMéxico, D.F., México
| | - Rosalinda Guevara-Guzmán
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Fisiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de MéxicoMéxico, D.F., México
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155
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Soldati C, Caramanica P, Burney MJ, Toselli C, Bithell A, Augusti-Tocco G, Stanton LW, Biagioni S, Buckley NJ, Cacci E. RE1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencing factor regulates expansion of adult mouse subventricular zone-derived neural stem/progenitor cells in vitro. J Neurosci Res 2015; 93:1203-14. [PMID: 25691247 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Adult neural stem cell (aNSC) activity is tuned by external stimuli through the recruitment of transcription factors. This study examines the RE1 silencing transcription factor (REST) in neural stem/progenitor cells isolated from the subventricular zone of adult mouse brain and provides the first extensive characterization of REST-mediated control of the cellular and molecular properties. This study shows that REST knockdown affects the capacity of progenitor cells to generate neurospheres, reduces cell proliferation, and triggers cell differentiation despite the presence of growth factors. Genome- and transcriptome-wide analyses show that REST binding sites are significantly enriched in genes associated with synaptic transmission and nervous system development and function. Seeking candidate regulators of aNSC function, this study identifies a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) family, BMP6, the mRNA and protein of which increased after REST knockdown. The results of this study extend previous findings, demonstrating a reciprocal control of REST expression by BMPs. Administration of exogenous BMP6 inhibits aNSC proliferation and induces the expression of the astrocytic marker glial fibrillary acidic protein, highlighting its antimitogenic and prodifferentiative effects. This study suggests that BMP6 produced in a REST-regulated manner together with other signals can contribute to regulation of NSC maintenance and fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Soldati
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Caramanica
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Matthew J Burney
- Department of Neuroscience, Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Camilla Toselli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nanoscience Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Bithell
- Department of Neuroscience, Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriella Augusti-Tocco
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Biagioni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Center for Life Nanoscience Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Noel J Buckley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emanuele Cacci
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin," Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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156
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Halevy T, Czech C, Benvenisty N. Molecular mechanisms regulating the defects in fragile X syndrome neurons derived from human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cell Reports 2015; 4:37-46. [PMID: 25483109 PMCID: PMC4297868 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2014.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 10/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by the absence of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). We have previously generated FXS-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patients' fibroblasts. In this study, we aimed at unraveling the molecular phenotype of the disease. Our data revealed aberrant regulation of neural differentiation and axon guidance genes in FXS-derived neurons, which are regulated by the RE-1 silencing transcription factor (REST). Moreover, we found REST to be elevated in FXS-derived neurons. As FMRP is involved in the microRNA (miRNA) pathway, we employed miRNA-array analyses and uncovered several miRNAs dysregulated in FXS-derived neurons. We found hsa-mir-382 to be downregulated in FXS-derived neurons, and introduction of mimic-mir-382 into these neurons was sufficient to repress REST and upregulate its axon guidance target genes. Our data link FMRP and REST through the miRNA pathway and show a new aspect in the development of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomer Halevy
- Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Christian Czech
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research & Early Development, Neuroscience, Roche Innovation Center, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nissim Benvenisty
- Azrieli Center for Stem Cells and Genetic Research, Department of Genetics, Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel.
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157
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Swartling FJ, Čančer M, Frantz A, Weishaupt H, Persson AI. Deregulated proliferation and differentiation in brain tumors. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 359:225-54. [PMID: 25416506 PMCID: PMC4286433 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2046-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurogenesis, the generation of new neurons, is deregulated in neural stem cell (NSC)- and progenitor-derived murine models of malignant medulloblastoma and glioma, the most common brain tumors of children and adults, respectively. Molecular characterization of human malignant brain tumors, and in particular brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs), has identified neurodevelopmental transcription factors, microRNAs, and epigenetic factors known to inhibit neuronal and glial differentiation. We are starting to understand how these factors are regulated by the major oncogenic drivers in malignant brain tumors. In this review, we will focus on the molecular switches that block normal neuronal differentiation and induce brain tumor formation. Genetic or pharmacological manipulation of these switches in BTSCs has been shown to restore the ability of tumor cells to differentiate. We will discuss potential brain tumor therapies that will promote differentiation in order to reduce treatment resistance, suppress tumor growth, and prevent recurrence in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik J Swartling
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Matko Čančer
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Aaron Frantz
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, Sandler Neurosciences Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Holger Weishaupt
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Rudbeck Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-751 85, Sweden
| | - Anders I Persson
- Departments of Neurology and Neurological Surgery, Sandler Neurosciences Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
- Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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158
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Cho E, Moon SM, Park BR, Kim DK, Lee BK, Kim CS. NRSF/REST regulates the mTOR signaling pathway in oral cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2014; 33:1459-64. [PMID: 25524378 DOI: 10.3892/or.2014.3675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuron-restrictive silencer factor/repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor (NRSF/REST) was originally discovered as a transcriptional repressor of neuronal genes in non-neuronal cells. However, it was recently reported to be abundantly expressed in several types of aggressive cancer cells, as well as in mature neurons. In the present study, the role of NRSF/REST in the human oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) KB cell line was evaluated. NRSF/REST was expressed at a higher level in KB cells when compared with that in normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOKs). Knockdown of NRSF/REST by siRNA reduced cell viability only in KB cells in a time-dependent manner, and this effect was due to the activation of apoptosis components and DNA fragmentation. In addition, knockdown of NRSF/REST disrupted the mTOR signaling pathway which is a key survival factor in many types of cancer cells. For example, the phosphorylation of elF4G, elF4E and 4E-BP1 was significantly reduced in the KΒ cells upon NRSF/REST knockdown. These results imply that NRSF/REST plays an important role in the survival of oral cancer cells by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Cho
- Oral Biology Research Institute, Chosun University, Gwangju 501-759, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Min Moon
- Oral Biology Research Institute, Chosun University, Gwangju 501-759, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo Ram Park
- Oral Biology Research Institute, Chosun University, Gwangju 501-759, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Kyung Kim
- Oral Biology Research Institute, Chosun University, Gwangju 501-759, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Kwon Lee
- Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Chun Sung Kim
- Oral Biology Research Institute, Chosun University, Gwangju 501-759, Republic of Korea
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159
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NRSF: an Angel or a Devil in Neurogenesis and Neurological Diseases. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 56:131-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0474-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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160
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Orta-Salazar E, Aguilar-Vázquez A, Martínez-Coria H, Luquín-De Anda S, Rivera-Cervantes M, Beas-Zarate C, Feria-Velasco A, Díaz-Cintra S. REST/NRSF-induced changes of ChAT protein expression in the neocortex and hippocampus of the 3xTg-AD mouse model for Alzheimer's disease. Life Sci 2014; 116:83-9. [PMID: 25261598 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2014.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Revised: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The cholinergic system is one of the neurotransmitter systems altered in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of human dementia. The objective of this work was to determine the REST/NRSF involvement in altered ChAT expression in the neocortex and hippocampus of an AD transgenic mouse (homozygous 3xTg-AD) that over-expresses 3 proteins, amyloid-β precursor protein, presenilin-1, and tau, all of which are associated with AD and cause cellular degeneration. MAIN METHODS Two groups (WT and 3xTg-AD) of 11-month-old female mice were analyzed and compared. Half of the brains of each group were used for ChAT immunohistochemistry, and Western Blot analyses of ChAT and REST/NRSF were performed on the other half. KEY FINDINGS We observed significant decreases in the number of ChAT-immunoreactive cells in the Meynert nucleus and of fibers in the frontal motor cortex and hippocampal CA1 area in transgenic mice compared with control mice. An increased level of REST/NRSF protein and a reduction of ChAT protein expression in the 3xTg-AD mice compared with their controls were also found in both in the latter two cerebral regions. SIGNIFICANCE The increased REST/NRSF expression reported here and its effect on the regulatory region for ChAT transcription could explain the decreased expression of ChAT in the 3xTg-AD mouse; these findings may be associated with the degeneration observed in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Orta-Salazar
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jal. CP 45110, México; University of CA, Irvine Campus, USA
| | - A Aguilar-Vázquez
- Instituto de Neurobiología (INB), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla Qro, CP 76230, México
| | | | - S Luquín-De Anda
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jal. CP 44340, México
| | - M Rivera-Cervantes
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jal. CP 45110, México
| | - C Beas-Zarate
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jal. CP 45110, México
| | - A Feria-Velasco
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan, Jal. CP 45110, México
| | - S Díaz-Cintra
- Instituto de Neurobiología (INB), Campus UNAM-Juriquilla Qro, CP 76230, México.
