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Singleton KS, Silva-Rodriguez P, Cunningham DD, Silva EM. Xenopus Sox11 Partner Proteins and Functional Domains in Neurogenesis. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:243. [PMID: 38397232 PMCID: PMC10887758 DOI: 10.3390/genes15020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Sox11, a member of the SoxC family of transcription factors, has distinct functions at different times in neural development. Studies in mouse, frog, chick, and zebrafish show that Sox11 promotes neural fate, neural differentiation, and neuron maturation in the central nervous system. These diverse roles are controlled in part by spatial and temporal-specific protein interactions. However, the partner proteins and Sox11-interaction domains underlying these diverse functions are not well defined. Here, we identify partner proteins and the domains of Xenopus laevis Sox11 required for protein interaction and function during neurogenesis. Our data show that Sox11 co-localizes and interacts with Pou3f2 and Neurog2 in the anterior neural plate and in early neurons, respectively. We also demonstrate that Sox11 does not interact with Neurog1, a high-affinity partner of Sox11 in the mouse cortex, suggesting that Sox11 has species-specific partner proteins. Additionally, we determined that the N-terminus including the HMG domain of Sox11 is necessary for interaction with Pou3f2 and Neurog2, and we established a novel role for the N-terminal 46 amino acids in the specification of placodal progenitors. This is the first identification of partner proteins for Sox11 and of domains required for partner-protein interactions and distinct roles in neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaela S. Singleton
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 200057, USA
| | - Pablo Silva-Rodriguez
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (P.S.-R.); (D.D.C.)
| | - Doreen D. Cunningham
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (P.S.-R.); (D.D.C.)
| | - Elena M. Silva
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 200057, USA
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA; (P.S.-R.); (D.D.C.)
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2
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Morfin C, Sebastian A, Wilson SP, Amiri B, Murugesh DK, Hum NR, Christiansen BA, Loots GG. Mef2c regulates bone mass through Sost-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Bone 2024; 179:116976. [PMID: 38042445 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2023.116976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Mef2c is a transcription factor that mediates key cellular behaviors that promote endochondral ossification and bone formation. Previously, Mef2c has been shown to regulate Sost transcription via its osteocyte-specific enhancer, ECR5, and conditional deletions of Mef2cfl/fl with either Col1-Cre or Dmp1-Cre produced generalized high bone mass (HBM) consistent with Van Buchem Disease phenotypes. However, Sost-/-; Mef2cfl/fl; Dmp1-Cre mice produced a significantly higher bone mass phenotype that Sost-/- alone suggesting that Mef2c modulates bone mass through additional mechanisms, independent of Sost. To identify new Mef2c transcriptional targets important in bone metabolism, we profiled gene expression by single-cell RNA sequencing in subpopulations of cells isolated from Mef2cfl/fl; Dmp1-Cre and Mef2cfl/fl; Bglap-Cre femurs, both strains exhibiting similar high bone mass phenotypes. However, we found Mef2cfl/fl; Bglap-Cre to also display a growth plate defect characterized by an expansion of several osteoprogenitor subpopulations. Differential gene expression analysis identified a total of 96 up- and 2434 down- regulated genes in Mef2cfl/fl; Bglap-Cre and 176 up- and 1041 down- regulated genes in Mef2cfl/fl; Dmp1-Cre bone cell subpopulations compared to wildtype mice. Mef2c deletion affected the transcriptomes across several cell types including mesenchymal progenitors (MP), osteoprogenitors (OSP), osteoblast (OB), and osteocyte (OCY) subpopulations. Several energy metabolism genes such as Uqcrb, Ndufv2, Ndufs3, Ndufa13, Ndufb9, Ndufb5, Cox6a1, Cox5a, Atp5o, Atp5g2, Atp5b, Atp5 were significantly down regulated in Mef2c-deficient OBs and OCYs, in both strains. Binding motif analysis of promoter regions of differentially expressed genes identified Mef2c binding in Bone Sialoprotein (BSP/Ibsp), a gene known to cause increased trabecular BV/TV in the femurs of Ibsp-/- mice. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the absence of Ibsp protein in OBs and OCYs. These findings suggests that the HBM in Sost-/-; Mef2cfl/fl; Dmp1-Cre is caused by a multitude of transcriptional changes in genes that regulate bone formation, two of which are Sost and Ibsp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Morfin
- School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA, United States; Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore, National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, United States; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Aimy Sebastian
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore, National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Stephen P Wilson
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore, National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Beheshta Amiri
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore, National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Deepa K Murugesh
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore, National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas R Hum
- Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore, National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, United States
| | - Blaine A Christiansen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Gabriela G Loots
- School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA, United States; Physical and Life Sciences Directorate, Lawrence Livermore, National Laboratories, Livermore, CA, United States; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA, United States.
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3
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Chiang IKN, Graus MS, Kirschnick N, Davidson T, Luu W, Harwood R, Jiang K, Li B, Wong YY, Moustaqil M, Lesieur E, Skoczylas R, Kouskoff V, Kazenwadel J, Arriola‐Martinez L, Sierecki E, Gambin Y, Alitalo K, Kiefer F, Harvey NL, Francois M. The blood vasculature instructs lymphatic patterning in a SOX7-dependent manner. EMBO J 2023; 42:e109032. [PMID: 36715213 PMCID: PMC9975944 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021109032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite a growing catalog of secreted factors critical for lymphatic network assembly, little is known about the mechanisms that modulate the expression level of these molecular cues in blood vascular endothelial cells (BECs). Here, we show that a BEC-specific transcription factor, SOX7, plays a crucial role in a non-cell-autonomous manner by modulating the transcription of angiocrine signals to pattern lymphatic vessels. While SOX7 is not expressed in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs), the conditional loss of SOX7 function in mouse embryos causes a dysmorphic dermal lymphatic phenotype. We identify novel distant regulatory regions in mice and humans that contribute to directly repressing the transcription of a major lymphangiogenic growth factor (Vegfc) in a SOX7-dependent manner. Further, we show that SOX7 directly binds HEY1, a canonical repressor of the Notch pathway, suggesting that transcriptional repression may also be modulated by the recruitment of this protein partner at Vegfc genomic regulatory regions. Our work unveils a role for SOX7 in modulating downstream signaling events crucial for lymphatic patterning, at least in part via the transcriptional repression of VEGFC levels in the blood vascular endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy K N Chiang
- The Centenary Institute, David Richmond Program for Cardio‐Vascular Research: Gene Regulation and Editing, Sydney Medical SchoolUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Matthew S Graus
- The Centenary Institute, David Richmond Program for Cardio‐Vascular Research: Gene Regulation and Editing, Sydney Medical SchoolUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Nils Kirschnick
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI)University of MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Tara Davidson
- The Centenary Institute, David Richmond Program for Cardio‐Vascular Research: Gene Regulation and Editing, Sydney Medical SchoolUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Winnie Luu
- The Centenary Institute, David Richmond Program for Cardio‐Vascular Research: Gene Regulation and Editing, Sydney Medical SchoolUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Richard Harwood
- Sydney Microscopy and MicroanalysisUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Keyi Jiang
- The Centenary Institute, David Richmond Program for Cardio‐Vascular Research: Gene Regulation and Editing, Sydney Medical SchoolUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Bitong Li
- The Centenary Institute, David Richmond Program for Cardio‐Vascular Research: Gene Regulation and Editing, Sydney Medical SchoolUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Yew Yan Wong
- The Genome Imaging CenterThe Centenary InstituteSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Mehdi Moustaqil
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, and School of Medical SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Emmanuelle Lesieur
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandSt. LuciaQLDAustralia
| | - Renae Skoczylas
- Institute for Molecular BioscienceThe University of QueenslandSt. LuciaQLDAustralia
| | - Valerie Kouskoff
- Division of Developmental Biology & MedicineThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Jan Kazenwadel
- Centre for Cancer BiologyUniversity of South Australia and SA PathologyAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Luis Arriola‐Martinez
- Centre for Cancer BiologyUniversity of South Australia and SA PathologyAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Emma Sierecki
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, and School of Medical SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Yann Gambin
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science, and School of Medical SciencesUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Kari Alitalo
- Wihuri Research Institute and Translational Cancer Medicine Program, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of HelsinkiHelsinkiFinland
| | - Friedmann Kiefer
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI)University of MünsterMünsterGermany
| | - Natasha L Harvey
- Centre for Cancer BiologyUniversity of South Australia and SA PathologyAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Mathias Francois
- The Centenary Institute, David Richmond Program for Cardio‐Vascular Research: Gene Regulation and Editing, Sydney Medical SchoolUniversity of SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- The Genome Imaging CenterThe Centenary InstituteSydneyNSWAustralia
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4
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Shi HY, Xie MS, Yang CX, Huang RT, Xue S, Liu XY, Xu YJ, Yang YQ. Identification of SOX18 as a New Gene Predisposing to Congenital Heart Disease. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12081917. [PMID: 36010266 PMCID: PMC9406965 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12081917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most frequent kind of birth deformity in human beings and the leading cause of neonatal mortality worldwide. Although genetic etiologies encompassing aneuploidy, copy number variations, and mutations in over 100 genes have been uncovered to be involved in the pathogenesis of CHD, the genetic components predisposing to CHD in most cases remain unclear. We recruited a family with CHD from the Chinese Han population in the present investigation. Through whole-exome sequencing analysis of selected family members, a new SOX18 variation, namely NM_018419.3:c.349A>T; p.(Lys117*), was identified and confirmed to co-segregate with the CHD phenotype in the entire family by Sanger sequencing analysis. The heterozygous variant was absent from the 384 healthy volunteers enlisted as control individuals. Functional exploration via luciferase reporter analysis in cultivated HeLa cells revealed that Lys117*-mutant SOX18 lost transactivation on its target genes NR2F2 and GATA4, two genes responsible for CHD. Moreover, the genetic variation terminated the synergistic activation between SOX18 and NKX2.5, another gene accountable for CHD. The findings strongly indicate SOX18 as a novel gene contributing to CHD, which helps address challenges in the clinical genetic diagnosis and prenatal prophylaxis of CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yu Shi
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital Wusong Branch, Fudan University, Shanghai 200940, China
| | - Meng-Shi Xie
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital Wusong Branch, Fudan University, Shanghai 200940, China
| | - Chen-Xi Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ri-Tai Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Song Xue
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Xing-Yuan Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Ying-Jia Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.X.); (Y.-Q.Y.)
| | - Yi-Qing Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Correspondence: (Y.-J.X.); (Y.-Q.Y.)
