Nuclear receptors--a perspective from Drosophila

Molecular evidence for a functional ecdysone signaling system in Brugia malayi

Background

Filarial nematodes, including Brugia malayi, the causative agent of lymphatic filariasis, undergo molting in both arthropod and mammalian hosts to complete their life cycles. An understanding of how these parasites cross developmental checkpoints may reveal potential targets for intervention. Pharmacological evidence suggests that ecdysteroids play a role in parasitic nematode molting and fertility although their specific function remains unknown. In insects, ecdysone triggers molting through the activation of the ecdysone receptor: a heterodimer of EcR (ecdysone receptor) and USP (Ultraspiracle).

Methods and Findings

We report the cloning and characterization of a B. malayi EcR homologue (Bma-EcR). Bma-EcR dimerizes with insect and nematode USP/RXRs and binds to DNA encoding a canonical ecdysone response element (EcRE). In support of the existence of an active ecdysone receptor in Brugia we also cloned a Brugia rxr (retinoid X receptor) homolog (Bma-RXR) and demonstrate that Bma-EcR and Bma-RXR interact to form an active heterodimer using a mammalian two-hybrid activation assay. The Bma-EcR ligand-binding domain (LBD) exhibits ligand-dependent transactivation via a GAL4 fusion protein combined with a chimeric RXR in mammalian cells treated with Ponasterone-A or a synthetic ecdysone agonist. Furthermore, we demonstrate specific up-regulation of reporter gene activity in transgenic B. malayi embryos transfected with a luciferase construct controlled by an EcRE engineered in a B. malayi promoter, in the presence of 20-hydroxy-ecdysone.

Conclusions

Our study identifies and characterizes the two components (Bma-EcR and Bma-RXR) necessary for constituting a functional ecdysteroid receptor in B. malayi. Importantly, the ligand binding domain of BmaEcR is shown to be capable of responding to ecdysteroid ligands, and conversely, ecdysteroids can activate transcription of genes downstream of an EcRE in live B. malayi embryos. These results together confirm that an ecdysone signaling system operates in B. malayi and strongly suggest that Bma-EcR plays a central role in it. Furthermore, our study proposes that existing compounds targeting the insect ecdysone signaling pathway should be considered as potential pharmacological agents against filarial parasites.

Filarial parasites such as Brugia malayi and Onchocerca volvulus are the causative agents of the tropical diseases lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis, which infect 150 million people, mainly in Africa and Southeast Asia. Filarial nematodes have a complex life cycle that involves transmission and development within both mammalian and insect hosts. The successful completion of the life cycle includes four molts, two of which are triggered upon transmission from one host to the other, human and mosquito, respectively. Elucidation of the molecular mechanisms involved in the molting processes in filarial nematodes may yield a new set of targets for drug intervention. In insects and other arthropods molting transitions are regulated by the steroid hormone ecdysone that interacts with a specialized hormone receptor composed of two different proteins belonging to the family of nuclear receptors. We have cloned from B. malayi two members of the nuclear receptor family that show many sequence and biochemical properties consistent with the ecdysone receptor of insects. This finding represents the first report of a functional ecdysone receptor homolog in nematodes. We have also established a transgenic hormone induction assay in B. malayi that can be used to discover ecdysone responsive genes and potentially lead to screening assays for active compounds for pharmaceutical development.

The regulation of expression of insect cuticle protein genes

The exoskeleton of insects (cuticle) is an assembly of chitin and cuticle proteins. Its physical properties are determined largely by the proteins it contains, and vary widely with developmental stages and body regions. The genes encoding cuticle proteins are therefore good models to study the molecular mechanisms of signalling by ecdysteroids and juvenile hormones, which regulate molting and metamorphosis in insects. This review summarizes the studies of hormonal regulation of insect cuticle protein genes, and the recent progress in the analysis of the regulatory sequences and transcription factors important for their expression.

Halloween genes and nuclear receptors in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and signalling in the pea aphid

The pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) is the first whole genome sequenced insect with a hemimetabolic development and an emerging model organism for studies in ecology, evolution and development. The insect steroid moulting hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) controls and coordinates development in insects, especially the moulting/metamorphosis process. We, therefore present here a comprehensive characterization of the Halloween genes phantom, disembodied, shadow, shade, spook and spookiest, coding for the P450 enzymes that control the biosynthesis of 20E. Regarding the presence of nuclear receptors in the pea aphid genome, we found 19 genes, representing all of the seven known subfamilies. The annotation and phylogenetic analysis revealed a strong conservation in the class of Insecta. But compared with other sequenced insect genomes, three orthologues are missing in the Acyrthosiphon genome, namely HR96, PNR-like and Knirps. We also cloned the EcR, Usp, E75 and HR3. Finally, 3D-modelling of the ligand-binding domain of Ap-EcR exhibited the typical canonical structural scaffold with 12 alpha-helices associated with a short hairpin of two antiparallel beta-strands. Upon docking, 20E was located in the hormone-binding groove, supporting the hypothesis that EcR has a role in 20E signalling.

A Drosophila insulin-like peptide promotes growth during nonfeeding states

In metazoans, tissue growth relies on the availability of nutrients--stored internally or obtained from the environment--and the resulting activation of insulin/IGF signaling (IIS). In Drosophila, growth is mediated by seven Drosophila insulin-like peptides (Dilps), acting through a canonical IIS pathway. During the larval period, animals feed and Dilps produced by the brain couple nutrient uptake with systemic growth. We show here that, during metamorphosis, when feeding stops, a specific DILP (Dilp6) is produced by the fat body and relays the growth signal. Expression of DILP6 during pupal development is controlled by the steroid hormone ecdysone. Remarkably, DILP6 expression is also induced upon starvation, and both its developmental and environmental expression require the Drosophila FoxO transcription factor. This study reveals a specific class of ILPs induced upon metabolic stress that promotes growth in conditions of nutritional deprivation or following developmentally induced cessation of feeding.