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161
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Henriksson R, Bäckman CM, Harvey BK, Kadyrova H, Bazov I, Shippenberg TS, Bakalkin G. PDYN, a gene implicated in brain/mental disorders, is targeted by REST in the adult human brain. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1839:1226-32. [PMID: 25220237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2014] [Revised: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The dynorphin κ-opioid receptor system is implicated in mental health and brain/mental disorders. However, despite accumulating evidence that PDYN and/or dynorphin peptide expression is altered in the brain of individuals with brain/mental disorders, little is known about transcriptional control of PDYN in humans. In the present study, we show that PDYN is targeted by the transcription factor REST in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and that that interfering with REST activity increases PDYN expression in these cells. We also show that REST binding to PDYN is reduced in the adult human brain compared to SH-SY5Y cells, which coincides with higher PDYN expression. This may be related to MIR-9 mediated down-regulation of REST as suggested by a strong inverse correlation between REST and MIR-9 expression. Our results suggest that REST represses PDYN expression in SH-SY5Y cells and the adult human brain and may have implications for mental health and brain/mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Henriksson
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, NIDA-IRP, NIH, 333 Cassell Dr, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Cell and Molecular Medicine, L8:01, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Box 591, Husargatan 3, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Cristina M Bäckman
- Cellular Neurophysiology Section, Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch, NIDA-IRP, NIH, 333 Cassell Dr, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Brandon K Harvey
- Neural Protection and Regeneration Section, Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA-IRP, NIH, 251 Bayview Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Helena Kadyrova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Box 591, Husargatan 3, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Igor Bazov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Box 591, Husargatan 3, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Toni S Shippenberg
- Integrative Neuroscience Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, NIDA-IRP, NIH, 333 Cassell Dr, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Georgy Bakalkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala Biomedical Centre, Box 591, Husargatan 3, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
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162
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C-terminal domain small phosphatase 1 and MAP kinase reciprocally control REST stability and neuronal differentiation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014; 111:E3929-36. [PMID: 25197063 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1414770111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The repressor element 1 (RE1) silencing transcription factor (REST) in stem cells represses hundreds of genes essential to neuronal function. During neurogenesis, REST is degraded in neural progenitors to promote subsequent elaboration of a mature neuronal phenotype. Prior studies indicate that part of the degradation mechanism involves phosphorylation of two sites in the C terminus of REST that require activity of beta-transducin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase, βTrCP. We identify a proline-directed phosphorylation motif, at serines 861/864 upstream of these sites, which is a substrate for the peptidylprolyl cis/trans isomerase, Pin1, as well as the ERK1/2 kinases. Mutation at S861/864 stabilizes REST, as does inhibition of Pin1 activity. Interestingly, we find that C-terminal domain small phosphatase 1 (CTDSP1), which is recruited by REST to neuronal genes, is present in REST immunocomplexes, dephosphorylates S861/864, and stabilizes REST. Expression of a REST peptide containing S861/864 in neural progenitors inhibits terminal neuronal differentiation. Together with previous work indicating that both REST and CTDSP1 are expressed to high levels in stem cells and down-regulated during neurogenesis, our results suggest that CTDSP1 activity stabilizes REST in stem cells and that ERK-dependent phosphorylation combined with Pin1 activity promotes REST degradation in neural progenitors.
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163
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Aoki H, Hara A, Oomori Y, Shimizu Y, Yamada Y, Kunisada T. Neonatal lethality of neural crest cell-specificRestknockout mice is associated with gastrointestinal distension caused by aberrations of myenteric plexus. Genes Cells 2014; 19:723-42. [DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Aoki
- Department of Tissue and Organ Development, Regeneration, and Advanced Medical Science; Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine; 1-1 Yanagido Gifu 501-1194 Japan
| | - Akira Hara
- Department of Tumor Pathology; Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine; 1-1 Yanagido Gifu 501-1194 Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Oomori
- TAIYO NIPPON SANSO Corporation; 3054-3 Shimokurosawa Takane-cho Hokuto-shi Yamanashi 408-0015 Japan
| | - Yasutake Shimizu
- Department of Basic Veterinary Science; Laboratory of Physiology; The United Graduate School of Veterinary Sciences Gifu University; 1-1 Yanagido Gifu 501-1193 Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Yamada
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA); Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS); Kyoto University; Kyoto 606-8507 Japan
| | - Takahiro Kunisada
- Department of Tissue and Organ Development, Regeneration, and Advanced Medical Science; Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine; 1-1 Yanagido Gifu 501-1194 Japan
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164
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Matsushita Y, Araki K, Omotuyi OI, Mukae T, Ueda H. HDAC inhibitors restore C-fibre sensitivity in experimental neuropathic pain model. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 170:991-8. [PMID: 24032674 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hypoesthesia is a clinical feature of neuropathic pain. The feature is partly explained by the evidence of epigenetic repression of Nav 1.8 sodium channel in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We investigated the possibility of trichostatin A (TSA), valproic acid (VPA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) to reverse the unique C-fibre sensitivity observed following partial ligation of sciatic nerve in mice. KEY RESULTS Nerve injury-induced down-regulation of DRG Nav 1.8 sodium channel and C-fibre-related hypoesthesia were reversed by TSA, VPA and SAHA treatments, which inhibit histone deacetylase (HDAC), and increase histone acetylation at the regulatory sequence of Nav 1.8. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Taken together, these studies provide the evidence that hypoesthesia and underlying down-regulation of Nav 1.8, negative symptoms observed in nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain models are regulated by an epigenetic chromatin remodelling through HDAC-related machineries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Matsushita
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
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165
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RE-1 silencing transcription factor (REST): a regulator of neuronal development and neuronal/endocrine function. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 359:99-109. [PMID: 25092546 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-1963-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
RE-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is a transcriptional repressor that has been proposed to function as a master negative regulator of neurogenesis, as REST target genes encode neuronal receptors, ion channels, neuropeptides and synaptic proteins. During neuronal differentiation, REST expression levels are reduced, allowing expression of selected REST target genes. The analysis of neural stem/progenitor cells that are either devoid of REST or overexpress REST revealed that REST is not the master regulator that is solely responsible for the acquisition of the neuronal fate. Rather, REST provides a regulatory hub that coordinately regulates multiple tiers of neuronal development in vitro. In addition, REST may play an important role for maintaining the integrity of adult neurons. REST confers oxidative stress resistance and is essential for maintaining neuronal viability. Furthermore, the concentration of REST has been reported to influence the pathogenic outcome by neuronal diseases, including stroke, epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease. Experiments performed with PC12 pheochromocytoma cells indicate that REST may function as a key regulator of the neurosecretory phenotype. Moreover, transgenic mice overexpressing REST in pancreatic β-cells showed impaired insulin secretion leading to significantly reduced plasma insulin levels. Based on the fact that REST plays a prominent role in controlling stimulus-induced secretion in endocrine cells, we propose that REST may also be important for neurotransmitter release via regulation of genes that encode important proteins of the exocytotic machinery.