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5
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Lei Z, Sun W, Guo T, Li J, Zhu S, Lu Z, Qiao G, Han M, Zhao H, Yang B, Zhang L, Liu J, Yuan C, Yue Y. Genome-Wide Selective Signatures Reveal Candidate Genes Associated with Hair Follicle Development and Wool Shedding in Sheep. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12121924. [PMID: 34946875 PMCID: PMC8702090 DOI: 10.3390/genes12121924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Hair follicle development and wool shedding in sheep are poorly understood. This study investigated the population structures and genetic differences between sheep with different wool types to identify candidate genes related to these traits. We used Illumina ovine SNP 50K chip genotyping data of 795 sheep populations comprising 27 breeds with two wool types, measuring the population differentiation index (Fst), nucleotide diversity (θπ ratio), and extended haplotype homozygosity among populations (XP-EHH) to detect the selective signatures of hair sheep and fine-wool sheep. The top 5% of the Fst and θπ ratio values, and values of XP-EHH < −2 were considered strongly selected SNP sites. Annotation showed that the PRX, SOX18, TGM3, and TCF3 genes related to hair follicle development and wool shedding were strongly selected. Our results indicated that these methods identified important genes related to hair follicle formation, epidermal differentiation, and hair follicle stem cell development, and provide a meaningful reference for further study on the molecular mechanisms of economically important traits in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Lei
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Z.L.); (W.S.); (T.G.); (J.L.); (Z.L.); (G.Q.); (M.H.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.); (J.L.); (C.Y.)
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (S.Z.); (L.Z.)
| | - Weibo Sun
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Z.L.); (W.S.); (T.G.); (J.L.); (Z.L.); (G.Q.); (M.H.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.); (J.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Tingting Guo
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Z.L.); (W.S.); (T.G.); (J.L.); (Z.L.); (G.Q.); (M.H.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.); (J.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Jianye Li
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Z.L.); (W.S.); (T.G.); (J.L.); (Z.L.); (G.Q.); (M.H.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.); (J.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Shaohua Zhu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (S.Z.); (L.Z.)
| | - Zengkui Lu
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Z.L.); (W.S.); (T.G.); (J.L.); (Z.L.); (G.Q.); (M.H.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.); (J.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Guoyan Qiao
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Z.L.); (W.S.); (T.G.); (J.L.); (Z.L.); (G.Q.); (M.H.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.); (J.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Mei Han
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Z.L.); (W.S.); (T.G.); (J.L.); (Z.L.); (G.Q.); (M.H.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.); (J.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Hongchang Zhao
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Z.L.); (W.S.); (T.G.); (J.L.); (Z.L.); (G.Q.); (M.H.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.); (J.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Bohui Yang
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Z.L.); (W.S.); (T.G.); (J.L.); (Z.L.); (G.Q.); (M.H.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.); (J.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Liping Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; (S.Z.); (L.Z.)
| | - Jianbin Liu
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Z.L.); (W.S.); (T.G.); (J.L.); (Z.L.); (G.Q.); (M.H.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.); (J.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Chao Yuan
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Z.L.); (W.S.); (T.G.); (J.L.); (Z.L.); (G.Q.); (M.H.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.); (J.L.); (C.Y.)
| | - Yaojing Yue
- Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, China; (Z.L.); (W.S.); (T.G.); (J.L.); (Z.L.); (G.Q.); (M.H.); (H.Z.); (B.Y.); (J.L.); (C.Y.)
- Correspondence:
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6
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McCann AJ, Lou J, Moustaqil M, Graus MS, Blum A, Fontaine F, Liu H, Luu W, Rudolffi-Soto P, Koopman P, Sierecki E, Gambin Y, Meunier FA, Liu Z, Hinde E, Francois M. A dominant-negative SOX18 mutant disrupts multiple regulatory layers essential to transcription factor activity. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:10931-10955. [PMID: 34570228 PMCID: PMC8565327 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Few genetically dominant mutations involved in human disease have been fully explained at the molecular level. In cases where the mutant gene encodes a transcription factor, the dominant-negative mode of action of the mutant protein is particularly poorly understood. Here, we studied the genome-wide mechanism underlying a dominant-negative form of the SOX18 transcription factor (SOX18RaOp) responsible for both the classical mouse mutant Ragged Opossum and the human genetic disorder Hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia-renal defect syndrome. Combining three single-molecule imaging assays in living cells together with genomics and proteomics analysis, we found that SOX18RaOp disrupts the system through an accumulation of molecular interferences which impair several functional properties of the wild-type SOX18 protein, including its target gene selection process. The dominant-negative effect is further amplified by poisoning the interactome of its wild-type counterpart, which perturbs regulatory nodes such as SOX7 and MEF2C. Our findings explain in unprecedented detail the multi-layered process that underpins the molecular aetiology of dominant-negative transcription factor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J McCann
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jieqiong Lou
- School of Physics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mehdi Moustaqil
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 1466, Australia
| | - Matthew S Graus
- The David Richmond Laboratory for Cardio-Vascular Development: gene regulation and editing, The Centenary Institute, Newtown, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Ailisa Blum
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Frank Fontaine
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Hui Liu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, United States
| | - Winnie Luu
- The David Richmond Laboratory for Cardio-Vascular Development: gene regulation and editing, The Centenary Institute, Newtown, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Paulina Rudolffi-Soto
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 1466, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Emma Sierecki
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 1466, Australia
| | - Yann Gambin
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 1466, Australia
| | - Frédéric A Meunier
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Zhe Liu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, United States
| | - Elizabeth Hinde
- School of Physics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mathias Francois
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.,The David Richmond Laboratory for Cardio-Vascular Development: gene regulation and editing, The Centenary Institute, Newtown, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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7
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Zhao L, Jiang WF, Yang CX, Qiao Q, Xu YJ, Shi HY, Qiu XB, Wu SH, Yang YQ. SOX17 loss-of-function variation underlying familial congenital heart disease. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104211. [PMID: 33794346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As the most prevalent form of human birth defect, congenital heart disease (CHD) contributes to substantial morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic burden worldwide. Aggregating evidence has convincingly demonstrated that genetic defects exert a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of CHD, and causative mutations in multiple genes have been causally linked to CHD. Nevertheless, CHD is of pronounced genetic heterogeneity, and the genetic components underpinning CHD in the overwhelming majority of patients remain obscure. In this research, a four-generation consanguineous family suffering from CHD transmitted in an autosomal dominant mode was recruited. By whole-exome sequencing and bioinformatics analyses as well as Sanger sequencing analyses of the family members, a new heterozygous SOX17 variation, NM_022454.4: c.553G > T; p.(Glu185*), was identified to co-segregate with CHD in the family, with complete penetrance. The nonsense variation was neither detected in 310 unrelated healthy volunteers used as controls nor retrieved in such population genetics databases as the Exome Aggregation Consortium database, Genome Aggregation Database, and the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism database. Functional assays by utilizing a dual-luciferase reporter assay system unveiled that the Glu185*-mutant SOX17 protein had no transcriptional activity on its two target genes NOTCH1 and GATA4, which have been reported to cause CHD. Furthermore, the mutation abrogated the synergistic transactivation between SOX17 and NKX2.5, another established CHD-causing transcription factor. These findings firstly indicate SOX17 loss-of-function mutation predisposes to familial CHD, which adds novel insight to the molecular mechanism of CHD, implying potential implications for genetic risk appraisal and individualized prophylaxis of the family members affected with CHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, 264003, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wei-Feng Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Chen-Xi Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Qiao
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Jia Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Yu Shi
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xing-Biao Qiu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Shao-Hui Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Yi-Qing Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Central Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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8
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Tacconi C, He Y, Ducoli L, Detmar M. Epigenetic regulation of the lineage specificity of primary human dermal lymphatic and blood vascular endothelial cells. Angiogenesis 2020; 24:67-82. [PMID: 32918672 PMCID: PMC7921079 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-020-09743-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Lymphatic and blood vascular endothelial cells (ECs) share several molecular and developmental features. However, these two cell types possess distinct phenotypic signatures, reflecting their different biological functions. Despite significant advances in elucidating how the specification of lymphatic and blood vascular ECs is regulated at the transcriptional level during development, the key molecular mechanisms governing their lineage identity under physiological or pathological conditions remain poorly understood. To explore the epigenomic signatures in the maintenance of EC lineage specificity, we compared the transcriptomic landscapes, histone composition (H3K4me3 and H3K27me3) and DNA methylomes of cultured matched human primary dermal lymphatic and blood vascular ECs. Our findings reveal that blood vascular lineage genes manifest a more ‘repressed’ histone composition in lymphatic ECs, whereas DNA methylation at promoters is less linked to the differential transcriptomes of lymphatic versus blood vascular ECs. Meta-analyses identified two transcriptional regulators, BCL6 and MEF2C, which potentially govern endothelial lineage specificity. Notably, the blood vascular endothelial lineage markers CD34, ESAM and FLT1 and the lymphatic endothelial lineage markers PROX1, PDPN and FLT4 exhibited highly differential epigenetic profiles and responded in distinct manners to epigenetic drug treatments. The perturbation of histone and DNA methylation selectively promoted the expression of blood vascular endothelial markers in lymphatic endothelial cells, but not vice versa. Overall, our study reveals that the fine regulation of lymphatic and blood vascular endothelial transcriptomes is maintained via several epigenetic mechanisms, which are crucial to the maintenance of endothelial cell identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Tacconi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, HCI H303, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yuliang He
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, HCI H303, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luca Ducoli
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, HCI H303, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 3, HCI H303, 8093, Zurich, Switzerland.