RIP140 in thyroid hormone-repression and chromatin remodeling of Crabp1 gene during adipocyte differentiation

Cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (Crabp1) gene is biphasically (proliferation versus differentiation) regulated by thyroid hormone (T3) in 3T3-L1 cells. This study examines T3-repression of Crabp1 gene during adipocyte differentiation. T3 repression of Crabp1 requires receptor interacting protein 140 (RIP140). During differentiation, the juxtaposed chromatin configuration of Crabp1 promoter with its upstream region is maintained, but the 6-nucleosomes spanning thyroid hormone response element to transcription initiation site slide bi-directionally, with the third nucleosome remaining at the same position throughout differentiation. On the basal promoter, RIP140 replaces coactivators GRIP1 and PCAF and forms a repressive complex with CtBP1, HDAC3 and G9a. Initially active chromatin marks on this promoter, histone modifications H3-Ac and H3K4-me3, are weakened whereas repressive chromatin marks, H3K9-me3 and H3K27-me3 modification and recruitment of G9a, HP1α, HP1γ and H1, are intensified. This is the first study to examine chromatin remodeling, during the phase of hormone repression, of a bi-directionally regulated hormone target gene, and provides evidence for a functional role of RIP140 in chromatin remodeling to repress hormone target gene expression.

A histone chaperone, DEK, transcriptionally coactivates a nuclear receptor

Chromatin reorganization is essential for transcriptional control by sequence-specific transcription factors. However, the molecular link between transcriptional control and chromatin reconfiguration remains unclear. By colocalization of the nuclear ecdysone receptor (EcR) on the ecdysone-induced puff in the salivary gland, Drosophila DEK (dDEK) was genetically identified as a coactivator of EcR in both insect cells and intact flies. Biochemical purification and characterization of the complexes containing fly and human DEKs revealed that DEKs serve as histone chaperones via phosphorylation by forming complexes with casein kinase 2. Consistent with the preferential association of the DEK complex with histones enriched in active epigenetic marks, dDEK facilitated H3.3 assembly during puff formation. In some human myeloid leukemia patients, DEK was fused to CAN by chromosomal translocation. This mutation significantly reduced formation of the DEK complex, which is required for histone chaperone activity. Thus, the present study suggests that at least one histone chaperone can be categorized as a type of transcriptional coactivator for nuclear receptors.

Nuclear receptor unfulfilled regulates axonal guidance and cell identity of Drosophila mushroom body neurons

Nuclear receptors (NRs) comprise a family of ligand-regulated transcription factors that control diverse critical biological processes including various aspects of brain development. Eighteen NR genes exist in the Drosophila genome. To explore their roles in brain development, we knocked down individual NRs through the development of the mushroom bodies (MBs) by targeted RNAi. Besides recapitulating the known MB phenotypes for three NRs, we found that unfulfilled (unf), an ortholog of human photoreceptor specific nuclear receptor (PNR), regulates axonal morphogenesis and neuronal subtype identity. The adult MBs develop through remodeling of γ neurons plus de-novo elaboration of both α′/β′ and α/β neurons. Notably, unf is largely dispensable for the initial elaboration of γ neurons, but plays an essential role in their re-extension of axons after pruning during early metamorphosis. The subsequently derived MB neuron types also require unf for extension of axons beyond the terminus of the pruned bundle. Tracing single axons revealed misrouting rather than simple truncation. Further, silencing unf in single-cell clones elicited misguidance of axons in otherwise unperturbed MBs. Such axon guidance defects may occur as MB neurons partially lose their subtype identity, as evidenced by suppression of various MB subtype markers in unf knockdown MBs. In sum, unf governs axonal morphogenesis of multiple MB neuron types, possibly through regulating neuronal subtype identity.

Molecular mechanisms of metabolic regulation by insulin in Drosophila

The insulin signalling pathway is highly conserved from mammals to Drosophila. Insulin signalling in the fly, as in mammals, regulates a number of physiological functions, including carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, tissue growth and longevity. In the present review, I discuss the molecular mechanisms by which insulin signalling regulates metabolism in Drosophila, comparing and contrasting with the mammalian system. I discuss both the intracellular signalling network, as well as the communication between organs in the fly.

Biosynthetic enzyme GMP synthetase cooperates with ubiquitin-specific protease 7 in transcriptional regulation of ecdysteroid target genes

Drosophila GMP synthetase binds ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) and is required for its ability to deubiquitylate histone H2B. Previously, we showed that the GMPS/USP7 complex cooperates with the Polycomb silencing system through removal of the active ubiquitin mark from histone H2B (H2Bub). Here, we explored the interplay between GMPS and USP7 further and assessed their role in hormone-regulated gene expression. Genetic analysis established a strong cooperation between GMPS and USP7, which is counteracted by the histone H2B ubiquitin ligase BRE1. Loss of either GMPS or USP7 led to increased levels of histone H2Bub in mutant animals. These in vivo analyses complement our earlier biochemical results, establishing that GMPS/USP7 mediates histone H2B deubiquitylation. We found that GMPS/USP7 binds ecdysone-regulated loci and that mutants display severe misregulation of ecdysone target genes. Ecdysone receptor (EcR) interacts biochemically and genetically with GMPS/USP7. Genetic and gene expression analyses suggested that GMPS/USP7 acts as a transcriptional corepressor. These results revealed the cooperation between a biosynthetic enzyme and a ubiquitin protease in developmental gene control by hormone receptors.

