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Lomeli C. S, Kristin B. A. Epigenetic regulation of craniofacial development and disease. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2271. [PMID: 37964651 PMCID: PMC10872612 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2271] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The formation of the craniofacial complex relies on proper neural crest development. The gene regulatory networks (GRNs) and signaling pathways orchestrating this process have been extensively studied. These GRNs and signaling cascades are tightly regulated as alterations to any stage of neural crest development can lead to common congenital birth defects, including multiple syndromes affecting facial morphology as well as nonsyndromic facial defects, such as cleft lip with or without cleft palate. Epigenetic factors add a hierarchy to the regulation of transcriptional networks and influence the spatiotemporal activation or repression of specific gene regulatory cascades; however less is known about their exact mechanisms in controlling precise gene regulation. AIMS In this review, we discuss the role of epigenetic factors during neural crest development, specifically during craniofacial development and how compromised activities of these regulators contribute to congenital defects that affect the craniofacial complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shull Lomeli C.
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Artinger Kristin B.
- Department of Diagnostic and Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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2
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Jain R, Epstein JA. Epigenetics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1441:341-364. [PMID: 38884720 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-44087-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetics is the study of heritable changes to the genome and gene expression patterns that are not caused by direct changes to the DNA sequence. Examples of these changes include posttranslational modifications to DNA-bound histone proteins, DNA methylation, and remodeling of nuclear architecture. Collectively, epigenetic changes provide a layer of regulation that affects transcriptional activity of genes while leaving DNA sequences unaltered. Sequence variants or mutations affecting enzymes responsible for modifying or sensing epigenetic marks have been identified in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD), and small-molecule inhibitors of epigenetic complexes have shown promise as therapies for adult heart diseases. Additionally, transgenic mice harboring mutations or deletions of genes encoding epigenetic enzymes recapitulate aspects of human cardiac disease. Taken together, these findings suggest that the evolving field of epigenetics will inform our understanding of congenital and adult cardiac disease and offer new therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajan Jain
- Departments of Medicine and Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Epigenetics Institute and the Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Jonathan A Epstein
- Departments of Medicine and Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Epigenetics Institute and the Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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3
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Torres-Pérez JV, Anagianni S, Mech AM, Havelange W, García-González J, Fraser SE, Vallortigara G, Brennan CH. baz1b loss-of-function in zebrafish produces phenotypic alterations consistent with the domestication syndrome. iScience 2022; 26:105704. [PMID: 36582821 PMCID: PMC9793288 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BAZ1B is a ubiquitously expressed nuclear protein with roles in chromatin remodeling, DNA replication and repair, and transcription. Reduced BAZ1B expression disrupts neuronal and neural crest development. Variation in the activity of BAZ1B has been proposed to underly morphological and behavioral aspects of domestication through disruption of neural crest development. Knockdown of baz1b in Xenopus embryos and Baz1b loss-of-function (LoF) in mice leads to craniofacial defects consistent with this hypothesis. We generated baz1b LoF zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to test the hypothesis that baz1b regulates behavioral phenotypes associated with domestication in addition to craniofacial features. Zebrafish with baz1b LoF show mild underdevelopment at larval stages and distinctive craniofacial features later in life. Mutant zebrafish show reduced anxiety-associated phenotypes and an altered ontogeny of social behaviors. Thus, in zebrafish, developmental deficits in baz1b recapitulate both morphological and behavioral phenotypes associated with the domestication syndrome in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose V. Torres-Pérez
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Biologia Funcional i Antropologia física, Fac. de CC. Biològiques, Universitat de València, C/ Dr. Moliner 50, Burjassot, València 46100, Spain
- Corresponding author
| | - Sofia Anagianni
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Aleksandra M. Mech
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - William Havelange
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Judit García-González
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Scott E. Fraser
- Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Caroline H. Brennan
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
- Corresponding author
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4
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Zug R, Uller T. Evolution and dysfunction of human cognitive and social traits: A transcriptional regulation perspective. EVOLUTIONARY HUMAN SCIENCES 2022; 4:e43. [PMID: 37588924 PMCID: PMC10426018 DOI: 10.1017/ehs.2022.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionary changes in brain and craniofacial development have endowed humans with unique cognitive and social skills, but also predisposed us to debilitating disorders in which these traits are disrupted. What are the developmental genetic underpinnings that connect the adaptive evolution of our cognition and sociality with the persistence of mental disorders with severe negative fitness effects? We argue that loss of function of genes involved in transcriptional regulation represents a crucial link between the evolution and dysfunction of human cognitive and social traits. The argument is based on the haploinsufficiency of many transcriptional regulator genes, which makes them particularly sensitive to loss-of-function mutations. We discuss how human brain and craniofacial traits evolved through partial loss of function (i.e. reduced expression) of these genes, a perspective compatible with the idea of human self-domestication. Moreover, we explain why selection against loss-of-function variants supports the view that mutation-selection-drift, rather than balancing selection, underlies the persistence of psychiatric disorders. Finally, we discuss testable predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Zug
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Tobias Uller
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Li Y, Gong H, Wang P, Zhu Y, Peng H, Cui Y, Li H, Liu J, Wang Z. The emerging role of ISWI chromatin remodeling complexes in cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:346. [PMID: 34736517 PMCID: PMC8567610 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Disordered chromatin remodeling regulation has emerged as an essential driving factor for cancers. Imitation switch (ISWI) family are evolutionarily conserved ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, which are essential for cellular survival and function through multiple genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Omics sequencing and a growing number of basic and clinical studies found that ISWI family members displayed widespread gene expression and genetic status abnormalities in human cancer. Their aberrant expression is closely linked to patient outcome and drug response. Functional or componential alteration in ISWI-containing complexes is critical for tumor initiation and development. Furthermore, ISWI-non-coding RNA regulatory networks and some non-coding RNAs derived from exons of ISWI member genes play important roles in tumor progression. Therefore, unveiling the transcriptional regulation mechanism underlying ISWI family sparked a booming interest in finding ISWI-based therapies in cancer. This review aims at describing the current state-of-the-art in the role of ISWI subunits and complexes in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, immunity and drug response, and presenting deep insight into the physiological and pathological implications of the ISWI transcription machinery in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Li
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Molecular Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Han Gong
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Molecular Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Pan Wang
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Molecular Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Hongling Peng
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Molecular Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Yajuan Cui
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Molecular Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Molecular Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China
| | - Zi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Institute of Molecular Hematology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China.