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9
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CX3CL1/CX3CR1-signalling in the CD9/S100β/SOX2-positive adult pituitary stem/progenitor cells modulates differentiation into endothelial cells. Histochem Cell Biol 2020; 153:385-396. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-020-01862-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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10
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Payne S, Gunadasa-Rohling M, Neal A, Redpath AN, Patel J, Chouliaras KM, Ratnayaka I, Smart N, De Val S. Regulatory pathways governing murine coronary vessel formation are dysregulated in the injured adult heart. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3276. [PMID: 31332177 PMCID: PMC6646353 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10710-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The survival of ischaemic cardiomyocytes after myocardial infarction (MI) depends on the formation of new blood vessels. However, endogenous neovascularization is inefficient and the regulatory pathways directing coronary vessel growth are not well understood. Here we describe three independent regulatory pathways active in coronary vessels during development through analysis of the expression patterns of differentially regulated endothelial enhancers in the heart. The angiogenic VEGFA-MEF2 regulatory pathway is predominantly active in endocardial-derived vessels, whilst SOXF/RBPJ and BMP-SMAD pathways are seen in sinus venosus-derived arterial and venous coronaries, respectively. Although all developmental pathways contribute to post-MI vessel growth in the neonate, none are active during neovascularization after MI in adult hearts. This was particularly notable for the angiogenic VEGFA-MEF2 pathway, otherwise active in adult hearts and during neoangiogenesis in other adult settings. Our results therefore demonstrate a fundamental divergence between the regulation of coronary vessel growth in healthy and ischemic adult hearts. How coronary vessels develop and respond to injury is not fully understood. Here, the authors use murine enhancer:reporter models to identify three transcriptional pathways active in different parts of coronary vasculature. These also contribute to neovascularization in the injured neonatal, but not adult, heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Payne
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Mala Gunadasa-Rohling
- BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alice Neal
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andia N Redpath
- BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jyoti Patel
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kira M Chouliaras
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Indrika Ratnayaka
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicola Smart
- BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Sarah De Val
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. .,BHF Centre of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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11
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Moustaqil M, Fontaine F, Overman J, McCann A, Bailey TL, Rudolffi Soto P, Bhumkar A, Giles N, Hunter DJB, Gambin Y, Francois M, Sierecki E. Homodimerization regulates an endothelial specific signature of the SOX18 transcription factor. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 46:11381-11395. [PMID: 30335167 PMCID: PMC6265484 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
During embryogenesis, vascular development relies on a handful of transcription factors that instruct cell fate in a distinct sub-population of the endothelium (1). The SOXF proteins that comprise SOX7, 17 and 18, are molecular switches modulating arterio-venous and lymphatic endothelial differentiation (2,3). Here, we show that, in the SOX-F family, only SOX18 has the ability to switch between a monomeric and a dimeric form. We characterized the SOX18 dimer in binding assays in vitro, and using a split-GFP reporter assay in a zebrafish model system in vivo. We show that SOX18 dimerization is driven by a novel motif located in the vicinity of the C-terminus of the DNA binding region. Insertion of this motif in a SOX7 monomer forced its assembly into a dimer. Genome-wide analysis of SOX18 binding locations on the chromatin revealed enrichment for a SOX dimer binding motif, correlating with genes with a strong endothelial signature. Using a SOX18 small molecule inhibitor that disrupts dimerization, we revealed that dimerization is important for transcription. Overall, we show that dimerization is a specific feature of SOX18 that enables the recruitment of key endothelial transcription factors, and refines the selectivity of the binding to discrete genomic locations assigned to endothelial specific genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Moustaqil
- EMBL Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Frank Fontaine
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jeroen Overman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Alex McCann
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Timothy L Bailey
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Paulina Rudolffi Soto
- EMBL Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Akshay Bhumkar
- EMBL Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Nichole Giles
- EMBL Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Dominic J B Hunter
- EMBL Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia.,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Yann Gambin
- EMBL Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Mathias Francois
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Emma Sierecki
- EMBL Australia node in Single Molecule Science and School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
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12
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Bertolini F, Servin B, Talenti A, Rochat E, Kim ES, Oget C, Palhière I, Crisà A, Catillo G, Steri R, Amills M, Colli L, Marras G, Milanesi M, Nicolazzi E, Rosen BD, Van Tassell CP, Guldbrandtsen B, Sonstegard TS, Tosser-Klopp G, Stella A, Rothschild MF, Joost S, Crepaldi P. Signatures of selection and environmental adaptation across the goat genome post-domestication. Genet Sel Evol 2018; 50:57. [PMID: 30449276 PMCID: PMC6240954 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-018-0421-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since goat was domesticated 10,000 years ago, many factors have contributed to the differentiation of goat breeds and these are classified mainly into two types: (i) adaptation to different breeding systems and/or purposes and (ii) adaptation to different environments. As a result, approximately 600 goat breeds have developed worldwide; they differ considerably from one another in terms of phenotypic characteristics and are adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions. In this work, we analyzed the AdaptMap goat dataset, which is composed of data from more than 3000 animals collected worldwide and genotyped with the CaprineSNP50 BeadChip. These animals were partitioned into groups based on geographical area, production uses, available records on solid coat color and environmental variables including the sampling geographical coordinates, to investigate the role of natural and/or artificial selection in shaping the genome of goat breeds. RESULTS Several signatures of selection on different chromosomal regions were detected across the different breeds, sub-geographical clusters, phenotypic and climatic groups. These regions contain genes that are involved in important biological processes, such as milk-, meat- or fiber-related production, coat color, glucose pathway, oxidative stress response, size, and circadian clock differences. Our results confirm previous findings in other species on adaptation to extreme environments and human purposes and provide new genes that could explain some of the differences between goat breeds according to their geographical distribution and adaptation to different environments. CONCLUSIONS These analyses of signatures of selection provide a comprehensive first picture of the global domestication process and adaptation of goat breeds and highlight possible genes that may have contributed to the differentiation of this species worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bertolini
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bertrand Servin
- GenPhySE, INRA, Université de Toulouse, INPT, ENVT, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Andrea Talenti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Estelle Rochat
- Laboratory of Geographic Information Systems (LASIG), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Claire Oget
- GenPhySE, INRA, Université de Toulouse, INPT, ENVT, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Isabelle Palhière
- GenPhySE, INRA, Université de Toulouse, INPT, ENVT, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Alessandra Crisà
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (CREA) - Research Centre for Animal Production and Acquaculture, 00015 Monterotondo, Roma, Italy
| | - Gennaro Catillo
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (CREA) - Research Centre for Animal Production and Acquaculture, 00015 Monterotondo, Roma, Italy
| | - Roberto Steri
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (CREA) - Research Centre for Animal Production and Acquaculture, 00015 Monterotondo, Roma, Italy
| | - Marcel Amills
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Licia Colli
- DIANA Dipartimento di Scienze Animali, della Nutrizione e degli Alimenti, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, 29100 Piacenza, Italy
- BioDNA Centro di Ricerca sulla Biodiversità e sul DNA Antico, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, 29100 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Gabriele Marras
- Fondazione Parco Tecnologico Padano (PTP), 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Marco Milanesi
- DIANA Dipartimento di Scienze Animali, della Nutrizione e degli Alimenti, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, 29100 Piacenza, Italy
- Department of Support, Production and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
| | | | - Benjamin D. Rosen
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, ARS USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705 USA
| | | | - Bernt Guldbrandtsen
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
| | | | - Gwenola Tosser-Klopp
- GenPhySE, INRA, Université de Toulouse, INPT, ENVT, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
| | - Alessandra Stella
- BioDNA Centro di Ricerca sulla Biodiversità e sul DNA Antico, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, 29100 Piacenza, Italy
| | - Max F. Rothschild
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
| | - Stéphane Joost
- Laboratory of Geographic Information Systems (LASIG), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paola Crepaldi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - the AdaptMap consortium
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
- National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
- GenPhySE, INRA, Université de Toulouse, INPT, ENVT, 31326 Castanet Tolosan, France
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Geographic Information Systems (LASIG), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Recombinetics Inc, St Paul, 55104 MN USA
- Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (CREA) - Research Centre for Animal Production and Acquaculture, 00015 Monterotondo, Roma, Italy
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- DIANA Dipartimento di Scienze Animali, della Nutrizione e degli Alimenti, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, 29100 Piacenza, Italy
- BioDNA Centro di Ricerca sulla Biodiversità e sul DNA Antico, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, 29100 Piacenza, Italy
- Fondazione Parco Tecnologico Padano (PTP), 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Department of Support, Production and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araçatuba, Brazil
- Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, ARS USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705 USA
- Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics, Aarhus University, 8830 Tjele, Denmark
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13
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Olbromski M, Podhorska-Okołów M, Dzięgiel P. Role of the SOX18 protein in neoplastic processes. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:1383-1389. [PMID: 30008814 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a high demand for anticancer drugs due to the fact that the chemotherapeutics currently used have numerous side effects, which lowers the patient's quality of life. However, the latest antibody therapies are extremely expensive, hence the requirement to identify novel, equally effective but low-toxic treatments that have limited side effects. As a result of this, a number of research centres around the world are attempting to identify novel molecular markers that could be effective targets for anticancer therapy in the future. The SOX18 protein has been suggested to be a significant diagnostic and prognostic marker in various types of cancer. SRY-related HMG-box 18 (SOX18) is an important transcription factor involved in the development of cardiovascular and lymphatic vessels during embryonic development. In addition, it is involved in the progression of atherosclerosis and wound-healing processes. It has been observed that its level is higher in a number of cancer types, including melanoma, pancreas, stomach, liver, breast, lung, ovarian and cervical cancer. Furthermore, an association between a high expression of SOX18 in gastric cancer stromal cells and a poor prognosis has been demonstrated. The literature indicates how complex the pathogenesis of cancer is. Knowing the molecular basis of the pathogenesis of the tumor will allow for the effective use of targeted therapy, which may result in a higher success in treating patients. It is therefore important to identify novel and effective therapies as well as new proteins that could be potential markers. The SOX18 family, represented by the SOX18 protein, seems to be in this respect a promising element in modern anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Olbromski
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Dzięgiel
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland.,Department of Physiotherapy, University School of Physical Education, 51-617 Wroclaw, Poland
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14
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Dong C, Yang XZ, Zhang CY, Liu YY, Zhou RB, Cheng QD, Yan EK, Yin DC. Myocyte enhancer factor 2C and its directly-interacting proteins: A review. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 126:22-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2017.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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15
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Lilly AJ, Lacaud G, Kouskoff V. SOXF transcription factors in cardiovascular development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 63:50-57. [PMID: 27470491 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular development during embryogenesis involves complex changes in gene regulatory networks regulated by a variety of transcription factors. In this review we discuss the various reported roles of the SOXF factors: SOX7, SOX17 and SOX18 in cardiac, vascular and lymphatic development. SOXF factors have pleiotropic roles during these processes, and there is significant redundancy and functional compensation between SOXF family members. Despite this, evidence suggests that there is some specificity in the transcriptional programs they regulate which is necessary to control the differentiation and behaviour of endothelial subpopulations. Furthermore, SOXF factors appear to have an indirect role in regulating cardiac mesoderm specification and differentiation. Understanding how SOXF factors are regulated, as well as their downstream transcriptional target genes, will be important for unravelling their roles in cardiovascular development and related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Lilly
- Cancer Research UK, Stem Cell Hematopoiesis, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow road, M20 4BX, UK
| | - Georges Lacaud
- Cancer Research UK, Stem Cell Biology group Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow road, M20 4BX, UK.