Arthropod nuclear receptors and their role in molting

The molting process in arthropods is regulated by steroid hormones acting via nuclear receptor proteins. The most common molting hormone is the ecdysteroid, 20-hydroxyecdysone. The receptors of 20-hydroxyecdysone have also been identified in many arthropod species, and the amino acid sequences determined. The functional molting hormone receptors consist of two members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, namely the ecdysone receptor and the ultraspiracle, although the ecdysone receptor may be functional, in some instances, without the ultraspiracle. Generally, the ecdysone receptor/ultraspiracle heterodimer binds to a number of ecdysone response elements, sequence motifs that reside in the promoter of various ecdysteroid-responsive genes. In the ensuing transcriptional induction, the ecdysone receptor/ultraspiracle complex binds to 20-hydroxyecdysone or to a cognate ligand that, in turn, leads to the release of a corepressor and the recruitment of coactivators. 3D structures of the ligand-binding domains of the ecdysone receptor and the ultraspiracle have been solved for a few insect species. Ecdysone agonists bind to ecdysone receptors specifically, and ligand-ecdysone receptor binding is enhanced in the presence of the ultraspiracle in insects. The basic mode of ecdysteroid receptor action is highly conserved, but substantial functional differences exist among the receptors of individual species. Even though the transcriptional effects are apparently similar for ecdysteroids and nonsteroidal compounds such as diacylhydrazines, the binding shapes are different between them. The compounds having the strongest binding affinity to receptors ordinarily have strong molting hormone activity. The ability of the ecdysone receptor/ultraspiracle complex to manifest the effects of small lipophilic agonists has led to their use as gene switches for medical and agricultural applications.

Pb2+: an endocrine disruptor in Drosophila?

Environmental exposure to Pb(2+) affects hormone-mediated responses in vertebrates. To help establish the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, as a model system for studying such disruption, we describe effects of Pb(2+) on hormonally regulated traits. These include duration of development, longevity, females' willingness to mate, fecundity and adult locomotor activity. Developmental Pb(2+) exposure has been shown to affect gene expression in a specific region of the Drosophila genome (approximately 122 genes) involved in lead-induced changes in adult locomotion and to affect regulation of intracellular calcium levels associated with neuronal activity at identified synapses in the larval neuromuscular junction. We suggest ways in which Drosophila could become a new model system for the study of endocrine disruptors at genetic, neural and behavioral levels of analysis, particularly by use of genomic methods. This will facilitate efforts to distinguish between behavioral effects of Pb(2+) caused by direct action on neural mechanisms versus effects of Pb(+2) on behavior mediated through endocrine disruption.

Comparative endocrinology in the 21st century

Hormones coordinate developmental, physiological, and behavioral processes within and between all living organisms. They orchestrate and shape organogenesis from early in development, regulate the acquisition, assimilation, and utilization of nutrients to support growth and metabolism, control gamete production and sexual behavior, mediate organismal responses to environmental change, and allow for communication of information between organisms. Genes that code for hormones; the enzymes that synthesize, metabolize, and transport hormones; and hormone receptors are important targets for natural selection, and variation in their expression and function is a major driving force for the evolution of morphology and life history. Hormones coordinate physiology and behavior of populations of organisms, and thus play key roles in determining the structure of populations, communities, and ecosystems. The field of endocrinology is concerned with the study of hormones and their actions. This field is rooted in the comparative study of hormones in diverse species, which has provided the foundation for the modern fields of evolutionary, environmental, and biomedical endocrinology. Comparative endocrinologists work at the cutting edge of the life sciences. They identify new hormones, hormone receptors and mechanisms of hormone action applicable to diverse species, including humans; study the impact of habitat destruction, pollution, and climatic change on populations of organisms; establish novel model systems for studying hormones and their functions; and develop new genetic strains and husbandry practices for efficient production of animal protein. While the model system approach has dominated biomedical research in recent years, and has provided extraordinary insight into many basic cellular and molecular processes, this approach is limited to investigating a small minority of organisms. Animals exhibit tremendous diversity in form and function, life-history strategies, and responses to the environment. A major challenge for life scientists in the 21st century is to understand how a changing environment impacts all life on earth. A full understanding of the capabilities of organisms to respond to environmental variation, and the resilience of organisms challenged by environmental changes and extremes, is necessary for understanding the impact of pollution and climatic change on the viability of populations. Comparative endocrinologists have a key role to play in these efforts.

HPLC and TLC characterisation of ecdysteroid alkyl ethers

Semi-synthetic ecdysteroid alkyl ethers have increased potential over natural ecdysteroids as actuators of ligand-inducible gene-expression systems based on the ecdysteroid receptor for in vivo applications. However, a scalable synthesis of these compounds has yet to be developed. We report a set of reversed-phase (RP; C(18) and C(6)) and normal-phase (NP; diol) HPLC systems which can be used to analyse and separate ecdysteroid ethers with single or multiple O-methyl substitutions at the 2alpha-, 3beta-, 14alpha-, 22- and 25-positions. The elution order of methyl ether analogues of the prototypical ecdysteroid 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) was 3-methyl<2-methyl<14-methyl<25-methyl<22-methyl with both C(18)- and C(6)-RP-HPLC, when eluted with methanol/water mixtures. Further, the elution order of 20E 22-O-alkyl ethers was methyl<ethyl<allyl<n-propyl<benzyl<n-butyl with both C(18)- and C(6)-RP-HPLC. Moreover, the ecdysteroid alkyl ethers can also be adequately resolved by NP-HPLC and silica HPTLC. On the latter, detection of ecdysteroid O-alkyl ethers with the p-anisaldehyde/sulphuric acid reagent distinguishes 22-O-alkyl ethers from non-22-O-alkyl ether analogues by the colour of the resulting spot.