- Molecular Biology Research Center and Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Hematology, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, Hunan, China.
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6
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Sharif SB, Zamani N, Chadwick BP. BAZ1B the Protean Protein. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101541. [PMID: 34680936 PMCID: PMC8536118 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The bromodomain adjacent to the zinc finger domain 1B (BAZ1B) or Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) are just two of the names referring the same protein that is encoded by the WBSCR9 gene and is among the 26-28 genes that are lost from one copy of 7q11.23 in Williams syndrome (WS: OMIM 194050). Patients afflicted by this contiguous gene deletion disorder present with a range of symptoms including cardiovascular complications, developmental defects as well as a characteristic cognitive and behavioral profile. Studies in patients with atypical deletions and mouse models support BAZ1B hemizygosity as a contributing factor to some of the phenotypes. Focused analysis on BAZ1B has revealed this to be a versatile nuclear protein with a central role in chromatin remodeling through two distinct complexes as well as being involved in the replication and repair of DNA, transcriptional processes involving RNA Polymerases I, II, and III as well as possessing kinase activity. Here, we provide a comprehensive review to summarize the many aspects of BAZ1B function including its recent link to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Behrouz Sharif
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA;
| | - Nina Zamani
- Institute of Molecular Biophysics, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA;
| | - Brian P. Chadwick
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Jiang D, Ren C, Yang L, Li F, Yang X, Zheng Y, Ji X, Tian Y. Williams syndrome transcription factor promotes proliferation and invasion of cervical cancer cells by regulating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2021; 47:2433-2441. [PMID: 34028125 DOI: 10.1111/jog.14813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the expression of Williams Syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) in cervical cancer (CC) tissues and cells, the effect on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and the molecular mechanism of WSTF in CC cells to find a new biomarker. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression of WSTF in tissues was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and/or immunohistochemistry. Human CC cell lines and human normal cervical epithelial cell lines were detected by RT-qPCR. Lentivirus-mediated gene transfected in Siha/CaSki cells. The transfection efficiency of lentivirus was observed by a fluorescence microscope, RT-qPCR, and western blot. After transfection, the proliferation of Siha/CaSki cells was detected by CCK-8 assay and colony formation assay. The migration and invasion of Siha/CaSki cells were detected by transwell assay and wound healing assay. Western blot assay were used to detect the expression of WSTF and PI3K/Akt-related proteins in Siha/CaSki cells. RESULTS The expression of WSTF in CC tissues was higher than that in adjacent tissues (p < 0.05). The expression of WSTF in CC cells was higher than that in normal cervical epithelial cells (p < 0.01). Downregulation of WSTF expression could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CC cells (p < 0.01). WSTF overexpression activates PI3K/Akt signaling pathway (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION WSTF is highly expressed in CC tissues and cells, and downregulation of WSTF can inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration of CC cells by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. WSTF is a very promising new biomarker for CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Chenchen Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Feiyan Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yating Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoying Ji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yue Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
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8
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The mechanisms of action of chromatin remodelers and implications in development and disease. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 180:114200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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9
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Timpano S, Picketts DJ. Neurodevelopmental Disorders Caused by Defective Chromatin Remodeling: Phenotypic Complexity Is Highlighted by a Review of ATRX Function. Front Genet 2020; 11:885. [PMID: 32849845 PMCID: PMC7432156 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to determine the genetic etiology of intellectual disability (ID) and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) has improved immensely over the last decade. One prevailing metric from these studies is the large percentage of genes encoding epigenetic regulators, including many members of the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling enzyme family. Chromatin remodeling proteins can be subdivided into five classes that include SWI/SNF, ISWI, CHD, INO80, and ATRX. These proteins utilize the energy from ATP hydrolysis to alter nucleosome positioning and are implicated in many cellular processes. As such, defining their precise roles and contributions to brain development and disease pathogenesis has proven to be complex. In this review, we illustrate that complexity by reviewing the roles of ATRX on genome stability, replication, and transcriptional regulation and how these mechanisms provide key insight into the phenotype of ATR-X patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Timpano
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David J. Picketts
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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10
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Rolicka A, Guo Y, Gañez Zapater A, Tariq K, Quin J, Vintermist A, Sadeghifar F, Arsenian-Henriksson M, Östlund Farrants AK. The chromatin-remodeling complexes B-WICH and NuRD regulate ribosomal transcription in response to glucose. FASEB J 2020; 34:10818-10834. [PMID: 32598531 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000411r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of ribosomal transcription is under tight control from environmental stimuli, and this control involves changes in the chromatin structure. The underlying mechanism of how chromatin changes in response to nutrient and energy supply in the cell is still unclear. The chromatin-remodeling complex B-WICH is involved in activating the ribosomal transcription, and we show here that knock down of the B-WICH component WSTF results in cells that do not respond to glucose. The promoter is less accessible, and RNA pol I and its transcription factors SL1/TIF-1B and RRN3/TIF-1A, as well as the proto-oncogene c-MYC and the activating deacetylase SIRT7 do not bind upon glucose stimulation. In contrast, the repressive chromatin state that forms after glucose deprivation is reversible, and RNA pol I factors are recruited. WSTF knock down results in an accumulation of the ATPase CHD4, a component of the NuRD chromatin remodeling complex, which is responsible for establishing a repressive poised state at the promoter. The TTF-1, which binds and affect the binding of the chromatin complexes, is important to control the association of activating chromatin component UBF. We suggest that B-WICH is required to allow for a shift to an active chromatin state upon environmental stimulation, by counteracting the repressive state induced by the NuRD complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rolicka
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, The Arrhenius Lab F4, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yuan Guo
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, The Arrhenius Lab F4, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antoni Gañez Zapater
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, The Arrhenius Lab F4, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kanwal Tariq
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, The Arrhenius Lab F4, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jaclyn Quin
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, The Arrhenius Lab F4, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Vintermist
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, The Arrhenius Lab F4, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fatemeh Sadeghifar