| | - Valerie Kouskoff
- Cancer Research UK, Stem Cell Hematopoiesis, The University of Manchester, Wilmslow road, M20 4BX, UK.
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16
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Molecular basis for the genome engagement by Sox proteins. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 63:2-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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17
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Fontaine F, Overman J, Moustaqil M, Mamidyala S, Salim A, Narasimhan K, Prokoph N, Robertson AAB, Lua L, Alexandrov K, Koopman P, Capon RJ, Sierecki E, Gambin Y, Jauch R, Cooper MA, Zuegg J, Francois M. Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the SOX18 Transcription Factor. Cell Chem Biol 2017; 24:346-359. [PMID: 28163017 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 11/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological modulation of transcription factors (TFs) has only met little success over the past four decades. This is mostly due to standard drug discovery approaches centered on blocking protein/DNA binding or interfering with post-translational modifications. Recent advances in the field of TF biology have revealed a central role of protein-protein interaction in their mode of action. In an attempt to modulate the activity of SOX18 TF, a known regulator of vascular growth in development and disease, we screened a marine extract library for potential small-molecule inhibitors. We identified two compounds, which inspired a series of synthetic SOX18 inhibitors, able to interfere with the SOX18 HMG DNA-binding domain, and to disrupt HMG-dependent protein-protein interaction with RBPJ. These compounds also perturbed SOX18 transcriptional activity in a cell-based reporter gene system. This approach may prove useful in developing a new class of anti-angiogenic compounds based on the inhibition of TF activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Fontaine
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jeroen Overman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Mehdi Moustaqil
- Single Molecule Science, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Sreeman Mamidyala
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Angela Salim
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kamesh Narasimhan
- Laboratory for Structural Biochemistry, Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Nina Prokoph
- Laboratory for Structural Biochemistry, Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Avril A B Robertson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Linda Lua
- Protein Expression Facility, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Kirill Alexandrov
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Robert J Capon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Emma Sierecki
- Single Molecule Science, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Yann Gambin
- Single Molecule Science, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Ralf Jauch
- Genome Regulation Laboratory, Drug Discovery Pipeline, Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, China; Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Matthew A Cooper
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Johannes Zuegg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
| | - Mathias Francois
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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18
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Overman J, Fontaine F, Moustaqil M, Mittal D, Sierecki E, Sacilotto N, Zuegg J, Robertson AAB, Holmes K, Salim AA, Mamidyala S, Butler MS, Robinson AS, Lesieur E, Johnston W, Alexandrov K, Black BL, Hogan BM, De Val S, Capon RJ, Carroll JS, Bailey TL, Koopman P, Jauch R, Smyth MJ, Cooper MA, Gambin Y, Francois M. Pharmacological targeting of the transcription factor SOX18 delays breast cancer in mice. eLife 2017; 6:e21221. [PMID: 28137359 PMCID: PMC5283831 DOI: 10.7554/elife.21221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological targeting of transcription factors holds great promise for the development of new therapeutics, but strategies based on blockade of DNA binding, nuclear shuttling, or individual protein partner recruitment have yielded limited success to date. Transcription factors typically engage in complex interaction networks, likely masking the effects of specifically inhibiting single protein-protein interactions. Here, we used a combination of genomic, proteomic and biophysical methods to discover a suite of protein-protein interactions involving the SOX18 transcription factor, a known regulator of vascular development and disease. We describe a small-molecule that is able to disrupt a discrete subset of SOX18-dependent interactions. This compound selectively suppressed SOX18 transcriptional outputs in vitro and interfered with vascular development in zebrafish larvae. In a mouse pre-clinical model of breast cancer, treatment with this inhibitor significantly improved survival by reducing tumour vascular density and metastatic spread. Our studies validate an interactome-based molecular strategy to interfere with transcription factor activity, for the development of novel disease therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Overman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Frank Fontaine
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mehdi Moustaqil
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Single Molecule Science, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Deepak Mittal
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
| | - Emma Sierecki
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Single Molecule Science, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Natalia Sacilotto
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, The University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Zuegg
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Avril AB Robertson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kelly Holmes
- Cancer Research UK, The University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Angela A Salim
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sreeman Mamidyala
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark S Butler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ashley S Robinson
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, The University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Emmanuelle Lesieur
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Wayne Johnston
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kirill Alexandrov
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Brian L Black
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, The University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
| | - Benjamin M Hogan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sarah De Val
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, The University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J Capon
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jason S Carroll
- Cancer Research UK, The University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy L Bailey
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ralf Jauch
- Genome Regulation Laboratory, Drug Discovery Pipeline, CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Joint School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mark J Smyth
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Matthew A Cooper
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yann Gambin
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Single Molecule Science, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mathias Francois
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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19
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Sacilotto N, Chouliaras KM, Nikitenko LL, Lu YW, Fritzsche M, Wallace MD, Nornes S, García-Moreno F, Payne S, Bridges E, Liu K, Biggs D, Ratnayaka I, Herbert SP, Molnár Z, Harris AL, Davies B, Bond GL, Bou-Gharios G, Schwarz JJ, De Val S. MEF2 transcription factors are key regulators of sprouting angiogenesis. Genes Dev 2016; 30:2297-2309. [PMID: 27898394 PMCID: PMC5110996 DOI: 10.1101/gad.290619.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis, the fundamental process by which new blood vessels form from existing ones, depends on precise spatial and temporal gene expression within specific compartments of the endothelium. However, the molecular links between proangiogenic signals and downstream gene expression remain unclear. During sprouting angiogenesis, the specification of endothelial cells into the tip cells that lead new blood vessel sprouts is coordinated by vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4)/Notch signaling and requires high levels of Notch ligand DLL4. Here, we identify MEF2 transcription factors as crucial regulators of sprouting angiogenesis directly downstream from VEGFA. Through the characterization of a Dll4 enhancer directing expression to endothelial cells at the angiogenic front, we found that MEF2 factors directly transcriptionally activate the expression of Dll4 and many other key genes up-regulated during sprouting angiogenesis in both physiological and tumor vascularization. Unlike ETS-mediated regulation, MEF2-binding motifs are not ubiquitous to all endothelial gene enhancers and promoters but are instead overrepresented around genes associated with sprouting angiogenesis. MEF2 target gene activation is directly linked to VEGFA-induced release of repressive histone deacetylases and concurrent recruitment of the histone acetyltransferase EP300 to MEF2 target gene regulatory elements, thus establishing MEF2 factors as the transcriptional effectors of VEGFA signaling during angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sacilotto
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Kira M Chouliaras
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Leonid L Nikitenko
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Yao Wei Lu
- Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208, USA
| | - Martin Fritzsche
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Marsha D Wallace
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Svanhild Nornes
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Fernando García-Moreno
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Payne
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Esther Bridges
- Department of Oncology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Ke Liu
- Institute of Aging and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Biggs
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Indrika Ratnayaka
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Shane P Herbert
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Zoltán Molnár
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QX, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian L Harris
- Department of Oncology, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LJ, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Davies
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth L Bond
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - George Bou-Gharios
- Institute of Aging and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L7 8TX, United Kingdom
| | - John J Schwarz
- Center for Cardiovascular Sciences, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208, USA
| | - Sarah De Val
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research Ltd., Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
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20
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Jiang Y, Liu H, Liu WJ, Tong HB, Chen CJ, Lin FG, Zhuo YH, Qian XZ, Wang ZB, Wang Y, Zhang P, Jia HL. Endothelial Aquaporin-1 (AQP1) Expression Is Regulated by Transcription Factor Mef2c. Mol Cells 2016; 39:292-8. [PMID: 26923194 PMCID: PMC4844935 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2016.2223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin 1 (AQP1) is expressed in most microvasculature endothelial cells and forms water channels that play major roles in a variety of physiologic processes. This study aimed to delineate the transcriptional regulation of AQP1 by Mef2c in endothelial cells. Mef2c cooperated with Sp1 to activate human AQP1 transcription by binding to its proximal promoter in human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). Over-expression of Mef2c, Sp1, or Mef2c/Sp1 increased HUVEC migration and tube-forming ability, which can be abolished AQP1 knockdown. These data indicate that AQP1 is a direct target of Mef2c in regulating angiogenesis and vasculogenesis of endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Jiang
- Medical Examination College, Jilin Medical University, People’s
Republic of China
| | - He Liu
- Medical Examination College, Jilin Medical University, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Wen-jing Liu
- Medical Examination College, Jilin Medical University, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Hai-bin Tong
- Life Science Research Center, Beihua University, Jilin, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Chang-jun Chen
- Medical Examination College, Jilin Medical University, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Fu-gui Lin
- Medical Examination College, Jilin Medical University, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Yan-hang Zhuo