The nuclear receptor E75A has a novel pair-rule-like function in patterning the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus

Genetic studies of the fruit fly Drosophila have revealed a hierarchy of segmentation genes (maternal, gap, pair-rule and HOX) that subdivide the syncytial blastoderm into sequentially finer-scale coordinates. Within this hierarchy, the pair-rule genes translate gradients of information into periodic stripes of expression. How pair-rule genes function during the progressive mode of segmentation seen in short and intermediate-germ insects is an ongoing question. Here we report that the nuclear receptor Of'E75A is expressed with double segment periodicity in the head and thorax. In the abdomen, Of'E75A is expressed in a unique pattern during posterior elongation, and briefly resembles a sequence that is typical of pair-rule genes. Depletion of Of'E75A mRNA caused loss of a subset of odd-numbered parasegments, as well as parasegment 6. Because these parasegments straddle segment boundaries, we observe fusions between adjacent segments. Finally, expression of Of'E75A in the blastoderm requires even-skipped, which is a gap gene in Oncopeltus. These data show that the function of Of'E75A during embryogenesis shares many properties with canonical pair-rule genes in other insects. They further suggest that parasegment specification may occur through irregular and episodic pair-rule-like activity.

Molecular determinants of juvenile hormone action as revealed by 3D QSAR analysis in Drosophila

BACKGROUND

Postembryonic development, including metamorphosis, of many animals is under control of hormones. In Drosophila and other insects these developmental transitions are regulated by the coordinate action of two principal hormones, the steroid ecdysone and the sesquiterpenoid juvenile hormone (JH). While the mode of ecdysone action is relatively well understood, the molecular mode of JH action remains elusive.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

To gain more insights into the molecular mechanism of JH action, we have tested the biological activity of 86 structurally diverse JH agonists in Drosophila melanogaster. The results were evaluated using 3D QSAR analyses involving CoMFA and CoMSIA procedures. Using this approach we have generated both computer-aided and species-specific pharmacophore fingerprints of JH and its agonists, which revealed that the most active compounds must possess an electronegative atom (oxygen or nitrogen) at both ends of the molecule. When either of these electronegative atoms are replaced by carbon or the distance between them is shorter than 11.5 A or longer than 13.5 A, their biological activity is dramatically decreased. The presence of an electron-deficient moiety in the middle of the JH agonist is also essential for high activity.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

The information from 3D QSAR provides guidelines and mechanistic scope for identification of steric and electrostatic properties as well as donor and acceptor hydrogen-bonding that are important features of the ligand-binding cavity of a JH target protein. In order to refine the pharmacophore analysis and evaluate the outcomes of the CoMFA and CoMSIA study we used pseudoreceptor modeling software PrGen to generate a putative binding site surrogate that is composed of eight amino acid residues corresponding to the defined molecular interactions.

The steroid hormone receptor EcR finely modulates Drosophila lifespan during adulthood in a sex-specific manner

The steroid hormone ecdysone influences Drosophila lifespan. Longevity is extended in mutants deficient for ecdysone synthesis or mutants of the ecdysone receptor (EcR). However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here we conditionally inactivated EcR by RNA interference or expression of dominant negative forms, using the RU486 inducible system. A mild ubiquitous inactivation of EcR during adulthood was sufficient to slow the aging of male flies, whereas a stronger EcR inactivation decreased longevity. Surprisingly, ubiquitous inactivation of EcR strongly decreased female lifespan. This deleterious effect was suppressed in sterile ovo(D1) mutant females, suggesting that EcR represses a negative signal for lifespan produced in ovaries. These results reveal a complex adult and sex-specific control of lifespan by steroid signalling in Drosophila.

Drosophila DHR38 nuclear receptor is required for adult cuticle integrity at eclosion

DHR38 is the only Drosophila member of the NR4A subclass of vertebrate nuclear receptors, which have been implicated in multiple biological pathways, including neuronal function, apoptosis, and metabolism. Although an earlier study identified three point mutations in DHR38, none of these were shown to be a null allele for the locus, leaving it unclear whether a complete loss of DHR38 function might uncover novel roles for the receptor. Here we show that a specific DHR38 null allele, DHR38(Y214), leads to fully penetrant pharate adult lethality, similar to the most severe phenotype associated with the EMS-induced mutations. DHR38(Y214) mutants display minor effects on ecdysone-regulated transcription at the onset of metamorphosis. In contrast, cuticle gene expression is significantly reduced in DHR38(Y214) mutant pupae. These studies define the essential functions of DHR38 and provide a genetic context for further characterization of its roles during development.

The molecular mechanisms of cuticular melanization: the ecdysone cascade leading to dopa decarboxylase expression in Manduca sexta

Many insect developmental color changes are known to be regulated by both ecdysone and juvenile hormone. Yet the molecular mechanisms underlying this regulation have not been well understood. This review highlights the hormonal mechanisms involved in the regulation of two key enzymes [dopa decarboxylase (DDC) and phenoloxidase] necessary for insect cuticular melanization, and the molecular action of 20-hydroxyecdysone on various transcription factors leading to DDC expression at the end of a larval molt in Manduca sexta. In addition, the ecdysone cascade found in M. sexta is compared with that of other organisms.