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, The Arrhenius Lab F4, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Arsenian-Henriksson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Biomedicum B7, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann-Kristin Östlund Farrants
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, The Arrhenius Lab F4, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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11
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Niego A, Benítez-Burraco A. Williams Syndrome, Human Self-Domestication, and Language Evolution. Front Psychol 2019; 10:521. [PMID: 30936846 PMCID: PMC6431629 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Language evolution resulted from changes in our biology, behavior, and culture. One source of these changes might be human self-domestication. Williams syndrome (WS) is a clinical condition with a clearly defined genetic basis which results in a distinctive behavioral and cognitive profile, including enhanced sociability. In this paper we show evidence that the WS phenotype can be satisfactorily construed as a hyper-domesticated human phenotype, plausibly resulting from the effect of the WS hemideletion on selected candidates for domestication and neural crest (NC) function. Specifically, we show that genes involved in animal domestication and NC development and function are significantly dysregulated in the blood of subjects with WS. We also discuss the consequences of this link between domestication and WS for our current understanding of language evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Niego
- Ph.D. Program, Faculty of Humanities, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature, Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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12
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Ohta S, Taniguchi T, Sato N, Hamada M, Taniguchi H, Rappsilber J. Quantitative Proteomics of the Mitotic Chromosome Scaffold Reveals the Association of BAZ1B with Chromosomal Axes. Mol Cell Proteomics 2019; 18:169-181. [PMID: 30266865 PMCID: PMC6356081 DOI: 10.1074/mcp.ra118.000923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In mitosis, chromosomes achieve their characteristic shape through condensation, an essential process for proper segregation of the genome during cell division. A classical model for mitotic chromosome condensation proposes that non-histone proteins act as a structural framework called the chromosome scaffold. The components of the chromosome scaffold, such as DNA topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) and structural maintenance of chromosomes protein 2 (SMC2), are necessary to generate stable mitotic chromosomes; however, the existence of this scaffold remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the protein composition of the chromosome scaffold. We used the DT40 chicken cell line to isolate mitotic chromosomes and extract the associated protein fraction, which could contain the chromosome scaffold. MS revealed a novel component of the chromosome scaffold, bromodomain adjacent to zinc finger 1B (BAZ1B), which was localized to the mitotic chromosome axis. Knocking out BAZ1B caused prophase delay because of altered chromosome condensation timing and mitosis progression errors, and the effect was aggravated if BAZ1A, a BAZ1B homolog, was simultaneously knocked out; however, protein composition of prometaphase chromosomes was normal. Our results suggest that BAZ1 proteins are essential for timely chromosome condensation at mitosis entry. Further characterization of the functional role of BAZ1 proteins would provide new insights into the timing of chromosome condensation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Ohta
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, Kochi University, Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan;.
| | - Takako Taniguchi
- Institute for Enzyme Research, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Nobuko Sato
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, Kochi University, Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Mayako Hamada
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical School, Kochi University, Kohasu, Oko-cho, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Hisaaki Taniguchi
- Institute for Enzyme Research, Tokushima University, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima, 770-8503, Japan
| | - Juri Rappsilber
- Bioanalytics, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, 13355 Berlin, Germany;; Wellcome Centre for Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Max Born Crescent, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
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13
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vonHoldt BM, Ji SS, Aardema ML, Stahler DR, Udell MAR, Sinsheimer JS. Activity of Genes with Functions in Human Williams-Beuren Syndrome Is Impacted by Mobile Element Insertions in the Gray Wolf Genome. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:1546-1553. [PMID: 29860323 PMCID: PMC6007319 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In canines, transposon dynamics have been associated with a hyper-social behavioral syndrome, although the functional mechanism has yet to be described. We investigate the epigenetic and transcriptional consequences of these behavior-associated mobile element insertions (MEIs) in dogs and Yellowstone gray wolves. We posit that the transposons themselves may not be the causative feature; rather, their transcriptional regulation may exert the functional impact. We survey four outlier transposons associated with hyper-sociability, with the expectation that they are targeted for epigenetic silencing. We predict hyper-methylation of MEIs, suggestive that the epigenetic silencing of and not the MEIs themselves may be driving dysregulation of nearby genes. We found that transposon-derived sequences are significantly hyper-methylated, regardless of their copy number or species. Further, we have assessed transcriptome sequence data and found evidence that MEIs impact the expression levels of six genes (WBSCR17, LIMK1, GTF2I, WBSCR27, BAZ1B, and BCL7B), all of which have known roles in human Williams-Beuren syndrome due to changes in copy number, typically hemizygosity. Although further evidence is needed, our results suggest that a few insertions alter local expression at multiple genes, likely through a cis-regulatory mechanism that excludes proximal methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgett M vonHoldt
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, New Jersey
| | - Sarah S Ji
- Department of Biostatistics, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
| | - Matthew L Aardema
- Department of Biology, Montclair State University, New Jersey
- Sackler Institute for Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York
| | - Daniel R Stahler
- Yellowstone Center for Resources, National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
| | - Monique A R Udell
- Department of Animal & Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Oregon
| | - Janet S Sinsheimer
- Department of Biostatistics, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California
- Departments of Human Genetics and Biomathematics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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14
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Moccia A, Martin DM. Nervous system development and disease: A focus on trithorax related proteins and chromatin remodelers. Mol Cell Neurosci 2018; 87:46-54. [PMID: 29196188 PMCID: PMC5828982 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The nervous system comprises many different cell types including neurons, glia, macrophages, and immune cells, each of which is defined by specific patterns of gene expression, morphology, function, and anatomical location. Establishment of these complex and highly regulated cell fates requires spatial and temporal coordination of gene transcription. Open chromatin (euchromatin) allows transcription factors to interact with gene promoters and activate lineage specific genes, whereas closed chromatin (heterochromatin) remains inaccessible to transcriptional activation. Changes in the genome-wide distribution of euchromatin accompany transcriptional plasticity that allows the diversity of mature cell fates to be generated during development. In the past 20years, many new genes and gene families have been identified to participate in regulation of chromatin accessibility. These genes include chromatin remodelers that interact with Trithorax group (TrxG) and Polycomb group (PcG) proteins to activate or repress transcription, respectively. Here we review the role of TrxG proteins in neurodevelopment and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Moccia
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Donna M Martin
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States; Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States.