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166
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Sedaghat Y, Bui HH, Mazur C, Monia BP. Identification of REST-regulated genes and pathways using a REST-targeted antisense approach. Nucleic Acid Ther 2014; 23:389-400. [PMID: 24329414 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2013.0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) is one of the first negative-acting transcriptional regulators implicated in vertebrate development thought to regulate hundreds of neuron-specific genes. However, its function in the adult system remains elusive. Here we employ second-generation antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to study the impact of rest-mediated suppression on gene expression. We demonstrate specific reductions in REST levels in vitro, and in vivo in mouse liver following treatment with ASOs, and we show that ASO mediated-REST suppression results in the elevation in expression of many neuronal genes including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, Synapsin1 (syn1) and β3-tubulin in BALB/c liver. Furthermore, we show the elevation of the affected proteins in plasma following ASO treatment. Finally, microarray analysis was applied to identify a broad range of genes modulated by REST suppression in mouse liver. Our findings suggest that REST may be an important target for neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's disease, is also involved in the regulation of a broad range of additional cellular pathways, and that the antisense approach is a viable strategy for selectively modulating REST activity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalda Sedaghat
- 1 Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Evotec AG , Hamburg, Germany
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167
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Tint GS, Pan L, Shang Q, Sharpe LJ, Brown AJ, Li M, Yu H. Desmosterol in brain is elevated because DHCR24 needs REST for Robust Expression but REST is poorly expressed. Dev Neurosci 2014; 36:132-42. [PMID: 24861183 DOI: 10.1159/000362363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol synthesis in the fetal brain is inhibited because activity of DHCR24 (24-dehydrocholesterol reductase) is insufficient, causing concentrations of the precursor desmosterol to increase temporarily to 15-25% of total sterols at birth. We demonstrate that failure of DHCR24 to be adequately upregulated during periods of elevated cholesterol synthesis in the brain results from the presence in its promoter of the repressor element 1 (RE1) nucleotide sequence that binds the RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) and that REST, generally reduced in neural tissues, uncharacteristically but not without precedent, enhances DHCR24 transcription. DHCR24 and REST mRNA levels are reduced 3- to 4-fold in fetal mouse brain compared to liver (p < 0.001). Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays suggested that REST binds to the human DHCR24 promoter in the vicinity of the predicted human RE1 sequence. Luminescent emission from a human DHCR24 promoter construct with a mutated RE1 sequence was reduced 2-fold compared to output from a reporter with wild-type RE1 (p < 0.005). Silencing REST in HeLa cells resulted in significant reductions of DHCR24 mRNA (2-fold) and DHCR24 protein (4-fold). As expected, relative concentrations of Δ(24)-cholesterol precursor sterols increased 3- to 4-fold, reflecting the inhibition of DHCR24 enzyme activity. In contrast, mRNA levels of DHCR7 (sterol 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase), a gene essential for cholesterol synthesis lacking an RE1 sequence, and concentrations of HMGR (3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase) enzyme protein were both unaffected. Surprisingly, a dominant negative fragment of REST consisting of just the DNA binding domain (about 20% of the protein) and full-length REST enhanced DHCR24 expression equally well. Furthermore, RE1 and the sterol response element (SRE), the respective binding sites for REST and the SRE binding protein (SREBP), are contiguous. These observations led us to hypothesize that REST acts because it is bound in close proximity to SREBP, thus amplifying its ability to upregulate DHCR24. It is likely that modulation of DHCR24 expression by REST persisted in the mammalian genome either because it does no harm or because suppressing metabolically active DHCR24 while providing abundant quantities of the multifunctional sterol desmosterol during neural development proved useful.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Tint
- Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, East Orange, N.J., USA
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168
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Duan P, Sun S, Li B, Huang C, Xu Y, Han X, Xing Y, Yan W. miR-29a modulates neuronal differentiation through targeting REST in mesenchymal stem cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97684. [PMID: 24841827 PMCID: PMC4026383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the modulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) upon the neuronal differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) through targeting RE-1 Silencing Factor (REST), a mature neuronal gene suppressor in neuronal and un-neuronal cells. METHODS Rat bone marrow derived-MSCs were induced into neuron-like cells (MSC-NCs) by DMSO and BHA in vitro. The expression of neuron specific enolase (NSE), microtubule-associated protein tau (Tau), REST and its target genes, including synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25) and L1 cell adhesion molecular (L1CAM), were detected in MSCs and MSC-NCs. miRNA array analysis was conducted to screen for the upregulated miRNAs after neuronal differentiation. TargetScan was used to predict the relationship between these miRNAs and REST gene, and dual luciferase reporter assay was applied to validate it. Gain and loss of function experiments were used to study the role of miR-29a upon neuronal differentiation of MSCs. The knockdown of REST was conducted to show that miR-29a affected this process through targeting REST. RESULTS MSCs were induced into neuron-like cells which presented neuronal cell shape and expressed NSE and Tau. The expression of REST declined and the expression of SNAP25 and L1CAM increased upon the neuronal differentiation of MSCs. Among 14 upregulated miRNAs, miR-29a was validated to target REST gene. During the neuronal differentiation of MSCs, miR-29a inhibition blocked the downregulation of REST, as well as the upregulation of SNAP25, L1CAM, NSE and Tau. REST knockdown rescued the effect of miR-29a inhibition on the expression of NSE and Tau. Meanwhile, miR-29a knockin significantly decreased the expression of REST and increased the expression of SNAP25 and L1CMA in MSCs, but did not significantly affect the expression of NSE and Tau. CONCLUSION miR-29a regulates neurogenic markers through targeting REST in mesenchymal stem cells, which provides advances in neuronal differentiation research and stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Duan
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Shiling Sun
- Hematology Department in the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Bo Li
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chuntian Huang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xuefei Han
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ying Xing
- Department of Physiology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- * E-mail: (Y. Xing); (WY)
| | - Wenhai Yan
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- * E-mail: (Y. Xing); (WY)
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169
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Charbord J, Poydenot P, Bonnefond C, Feyeux M, Casagrande F, Brinon B, Francelle L, Aurégan G, Guillermier M, Cailleret M, Viegas P, Nicoleau C, Martinat C, Brouillet E, Cattaneo E, Peschanski M, Lechuga M, Perrier AL. High throughput screening for inhibitors of REST in neural derivatives of human embryonic stem cells reveals a chemical compound that promotes expression of neuronal genes. Stem Cells 2014; 31:1816-28. [PMID: 23712629 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Revised: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Decreased expression of neuronal genes such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is associated with several neurological disorders. One molecular mechanism associated with Huntington disease (HD) is a discrete increase in the nuclear activity of the transcriptional repressor REST/NRSF binding to repressor element-1 (RE1) sequences. High-throughput screening of a library of 6,984 compounds with luciferase-assay measuring REST activity in neural derivatives of human embryonic stem cells led to identify two benzoimidazole-5-carboxamide derivatives that inhibited REST silencing in a RE1-dependent manner. The most potent compound, X5050, targeted REST degradation, but neither REST expression, RNA splicing nor binding to RE1 sequence. Differential transcriptomic analysis revealed the upregulation of neuronal genes targeted by REST in wild-type neural cells treated with X5050. This activity was confirmed in neural cells produced from human induced pluripotent stem cells derived from a HD patient. Acute intraventricular delivery of X5050 increased the expressions of BDNF and several other REST-regulated genes in the prefrontal cortex of mice with quinolinate-induced striatal lesions. This study demonstrates that the use of pluripotent stem cell derivatives can represent a crucial step toward the identification of pharmacological compounds with therapeutic potential in neurological affections involving decreased expression of neuronal genes associated to increased REST activity, such as Huntington disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Charbord
- Inserm U861, AFM Evry Cedex, France; UEVE U861, AFM Evry Cedex, France
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170
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Lu T, Aron L, Zullo J, Pan Y, Kim H, Chen Y, Yang TH, Kim HM, Drake D, Liu XS, Bennett DA, Colaiácovo MP, Yankner BA. REST and stress resistance in ageing and Alzheimer's disease. Nature 2014; 507:448-54. [PMID: 24670762 PMCID: PMC4110979 DOI: 10.1038/nature13163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 520] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human neurons are functional over an entire lifetime, yet the mechanisms that preserve function and protect against neurodegeneration during aging are unknown. Here we show that induction of the repressor element 1-silencing transcription/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) is a universal feature of normal aging in human cortical and hippocampal neurons. REST is lost, however, in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Chromatin immunoprecipitation with deep sequencing (ChIP-seq) and expression analysis show that REST represses genes that promote cell death and AD pathology, and induces the expression of stress response genes. Moreover, REST potently protects neurons from oxidative stress and amyloid β-protein (Aβ) toxicity, and conditional deletion of REST in the mouse brain leads to age-related neurodegeneration. A functional ortholog of REST, C. elegans SPR-4, also protects against oxidative stress and Aβ toxicity. During normal aging, REST is induced in part by cell non-autonomous Wnt signaling. However, in AD, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies, REST is lost from the nucleus and appears in autophagosomes together with pathologic misfolded proteins. Finally, REST levels during aging are closely correlated with cognitive preservation and longevity. Thus, the activation state of REST may distinguish neuroprotection from neurodegeneration in the aging brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Lu