Genomic mapping of binding regions for the Ecdysone receptor protein complex

We determined the physical locations of the heterodimeric Ecdysone receptor/Ultraspiracle (ECR/USP) nuclear hormone receptor complex throughout the entire nonrepetitive genome of Drosophila melanogaster using a cell line (Kc167) that differentiates in response to 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE). 20-HE, the natural ligand of this complex, controls major aspects of insect development, including molting, metamorphosis, and reproduction. Direct gene targets of 20-HE signaling were identified by combining this physical binding-site profiling with gene expression profiling after treatment with 20-HE. We found 502 significant regions of ECR/USP binding throughout the genome. Only 42% of these regions are nearby genes that are 20-HE responsive in these cells. However, at least three quarters of the remaining ECR/USP regions are near 20-HE-regulated genes in other tissue and cell types during metamorphosis, suggesting that binding at many regulatory elements in the genome is largely noncell-type specific. The majority (21/26) of the early targets of 20-HE encode transcriptional regulatory factors. To determine whether any of these targets are required for the morphological differentiation of these cells, we used RNAi to reduce the expression of each of the 26 early genes. Accordingly, we found that three direct targets of ECR/USP--hairy, vrille, and Hr4--are required for cellular differentiation in response to the hormone. Initial mutational analysis of vrille in vivo reveals that it is required for metamorphosis.

Endocrine regulation of aging and reproduction in Drosophila

Hormonal signals can modulate lifespan and reproductive capacity across the animal kingdom. The use of model organisms such as worms, flies and mice has been fundamentally important for aging research in the discovery of genetic alterations that can extend healthy lifespan. The effects of mutations in the insulin and insulin-like growth factor-like signaling (IIS) pathways are evolutionarily conserved in that they can increase lifespan in all three animal models. Additionally, steroids and other lipophilic signaling molecules modulate lifespan in diverse organisms. Here we shall review how major hormonal pathways in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster interact to influence reproductive capacity and aging.

Comparative developmental expression profiling of two C. elegans isolates

Gene expression is known to change during development and to vary among genetically diverse strains. Previous studies of temporal patterns of gene expression during C. elegans development were incomplete, and little is known about how these patterns change as a function of genetic background. We used microarrays that comprehensively cover known and predicted worm genes to compare the landscape of genetic variation over developmental time between two isolates of C. elegans. We show that most genes vary in expression during development from egg to young adult, many genes vary in expression between the two isolates, and a subset of these genes exhibit isolate-specific changes during some developmental stages. This subset is strongly enriched for genes with roles in innate immunity. We identify several novel motifs that appear to play a role in regulating gene expression during development, and we propose functional annotations for many previously unannotated genes. These results improve our understanding of gene expression and function during worm development and lay the foundation for linkage studies of the genetic basis of developmental variation in gene expression in this important model organism.

Cohesinopathies: One ring, many obligations

Over 75 years ago, two human genetic disorders were initially described and named for their founding physicians: Cornelia de Lange (CdLS) and Roberts syndrome (RBS)/SC Phocomelia (SC). In the past 4 years, genetic studies of patients have revealed the primary genes involved in these disorders are the essential, evolutionarily conserved components of the cohesin pathway. This pathway serves to facilitate cohesion between replicated sister chromatids, thereby enabling proper chromosome segregation. As a result of these findings, these disorders now represent a novel class of human genetic disorders known as cohesinopathies. Over 60% of CdLS patients examined have de novo mutations in either: SCC2/NIPBL, SMC1, or SMC3, whereas the causative gene in Roberts syndrome and SC Phocomelia has been identified as ESCO2. Now modern genetic, biochemical, and cell biological approaches may be applied to determine the underlying mechanism of these genetic disorders.

The variety of complexes formed by EcR and Usp nuclear receptors in the nuclei of living cells

The heterodimer of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (Usp), members of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is considered to be functional receptor for the ecdysteroids that coordinate essential biological processes in insects. In this work we have applied a bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) method to directly analyze the formation of the EcR/Usp complex. The BiFC experiments were carried out in mammalian cells which are routinely used for heterologous studies of the EcR/Usp complex, including experiments on EcR-based artificial molecular gene switches. BiFC analysis, supported by flow cytometry, revealed that EcR-Usp interaction is nuclei-restricted. If expressed separately, Usp and EcR are able to form nuclear complexes in the absence of the cognate dimerization partner. We have observed that Muristerone A that is widely used for the induction of ecdysteroid-dependent transcription in mammalian cells, does not significantly change the number of EcR/Usp and EcR/EcR complexes, and it does not influence their subcellular localization.

The buzz on fly neuronal remodeling

Hormone-dependent rewiring of axons and dendrites is a conserved feature of nervous system development and plasticity. During metamorphosis in insects, steroid hormones (the ecdysteroids) and terpenoid hormones (the juvenile hormones) regulate extensive remodeling of the nervous system. These changes retool the nervous system for new behavioral and physiological functions that are required for the adult stage of the life cycle. In honey bees and other highly social insects, hormones also regulate behavioral changes and neuronal plasticity associated with transitions between social caste roles. This review focuses on recent work in fruit flies and honey bees that reveals hormonal and molecular mechanisms underlying metamorphic and caste-dependent neuronal remodeling, with specific emphasis on the role of Krüppel homolog 1.