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15
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Aguennouz M, Lo Giudice C, Licata N, Rodolico C, Musumeci O, Fanin M, Migliorato A, Ragusa M, Macaione V, Di Giorgio RM, Angelini C, Toscano A. MicroRNA signatures predict dysregulated vitamin D receptor and calcium pathways status in limb girdle muscle dystrophies (LGMD) 2A/2B. Cell Biochem Funct 2017; 34:414-22. [PMID: 27558075 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
miRNA expression profile and predicted pathways involved in selected limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD)2A/2B patients were investigated. A total of 187 miRNAs were dysregulated in all patients, with six miRNAs showing opposite regulation in LGMD2A versus LGMD2B patients. Silico analysis evidence: (1) a cluster of the dysregulated miRNAs resulted primarily involved in inflammation and calcium metabolism, and (2) two genes predicted as controlled by calcium-assigned miRNAs (Vitamin D Receptor gene and Guanine Nucleotide Binding protein beta polypeptide 1gene) showed an evident upregulation in LGMD2B patients, in accordance with miRNA levels. Our data support alterations in calcium pathway status in LGMD 2A/B, suggesting myofibre calcium imbalance as a potential therapeutic target. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Aguennouz
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - C Lo Giudice
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - N Licata
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - C Rodolico
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - O Musumeci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - M Fanin
- Neurological Clinic, University of Padua, Italy
| | - A Migliorato
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - M Ragusa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences Biology, Genetics and Bioinformatics Unit, University of Catania, Italy
| | - V Macaione
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - R M Di Giorgio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - C Angelini
- Neurological Clinic, University of Padua, Italy
| | - A Toscano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
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16
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Gong F, Chiu LY, Miller KM. Acetylation Reader Proteins: Linking Acetylation Signaling to Genome Maintenance and Cancer. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006272. [PMID: 27631103 PMCID: PMC5025232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin-based DNA damage response (DDR) pathways are fundamental for preventing genome and epigenome instability, which are prevalent in cancer. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs) catalyze the addition and removal of acetyl groups on lysine residues, a post-translational modification important for the DDR. Acetylation can alter chromatin structure as well as function by providing binding signals for reader proteins containing acetyl-lysine recognition domains, including the bromodomain (BRD). Acetylation dynamics occur upon DNA damage in part to regulate chromatin and BRD protein interactions that mediate key DDR activities. In cancer, DDR and acetylation pathways are often mutated or abnormally expressed. DNA damaging agents and drugs targeting epigenetic regulators, including HATs, HDACs, and BRD proteins, are used or are being developed to treat cancer. Here, we discuss how histone acetylation pathways, with a focus on acetylation reader proteins, promote genome stability and the DDR. We analyze how acetylation signaling impacts the DDR in the context of cancer and its treatments. Understanding the relationship between epigenetic regulators, the DDR, and chromatin is integral for obtaining a mechanistic understanding of genome and epigenome maintenance pathways, information that can be leveraged for targeting acetylation signaling, and/or the DDR to treat diseases, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fade Gong
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Li-Ya Chiu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
| | - Kyle M. Miller
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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BAZ1B in Nucleus Accumbens Regulates Reward-Related Behaviors in Response to Distinct Emotional Stimuli. J Neurosci 2016; 36:3954-61. [PMID: 27053203 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3254-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling proteins are being implicated increasingly in the regulation of complex behaviors, including models of several psychiatric disorders. Here, we demonstrate that Baz1b, an accessory subunit of the ISWI family of chromatin remodeling complexes, is upregulated in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain reward region, in both chronic cocaine-treated mice and mice that are resilient to chronic social defeat stress. In contrast, no regulation is seen in mice that are susceptible to this chronic stress. Viral-mediated overexpression of Baz1b, along with its associated subunit Smarca5, in mouse NAc is sufficient to potentiate both rewarding responses to cocaine, including cocaine self-administration, and resilience to chronic social defeat stress. However, despite these similar, proreward behavioral effects, genome-wide mapping of BAZ1B in NAc revealed mostly distinct subsets of genes regulated by these chromatin remodeling proteins after chronic exposure to either cocaine or social stress. Together, these findings suggest important roles for BAZ1B and its associated chromatin remodeling complexes in NAc in the regulation of reward behaviors to distinct emotional stimuli and highlight the stimulus-specific nature of the actions of these regulatory proteins. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We show that BAZ1B, a component of chromatin remodeling complexes, in the nucleus accumbens regulates reward-related behaviors in response to chronic exposure to both rewarding and aversive stimuli by regulating largely distinct subsets of genes.