- Medical Examination College, Jilin Medical University, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Xiao-zhen Qian
- Medical Examination College, Jilin Medical University, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Zeng-bin Wang
- Medical Examination College, Jilin Medical University, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- Medical Examination College, Jilin Medical University, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Medical Examination College, Jilin Medical University, People’s
Republic of China
| | - Hong-liang Jia
- Medical Examination College, Jilin Medical University, People’s
Republic of China
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21
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She ZY, Yang WX. SOX family transcription factors involved in diverse cellular events during development. Eur J Cell Biol 2015; 94:547-63. [PMID: 26340821 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In metazoa, SOX family transcription factors play many diverse roles. In vertebrate, they are well-known regulators of numerous developmental processes. Wide-ranging studies have demonstrated the co-expression of SOX proteins in various developing tissues and that they occur in an overlapping manner and show functional redundancy. In particular, studies focusing on the HMG box of SOX proteins have revealed that the HMG box regulates DNA-binding properties, and mediates both the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of SOX proteins and their physical interactions with partner proteins. Posttranslational modifications are further implicated in the regulation of the transcriptional activities of SOX proteins. In this review, we discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the SOX-partner factor interactions and the functional modes of SOX-partner complexes during development. We particularly emphasize the representative roles of the SOX group proteins in major tissues during developmental and physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Yu She
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yu Hang Tang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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22
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Xu Z, Han Y, Liu J, Jiang F, Hu H, Wang Y, Liu Q, Gong Y, Li X. MiR-135b-5p and MiR-499a-3p Promote Cell Proliferation and Migration in Atherosclerosis by Directly Targeting MEF2C. Sci Rep 2015; 5:12276. [PMID: 26184978 PMCID: PMC4505325 DOI: 10.1038/srep12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Proliferation and migration of endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are critical processes involved in atherosclerosis. Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) can be detected in circulating blood with a stable form and the expression profiles differ in many cellular processes associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, little is known about their role, especially serum-derived miRNAs, in ECs and VSMCs phenotype modulation during atherosclerosis. We compared the miRNA expressions in serum samples from 13 atherosclerotic CAD patients and 5 healthy control subjects and identified 36 differentially expressed miRNAs. The expression of selected miRNAs (miR-135b-5p and miR-499a-3p) was further validated in 137 serum samples. Interestingly, miR-135b-5p and miR-499a-3p directly regulated a common target gene: myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) which plays an important role in modulating cell phenotype of cardiovascular systems. Furthermore, our results indicated that the 2 elevated miRNAs could jointly promote ECs and VSMCs proliferation and migration by repressing MEF2C expression. Together, our findings demonstrated a serum-based miRNA expression profile for atherosclerotic CAD patients, potentially revealing a previously undocumented mechanism for cell proliferation and migration mediated by miR-135b-5p and miR-499a-3p, and might provide novel insights into the role of circulating miRNAs in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiliang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shandong University Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yeming Han
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Jiying Liu
- Department of Interventional Treatment, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Fan Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, Shandong University Qilu Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Huili Hu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shandong University Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shandong University Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Qiji Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shandong University Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yaoqin Gong
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shandong University Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Xi Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shandong University Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
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23
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Gross CM, Aggarwal S, Kumar S, Tian J, Kasa A, Bogatcheva N, Datar SA, Verin AD, Fineman JR, Black SM. Sox18 preserves the pulmonary endothelial barrier under conditions of increased shear stress. J Cell Physiol 2014; 229:1802-16. [PMID: 24677020 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Shear stress secondary to increased pulmonary blood flow (PBF) is elevated in some children born with congenital cardiac abnormalities. However, the majority of these patients do not develop pulmonary edema, despite high levels of permeability inducing factors. Previous studies have suggested that laminar fluid shear stress can enhance pulmonary vascular barrier integrity. However, little is known about the mechanisms by which this occurs. Using microarray analysis, we have previously shown that Sox18, a transcription factor involved in blood vessel development and endothelial barrier integrity, is up-regulated in an ovine model of congenital heart disease with increased PBF (shunt). By subjecting ovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (PAEC) to laminar flow (20 dyn/cm(2) ), we identified an increase in trans-endothelial resistance (TER) across the PAEC monolayer that correlated with an increase in Sox18 expression. Further, the TER was also enhanced when Sox18 was over-expressed and attenuated when Sox18 expression was reduced, suggesting that Sox18 maintains the endothelial barrier integrity in response to shear stress. Further, we found that shear stress up-regulates the cellular tight junction protein, Claudin-5, in a Sox18 dependent manner, and Claudin-5 depletion abolished the Sox18 mediated increase in TER in response to shear stress. Finally, utilizing peripheral lung tissue of 4 week old shunt lambs with increased PBF, we found that both Sox18 and Claudin-5 mRNA and protein levels were elevated. In conclusion, these novel findings suggest that increased laminar flow protects endothelial barrier function via Sox18 dependent up-regulation of Claudin-5 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Gross
- Pulmonary Disease Program Vascular Biology Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia
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24
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Yu P, Tung JK, Simons M. Lymphatic fate specification: an ERK-controlled transcriptional program. Microvasc Res 2014; 96:10-5. [PMID: 25132472 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2014.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Lymphatic vessels are intimately involved in the regulation of water and solute homeostasis by returning interstitial fluid back to the venous circulation and play an equally important role in immune responses by providing avenues for immune cell transport. Defects in the lymphatic vasculature result in a number of pathological conditions, including lymphedema and lymphangiectasia. Knowledge of molecular mechanisms underlying lymphatic development and maintenance is therefore critical for understanding, prevention and treatment of lymphatic circulation-related diseases. Research in the past two decades has uncovered several key transcriptional factors (Prox1, Sox18 and Coup-TFII) controlling lymphatic fate specification. Most recently, ERK signaling has emerged as a critical regulator of this transcriptional program. This review summarizes our current understanding of lymphatic fate determination and its transcriptional controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchun Yu
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Joe K Tung
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
| | - Michael Simons
- Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States; Department of Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.
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25
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Kamachi Y, Kondoh H. Sox proteins: regulators of cell fate specification and differentiation. Development 2013; 140:4129-44. [PMID: 24086078 DOI: 10.1242/dev.091793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 420] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sox transcription factors play widespread roles during development; however, their versatile funtions have a relatively simple basis: the binding of a Sox protein alone to DNA does not elicit transcriptional activation or repression, but requires binding of a partner transcription factor to an adjacent site on the DNA. Thus, the activity of a Sox protein is dependent upon the identity of its partner factor and the context of the DNA sequence to which it binds. In this Primer, we provide an mechanistic overview of how Sox family proteins function, as a paradigm for transcriptional regulation of development involving multi-transcription factor complexes, and we discuss how Sox factors can thus regulate diverse processes during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kamachi
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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26
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Zhao L, Koopman P. SRY protein function in sex determination: thinking outside the box. Chromosome Res 2012; 20:153-62. [PMID: 22161124 DOI: 10.1007/s10577-011-9256-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Even though the mammalian sex-determining gene Sry has been intensively studied for the two decades since its discovery, the regions outside the conserved HMG box DNA-binding domain have received less attention due to a lack of sequence conservation and of obvious structural/functional motifs. Here, we summarize the available evidence for function beyond the HMG box, identify the known and postulated biochemical functions of the non-HMG-box domains in sex determination, and present possible explanations for the puzzling diversity of these non-HMG-box domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- Division of Molecular Genetics and Development, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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27
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Xu Z, Gong J, Maiti D, Vong L, Wu L, Schwarz JJ, Duh EJ. MEF2C ablation in endothelial cells reduces retinal vessel loss and suppresses pathologic retinal neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 180:2548-60. [PMID: 22521302 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic retinopathies, including retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic retinopathy, are major causes of blindness. Both have two phases, vessel loss and consequent hypoxia-driven pathologic retinal neovascularization, yet relatively little is known about the transcription factors regulating these processes. Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) C, a member of the MEF2 family of transcription factors that plays an important role in multiple developmental programs, including the cardiovascular system, seems to have a significant functional role in the vasculature. We, therefore, generated endothelial cell (EC)-specific MEF2C-deficient mice and explored the role of MEF2C in retinal vascularization during normal development and in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy. Ablation of MEF2C did not cause appreciable defects in normal retinal vascular development. However, MEF2C ablation in ECs suppressed vessel loss in oxygen-induced retinopathy and strongly promoted vascular regrowth, consequently reducing retinal avascularity. This finding was associated with suppression of pathologic retinal angiogenesis and blood-retinal barrier dysfunction. MEF2C knockdown in cultured retinal ECs using small-interfering RNAs rescued ECs from death and stimulated tube formation under stress conditions, confirming the endothelial-autonomous and antiangiogenic roles of MEF2C. HO-1 was induced by MEF2C knockdown in vitro and may play a role in the proangiogenic effect of MEF2C knockdown on retinal EC tube formation. Thus, MEF2C may play an antiangiogenic role in retinal ECs under stress conditions, and modulation of MEF2C may prevent pathologic retinal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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28