Ecdysone [corrected] receptor isoforms play distinct roles in controlling molting and metamorphosis in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Ecdysteroids regulate insect growth and development through a heterodimeric complex of nuclear receptors consisting of ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP). In the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, two isoforms each of EcR and USP have been identified. Quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis showed isoform-specific developmental expression of both EcR and USP in the epidermis and the midgut dissected from the final instar larvae and pupae. Injection of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) prepared using the common or isoform-specific regions of EcR or USP as templates caused derailment of development. EcR common region (EcRC) or EcRA dsRNA caused more severe effects, and most of the treated larvae died prior to pupation. EcRB dsRNA caused less severe effects and most of the treated larvae became pupae but showed developmental defects. Only dsRNA prepared against USP common region but not against USPA or USPB isoform-specific region caused developmental defects during larval-pupal metamorphosis. Determination of mRNA levels of EcR isoforms and 20-hydroxyecdysone-response (20E) genes (broad, E75, E74, HR3 and FTZ-F1) by qRT-PCR in the larvae injected with EcRA, EcRB or EcRC dsRNA showed that EcRA initiates ecdysteroid action by regulation the expression of EcRB and 20E-response genes. These data suggest that the EcR but not USP isoforms play distinct roles during the larval-pupal metamorphosis and EcRA plays a dominant role in transduction of ecdysteroid response in T. castaneum.

The Lawc protein is required for proper transcription by RNA polymerase II in Drosophila

Genetic analysis of the Drosophila leg-arista-wing complex (lawc) gene suggests a role for the Lawc protein in chromatin-related processes based on its classification as a trxG gene but the molecular mechanisms of its function remain elusive. We have found that Lawc is a small, cysteine-rich protein that is present in most of the interbands of polytene chromosomes. In agreement with this observation, Lawc co-localizes with RNA polymerase IIo (Pol IIo) and it is recruited to transcribed loci after elongation by Pol IIo has begun. Lawc interacts with the nuclear proteasome regulator dREGgamma in a yeast two-hybrid assay and both proteins co-localize on polytene chromosomes. In addition, a mutation in lawc interacts genetically with a mutation in a component of the proteasome. lawc mutants show decreased expression of some genes, while the levels of Pol IIoSer2 increase. We conclude that Lawc is required for proper transcription by RNA polymerase II in a process that involves the nuclear proteasome.

TBP, Mot1, and NC2 establish a regulatory circuit that controls DPE-dependent versus TATA-dependent transcription

The RNA polymerase II core promoter is a structurally and functionally diverse transcriptional module. RNAi depletion and overexpression experiments revealed a genetic circuit that controls the balance of transcription from two core promoter motifs, the TATA box and the downstream core promoter element (DPE). In this circuit, TBP activates TATA-dependent transcription and represses DPE-dependent transcription, whereas Mot1 and NC2 block TBP function and thus repress TATA-dependent transcription and activate DPE-dependent transcription. This regulatory circuit is likely to be one means by which biological networks can transmit transcriptional signals, such as those from DPE-specific and TATA-specific enhancers, via distinct pathways.

Proteomic analysis uncovers a metabolic phenotype in C. elegans after nhr-40 reduction of function

Caenorhabditis elegans has an unexpectedly large number (284) of genes encoding nuclear hormone receptors, most of which are nematode-specific and are of unknown function. We have exploited comparative two-dimensional chromatography of synchronized cultures of wild type C. elegans larvae and a mutant in nhr-40 to determine if proteomic approaches will provide additional insight into gene function. Chromatofocusing, followed by reversed-phase chromatography and mass spectrometry, identified altered chromatographic patterns for a set of proteins, many of which function in muscle and metabolism. Prompted by the proteomic analysis, we find that the penetrance of the developmental phenotypes in the mutant is enhanced at low temperatures and by food restriction. The combination of our phenotypic and proteomic analysis strongly suggests that NHR-40 provides a link between metabolism and muscle development. Our results highlight the utility of comparative two-dimensional chromatography to provide a relatively rapid method to gain insight into gene function.

Two subunits specific to the PBAP chromatin remodeling complex have distinct and redundant functions during drosophila development

Chromatin remodeling complexes control the availability of DNA binding sites to transcriptional regulators. Two distinct conserved forms of the SWI/SNF class of complexes are characterized by the presence of specific accessory subunits. In Drosophila, the core Brahma complex associates either with Osa to form the BAP complex or with Bap170 and Bap180 to form the PBAP complex. osa mutations reproduce only a subset of the developmental phenotypes caused by mutations in subunits of the core complex. To test whether the PBAP complex performs the remaining functions, we generated mutations in bap170 and bap180. Surprisingly, we found that Bap180 is not essential for viability, although it is required in ovarian follicle cells for normal eggshell development. Bap170 is necessary to stabilize the Bap180 protein, but a mutant form that retains this function is sufficient for both survival and fertility. The two subunits act redundantly to allow metamorphosis; using gene expression profiling of bap170 bap180 double mutants, we found that the PBAP complex regulates genes involved in tissue remodeling and immune system function. Finally, we generated mutants lacking Bap170, Bap180, and Osa in the germ line to demonstrate that the core Brahma complex can function in oogenesis without any of these accessory subunits.

Identification and characterization of nuclear receptors from the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are classified by the presence of a well-conserved DNA-binding domain and a less conserved ligand-binding domain and function as key control points in diverse signaling and metabolic pathways. NRs are switched on and off by small molecule ligands with properties similar to insecticides. Therefore, NRs are attractive targets for developing new insecticides. Nineteen canonical and two Knirps family NRs were identified in the genome of Tribolium castaneum. RNAi analysis showed that 10 out of the 19 canonical NRs, TcE75, TcHR3, TcHR4, TcEcR, TcUSP, TcFTZ-F1, TcHR51, SVP, TcHR38, TcHR39 are important for metamorphosis. Knocking down the expression of five NRs, TcTll, TcDsf, TcHNF4 and TcHR78 caused defects in production of offspring. TcHNF4, TcHR78, TCHR51 and TcDsf affected egg production and TcTll affected embryonic development. Knocking down the expression of non-canonical NR Knirps-like affected adults and caused reduction in egg production. The other Knirps family member, Eagle, and five canonical NRs, TcE78, TcHR83, TcHR96, TcPNR-like and TcERR did not show much effect on metamorphosis or production of offspring. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase analysis showed that the mRNA levels of all NRs tested were reduced in DsRNA injected larvae when compared to their levels in control larvae injected with bacterial malE DsRNA suggesting that the RNAi worked well but reduction in expression levels of some of the NRs did not affect metamorphosis or production of offspring.