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Liviu Aron
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Joseph Zullo
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Ying Pan
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Haeyoung Kim
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Faber Cancer Institute and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Tun-Hsiang Yang
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Hyun-Min Kim
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Derek Drake
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - X Shirley Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Faber Cancer Institute and Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612, USA
| | - Monica P Colaiácovo
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Bruce A Yankner
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
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171
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Zhou Z, Yu L, Kleinerman ES. EWS-FLI-1 regulates the neuronal repressor gene REST, which controls Ewing sarcoma growth and vascular morphology. Cancer 2014; 120:579-88. [PMID: 24415532 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.28555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST), a neuronal repressor gene, regulates neuronal stem cell differentiation. Ewing sarcoma may originate from neural crest cells. In the current study, the authors investigated whether REST plays a role in the growth of this tumor. METHODS REST expression was determined by Western blot analysis and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 3 human Ewing sarcoma cell lines and 7 patient tumor samples. The role of REST in tumor growth and tumor vascular morphology was determined using a Ewing sarcoma xenograft model. Immunofluorescence staining, Hypoxyprobe, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assays were performed to investigate the impact of REST on pericyte marker expression, hypoxia, and apoptosis in vivo. RESULTS High levels of REST were expressed in all 3 human Ewing sarcoma cell lines and in 6 of the 7 patient tumor samples. Overexpression of EWS-FLI-1 in human mesenchymal stem cells and human neural progenitor cells was found to increase REST expression. Inhibition of EWS-FLI-1 using small interfering RNA decreased REST expression in human Ewing sarcoma cells. Inhibition of REST did not affect EWS-FLI-1, but significantly suppressed tumor growth in vivo, reduced the tumor vessel pericyte markers α- smooth muscle actin (SMA) and desmin, increased hypoxia and apoptosis in tumor tissues, and decreased the expression of delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) and Hes1. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of REST suppressed tumor growth, inhibited pericyte marker expression, and increased tumor hypoxia and apoptosis. Because tumor vessel function has been linked to tumor growth and metastases, REST may be a new therapeutic target in patients with Ewing sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Zhou
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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172
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Abstract
Changes in the level and activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been described in a number of neurodegenerative disorders since early 1990s. However, only in Huntington disease (HD) gain- and loss-of-function experiments have mechanistically linked these abnormalities with the genetic defect.In this chapter we will describe how huntingtin protein, whose mutation causes HD, is involved in the physiological control of BDNF synthesis and transport in neurons and how both processes are simultaneously disrupted in HD. We will describe the underlying molecular mechanisms and discuss pre-clinical data concerning the impact of the experimental manipulation of BDNF levels on HD progression. These studies have revealed that a major loss of BDNF protein in the brain of HD patients may contribute to the clinical manifestations of the disease. The experimental strategies under investigation to increase brain BDNF levels in animal models of HD will also be described, with a view to ultimately improving the clinical treatment of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Zuccato
- Department of Biosciences and Centre for Stem cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Viotti 3/5, 20133, Milan, Italy,
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173
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Satoh JI, Kawana N, Yamamoto Y. ChIP-Seq Data Mining: Remarkable Differences in NRSF/REST Target Genes between Human ESC and ESC-Derived Neurons. Bioinform Biol Insights 2013; 7:357-68. [PMID: 24324330 PMCID: PMC3855043 DOI: 10.4137/bbi.s13279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuron-restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) is a zinc finger transcription factor that represses neuronal gene transcription in non-neuronal cells by binding to the consensus repressor element-1 (RE1) located in regulatory regions of target genes. NRSF silences the expression of a wide range of target genes involved in neuron-specific functions. Previous studies showed that aberrant regulation of NRSF plays a key role in the pathological process of human neurodegenerative diseases. However, a comprehensive set of NRSF target genes relevant to human neuronal functions has not yet been characterized. We performed genome-wide data mining from chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP-Seq) datasets of NRSF binding sites in human embryonic stem cells (ESC) and the corresponding ESC-derived neurons, retrieved from the database of the ENCODE/HAIB project. Using bioinformatics tools such as Avadis NGS and MACS, we identified 2,172 NRSF target genes in ESC and 308 genes in ESC-derived neurons based on stringent criteria. Only 40 NRSF target genes overlapped between both data sets. According to motif analysis, binding regions showed an enrichment of the consensus RE1 sites in ESC, whereas they were mainly located in poorly defined non-RE1 sites in ESC-derived neurons. Molecular pathways of NRSF target genes were linked with various neuronal functions in ESC, such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, CREB signaling, and axonal guidance signaling, while they were not directed to neuron-specific functions in ESC-derived neurons. Remarkable differences in ChIP-Seq-based NRSF target genes and pathways between ESC and ESC-derived neurons suggested that NRSF-mediated silencing of target genes is highly effective in human ESC but not in ESC-derived neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ichi Satoh
- Department of Bioinformatics and Molecular Neuropathology, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo 204-8588, Japan
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174
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Svensson C, Ceder J, Iglesias-Gato D, Chuan YC, Pang ST, Bjartell A, Martinez RM, Bott L, Helczynski L, Ulmert D, Wang Y, Niu Y, Collins C, Flores-Morales A. REST mediates androgen receptor actions on gene repression and predicts early recurrence of prostate cancer. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 42:999-1015. [PMID: 24163104 PMCID: PMC3902919 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a key regulator of prostate tumorgenesis through actions that are not fully understood. We identified the repressor element (RE)-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) as a mediator of AR actions on gene repression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that AR binds chromatin regions containing well-characterized cis-elements known to mediate REST transcriptional repression, while cell imaging studies confirmed that REST and AR closely co-localize in vivo. Androgen-induced gene repression also involves modulation of REST protein turnover through actions on the ubiquitin ligase β-TRCP. Androgen deprivation or AR blockage with inhibitor MDV3100 (Enzalutamide) leads to neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation, a phenomenon that is mimicked by REST inactivation. Gene expression profiling revealed that REST not only acts to repress neuronal genes but also genes involved in cell cycle progression, including Aurora Kinase A, that has previously been implicated in the growth of NE-like castration-resistant tumors. The analysis of prostate cancer tissue microarrays revealed that tumors with reduced expression of REST have higher probability of early recurrence, independently of their Gleason score. The demonstration that REST modulates AR actions in prostate epithelia and that REST expression is negatively correlated with disease recurrence after prostatectomy, invite a deeper characterization of its role in prostate carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Svensson
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark, Division of Urological Cancers, Department of Clinical Sciences, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, 20502 Malmö, Sweden, Department of Urology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-Yuan 33305, Taiwan, R.O.C., Department of Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden, Regional Laboratories Region Skåne, Clinical Pathology, 205 80 Malmö, Sweden, Department of Surgery (Urology), Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 100 65, USA, Vancouver Prostate Centre and The Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3Z6 and Tianjin Institute of Urology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300 211, China
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REST/NRSF-mediated intrinsic homeostasis protects neuronal networks from hyperexcitability. EMBO J 2013; 32:2994-3007. [PMID: 24149584 DOI: 10.1038/emboj.2013.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic homeostasis enables neuronal circuits to maintain activity levels within an appropriate range by modulating neuronal voltage-gated conductances, but the signalling pathways involved in this process are largely unknown. We characterized the process of intrinsic homeostasis induced by sustained electrical activity in cultured hippocampal neurons based on the activation of the Repressor Element-1 Silencing Transcription Factor/Neuron-Restrictive Silencer Factor (REST/NRSF). We showed that 4-aminopyridine-induced hyperactivity enhances the expression of REST/NRSF, which in turn, reduces the expression of voltage-gated Na(+) channels, thereby decreasing the neuronal Na(+) current density. This mechanism plays an important role in the downregulation of the firing activity at the single-cell level, re-establishing a physiological spiking activity in the entire neuronal network. Conversely, interfering with REST/NRSF expression impaired this homeostatic response. Our results identify REST/NRSF as a critical factor linking neuronal activity to the activation of intrinsic homeostasis and restoring a physiological level of activity in the entire neuronal network.