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Hoeth M, Niederleithner H, Hofer-Warbinek R, Bilban M, Mayer H, Resch U, Lemberger C, Wagner O, Hofer E, Petzelbauer P, de Martin R. The transcription factor SOX18 regulates the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 7 and guidance molecules in human endothelial cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30982. [PMID: 22292085 PMCID: PMC3264645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mutations in the transcription factor SOX18 are responsible for specific cardiovascular defects in humans and mice. In order to gain insight into the molecular basis of its action, we identified target genes of SOX18 and analyzed one, MMP7, in detail. Methodology/Principal Findings SOX18 was expressed in HUVEC using a recombinant adenoviral vector and the altered gene expression profile was analyzed using microarrays. Expression of several regulated candidate SOX18 target genes was verified by real-time PCR. Knock-down of SOX18 using RNA interference was then used to confirm the effect of the transcription factor on selected genes that included the guidance molecules ephrin B2 and semaphorin 3G. One gene, MMP7, was chosen for further analysis, including detailed promoter studies using reporter gene assays, electrophoretic mobility shift analysis and chromatin-immunoprecipitation, revealing that it responds directly to SOX18. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated the co-expression of SOX18 and MMP7 in blood vessels of human skin. Conclusions/Significance The identification of MMP7 as a direct SOX18 target gene as well as other potential candidates including guidance molecules provides a molecular basis for the proposed function of this transcription factor in the regulation of vessel formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Hoeth
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Renate Hofer-Warbinek
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Bilban
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Herbert Mayer
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Resch
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christof Lemberger
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oswald Wagner
- Clinical Institute of Medical and Chemical Laboratory Diagnostics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erhard Hofer
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Petzelbauer
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer de Martin
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
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29
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Agarwal P, Verzi MP, Nguyen T, Hu J, Ehlers ML, McCulley DJ, Xu SM, Dodou E, Anderson JP, Wei ML, Black BL. The MADS box transcription factor MEF2C regulates melanocyte development and is a direct transcriptional target and partner of SOX10. Development 2011; 138:2555-65. [PMID: 21610032 PMCID: PMC3100711 DOI: 10.1242/dev.056804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Waardenburg syndromes are characterized by pigmentation and autosensory hearing defects, and mutations in genes encoding transcription factors that control neural crest specification and differentiation are often associated with Waardenburg and related disorders. For example, mutations in SOX10 result in a severe form of Waardenburg syndrome, Type IV, also known as Waardenburg-Hirschsprung disease, characterized by pigmentation and other neural crest defects, including defective innervation of the gut. SOX10 controls neural crest development through interactions with other transcription factors. The MADS box transcription factor MEF2C is an important regulator of brain, skeleton, lymphocyte and cardiovascular development and is required in the neural crest for craniofacial development. Here, we establish a novel role for MEF2C in melanocyte development. Inactivation of Mef2c in the neural crest of mice results in reduced expression of melanocyte genes during development and a significant loss of pigmentation at birth due to defective differentiation and reduced abundance of melanocytes. We identify a transcriptional enhancer of Mef2c that directs expression to the neural crest and its derivatives, including melanocytes, in transgenic mouse embryos. This novel Mef2c neural crest enhancer contains three functional SOX binding sites and a single essential MEF2 site. We demonstrate that Mef2c is a direct transcriptional target of SOX10 and MEF2 via this evolutionarily conserved enhancer. Furthermore, we show that SOX10 and MEF2C physically interact and function cooperatively to activate the Mef2c gene in a feed-forward transcriptional circuit, suggesting that MEF2C might serve as a potentiator of the transcriptional pathways affected in Waardenburg syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Agarwal
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158-2517, USA
| | - Michael P. Verzi
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158-2517, USA
| | - Thuyen Nguyen
- Department of Dermatology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0316, USA
| | - Jianxin Hu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158-2517, USA
| | - Melissa L. Ehlers
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158-2517, USA
| | - David J. McCulley
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158-2517, USA
| | - Shan-Mei Xu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158-2517, USA
| | - Evdokia Dodou
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158-2517, USA
| | - Joshua P. Anderson
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158-2517, USA
| | - Maria L. Wei
- Department of Dermatology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0316, USA
| | - Brian L. Black
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158-2517, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158-2517, USA
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30
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Vertebrate paralogous MEF2 genes: origin, conservation, and evolution. PLoS One 2011; 6:e17334. [PMID: 21394201 PMCID: PMC3048864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2010] [Accepted: 01/31/2011] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) gene family is broadly expressed during the development and maintenance of muscle cells. Although a great deal has been elucidated concerning MEF2 transcription factors' regulation of specific gene expression in diverse programs and adaptive responses, little is known about the origin and evolution of the four members of the MEF2 gene family in vertebrates. Methodology/Principal Findings By phylogenetic analyses, we investigated the origin, conservation, and evolution of the four MEF2 genes. First, among the four MEF2 paralogous branches, MEF2B is clearly distant from the other three branches in vertebrates, mainly because it lacks the HJURP_C (Holliday junction recognition protein C-terminal) region. Second, three duplication events might have occurred to produce the four MEF2 paralogous genes and the latest duplication event occurred near the origin of vertebrates producing MEF2A and MEF2C. Third, the ratio (Ka/Ks) of non-synonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitution rates showed that MEF2B evolves faster than the other three MEF2 proteins despite purifying selection on all of the four MEF2 branches. Moreover, a pair model of M0 versus M3 showed that variable selection exists among MEF2 proteins, and branch-site analysis presented that sites 53 and 64 along the MEF2B branch are under positive selection. Finally, and interestingly, substitution rates showed that type II MADS genes (i.e., MEF2-like genes) evolve as slowly as type I MADS genes (i.e., SRF-like genes) in animals, which is inconsistent with the fact that type II MADS genes evolve much slower than type I MADS genes in plants. Conclusion Our findings shed light on the relationship of MEF2A, B, C, and D with functional conservation and evolution in vertebrates. This study provides a rationale for future experimental design to investigate distinct but overlapping regulatory roles of the four MEF2 genes in various tissues.
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Hosking B, François M, Wilhelm D, Orsenigo F, Caprini A, Svingen T, Tutt D, Davidson T, Browne C, Dejana E, Koopman P. Sox7 and Sox17 are strain-specific modifiers of the lymphangiogenic defects caused by Sox18 dysfunction in mice. Development 2009; 136:2385-91. [PMID: 19515696 DOI: 10.1242/dev.034827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Developmental defects caused by targeted gene inactivation in mice are commonly subject to strain-specific modifiers that modulate the severity of the phenotype. Although several genetic modifier loci have been mapped in mice, the gene(s) residing at these loci are mostly unidentified, and the molecular mechanisms of modifier action remain poorly understood. Mutations in Sox18 cause a variable phenotype in the human congenital syndrome hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia, and the phenotype of Sox18-null mice varies from essentially normal to completely devoid of lymphatic vasculature and lethal, depending on the strain of the mice, suggesting a crucial role for strain-specific modifiers in this system. Here we show that two closely related Group F Sox factors, SOX7 and SOX17, are able to functionally substitute for SOX18 in vitro and in vivo. SOX7 and SOX17 are not normally expressed during lymphatic development, excluding a conventional redundancy mechanism. Instead, these genes are activated specifically in the absence of SOX18 function, and only in certain strains. Our studies identify Sox7 and Sox17 as modifiers of the Sox18 mutant phenotype, and reveal their mechanism of action as a novel mode of strain-specific compensatory upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Hosking
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld 4072, Australia
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Downes M, François M, Ferguson C, Parton RG, Koopman P. Vascular defects in a mouse model of hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia syndrome indicate a role for SOX18 in blood vessel maturation. Hum Mol Genet 2009; 18:2839-50. [PMID: 19429912 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddp219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the transcription factor gene SOX18 cause vascular, lymphatic and hair follicle defects in humans with dominant and recessive forms of hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia (HLT) syndrome. Here, we clarify the role of SOX18 in the vascular dysfunction in HLT by ultrastructural, immunofluorescence, molecular and functional analysis of vascular anomalies in embryos of the naturally occurring Sox18-mutant mouse strain ragged-opossum (Ra(Op)). Early genesis and patterning of vasculature was unimpaired in Ra(Op) embryos, but surface capillaries became enlarged from 12.5 dpc and embryos developed massive surface hemorrhage by 14.5 dpc. Large focal breaches in the endothelial barrier were observed, in addition to endothelial hyperplasia associated with impaired pericyte recruitment to the microvasculature. Expression of the genes encoding the endothelial factors MMP7, IL7R and N-cadherin was reduced in Ra(Op) embryos, suggesting that these are downstream targets of SOX18. Together, our results indicate that vascular anomalies in HLT arise from defects in regulation of genes required for the acquisition of structural integrity during microvascular maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith Downes
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Sox18 induces development of the lymphatic vasculature in mice. Nature 2008; 456:643-7. [PMID: 18931657 DOI: 10.1038/nature07391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 406] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 09/05/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The lymphatic system plays a key role in tissue fluid regulation and tumour metastasis, and lymphatic defects underlie many pathological states including lymphoedema, lymphangiectasia, lymphangioma and lymphatic dysplasia. However, the origins of the lymphatic system in the embryo, and the mechanisms that direct growth of the network of lymphatic vessels, remain unclear. Lymphatic vessels are thought to arise from endothelial precursor cells budding from the cardinal vein under the influence of the lymphatic hallmark gene Prox1 (prospero homeobox 1; ref. 4). Defects in the transcription factor gene SOX18 (SRY (sex determining region Y) box 18) cause lymphatic dysfunction in the human syndrome hypotrichosis-lymphoedema-telangiectasia, suggesting that Sox18 may also play a role in lymphatic development or function. Here we use molecular, cellular and genetic assays in mice to show that Sox18 acts as a molecular switch to induce differentiation of lymphatic endothelial cells. Sox18 is expressed in a subset of cardinal vein cells that later co-express Prox1 and migrate to form lymphatic vessels. Sox18 directly activates Prox1 transcription by binding to its proximal promoter. Overexpression of Sox18 in blood vascular endothelial cells induces them to express Prox1 and other lymphatic endothelial markers, while Sox18-null embryos show a complete blockade of lymphatic endothelial cell differentiation from the cardinal vein. Our findings demonstrate a critical role for Sox18 in developmental lymphangiogenesis, and suggest new avenues to investigate for therapeutic management of human lymphangiopathies.