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18
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Meng J, Zhang XT, Liu XL, Fan L, Li C, Sun Y, Liang XH, Wang JB, Mei QB, Zhang F, Zhang T. WSTF promotes proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells by inducing EMT via PI3K/Akt and IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathways. Cell Signal 2016; 28:1673-82. [PMID: 27449264 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF), which is encoded by the BAZ1B gene, was first identified as a hemizygously deleted gene in patients with Williams syndrome. WSTF protein has been reported to be involved in transcription, replication, chromatin remodeling and DNA damage response, and also functions as a tyrosine protein kinase. However, the function of WSTF in cancer is not known. Here, we show that WSTF overexpression promotes proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion of lung cancer A549 and H1299 cells. WSTF overexpression also promotes tumor growth and invasive abilities of lung cancer cells in mouse xenograft models. cDNA microarray and subsequent qRT-PCR validation revealed that WSTF overexpression significantly upregulated the expression of EMT (epithelial to mesenchymal transition) marker fibronectin (FN1) and EMT-inducing genes Fos and CEACAM6. The changes of EMT markers including downregulated E-cadherin and upregulated N-cadherin and FN1 were further confirmed at both mRNA and protein levels upon WSTF overexpression, with typical morphological changes of EMT. Furthermore, WSTF activates both PI3K/Akt and IL-6/STAT3 oncogenic signaling pathways. Treatment with PI3K inhibitor ZSTK474 or STAT3 inhibitor niclosamide reversed the effects of WSTF overexpression by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration and invasion, with decreased level of p-Akt, p-STAT3 and IL-6. ZSTK474 and niclosamide also reversed EMT markers and EMT-inducing proteins including Snail, Slug, Twist and CEACAM6 in WSTF-overexpressing A549 cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that WSTF may act as an oncoprotein in lung cancer to accelerate tumor aggressiveness by promoting EMT via activation of PI3K/Akt and IL-6/STAT3 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Meng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Department of Pharmacy, No. 309 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Xu-Tao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin-Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Li
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian-Bo Wang
- Institute of Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qi-Bing Mei
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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19
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Zaghlool A, Halvardson J, Zhao JJ, Etemadikhah M, Kalushkova A, Konska K, Jernberg-Wiklund H, Thuresson AC, Feuk L. A Role for the Chromatin-Remodeling Factor BAZ1A in Neurodevelopment. Hum Mutat 2016; 37:964-75. [PMID: 27328812 PMCID: PMC6681169 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin‐remodeling factors are required for a wide range of cellular and biological processes including development and cognition, mainly by regulating gene expression. As these functions would predict, deregulation of chromatin‐remodeling factors causes various disease syndromes, including neurodevelopmental disorders. Recent reports have linked mutations in several genes coding for chromatin‐remodeling factors to intellectual disability (ID). Here, we used exome sequencing and identified a nonsynonymous de novo mutation in BAZ1A (NM_182648.2:c.4043T > G, p.Phe1348Cys), encoding the ATP‐utilizing chromatin assembly and remodeling factor 1 (ACF1), in a patient with unexplained ID. ACF1 has been previously reported to bind to the promoter of the vitamin D receptor (VDR)‐regulated genes and suppress their expression. Our results show that the patient displays decreased binding of ACF1 to the promoter of the VDR‐regulated gene CYP24A1. Using RNA sequencing, we find that the mutation affects the expression of genes involved in several pathways including vitamin D metabolism, Wnt signaling and synaptic formation. RNA sequencing of BAZ1A knockdown cells and Baz1a knockout mice revealed that BAZ1A carry out distinctive functions in different tissues. We also demonstrate that BAZ1A depletion influence the expression of genes important for nervous system development and function. Our data point to an important role for BAZ1A in neurodevelopment, and highlight a possible link for BAZ1A to ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Zaghlool
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Jonatan Halvardson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Jin J Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Mitra Etemadikhah
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Antonia Kalushkova
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Katarzyna Konska
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Helena Jernberg-Wiklund
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Ann-Charlotte Thuresson
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - Lars Feuk
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
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20
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Daxinger L, Harten SK, Oey H, Epp T, Isbel L, Huang E, Whitelaw N, Apedaile A, Sorolla A, Yong J, Bharti V, Sutton J, Ashe A, Pang Z, Wallace N, Gerhardt DJ, Blewitt ME, Jeddeloh JA, Whitelaw E. An ENU mutagenesis screen identifies novel and known genes involved in epigenetic processes in the mouse. Genome Biol 2015; 14:R96. [PMID: 24025402 PMCID: PMC4053835 DOI: 10.1186/gb-2013-14-9-r96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have used a sensitized ENU mutagenesis screen to produce mouse lines that carry mutations in genes required for epigenetic regulation. We call these lines Modifiers of murine metastable epialleles (Mommes). Results We report a basic molecular and phenotypic characterization for twenty of the Momme mouse lines, and in each case we also identify the causative mutation. Three of the lines carry a mutation in a novel epigenetic modifier, Rearranged L-myc fusion (Rlf), and one gene, Rap-interacting factor 1 (Rif1), has not previously been reported to be involved in transcriptional regulation in mammals. Many of the other lines are novel alleles of known epigenetic regulators. For two genes, Rlf and Widely-interspaced zinc finger (Wiz), we describe the first mouse mutants. All of the Momme mutants show some degree of homozygous embryonic lethality, emphasizing the importance of epigenetic processes. The penetrance of lethality is incomplete in a number of cases. Similarly, abnormalities in phenotype seen in the heterozygous individuals of some lines occur with incomplete penetrance. Conclusions Recent advances in sequencing enhance the power of sensitized mutagenesis screens to identify the function of previously uncharacterized factors and to discover additional functions for previously characterized proteins. The observation of incomplete penetrance of phenotypes in these inbred mutant mice, at various stages of development, is of interest. Overall, the Momme collection of mouse mutants provides a valuable resource for researchers across many disciplines.
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21
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Gallenkamp D, Gelato KA, Haendler B, Weinmann H. Bromodomains and their pharmacological inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2014; 9:438-64. [PMID: 24497428 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201300434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Over 60 bromodomains belonging to proteins with very different functions have been identified in humans. Several of them interact with acetylated lysine residues, leading to the recruitment and stabilization of protein complexes. The bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins contain tandem bromodomains which bind to acetylated histones and are thereby implicated in a number of DNA-centered processes, including the regulation of gene expression. The recent identification of inhibitors of BET and non-BET bromodomains is one of the few examples in which effective blockade of a protein-protein interaction can be achieved with a small molecule. This has led to major strides in the understanding of the function of bromodomain-containing proteins and their involvement in diseases such as cancer and inflammation. Indeed, BET bromodomain inhibitors are now being clinically evaluated for the treatment of hematological tumors and have also been tested in clinical trials for the relatively rare BRD-NUT midline carcinoma. This review gives an overview of the newest developments in the field, with a focus on the biology of selected bromodomain proteins on the one hand, and on reported pharmacological inhibitors on the other, including recent examples from the patent literature.