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176
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Bissonnette S, Vaillancourt M, Hébert SS, Drolet G, Samadi P. Striatal pre-enkephalin overexpression improves Huntington's disease symptoms in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington's disease. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75099. [PMID: 24040390 PMCID: PMC3770591 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The reduction of pre-enkephalin (pENK) mRNA expression might be an early sign of striatal neuronal dysfunction in Huntington’s disease (HD), due to mutated huntingtin protein. Indeed, striatopallidal (pENK-containing) neurodegeneration occurs at earlier stage of the disease, compare to the loss of striatonigral neurons. However, no data are available about the functional role of striatal pENK in HD. According to the neuroprotective properties of opioids that have been recognized recently, the objective of this study was to investigate whether striatal overexpression of pENK at early stage of HD can improve motor dysfunction, and/or reduce striatal neuronal loss in the R6/2 transgenic mouse model of HD. To achieve this goal recombinant adeno-associated-virus (rAAV2)-containing green fluorescence protein (GFP)-pENK was injected bilaterally in the striatum of R6/2 mice at 5 weeks old to overexpress opioid peptide pENK. Striatal injection of rAAV2-GFP was used as a control. Different behavioral tests were carried out before and/or after striatal injections of rAAV2. The animals were euthanized at 10 weeks old. Our results demonstrate that striatal overexpression of pENK had beneficial effects on behavioral symptoms of HD in R6/2 by: delaying the onset of decline in muscular force; reduction of clasping; improvement of fast motor activity, short-term memory and recognition; as well as normalization of anxiety-like behavior. The improvement of behavioral dysfunction in R6/2 mice having received rAAV2-GFP-pENK associated with upregulation of striatal pENK mRNA; the increased level of enkephalin peptide in the striatum, globus pallidus and substantia nigra; as well as the slight increase in the number of striatal neurons compared with other groups of R6/2. Accordingly, we suggest that at early stage of HD upregulation of striatal enkephalin might play a key role at attenuating illness symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mylène Vaillancourt
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL, Québec, Canada
| | - Sébastien S. Hébert
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL, Québec, Canada
- Département de psychiatrie et de neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Guy Drolet
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL, Québec, Canada
- Département de psychiatrie et de neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Pershia Samadi
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, CHUL, Québec, Canada
- Département de psychiatrie et de neurosciences, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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177
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Runkel F, Rohlmann A, Reissner C, Brand SM, Missler M. Promoter-like sequences regulating transcriptional activity in neurexin and neuroligin genes. J Neurochem 2013; 127:36-47. [PMID: 23875667 PMCID: PMC3910144 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Revised: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Synapse function requires the cell-adhesion molecules neurexins (Nrxn) and neuroligins (Nlgn). Although these molecules are essential for neurotransmission and prefer distinct isoform combinations for interaction, little is known about their transcriptional regulation. Here, we started to explore this important aspect because expression of Nrxn1-3 and Nlgn1-3 genes is altered in mice lacking the transcriptional regulator methyl-CpG-binding protein2 (MeCP2). Since MeCP2 can bind to methylated CpG-dinucleotides and Nrxn/Nlgn contain CpG-islands, we tested genomic sequences for transcriptional activity in reporter gene assays. We found that their influence on transcription are differentially activating or inhibiting. As we observed an activity difference between heterologous and neuronal cell lines for distinct Nrxn1 and Nlgn2 sequences, we dissected their putative promoter regions. In both genes, we identify regions in exon1 that can induce transcription, in addition to the alternative transcriptional start points in exon2. While the 5′-regions of Nrxn1 and Nlgn2 contain two CpG-rich elements that show distinct methylation frequency and binding to MeCP2, other regions may act independently of this transcriptional regulator. These data provide first insights into regulatory sequences of Nrxn and Nlgn genes that may represent an important aspect of their function at synapses in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Runkel
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, Westfälische Wilhelms-University, Münster, Germany
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178
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Shimojo M, Shudo Y, Ikeda M, Kobashi T, Ito S. The small cell lung cancer-specific isoform of RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST) is regulated by neural-specific Ser/Arg repeat-related protein of 100 kDa (nSR100). Mol Cancer Res 2013; 11:1258-68. [PMID: 23928058 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-13-0269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly malignant form of cancer, which originates from primitive neuroendocrine cells in the lung. SCLC cells express several autocrine neurotransmitters/neuropeptides and their respective receptors. Expression of these neuronal markers is frequently regulated by RE1-silencing transcription factor (REST). In SCLC cells, an SCLC-specific isoform of REST (sREST) is highly expressed, whereas REST expression is undetectable, suggesting that the expression of sREST correlates with the pathogenesis of SCLC. Expression of sREST, which is derived through alternative splicing of REST, is abnormally regulated in SCLC cells, but the mechanism is unknown. Most recently, nSR100 (SRRM4) was described as an activator of REST alternative splicing. We now show that nSR100 is highly expressed in SCLC cells correlating with high sREST and low REST expression. Adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) is thought to enhance tumorigenicity and confer resistance to apoptosis. Interestingly, nSR100 expression is enhanced in cells grown with ECM. Overexpression of REST caused repression of sREST and nSR100, the latter containing RE1 element controlled by REST. Culturing the SCLC cell line NCI-N417 cells with ECM also upregulated RE1-containing gene, the voltage-gated calcium channel subunit. Inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway by LY294002 induced nSR100 expression, whereas the specific MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126 inhibited nSR100 expression. Repressing nSR100 by siRNA effectively repressed sREST, and conversely increased REST in NCI-N417 cells. Taken together, this report clarifies the ECM-dependent signaling pathway that impacts nSR100 expression and its regulation of alternative splicing in SCLC. IMPLICATIONS The splicing factor nSR100 may be novel SCLC-specific biomarker, as well as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahito Shimojo
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shin-machi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan.
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179
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Conforti P, Zuccato C, Gaudenzi G, Ieraci A, Camnasio S, Buckley NJ, Mutti C, Cotelli F, Contini A, Cattaneo E. Binding of the repressor complex REST-mSIN3b by small molecules restores neuronal gene transcription in Huntington's disease models. J Neurochem 2013; 127:22-35. [PMID: 23800350 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional dysregulation is a hallmark of Huntington's disease (HD) and one cause of this dysregulation is enhanced activity of the REST-mSIN3a-mSIN3b-CoREST-HDAC repressor complex, which silences transcription through REST binding to the RE1/NRSE silencer. Normally, huntingtin (HTT) prevents this binding, allowing expressing of REST target genes. Here, we aimed to identify HTT mimetics that disrupt REST complex formation in HD. From a structure-based virtual screening of 7 million molecules, we selected 94 compounds predicted to interfere with REST complex formation by targeting the PAH1 domain of mSIN3b. Primary screening using DiaNRSELuc8 cells revealed two classes of compounds causing a greater than two-fold increase in luciferase. In particular, quinolone-like compound 91 (C91) at a non-toxic nanomolar concentration reduced mSIN3b nuclear entry and occupancy at the RE1/NRSE within the Bdnf locus, and restored brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein levels in HD cells. The mRNA levels of other RE1/NRSE-regulated genes were similarly increased while non-REST-regulated genes were unaffected. C91 stimulated REST-regulated gene expression in HTT-knockdown Zebrafish and increased BDNF mRNA in the presence of mutant HTT. Thus, a combination of virtual screening and biological approaches can lead to compounds reducing REST complex formation, which may be useful in HD and in other pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Conforti
- Department of BioSciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy; Center for Stem Cell Research, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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180
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Negrini S, D'Alessandro R, Meldolesi J. NGF signaling in PC12 cells: the cooperation of p75(NTR) with TrkA is needed for the activation of both mTORC2 and the PI3K signalling cascade. Biol Open 2013; 2:855-66. [PMID: 23951412 PMCID: PMC3744078 DOI: 10.1242/bio.20135116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PC12-27, a PC12 clone characterized by high levels of the transcription repressor REST and by very low mTORC2 activity, had been shown to be unresponsive to NGF, possibly because of its lack of the specific TrkA receptor. The neurotrophin receptor repressed by high REST in PC12-27 cells, however, is shown now to be not TrkA, which is normal, but p75(NTR), whose expression is inhibited at the transcriptional level. When treated with NGF, the PC12-27 cells lacking p75(NTR) exhibited a defective TrkA autophosphorylation restricted, however, to the TrkA(Y490) site, and an impairment of the PI3K signaling cascade. This defect was sustained in part by a mTORC1-dependent feed-back inhibition that in wtPC12 cells appeared marginal. Transfection of p75(NTR) to a level and surface distribution analogous to wtPC12 did not modify various high REST-dependent properties of PC12-27 cells such as high β-catenin, low TSC2 and high proliferation rate. In contrast, the defective PI3K signaling cascade and its associated mTORC2 activity were largely rescued together with the NGF-induced neurite outgrowth response. These changes were not due to p75(NTR) alone but required its cooperation with TrkA. Our results demonstrate that, in PC12, high REST induces alterations of NGF signaling which, however, are indirect, dependent on the repression of p75(NTR); and that the well-known potentiation by p75(NTR) of the TrkA signaling does not concern all the effects induced by NGF but primarily the PI3K cascade and its associated mTORC2, a complex known to play an important role in neural cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Negrini
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute , DIBIT, via Olgettina 58, 20132, Milan , Italy ; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University , Division of Neuroscience, via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milan , Italy
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181
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Amalraj J, Cutler SJ, Ghazawi I, Boyle GM, Ralph SJ. REST Negatively and ISGF3 Positively Regulate the Human STAT1 Gene in Melanoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:1288-98. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-12-0923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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182
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Chen GL, Miller GM. Extensive alternative splicing of the repressor element silencing transcription factor linked to cancer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62217. [PMID: 23614038 PMCID: PMC3628349 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The repressor element silencing transcription factor (REST) is a coordinate transcriptional and epigenetic regulator which functions as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene depending on cellular context, and a truncated splice variant REST4 has been linked to various types of cancer. We performed a comprehensive analysis of alternative splicing (AS) of REST by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and PCR amplification of cDNAs from various tissues and cell lines with specific primers. We identified 8 novel alternative exons including an alternate last exon which doubles the REST gene boundary, along with numerous 5'/3' splice sites and ends in the constitutive exons. With the combination of various splicing patterns (e.g. exon skipping and alternative usage of the first and last exons) that are predictive of altered REST activity, at least 45 alternatively spliced variants of coding and non-coding mRNA were expressed in a species- and cell-type/tissue-specific manner with individual differences. By examining the repertoire of REST pre-mRNA splicing in 27 patients with kidney, liver and lung cancer, we found that all patients without exception showed differential expression of various REST splice variants between paired tumor and adjacent normal tissues, with striking cell-type/tissue and individual differences. Moreover, we revealed that exon 3 skipping, which causes no frame shift but loss of a domain essential for nuclear translocation, was affected by pioglitazone, a highly selective activator of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) which contributes to cell differentiation and tumorigenesis besides its metabolic actions. Accordingly, this study demonstrates an extensive AS of REST pre-mRNA which redefines REST gene boundary and structure, along with a general but differential link between REST pre-mRNA splicing and various types of cancer. These findings advance our understanding of the complex, context-dependent regulation of REST gene expression and function, and provide potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Lin Chen
- Division of Neuroscience, New England Primate Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Southborough, Massachusetts, United States of America.