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Shin WS, Rockson SG. Animal models for the molecular and mechanistic study of lymphatic biology and disease. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1131:50-74. [PMID: 18519959 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1413.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The development of animal model systems for the study of the lymphatic system has resulted in an explosion of information regarding the mechanisms governing lymphatic development and the diseases associated with lymphatic dysfunction. Animal studies have led to a new molecular model of embryonic lymphatic vascular development, and have provided insight into the pathophysiology of both inherited and acquired lymphatic insufficiency. It has become apparent, however, that the importance of the lymphatic system to human disease extends, beyond its role in lymphedema, to many other diverse pathologic processes, including, very notably, inflammation and tumor lymphangiogenesis. Here, we have undertaken a systematic review of the models as they relate to molecular and functional characterization of the development, maturation, genetics, heritable and acquired diseases, and neoplastic implications of the lymphatic system. The translation of these advances into therapies for human diseases associated with lymphatic dysfunction will require the continued study of the lymphatic system through robust animal disease models that simulate their human counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S Shin
- Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Maiti D, Xu Z, Duh EJ. Vascular endothelial growth factor induces MEF2C and MEF2-dependent activity in endothelial cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2008; 49:3640-8. [PMID: 18450586 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.08-1760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Vascular endothelial growth factor is a key regulator of physiological and pathologic angiogenesis. Although much is known about the major upstream signaling pathways of VEGF in endothelial cells, less is known about key transcription factors involved in VEGF action. The transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor (MEF)-2C is thought to play an important role in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis during vascular development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regulation of MEF2C expression and MEF2-dependent activity in endothelial cells by VEGF. METHODS Expression of MEF2C in human retinal endothelial cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells was assayed by real-time PCR and Western blot. VEGF regulation of MEF2-dependent transcription was studied using an MEF2-luciferase reporter construct containing three copies of a high-affinity MEF2 binding site. The effect of MEF2 on endothelial cell migration was evaluated using a dominant-negative MEF2C mutant. RESULTS VEGF induced MEF2C expression in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. This induction was completely abrogated by the inhibition of protein kinase C and was partially blocked by the inhibition of PKC-beta and PKC-delta. In addition to regulating MEF2C expression, VEGF stimulated transcription from an MEF2-dependent promoter. VEGF stimulation of transcription was significantly reduced by the inhibition of calcineurin, CaMKII, p38 MAPK, and PKC, but not by the inhibition of ERK1/2 or BMK1/ERK5. Transfection of a dominant-negative mutant of MEF2C significantly inhibited VEGF-stimulated endothelial cell migration. CONCLUSIONS These results implicate VEGF as a key regulator of MEF2C and suggest that MEF2 may be an important mediator of VEGF in endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasish Maiti
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA
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Pendeville H, Winandy M, Manfroid I, Nivelles O, Motte P, Pasque V, Peers B, Struman I, Martial JA, Voz ML. Zebrafish Sox7 and Sox18 function together to control arterial-venous identity. Dev Biol 2008; 317:405-16. [PMID: 18377889 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2007] [Revised: 01/14/2008] [Accepted: 01/15/2008] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Sox7 and Sox18 are members of the F-subgroup of Sox transcription factors family and are mostly expressed in endothelial compartments. In humans, dominant mutations in Sox18 are the underlying cause of the severe hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia disorder characterized by vascular defects. However little is known about which vasculogenic processes Sox7 and Sox18 regulate in vivo. We cloned the orthologs of Sox7 and Sox18 in zebrafish, analysed their expression pattern and performed functional analyses. Both genes are expressed in the lateral plate mesoderm during somitogenesis. At later stages, Sox18 is expressed in all axial vessels whereas Sox7 expression is mainly restricted to the dorsal aorta. Knockdown of Sox7 or Sox18 alone failed to reveal any phenotype. In contrast, blocking the two genes simultaneously led to embryos displaying dysmorphogenesis of the proximal aorta and arteriovenous shunts, all of which can account for the lack of circulation observed in the trunk and tail. Gene expression analyses performed with general endothelial markers on double morphants revealed that Sox7 and Sox18 are dispensable for the initial specification and positioning of the major trunk vessels. However, morphants display ectopic expression of the venous Flt4 marker in the dorsal aorta and a concomitant reduction of the artery-specific markers EphrinB2a and Gridlock. The striking similarities between the phenotype of Sox7/Sox18 morphants and Gridlock mutants strongly suggest that Sox7 and Sox18 control arterial-venous identity by regulating Gridlock expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Pendeville
- GIGA-Research - Unité de Biologie Moléculaire et Génie Génétique, Tour B34, Université de Liège, B-4000 Sart Tilman, Belgium.
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Luo M, Guo XT, Yang W, Liu LQ, Li LW, Xin XY. Inhibition of tumor angiogenesis by cell-permeable dominant negative SOX18 mutants. Med Hypotheses 2007; 70:880-2. [PMID: 17768012 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2007.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2007] [Accepted: 07/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis play a key roles in tumor growth, invasion and metastasis, and has become an attractive target for anticancer drug development. Though a number of anti-angiogenic agents had entered clinical trials, few of them could reproduce the spectacular results in cancer patients as that had been seen in pre-clinical tumor models. Therefore, exploring novel anti-angiogenic agents is highly deserved. SOX18, a member of the Sry-related HMG box-containing family of transcription factors, is expressed transiently in endothelial cells during the development of blood vessels. And mutations resulting in expression of dominant negative SOX18 have been shown to severely impair the vascular development. Recent research demonstrated that SOX18 is expressed during the initial steps of tumor vascularization and involved in regulation of the expression of the VEGF receptor Flk-1 and the vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Moreover, allograft tumor growth in mice heterozygous for Ra(Op) (RaOp mice) which express a dominant negative mutant form of SOX18 (SOX18RaOp) that does not interact effectively with the endothelial partner protein MEF2C, was dramatically slower than that of wild-type mice. In this article, we postulate that recombinant cell-permeable dominant negative SOX18 mutants, prepared by fusion with protein transduction domains, would inhibit tumor angiogenesis with high efficiency by impairing endothelial tube formation. If the hypothesis was proved to be practical, the fusion proteins would show promise as single anti-angiogenic agents in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
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Lefebvre V, Dumitriu B, Penzo-Méndez A, Han Y, Pallavi B. Control of cell fate and differentiation by Sry-related high-mobility-group box (Sox) transcription factors. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2007; 39:2195-214. [PMID: 17625949 PMCID: PMC2080623 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2007.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2007] [Revised: 05/24/2007] [Accepted: 05/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Maintain stemness, commit to a specific lineage, differentiate, proliferate, or die. These are essential decisions that every cell is constantly challenged to make in multi-cellular organisms to ensure proper development, adult maintenance, and adaptability. SRY-related high-mobility-group box (Sox) transcription factors have emerged in the animal kingdom to help cells effect such decisions. They are encoded by 20 genes in humans and mice. They share a highly conserved high-mobility-group box domain that was originally identified in SRY, the sex-determining gene on the Y chromosome, and that has derived from a canonical high-mobility-group domain characteristic of chromatin-associated proteins. The high-mobility-group box domain binds DNA in the minor groove and increases its DNA binding affinity and specificity by interacting with many types of transcription factors. It also bends DNA and may thereby confer on Sox proteins a unique and critical role in the assembly of transcriptional enhanceosomes. Sox proteins fall into eight groups. Most feature a transactivation or transrepression domain and thereby also act as typical transcription factors. Each gene has distinct expression pattern and molecular properties, often redundant with those in the same group and overlapping with those in other groups. As a whole the Sox family controls cell fate and differentiation in a multitude of processes, such as male differentiation, stemness, neurogenesis, and skeletogenesis. We review their specific molecular properties and in vivo roles, stress recent advances in the field, and suggest directions for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Lefebvre
- Department of Cell Biology, Lerner Research Institute and Orthopaedic Research Center, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue (NC10), Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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Young N, Hahn CN, Poh A, Dong C, Wilhelm D, Olsson J, Muscat GEO, Parsons P, Gamble JR, Koopman P. Effect of disrupted SOX18 transcription factor function on tumor growth, vascularization, and endothelial development. J Natl Cancer Inst 2006; 98:1060-7. [PMID: 16882943 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djj299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The growth of solid tumors depends on establishing blood supply; thus, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis has been a long-term goal in cancer therapy. The SOX18 transcription factor is a key regulator of murine and human blood vessel formation. METHODS We established allograft melanoma tumors in wild-type mice, Sox18-null mice, and mice expressing a dominant-negative form of Sox18 (Sox18RaOp) (n = 4 per group) and measured tumor growth and microvessel density by immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies to the endothelial marker CD31 and the pericyte marker NG2. We also assessed the affects of disrupted SOX18 function on MCF-7 human breast cancer and human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation by measuring BrdU incorporation and by MTS assay, cell migration using Boyden chamber assay, and capillary tube formation in vitro. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Allograft tumors in Sox18-null and Sox18RaOp mice grew more slowly than those in wild-type mice (tumor volume at day 14, Sox18 null, mean = 486 mm3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 345 mm3 to 627 mm3, P = .004; Sox18RaOp, mean = 233 mm3, 95% CI = 73 mm3 to 119 mm3, P<.001; versus wild-type, mean = 817 mm3, 95% CI = 643 mm3 to 1001 mm3) and had fewer CD31- and NG2-expressing vessels. Expression of dominant-negative Sox18 reduced the proliferation of MCF-7 cells (BrdU incorporation: MCF-7(Ra) = 20%, 95% CI = 15% to 25% versus MCF-7 = 41%, 95% CI = 35% to 45%; P = .013) and HUVECs (optical density at 490 nm, empty vector, mean = 0.46 versus SOX18 mean = 0.29; difference = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.14 to 0.19; P = .001) compared with control subjects. Overexpression of wild-type SOX18 promoted capillary tube formation of HUVECs in vitro, whereas expression of dominant-negative SOX18 impaired tube formation of HUVECs and the migration of MCF-7 cells via the disruption of the actin cytoskeleton. CONCLUSIONS SOX18 is a potential target for antiangiogenic therapy of human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neville Young