Annotation of Tribolium nuclear receptors reveals an increase in evolutionary rate of a network controlling the ecdysone cascade

The Tribolium genome contains 21 nuclear receptors, representing all of the six known subfamilies. This first complete set for a coleopteran species reveals a strong conservation of the number and identity of nuclear receptors in holometabolous insects. Two novelties are observed: the atypical NR0 gene knirps is present only in brachyceran flies, while the NR2E6 gene is found only in Tribolium and in Apis. Using a quantitative analysis of the evolutionary rate, we discovered that nuclear receptors could be divided into two groups. In one group of 13 proteins, the rates follow the trend of the Mecopterida genome-wide acceleration. In a second group of five nuclear receptors, all acting early during the ecdysone cascade, we observed an even higher increase of the evolutionary rate during the early divergence of Mecopterida. We thus extended our analysis to the 12 classic ecdysone transcriptional regulators and found that six of them (ECR, USP, HR3, E75, HR4 and Kr-h1) underwent an increase in evolutionary rate at the base of the Mecopterida lineage. By contrast, E74, E93, BR, HR39, FTZ-F1 and E78 do not show this divergence. We suggest that coevolution occurred within a network of regulators that control the ecdysone cascade. The advent of Tribolium as a powerful model should allow a better understanding of this evolutionary event.

The Sf1-related nuclear hormone receptor Hr39 regulates Drosophila female reproductive tract development and function

The vertebrate nuclear hormone receptor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1; NR5A1) controls reproductive development and regulates the transcription of steroid-modifying cytochrome P450 genes. We find that the SF1-related Drosophila nuclear hormone receptor HR39 is also essential for sexual development. In Hr39 mutant females, the sperm-storing spermathecae and glandular parovaria are absent or defective, causing sterility. Our results indicate that spermathecae and parovaria secrete reproductive tract proteins required for sperm maturation and function, like the mammalian epididymis and female reproductive tract. Hr39 controls the expression of specific cytochrome P450 genes and is required in females both to activate spermathecal secretion and repress male-specific courtship genes such as takeout. Thus, a pathway that, in vertebrates, controls sex-specific steroid hormone production, also mediates reproductive functions in an invertebrate. Our findings suggest that Drosophila can be used to model more aspects of mammalian reproductive biology than previously believed.

The Caenorhabditis elegans NR4A nuclear receptor is required for spermatheca morphogenesis

The gene nhr-6 encodes the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of the NR4A nuclear receptor. We determined the biological functions of NHR-6 through the isolation and characterization of a deletion allele of nhr-6, lg6001. We demonstrate that nhr-6 has an essential role in the development of the C. elegans somatic gonad. Specifically, nhr-6 is required for the development of the hermaphrodite spermatheca, a somatic gonad organ that serves as the site of sperm storage and oocyte fertilization. Using a variety of spermatheca cell markers, we have determined that loss of nhr-6 function causes severe morphological defects in the spermatheca and associated spermathecal valves. This appears to be due to specific requirements for nhr-6 in regulating cell proliferation and cell differentiation during development of these structures. The improper development of these structures in nhr-6(lg6001) mutants leads to defects in ovulation and significantly reduced fecundity of C. elegans hermaphrodites. The phenotypes of nhr-6(lg6001) mutants are consistent with a role for nhr-6 in organogenesis, similar to the functions of its mammalian homologs.

Tyrosine kinase and cooperative TGFβ signaling in the reproductive organs of Schistosoma mansoni

Drug-induced suppression of female schistosome sexual maturation is an auspicious strategy to combat schistosomiasis since the eggs are the causative agent. The establishment of drug targets requires knowledge about the molecular mechanisms that regulate the development of the female reproductive organs, which include vitellarium and ovary. This review summarizes recent studies suggesting tyrosine kinases as important factors for the regulation of female gonad development. In this context, especially cytoplasmatic tyrosine kinases of the Src class seem to play dominant roles. Moreover, experimental data and theoretical concepts are provided supporting a crosstalk between tyrosine kinase and TGFbeta signaling in the production of vitellocytes. Finally, we take advantage from the schistosome genome project to propose a model for the regulation of vitelline-cell production and differentiation.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of ecdysone receptor and retinoid X receptor from the kuruma prawn, Marsupenaeus japonicus

Two cDNAs encoding EcR (MjEcR) and RXR (MjRXR) were cloned and sequenced from the kuruma prawn Marsupenaeus japonicus using PCR techniques. The amino acid sequence of MjEcR was similar to that of known EcR especially in the ligand binding domain (LBD) of insect EcR. The DNA binding domain of MjRXR showed higher homology with that of insect USP (>90% identity) than vertebrate RXR ( approximately 85% identity), while LBD of MjRXR is more homologous with that of vertebrate RXR ( approximately 65% identity) than that of insect USP (30-60% identity). The transcripts of MjEcR and MjRXR were expressed in all tissues examined and in particular, highly in Y-organ and heart and in ovary and heart, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses revealed that the expression level of MjEcR in hepatopancreas and thoracic muscle increased from intermolt to premolt stages. The analyses also showed that the expressions of MjEcR and MjRXR were regulated in a tissue-specific manner. No significant changes were observed in reproductive organs throughout the molting stages, and MjRXR was expressed much more than MjEcR at all stages. These data suggest that MjRXR mediates a certain hormonal signal related to reproduction.