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22
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Culver-Cochran AE, Chadwick BP. Loss of WSTF results in spontaneous fluctuations of heterochromatin formation and resolution, combined with substantial changes to gene expression. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:740. [PMID: 24168170 PMCID: PMC3870985 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 10/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) is a multifaceted protein that is involved in several nuclear processes, including replication, transcription, and the DNA damage response. WSTF participates in a chromatin-remodeling complex with the ISWI ATPase, SNF2H, and is thought to contribute to the maintenance of heterochromatin, including at the human inactive X chromosome (Xi). WSTF is encoded by BAZ1B, and is one of twenty-eight genes that are hemizygously deleted in the genetic disorder Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS). RESULTS To explore the function of WSTF, we performed zinc finger nuclease-assisted targeting of the BAZ1B gene and isolated several independent knockout clones in human cells. Our results show that, while heterochromatin at the Xi is unaltered, new inappropriate areas of heterochromatin spontaneously form and resolve throughout the nucleus, appearing as large DAPI-dense staining blocks, defined by histone H3 lysine-9 trimethylation and association of the proteins heterochromatin protein 1 and structural maintenance of chromosomes flexible hinge domain containing 1. In three independent mutants, the expression of a large number of genes were impacted, both up and down, by WSTF loss. CONCLUSIONS Given the inappropriate appearance of regions of heterochromatin in BAZ1B knockout cells, it is evident that WSTF performs a critical role in maintaining chromatin and transcriptional states, a property that is likely compromised by WSTF haploinsufficiency in WBS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian P Chadwick
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
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23
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Dong J, Gao Z, Liu S, Li G, Yang Z, Huang H, Xu L. SLIDE, the protein interacting domain of Imitation Switch remodelers, binds DDT-domain proteins of different subfamilies in chromatin remodeling complexes. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY 2013; 55:928-937. [PMID: 23691993 DOI: 10.1111/jipb.12069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The Imitation Switch (ISWI) type adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent chromatin remodeling factors are conserved proteins in eukaryotes, and some of them are known to form stable remodeling complexes with members from a family of proteins, termed DDT-domain proteins. Although it is well documented that ISWIs play important roles in different biological processes in many eukaryotic species, the molecular basis for protein interactions in ISWI complexes has not been fully addressed. Here, we report the identification of interaction domains for both ISWI and DDT-domain proteins. By analyzing CHROMATIN REMODELING11 (CHR11) and RINGLET1 (RLT1), an Arabidopsis thaliana ISWI (AtISWI) and AtDDT-domain protein, respectively, we show that the SLIDE domain of CHR11 and the DDT domain together with an adjacent sequence of RLT1 are responsible for their binding. The Arabidopsis genome contains at least 12 genes that encode DDT-domain proteins, which could be grouped into five subfamilies based on the sequence similarity. The SLIDE domain of AtISWI is able to bind members from different AtDDT subfamilies. Moreover, a human ISWI protein SNF2H is capable of binding AtDDT-domain proteins through its SLIDE domain, suggesting that binding to DDT-domain proteins is a conserved biochemical function for the SLIDE domain of ISWIs in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqiang Dong
- National Laboratory of Plant Molecular Genetics, Institute of Plant Physiology & Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China
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Li J, Zhao G, Gao X. Development of neurodevelopmental disorders: a regulatory mechanism involving bromodomain-containing proteins. J Neurodev Disord 2013; 5:4. [PMID: 23425632 PMCID: PMC3585942 DOI: 10.1186/1866-1955-5-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are classified as diseases that cause abnormal functions of the brain or central nervous system. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders show impaired language and speech abilities, learning and memory damage, and poor motor skills. However, we still know very little about the molecular etiology of these disorders. Recent evidence implicates the bromodomain-containing proteins (BCPs) in the initiation and development of neurodevelopmental disorders. BCPs have a particular domain, the bromodomain (Brd), which was originally identified as specifically binding acetyl-lysine residues at the N-terminus of histone proteins in vitro and in vivo. Other domains of BCPs are responsible for binding partner proteins to form regulatory complexes. Once these complexes are assembled, BCPs alter chromosomal states and regulate gene expression. Some BCP complexes bind nucleosomes, are involved in basal transcription regulation, and influence the transcription of many genes. However, most BCPs are involved in targeting. For example, some BCPs function as a recruitment platform or scaffold through their Brds-binding targeting sites. Others are recruited to form a complex to bind the targeting sites of their partners. The regulation mediated by these proteins is especially critical during normal and abnormal development. Mutant BCPs or dysfunctional BCP-containing complexes are implicated in the initiation and development of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the pathogenic molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this review, we focus on the roles of regulatory BCPs associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including mental retardation, Fragile X syndrome (FRX), Williams syndrome (WS), Rett syndrome and Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS). A better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis, based upon the roles of BCPs, will lead to screening of targets for the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlin Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, People's Republic of China.
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25
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The WSTF-ISWI chromatin remodeling complex transiently associates with the human inactive X chromosome during late S-phase prior to BRCA1 and γ-H2AX. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50023. [PMID: 23166813 PMCID: PMC3498190 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Replicating the genome prior to each somatic cell division not only requires precise duplication of the genetic information, but also accurately reestablishing the epigenetic signatures that instruct how the genetic material is to be interpreted in the daughter cells. The mammalian inactive X chromosome (Xi), which is faithfully inherited in a silent state in each daughter cell, provides an excellent model of epigenetic regulation. While much is known about the early stages of X chromosome inactivation, much less is understood with regards to retaining the Xi chromatin through somatic cell division. Here we report that the WSTF-ISWI chromatin remodeling complex (WICH) associates with the Xi during late S-phase as the Xi DNA is replicated. Elevated levels of WICH at the Xi is restricted to late S-phase and appears before BRCA1 and γ-H2A.X. The sequential appearance of WICH and BRCA1/γ-H2A.X implicate each as performing important but distinct roles in the maturation and maintenance of heterochromatin at the Xi.