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183
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Karpova NN. Role of BDNF epigenetics in activity-dependent neuronal plasticity. Neuropharmacology 2013; 76 Pt C:709-18. [PMID: 23587647 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key mediator of the activity-dependent processes in the brain that have a major impact on neuronal development and plasticity. Impaired control of neuronal activity-induced BDNF expression mediates the pathogenesis of various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Different environmental stimuli, such as the use of pharmacological compounds, physical and learning exercises or stress exposure, lead to activation of specific neuronal networks. These processes entail tight temporal and spatial transcriptional control of numerous BDNF splice variants through epigenetic mechanisms. The present review highlights recent findings on the dynamic and long-term epigenetic programming of BDNF gene expression by the DNA methylation, histone-modifying and microRNA machineries. The review also summarizes the current knowledge on the activity-dependent BDNF mRNA trafficking critical for rapid local regulation of BDNF levels and synaptic plasticity. Current data open novel directions for discovery of new promising therapeutic targets for treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'BDNF Regulation of Synaptic Structure, Function, and Plasticity'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina N Karpova
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 4, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
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184
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Tailoring the models of transcription. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:7583-97. [PMID: 23567272 PMCID: PMC3645704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14047583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular biology is a rapidly evolving field that has led to the development of increasingly sophisticated technologies to improve our capacity to study cellular processes in much finer detail. Transcription is the first step in protein expression and the major point of regulation of the components that determine the characteristics, fate and functions of cells. The study of transcriptional regulation has been greatly facilitated by the development of reporter genes and transcription factor expression vectors, which have become versatile tools for manipulating promoters, as well as transcription factors in order to examine their function. The understanding of promoter complexity and transcription factor structure offers an insight into the mechanisms of transcriptional control and their impact on cell behaviour. This review focuses on some of the many applications of molecular cut-and-paste tools for the manipulation of promoters and transcription factors leading to the understanding of crucial aspects of transcriptional regulation.
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185
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Das CM, Taylor P, Gireud M, Singh A, Lee D, Fuller G, Ji L, Fangusaro J, Rajaram V, Goldman S, Eberhart C, Gopalakrishnan V. The deubiquitylase USP37 links REST to the control of p27 stability and cell proliferation. Oncogene 2013; 32:1691-701. [PMID: 22665064 PMCID: PMC3435483 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 04/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The RE1 silencing transcription factor (REST) is a repressor of neuronal differentiation and its elevated expression in neural cells blocks neuronal differentiation. In this study, we demonstrate a role for REST in the control of proliferation of medulloblastoma cells. REST expression decreased the levels of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)NIB/p27, a CDK inhibitor and a brake of cell proliferation in these cells. The reciprocal relationship between REST and p27 was validated in human tumor samples. REST knockdown in medulloblastoma cells derepessed a novel REST target gene encoding the deubiquitylase ubiquitin (Ub)-specific peptidase 37 (USP37). Ectopically expressed wild-type USP37 formed a complex with p27, promoted its deubiquitination and stabilization and blocked cell proliferation. Knockdown of REST and USP37 prevented p27 stabilization and blocked the diminution in proliferative potential that normally accompanied REST loss. Unexpectedly, wild-type USP37 expression also induced the expression of REST-target neuronal differentiation genes even though REST levels were unaffected. In contrast, a mutant of USP37 carrying a site-directed change in a conserved cysteine failed to rescue REST-mediated p27 destabilization, maintenance of cell proliferation and blockade to neuronal differentiation. Consistent with these findings, a significant correlation between USP37 and p27 was observed in patient tumors. Collectively, these findings provide a novel connection between REST and the proteasomal machinery in the control of p27 and cell proliferation in medulloblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra M. Das
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Pete Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Monica Gireud
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Akanksha Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Dean Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Greg Fuller
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Lingyun Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jason Fangusaro
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Veena Rajaram
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Stewart Goldman
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Charles Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Vidya Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Brain Tumor Center, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Centers for Cancer Epigenetics, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Program in Neuroscience, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas
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186
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The critical role of protein arginine methyltransferase prmt8 in zebrafish embryonic and neural development is non-redundant with its paralogue prmt1. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55221. [PMID: 23554853 PMCID: PMC3595262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) 1 is the most conserved and widely distributed PRMT in eukaryotes. PRMT8 is a vertebrate-restricted paralogue of PRMT1 with an extra N-terminal sequence and brain-specific expression. We use zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a vertebrate model to study PRMT8 function and putative redundancy with PRMT1. The transcripts of zebrafish prmt8 were specifically expressed in adult zebrafish brain and ubiquitously expressed from zygotic to early segmentation stage before the neuronal development. Whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed ubiquitous prmt8 expression pattern during early embryonic stages, similar to that of prmt1. Knockdown of prmt8 with antisense morpholino oligonucleotide phenocopied prmt1-knockdown, with convergence/extension defects at gastrulation. Other abnormalities observed later include short body axis, curled tails, small and malformed brain and eyes. Catalytically inactive prmt8 failed to complement the morphants, indicating the importance of methyltransferase activity. Full-length prmt8 but not prmt1 cRNA can rescue the phenotypic changes. Nevertheless, cRNA encoding Prmt1 fused with the N-terminus of Prmt8 can rescue the prmt8 morphants. In contrast, N-terminus- deleted but not full-length prmt8 cRNA can rescue the prmt1 morphants as efficiently as prmt1 cRNA. Abnormal brain morphologies illustrated with brain markers and loss of fluorescent neurons in a transgenic fish upon prmt8 knockdown confirm the critical roles of prmt8 in neural development. In summery, our study is the first report showing the expression and function of prmt8 in early zebrafish embryogenesis. Our results indicate that prmt8 may play important roles non-overlapping with prmt1 in embryonic and neural development depending on its specific N-terminus.