Cloning and expression of the ecdysteroid receptor during ecdysis and reproduction in females of the soft tick, Ornithodoros moubata (Acari: Argasidae)

Molecular mechanisms of ecdysteroid regulation in development and reproduction have been thoroughly investigated in Diptera and Lepidoptera, but few studies report the molecular actions of ecdysteroids in hemimetabolous insects and more primitive arthropods. Ecdysteroids appear to be the main hormones regulating development and vitellogenesis in ticks. An ecdysteroid receptor that showed high homology with EcRs of other arthropods was isolated from Ornithodoros moubata (OmEcRA). OmEcR expression patterns coincided with ecdysteroid titres in the haemolymph during moulting and vitellogenesis and differed between mated and virgin females. Therefore, OmEcR appears to mediate the regulation of moulting and vitellogenesis by ecdysteroids in O. moubata females as seen in other arthropods.

The coordination of the sequential appearance of MHR4 and dopa decarboxylase during the decline of the ecdysteroid titer at the end of the molt

During the last larval molt in Manduca sexta, in response to an increasing, then decreasing ecdysteroid titer, a number of transcription factors such as E75B, MHR3, MHR4, and betaFTZ-F1 appear and disappear in the abdominal epidermis leading to dopa decarboxylase (DDC) expression. Messenger RNAs for both the 20E-induced transcription factors, MHR3 and E75B, are maximal near the peak of the ecdysteroid titer with MHR4 mRNA appearing as the titer declines followed by betaFTZ-F1 and DDC mRNAs. E75B and MHR4 mRNA were not expressed in Manduca GV1 cells, either during exposure to 20E or after its removal. When either MHR3 dsRNA was transfected or E75B was constitutively expressed in these cells, MHR4 mRNA appeared in response to 20E by 6h. E75B was found to form a heterodimer with MHR3 using the BacterioMatch II two-hybrid assay. We conclude that MHR3 apparently suppresses MHR4 expression in the presence of 20E; the appearance of E75B then removes MHR3 by dimerization, allowing MHR4 to be expressed. Because of significant basal activity of the ddc promoter in the GV1 cells, we could perform rescue experiments by adding various factors. Constitutive expression of either E75B or MHR4 in the cells suppressed the significant basal activity of the 3.2kb ddc promoter in the GV1 cells, but 20E had no effect on this activity. Thus, E75B and MHR4 are 20E-induced inhibitory factors that suppress ddc expression and therefore act as ecdysteroid-regulated timers to coordinate the onset of ddc expression at the end of the molt.

Drosophila dSet2 functions in H3-K36 methylation and is required for development

Lysine methylation has important functions in biological processes that range from heterochromatin formation to transcription regulation. Here, we demonstrate that Drosophila dSet2 encodes a developmentally essential histone H3 lysine 36 (K36) methyltransferase. Larvae subjected to RNA interference-mediated (RNAi) suppression of dSet2 lack dSet2 expression and H3-K36 methylation, indicating that dSet2 is the sole enzyme responsible for this modification in Drosophila melanogaster. dSet2 RNAi blocks puparium formation and adult development, and causes partial (blister) separation of the dorsal and ventral wing epithelia, defects suggesting a failure of the ecdysone-controlled genetic program. A transheterozygous EcR null mutation/dSet2 RNAi combination produces a complete (balloon) separation of the wing surfaces, revealing a genetic interaction between EcR and dSet2. Using immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that dSet2 associates with the hyperphosphorylated form of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII).

Specific transcriptional responses to juvenile hormone and ecdysone in Drosophila

Previous studies have shown that ecdysone (E), and its immediate downstream product 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), can have different biological functions in insects, suggesting that E acts as a distinct hormone. Here, we use Drosophila larval organ culture in combination with microarray technology to identify genes that are transcriptionally regulated by E, but which show little or no response to 20E. These genes are coordinately expressed for a brief temporal interval at the onset of metamorphosis, suggesting that E acts together with 20E to direct puparium formation. We also show that E74B, pepck, and CG14949 can be induced by juvenile hormone III (JH III) in organ culture, and that CG14949 can be induced by JH independently of protein synthesis. In contrast, E74A and E75A show no response to JH in this system. These studies demonstrate that larval organ culture can be used to identify Drosophila genes that are regulated by hormones other than 20E, and provide a basis for studying crosstalk between multiple hormone signaling pathways.

Novel DNA-binding element within the C-terminal extension of the nuclear receptor DNA-binding domain

The heterodimer of the ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (Usp), members of the nuclear receptors superfamily, is considered as the functional receptor for ecdysteroids initiating molting and metamorphosis in insects. Here we report the 1.95 A structure of the complex formed by the DNA-binding domains (DBDs) the EcR and the Usp, bound to the natural pseudopalindromic response element. Comparison of the structure with that obtained previously, using an idealized response element, shows how the EcRDBD, which has been previously reported to possess extraordinary flexibility, accommodates DNA-induced structural changes. Part of the C-terminal extension (CTE) of the EcRDBD folds into an alpha-helix whose location in the minor groove does not match any of the locations previously observed for nuclear receptors. Mutational analyses suggest that the alpha-helix is a component of EcR-box, a novel element indispensable for DNA-binding and located within the nuclear receptor CTE. This element seems to be a general feature of all known EcRs.