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Lundqvist J, Hansen SK, Lykkesfeldt AE. Vitamin D analog EB1089 inhibits aromatase expression by dissociation of comodulator WSTF from the CYP19A1 promoter-a new regulatory pathway for aromatase. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2012; 1833:40-7. [PMID: 23085504 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2012.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The enzyme aromatase, encoded by the CYP19A1 gene, catalyzes the production of estrogens and inhibition of aromatase has therefore become one of the key strategies in breast cancer treatment. We have studied the effects of the vitamin D analog EB1089 on aromatase gene expression and enzyme activity in breast cancer cells. We found that EB1089 was able to decrease the gene expression and enzyme activity as well as inhibit aromatase-dependent cell growth. Furthermore, a low dose of EB1089 combined with low doses of clinically used aromatase inhibitors such as anastrozole, letrozole and exemestane were able to effectively inhibit aromatase-dependent growth of breast cancer cells. The molecular mechanism for this effect of EB1089 on the aromatase gene expression was investigated and we found that it is mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR), vitamin D receptor interacting repressor (VDIR) and Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF). ChIP and Re-ChIP assays revealed that EB1089 mediates dissociation of WSTF from the CYP19A1 promoter and thereby decreases the gene expression. Regulation of aromatase via WSTF has not been reported previously. Furthermore, gene silencing of WSTF results in decreased gene expression of CYP19A1 and aromatase activity, showing that WSTF is an interesting drug target for development of new anti-cancer drugs. In summary, we report that the vitamin D analog EB1089 is able to decrease the gene expression and enzyme activity of aromatase via a novel regulatory pathway for aromatase and suggest that EB1089 may be a new treatment option for estrogen dependent breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Lundqvist
- Danish Cancer Society Research Center, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
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Strobl-Mazzulla PH, Marini M, Buzzi A. Epigenetic landscape and miRNA involvement during neural crest development. Dev Dyn 2012; 241:1849-56. [PMID: 22972707 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural crest (NC) is a multipotent, migratory cell population that arises from the dorsal neural fold of vertebrate embryos. NC cells migrate extensively and differentiate into a variety of tissues, including melanocytes, bone, and cartilage of the craniofacial skeleton, peripheral and enteric neurons, glia, and smooth muscle and endocrine cells. For several years, the gene regulatory network that orchestrates NC cells development has been extensively studied. However, we have recently begun to understand that epigenetic and posttranscriptional regulation, such as miRNAs, plays important roles in NC development. In this review, we focused on some of the most recent findings on chromatin-dependent mechanisms and miRNAs regulation during vertebrate NC cells development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo H Strobl-Mazzulla
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas- Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús, Chascomús, Argentina.
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Herriges JC, Yi L, Hines EA, Harvey JF, Xu G, Gray P, Ma Q, Sun X. Genome-scale study of transcription factor expression in the branching mouse lung. Dev Dyn 2012; 241:1432-53. [PMID: 22711520 PMCID: PMC3529173 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.23823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian lung development consists of a series of precisely choreographed events that drive the progression from simple lung buds to the elaborately branched organ that fulfills the vital function of gas exchange. Strict transcriptional control is essential for lung development. Among the large number of transcription factors encoded in the mouse genome, only a small portion of them are known to be expressed and function in the developing lung. Thus a systematic investigation of transcription factors expressed in the lung is warranted. RESULTS To enrich for genes that may be responsible for regional growth and patterning, we performed a screen using RNA in situ hybridization to identify genes that show restricted expression patterns in the embryonic lung. We focused on the pseudoglandular stage during which the lung undergoes branching morphogenesis, a cardinal event of lung development. Using a genome-scale probe set that represents over 90% of the transcription factors encoded in the mouse genome, we identified 62 transcription factor genes with localized expression in the epithelium, mesenchyme, or both. Many of these genes have not been previously implicated in lung development. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide new starting points for the elucidation of the transcriptional circuitry that controls lung development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C. Herriges
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Lan Yi
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Elizabeth A. Hines
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Julie F. Harvey
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Guoliang Xu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China 200031
| | - Paul Gray
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Qiufu Ma
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Xin Sun
- Laboratory of Genetics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706
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Barnett C, Yazgan O, Kuo HC, Malakar S, Thomas T, Fitzgerald A, Harbour W, Henry JJ, Krebs JE. Williams Syndrome Transcription Factor is critical for neural crest cell function in Xenopus laevis. Mech Dev 2012; 129:324-38. [PMID: 22691402 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2012] [Revised: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Williams Syndrome Transcription Factor (WSTF) is one of ∼25 haplodeficient genes in patients with the complex developmental disorder Williams Syndrome (WS). WS results in visual/spatial processing defects, cognitive impairment, unique behavioral phenotypes, characteristic "elfin" facial features, low muscle tone and heart defects. WSTF exists in several chromatin remodeling complexes and has roles in transcription, replication, and repair. Chromatin remodeling is essential during embryogenesis, but WSTF's role in vertebrate development is poorly characterized. To investigate the developmental role of WSTF, we knocked down WSTF in Xenopus laevis embryos using a morpholino that targets WSTF mRNA. BMP4 shows markedly increased and spatially aberrant expression in WSTF-deficient embryos, while SHH, MRF4, PAX2, EPHA4 and SOX2 expression are severely reduced, coupled with defects in a number of developing embryonic structures and organs. WSTF-deficient embryos display defects in anterior neural development. Induction of the neural crest, measured by expression of the neural crest-specific genes SNAIL and SLUG, is unaffected by WSTF depletion. However, at subsequent stages WSTF knockdown results in a severe defect in neural crest migration and/or maintenance. Consistent with a maintenance defect, WSTF knockdowns display a specific pattern of increased apoptosis at the tailbud stage in regions corresponding to the path of cranial neural crest migration. Our work is the first to describe a role for WSTF in proper neural crest function, and suggests that neural crest defects resulting from WSTF haploinsufficiency may be a major contributor to the pathoembryology of WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Barnett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3101 Science Circle, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA.