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187
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Soldati C, Bithell A, Johnston C, Wong KY, Stanton LW, Buckley NJ. Dysregulation of REST-regulated coding and non-coding RNAs in a cellular model of Huntington's disease. J Neurochem 2013; 124:418-30. [PMID: 23145961 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 11/08/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Huntingtin (Htt) protein interacts with many transcriptional regulators, with widespread disruption to the transcriptome in Huntington's disease (HD) brought about by altered interactions with the mutant Htt (muHtt) protein. Repressor Element-1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) is a repressor whose association with Htt in the cytoplasm is disrupted in HD, leading to increased nuclear REST and concomitant repression of several neuronal-specific genes, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf). Here, we explored a wide set of HD dysregulated genes to identify direct REST targets whose expression is altered in a cellular model of HD but that can be rescued by knock-down of REST activity. We found many direct REST target genes encoding proteins important for nervous system development, including a cohort involved in synaptic transmission, at least two of which can be rescued at the protein level by REST knock-down. We also identified several microRNAs (miRNAs) whose aberrant repression is directly mediated by REST, including miR-137, which has not previously been shown to be a direct REST target in mouse. These data provide evidence of the contribution of inappropriate REST-mediated transcriptional repression to the widespread changes in coding and non-coding gene expression in a cellular model of HD that may affect normal neuronal function and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Soldati
- Department of Neuroscience, Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
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188
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Abstract
Seizures can give rise to enduring changes that reflect alterations in gene-expression patterns, intracellular and intercellular signaling, and ultimately network alterations that are a hallmark of epilepsy. A growing body of literature suggests that long-term changes in gene transcription associated with epilepsy are mediated via modulation of chromatin structure. One transcription factor in particular, repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor (REST), has received a lot of attention due to the possibility that it may control fundamental transcription patterns that drive circuit excitability, seizures, and epilepsy. REST represses a suite of genes in the nervous system by utilizing nuclear protein complexes that were originally identified as mediators of epigenetic inheritance. Epigenetics has traditionally referred to mechanisms that allow a heritable change in gene expression in the absence of DNA mutation. However a more contemporaneous definition acknowledges that many of the mechanisms used to perpetuate epigenetic traits in dividing cells are utilized by neurons to control activity-dependent gene expression. This review surveys what is currently understood about the role of epigenetic mechanisms in epilepsy. We discuss how REST controls gene expression to affect circuit excitability and neurogenesis in epilepsy. We also discuss how the repressor methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and activator cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) regulate neuronal activity and are themselves controlled by activity. Finally we highlight possible future directions in the field of epigenetics and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avtar Roopra
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA.
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189
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Abstract
Epigenetic remodeling and modifications of chromatin structure by DNA methylation and histone modifications represent central mechanisms for the regulation of neuronal gene expression during brain development, higher-order processing, and memory formation. Emerging evidence implicates epigenetic modifications not only in normal brain function, but also in neuropsychiatric disorders. This review focuses on recent findings that disruption of chromatin modifications have a major role in the neurodegeneration associated with ischemic stroke and epilepsy. Although these disorders differ in their underlying causes and pathophysiology, they share a common feature, in that each disorder activates the gene silencing transcription factor REST (repressor element 1 silencing transcription factor), which orchestrates epigenetic remodeling of a subset of 'transcriptionally responsive targets' implicated in neuronal death. Although ischemic insults activate REST in selectively vulnerable neurons in the hippocampal CA1, seizures activate REST in CA3 neurons destined to die. Profiling the array of genes that are epigenetically dysregulated in response to neuronal insults is likely to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of these disorders and may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic strategies for the amelioration of these serious human conditions.
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190
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Bergeron SA, Hannan MC, Codore H, Fero K, Li GH, Moak Z, Yokogawa T, Burgess HA. Brain selective transgene expression in zebrafish using an NRSE derived motif. Front Neural Circuits 2012; 6:110. [PMID: 23293587 PMCID: PMC3531662 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2012.00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transgenic technologies enable the manipulation and observation of circuits controlling behavior by permitting expression of genetically encoded reporter genes in neurons. Frequently though, neuronal expression is accompanied by transgene expression in non-neuronal tissues, which may preclude key experimental manipulations, including assessment of the contribution of neurons to behavior by ablation. To better restrict transgene expression to the nervous system in zebrafish larvae, we have used DNA sequences derived from the neuron-restrictive silencing element (NRSE). We find that one such sequence, REx2, when used in conjunction with several basal promoters, robustly suppresses transgene expression in non-neuronal tissues. Both in transient transgenic experiments and in stable enhancer trap lines, suppression is achieved without compromising expression within the nervous system. Furthermore, in REx2 enhancer trap lines non-neuronal expression can be de-repressed by knocking down expression of the NRSE binding protein RE1-silencing transcription factor (Rest). In one line, we show that the resulting pattern of reporter gene expression coincides with that of the adjacent endogenous gene, hapln3. We demonstrate that three common basal promoters are susceptible to the effects of the REx2 element, suggesting that this method may be useful for confining expression from many other promoters to the nervous system. This technique enables neural specific targeting of reporter genes and thus will facilitate the use of transgenic methods to manipulate circuit function in freely behaving larvae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadie A Bergeron
- Program in Genomics of Differentiation, Unit on Behavioral Neurogenetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Bethesda, MD, USA
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191
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Iannotti FA, Barrese V, Formisano L, Miceli F, Taglialatela M. Specification of skeletal muscle differentiation by repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST)-regulated Kv7.4 potassium channels. Mol Biol Cell 2012; 24:274-84. [PMID: 23242999 PMCID: PMC3564528 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e11-12-1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Kv7.4-potassium channel expression plays a permissive role in skeletal muscle differentiation. The transcriptional repressor REST controls the changes in Kv7.4 levels during myogenesis by binding to regulatory regions in the Kv7.4 gene. This mechanism may be a target for intervention against abnormal repair and differentiation of skeletal muscle. Changes in the expression of potassium (K+) channels is a pivotal event during skeletal muscle differentiation. In mouse C2C12 cells, similarly to human skeletal muscle cells, myotube formation increased the expression of Kv7.1, Kv7.3, and Kv7.4, the last showing the highest degree of regulation. In C2C12 cells, Kv7.4 silencing by RNA interference reduced the expression levels of differentiation markers (myogenin, myosin heavy chain, troponinT-1, and Pax3) and impaired myotube formation and multinucleation. In Kv7.4-silenced cells, the differentiation-promoting effect of the Kv7 activator N-(2-amino-4-(4-fluorobenzylamino)-phenyl)-carbamic acid ethyl ester (retigabine) was abrogated. Expression levels for the repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor (REST) declined during myotube formation. Transcript levels for Kv7.4, as well as for myogenin, troponinT-1, and Pax3, were reduced by REST overexpression and enhanced upon REST suppression by RNA interference. Four regions containing potential REST-binding sites in the 5′ untranslated region and in the first intron of the Kv7.4 gene were identified by bioinformatic analysis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that REST binds to these regions, exhibiting a higher efficiency in myoblasts than in myotubes. These data suggest that Kv7.4 plays a permissive role in skeletal muscle differentiation and highlight REST as a crucial transcriptional regulator for this K+ channel subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Arturo Iannotti
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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192
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Neuron-restrictive silencer factor functions to suppress Sp1-mediated transactivation of human secretin receptor gene. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2012; 1829:231-8. [PMID: 23168245 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2012.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, a functional neuron restrictive silencer element (NRSE) was initially identified in the 5' flanking region (-83 to -67, relative to ATG) of human secretin receptor (hSCTR) gene by promoter assays coupled with scanning mutation analyses. The interaction of neuron restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) with this motif was later indicated via gel mobility shift and ChIP assays. The silencing activity of NRSF was confirmed by over-expression and also by shRNA knock-down of endogenous NRSF. These studies showed an inverse relationship between the expression levels of NRSF and hSCTR in the cells. As hSCTR gene was previously shown to be controlled by two GC-boxes which are regulated by the ratio of Sp1 to Sp3, in the present study, the functional interactions of NRSF and Sp proteins to regulate hSCTR gene was investigated. By co-immunoprecipitation assays, we found that NRSF could be co-precipitated with Sp1 as well as Sp3 in PANC-1 cells. Interestingly, co-expressions of these factors showed that NRSF could suppress Sp1-mediated, but not Sp3-mediated, transactivation of hSCTR. Taken together, we propose here that the down-regulatory effects of NRSF on hSCTR gene expression are mediated via its suppression on Sp1-mediated transactivation.