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
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Matsui T, Kanai-Azuma M, Hara K, Matoba S, Hiramatsu R, Kawakami H, Kurohmaru M, Koopman P, Kanai Y. Redundant roles of Sox17 and Sox18 in postnatal angiogenesis in mice. J Cell Sci 2006; 119:3513-26. [PMID: 16895970 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.03081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Sox7, Sox17 and Sox18 constitute group F of the Sox family of HMG box transcription factor genes. Dominant-negative mutations in Sox18 underlie the cardiovascular defects observed in ragged mutant mice. By contrast, Sox18(-/-) mice are viable and fertile, and display no appreciable anomaly in their vasculature, suggesting functional compensation by the two other SoxF genes. Here, we provide direct evidence for redundant function of Sox17 and Sox18 in postnatal neovascularization by generating Sox17(+/-) -Sox18(-/-) double mutant mice. Whereas Sox18(-/-) and Sox17(+/-) -Sox18(+/-) mice showed no vascular defects, approximately half of the Sox17(+/-) -Sox18(-/-) pups died before postnatal day 21 (P21). They showed reduced neovascularization in the liver sinusoids and kidney outer medulla vasa recta at P7, which most likely caused the ischemic necrosis observed by P14 in hepatocytes and renal tubular epithelia. Those that survived to adulthood showed similar, but milder, vascular anomalies in both liver and kidney, and females were infertile with varying degrees of vascular abnormalities in the reproductive organs. These anomalies corresponded with sites of expression of Sox7 and Sox17 in the developing postnatal vasculature. In vitro angiogenesis assays, using primary endothelial cells isolated from the P7 livers, showed that the Sox17(+/-) -Sox18(-/-) endothelial cells were defective in endothelial sprouting and remodeling of the vasculature in a phenotype-dependent manner. Therefore, our findings indicate that Sox17 and Sox18, and possibly all three SoxF genes, are cooperatively involved in mammalian vascular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiyasu Matsui
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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Braam B, de Roos R, Bluyssen H, Kemmeren P, Holstege F, Joles JA, Koomans H. Nitric oxide-dependent and nitric oxide-independent transcriptional responses to high shear stress in endothelial cells. Hypertension 2005; 45:672-80. [PMID: 15699468 DOI: 10.1161/01.hyp.0000154683.33414.94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Shear stress modulates gene expression in endothelial cells (ECs) partly through nitric oxide (NO), acting via enhanced cGMP formation by guanylyl cyclase (GC). We addressed non-cGMP-mediated transcriptional responses to shear stress in human umbilical ECs subjected to high-laminar shear stress (25 dyn/cm2; 150 minutes). RNA was isolated, reverse-transcribed, Cy3/5-labeled, and hybridized to 19 K human microarrays. High shear (n=6), high shear with 100 micromol/L L-NAME (n=3), and high shear with 10 micromol/L ODQ (GC inhibitor) in the perfusate (n=3) was compared with samples not subjected to flow. Among genes responding to high shear were HMOX1 (up) and PPARG (down). A high percentage of gene expression modulation by shear was absent during concomitant L-NAME or ODQ. Several transcriptional modulators were found (up: SOX5, SOX25, ZNF151, HOXD10; down: SOX11); a number of genes were regulated by shear and by shear with ODQ, but not regulated during L-NAME, indicating a nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent, guanylyl cyclase (GC)-independent pathway. Several genes only responded to shear stress during L-NAME, others only responded to shear during ODQ. Upstream binding site analysis indicated shear stress and NO-dependent regulation of transcription via SOX5 and SOX9. Although NO importantly modulated the effect of shear stress on EC transcription, HMOX1 was consistently induced by shear stress, but not dependent on NOS or GC. Using bio-informatics software and databases, a promoter analysis identified SOX5 and SOX9 as potential, novel, shear-sensitive, and NO-dependent transcriptional regulators. The role of HMOX1 as a potential backup for NOS and the downstream role of SOXes should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branko Braam
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, University Medical Center, F03.226, P.O. Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Ahmed N, Howard L, Woodland HR. Early endodermal expression of the Xenopus Endodermin gene is driven by regulatory sequences containing essential Sox protein-binding elements. Differentiation 2005; 72:171-84. [PMID: 15157240 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-0436.2004.07204005.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The Endodermin gene is expressed in the early endoderm and the Spemann organizer of Xenopus embryos. It has previously been shown to be a direct target of the early endodermal transcription factor Xsox17 (Clements et al., 2003, Mech Dev 120:337-348). Here we identify two adjacent control elements in the Endodermin promoter; these drive transcription of the gene in late-gastrula endoderm and contain consensus Sox-binding sites. We have analyzed one element in detail and show that it responds directly to Xsox17 and that the Sox sites are essential for endodermal expression in transgenic embryos. However, flanking regions on both sides are also essential, indicating that Xsox17 acts in concert with several DNA-binding partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeem Ahmed
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
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Bonneaud N, Savare J, Berta P, Girard F. SNCF, a SoxNeuro interacting protein, defines a novel protein family in Drosophila melanogaster. Gene 2004; 319:33-41. [PMID: 14597169 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1119(03)00795-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of the Sox family of transcription factors in the development of the central nervous system (CNS) appears to be conserved in invertebrates and vertebrates. In Drosophila, SoxNeuro (SoxN) was recently shown to be involved in the formation of neuroblasts [Development 129 (2002) 4193; Development 129 (2002) 4219]. Through a yeast two-hybrid assay searching for proteins interacting with SoxN, we have isolated a novel protein in Drosophila, SoxNeuro Co-Factor (SNCF). The expression of the SNCF gene was detected during early embryogenesis at the blastoderm stages, and stopped just at the beginning of gastrulation. In transfected cells, the protein localised to nuclei, and strongly accumulated in nucleoli. SNCF was able to enhance SoxN mediated transcriptional activity in transfected cells, suggesting that SNCF might act as a SoxN co-activator. Finally, data are presented showing the existence in Drosophila of several proteins with a domain of homology to SNCF, which are all expressed early in embryogenesis at the blastoderm stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Bonneaud
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UPR 1142, 141 rue de la Cardonille, 34396, Montpellier, France
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Hosking BM, Wang SCM, Downes M, Koopman P, Muscat GEO. The VCAM-1 gene that encodes the vascular cell adhesion molecule is a target of the Sry-related high mobility group box gene, Sox18. J Biol Chem 2003; 279:5314-22. [PMID: 14634005 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m308512200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) and Sox18 are involved in vascular development. VCAM-1 is an important adhesion molecule that is expressed on endothelial cells and has a critical role in endothelial activation, inflammation, lymphatic pathophysiology, and atherogenesis. The Sry-related high mobility group box factor Sox18 has previously been implicated in endothelial pathologies. Mutations in human and mouse Sox18 leads to hypotrichosis and lymphedema. Furthermore, both Sox18 and VCAM-1 have very similar spatio-temporal patterns of expression, which is suggestive of cross-talk. We use biochemical techniques, cell culture systems, and the ragged opossum (RaOP) mouse model with a naturally occurring mutation in Sox18 to demonstrate that VCAM-1 is an important target of Sox18. Transfection, site-specific mutagenesis, and gel shift analyses demonstrated that Sox18 directly targeted and trans-activated VCAM-1 expression. Importantly, the naturally occurring Sox18 mutant attenuates the expression and activation of VCAM-1 in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo quantitation of VCAM-1 mRNA levels in wild type and RaOP mice demonstrates that RaOP animals show a dramatic and significant reduction in VCAM-1 mRNA expression in lung, skin, and skeletal muscle. Our observation that the VCAM-1 gene is an important target of SOX18 provides the first molecular insights into the vascular abnormalities in the mouse mutant ragged and the human hypotrichosis-lymphedema-telangiectasia disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett M Hosking
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Queensland Biosciences Precinct, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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James K, Hosking B, Gardner J, Muscat GEO, Koopman P. Sox18 mutations in the ragged mouse alleles ragged-like and opossum. Genesis 2003; 36:1-6. [PMID: 12748961 DOI: 10.1002/gene.10190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The ragged (Ra) spontaneous mouse mutant is characterised by abnormalities in its coat and cardiovascular system. Four alleles are known and we have previously described mutations in the transcription factor gene Sox18 in the Ra and Ra(J) alleles. We report here Sox18 mutations in the remaining two ragged alleles, opossum (Ra(op)) and ragged-like (Ragl). The single-base deletions cause a C-terminal frameshift, abolishing transcriptional trans-activation and impairing interaction with the partner protein MEF2C. The nature of these mutations, together with the near-normal phenotype of Sox18-null mice, suggests that the ragged mutant SOX18 proteins act in a dominant-negative fashion. The four ragged mutants represent an allelic series that reveal SOX18 structure-function relationships and implicate related SOX proteins in cardiovascular and hair follicle development.
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Wilson M, Koopman P. Matching SOX: partner proteins and co-factors of the SOX family of transcriptional regulators. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2002; 12:441-6. [PMID: 12100890 DOI: 10.1016/s0959-437x(02)00323-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
SOX transcription factors perform a remarkable variety of important roles in vertebrate development, either activating or repressing specific target genes through interaction with different partner proteins. Surprisingly, these interactions are often mediated by the conserved, DNA-binding HMG domain, raising questions as to how each factor's specificity is generated. We propose a model whereby non-HMG domains may influence partner protein selection and/or binding stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Wilson
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Queensland, Australia
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