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193
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Conforti P, Mas Monteys A, Zuccato C, Buckley NJ, Davidson B, Cattaneo E. In vivo delivery of DN:REST improves transcriptional changes of REST-regulated genes in HD mice. Gene Ther 2012; 20:678-85. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2012.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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194
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Dröge J, Pande A, Englander EW, Makałowski W. Comparative genomics of neuroglobin reveals its early origins. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47972. [PMID: 23133533 PMCID: PMC3485006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a hexacoordinated globin expressed mainly in the central and peripheral nervous system of vertebrates. Although several hypotheses have been put forward regarding the role of neuroglobin, its definite function remains uncertain. Ngb appears to have a neuro-protective role enhancing cell viability under hypoxia and other types of oxidative stress. Ngb is phylogenetically ancient and has a substitution rate nearly four times lower than that of other vertebrate globins, e.g. hemoglobin. Despite its high sequence conservation among vertebrates Ngb seems to be elusive in invertebrates. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We determined candidate orthologs in invertebrates and identified a globin of the placozoan Trichoplax adhaerens that is most likely orthologous to vertebrate Ngb and confirmed the orthologous relationship of the polymeric globin of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus to Ngb. The putative orthologous globin genes are located next to genes orthologous to vertebrate POMT2 similarly to localization of vertebrate Ngb. The shared syntenic position of the globins from Trichoplax, the sea urchin and of vertebrate Ngb strongly suggests that they are orthologous. A search for conserved transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs) in the promoter regions of the Ngb genes of different vertebrates via phylogenetic footprinting revealed several TFBSs, which may contribute to the specific expression of Ngb, whereas a comparative analysis with myoglobin revealed several common TFBSs, suggestive of regulatory mechanisms common to globin genes. SIGNIFICANCE Identification of the placozoan and echinoderm genes orthologous to vertebrate neuroglobin strongly supports the hypothesis of the early evolutionary origin of this globin, as it shows that neuroglobin was already present in the placozoan-bilaterian last common ancestor. Computational determination of the transcription factor binding sites repertoire provides on the one hand a set of transcriptional factors that are responsible for the specific expression of the Ngb genes and on the other hand a set of factors potentially controlling expression of a couple of different globin genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Dröge
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Amit Pande
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Ella W. Englander
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wojciech Makałowski
- Institute of Bioinformatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
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195
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Akerstrom V, Chen C, Lan MS, Breslin MB. Modifications to the INSM1 promoter to preserve specificity and activity for use in adenoviral gene therapy of neuroendocrine carcinomas. Cancer Gene Ther 2012; 19:828-38. [DOI: 10.1038/cgt.2012.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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196
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Elucidation of regulatory mechanisms revealed by human promoter sequence analysis of genes co-expressed in forskolin-treated theca cells in PCOS. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2012; 287:477-85. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-012-2580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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197
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The H3K27 demethylase Utx regulates somatic and germ cell epigenetic reprogramming. Nature 2012; 488:409-13. [PMID: 22801502 DOI: 10.1038/nature11272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 267] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be derived from somatic cells by ectopic expression of different transcription factors, classically Oct4 (also known as Pou5f1), Sox2, Klf4 and Myc (abbreviated as OSKM). This process is accompanied by genome-wide epigenetic changes, but how these chromatin modifications are biochemically determined requires further investigation. Here we show in mice and humans that the histone H3 methylated Lys 27 (H3K27) demethylase Utx (also known as Kdm6a) regulates the efficient induction, rather than maintenance, of pluripotency. Murine embryonic stem cells lacking Utx can execute lineage commitment and contribute to adult chimaeric animals; however, somatic cells lacking Utx fail to robustly reprogram back to the ground state of pluripotency. Utx directly partners with OSK reprogramming factors and uses its histone demethylase catalytic activity to facilitate iPSC formation. Genomic analysis indicates that Utx depletion results in aberrant dynamics of H3K27me3 repressive chromatin demethylation in somatic cells undergoing reprogramming. The latter directly hampers the derepression of potent pluripotency promoting gene modules (including Sall1, Sall4 and Utf1), which can cooperatively substitute for exogenous OSK supplementation in iPSC formation. Remarkably, Utx safeguards the timely execution of H3K27me3 demethylation observed in embryonic day 10.5-11 primordial germ cells (PGCs), and Utx-deficient PGCs show cell-autonomous aberrant epigenetic reprogramming dynamics during their embryonic maturation in vivo. Subsequently, this disrupts PGC development by embryonic day 12.5, and leads to diminished germline transmission in mouse chimaeras generated from Utx-knockout pluripotent cells. Thus, we identify Utx as a novel mediator with distinct functions during the re-establishment of pluripotency and germ cell development. Furthermore, our findings highlight the principle that molecular regulators mediating loss of repressive chromatin during in vivo germ cell reprogramming can be co-opted during in vitro reprogramming towards ground state pluripotency.
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198
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Martin D, Allagnat F, Gesina E, Caille D, Gjinovci A, Waeber G, Meda P, Haefliger JA. Specific silencing of the REST target genes in insulin-secreting cells uncovers their participation in beta cell survival. PLoS One 2012; 7:e45844. [PMID: 23029270 PMCID: PMC3447792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0045844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of the transcriptional repressor RE-1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) in insulin-secreting beta cells is a major cue for the specific expression of a large number of genes. These REST target genes were largely ascribed to a function of neurotransmission in a neuronal context, whereas their role in pancreatic beta cells has been poorly explored. To identify their functional significance, we have generated transgenic mice expressing REST in beta cells (RIP-REST mice), and previously discovered that REST target genes are essential to insulin exocytosis. Herein we characterized a novel line of RIP-REST mice featuring diabetes. In diabetic RIP-REST mice, high levels of REST were associated with postnatal beta cell apoptosis, which resulted in gradual beta cell loss and sustained hyperglycemia in adults. Moreover, adenoviral REST transduction in INS-1E cells led to increased cell death under control conditions, and sensitized cells to death induced by cytokines. Screening for REST target genes identified several anti-apoptotic genes bearing the binding motif RE-1 that were downregulated upon REST expression in INS-1E cells, including Gjd2, Mapk8ip1, Irs2, Ptprn, and Cdk5r2. Decreased levels of Cdk5r2 in beta cells of RIP-REST mice further confirmed that it is controlled by REST, in vivo. Using siRNA-mediated knock-down in INS-1E cells, we showed that Cdk5r2 protects beta cells against cytokines and palmitate-induced apoptosis. Together, these data document that a set of REST target genes, including Cdk5r2, is important for beta cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Martin
- Service of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florent Allagnat
- Service of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emilie Gesina
- Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Faculté des Sciences de la Vie, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dorothee Caille
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University Medical Center, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Asllan Gjinovci
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University Medical Center, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gerard Waeber
- Service of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Meda
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University Medical Center, Geneva, Switzerland
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199
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Rodenas-Ruano A, Chávez AE, Cossio MJ, Castillo PE, Zukin RS. REST-dependent epigenetic remodeling promotes the developmental switch in synaptic NMDA receptors. Nat Neurosci 2012; 15:1382-90. [PMID: 22960932 PMCID: PMC3501125 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are critical to synaptogenesis, neural circuitry and higher cognitive functions such as learning and memory. A hallmark feature of NMDARs is an early postnatal developmental switch from primarily GluN2B- to GluN2A-containing. Although the switch in phenotype has been an area of intense interest for two decades, the mechanisms that trigger it, and the link between experience and the switch are unclear. Here we show a novel role for the transcriptional repressor REST in the developmental switch of synaptic NMDARs. REST is activated at a critical window of time and acts via epigenetic remodeling to repress grin2b expression and properties at rat hippocampal synapses. Knockdown of REST in vivo prevented the decline in GluN2B and developmental switch in NMDARs. Notably, maternal deprivation impaired REST activation and acquisition of the mature NMDAR phenotype. Thus, REST is essential for experience-dependent fine-tuning of genes involved in synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Rodenas-Ruano
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
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200
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Kok FO, Taibi A, Wanner SJ, Xie X, Moravec CE, Love CE, Prince VE, Mumm JS, Sirotkin HI. Zebrafish rest regulates developmental gene expression but not neurogenesis. Development 2012; 139:3838-48. [PMID: 22951640 DOI: 10.1242/dev.080994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The transcriptional repressor Rest (Nrsf) recruits chromatin-modifying complexes to RE1 'silencer elements', which are associated with hundreds of neural genes. However, the requirement for Rest-mediated transcriptional regulation of embryonic development and cell fate is poorly understood. Conflicting views of the role of Rest in controlling cell fate have emerged from recent studies. To address these controversies, we examined the developmental requirement for Rest in zebrafish using zinc-finger nuclease-mediated gene targeting. We discovered that germ layer specification progresses normally in rest mutants despite derepression of target genes during embryogenesis. This analysis provides the first evidence that maternal rest is essential for repression of target genes during blastula stages. Surprisingly, neurogenesis proceeds largely normally in rest mutants, although abnormalities are observed within the nervous system, including defects in oligodendrocyte precursor cell development and a partial loss of facial branchiomotor neuron migration. Mutants progress normally through embryogenesis but many die as larvae (after 12 days). However, some homozygotes reach adulthood and are viable. We utilized an RE1/NRSE transgenic reporter system to dynamically monitor Rest activity. This analysis revealed that Rest is required to repress gene expression in mesodermal derivatives including muscle and notochord, as well as within the nervous system. Finally, we demonstrated that Rest is required for long-term repression of target genes in non-neural tissues in adult zebrafish. Our results point to a broad role for Rest in fine-tuning neural gene expression, rather than as a widespread regulator of neurogenesis or cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma O Kok
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
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