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Chromosomal instability at the 7q11.23 region impacts on DNA-damage response in lymphocytes from Williams-Beuren syndrome patients. Mutat Res 2011; 724:46-51. [PMID: 21645633 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2011.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2010] [Revised: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 05/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is the chromosomal disorder arising from a hemizygous microdeletion at 7q11.23. The present study was focused on a comparative investigation of genomic integrity in WBS patients by use of cytogenetic methods and the alkaline comet assay. Lymphocytes of whole peripheral blood were cultured and metaphases were examined for frequency and spectrum of chromosome aberrations. A WBS-related microdeletion was detected by means of the FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) technique. The blood samples from patients who were carriers of this microdeletion, were tested in the comet assay. For this purpose, freshly collected lymphocytes were exposed to hydrogen peroxide (100μM, 1min, 4°C). The frequencies of endogenous and exogenous DNA damage, and the kinetics and efficiency of DNA repair were measured during three subsequent hours of incubation. Comparison of the two data sets in this group of patients demonstrated a slightly elevated average frequency of chromosome aberrations, significantly increased levels of endogenous and H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage, and somewhat impaired DNA repair. The relationship between an abnormal DNA-damage response and the 7q11.23 hemizygous microdeletion was confirmed experimentally when comparing the comet assay data in FISH-positive and FISH-negative lymphocytes from WBS-suspected patients. Briefly, our results indicate the impact of chromosomal instability within this region on susceptibility towards DNA damage, which may contribute to pathogenesis of this disease. It was shown also that the comet assay, as well as an experimental design proposed here, seem to be useful tools for estimating genome integrity in WBS patients.
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31
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Liu Y, Xiao A. Epigenetic regulation in neural crest development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 91:788-96. [PMID: 21618405 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.20797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2010] [Revised: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 02/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The neural crest (NC) is a multipotent, migratory cell population that arises from the developing dorsal neural fold of vertebrate embryos. Once their fates are specified, neural crest cells (NCCs) migrate along defined routes and differentiate into a variety of tissues, including bone and cartilage of the craniofacial skeleton, peripheral neurons, glia, pigment cells, endocrine cells, and mesenchymal precursor cells (Santagati and Rijli,2003; Dupin et al.,2006; Hall,2009). Abnormal development of NCCs causes a number of human diseases, including ear abnormalities (including deafness), heart anomalies, neuroblastomas, and mandibulofacial dysostosis (Hall,2009). For more than a century, NCCs have attracted the attention of geneticists and developmental biologists for their stem cell-like properties, including self-renewal and multipotent differentiation potential. However, we have only begun to understand the underlying mechanisms responsible for their formation and behavior. Recent studies have demonstrated that epigenetic regulation plays important roles in NC development. In this review, we focused on some of the most recent findings on chromatin-mediated mechanisms for vertebrate NCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Liu
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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32
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Abstract
Chromatin regulation provides an important means for controlling cardiac gene expression under different physiological and pathological conditions. Processes that direct the development of normal embryonic hearts and pathology of stressed adult hearts may share general mechanisms that govern cardiac gene expression by chromatin-regulating factors. These common mechanisms may provide a framework for us to investigate the interactions among diverse chromatin remodelers/modifiers and various transcription factors in the fine regulation of gene expression, essential for all aspects of cardiovascular biology. Aberrant cardiac gene expression, triggered by a variety of pathological insults, can cause heart diseases in both animals and humans. The severity of cardiomyopathy and heart failure correlates strongly with abnormal cardiac gene expression. Therefore, controlling cardiac gene expression presents a promising approach to the treatment of human cardiomyopathy. This review focuses on the roles of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling factors and chromatin-modifying enzymes in the control of gene expression during cardiovascular development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Han
- CCSR Building, Room 3115-C, 269 Campus Dr, Stanford, CA 94305-5169, USA
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33
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Barnett C, Krebs JE. WSTF does it all: a multifunctional protein in transcription, repair, and replication. Biochem Cell Biol 2011; 89:12-23. [PMID: 21326359 PMCID: PMC3251257 DOI: 10.1139/o10-114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) has emerged as an incredibly versatile nuclear protein. WSTF and the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes in which it exists, WINAC, WICH, and B-WICH, have been studied in a variety of organisms. This research has revealed roles for WSTF in a number of diverse molecular events. WSTF function includes chromatin assembly, RNA polymerase I and III gene regulation, vitamin D metabolism, and DNA repair. In addition to functioning as a subunit of several ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, WSTF binds specifically to acetylated histones and is itself a histone kinase as well as a target of phosphorylation. This review will describe the three known WSTF-containing complexes and discuss their various roles as well as mechanisms of regulating WSTF activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Barnett
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508
| | - Jocelyn E. Krebs
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508
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34
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Iwase S, Shi Y. Histone and DNA modifications in mental retardation. PROGRESS IN DRUG RESEARCH. FORTSCHRITTE DER ARZNEIMITTELFORSCHUNG. PROGRES DES RECHERCHES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2011; 67:147-73. [PMID: 21141729 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7643-8989-5_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mental retardation (MR), which affects 1-3% of the total population, refers to a pathological condition whereby the affected individuals suffer from cognitive impairment, which is diagnosed by a low intelligence quotient (IQ) (< 70). Over the years, human genetic studies identified a plethora of candidate genes causing MR, but mechanisms by which these candidates regulate cognitive function remain poorly understood. While the functions of MR genes range from cell signaling and gene expression to synaptic plasticity, there is growing evidence supporting a critical role for epigenetic and chromatin regulatory proteins in MR. Excitingly, recent molecular and genetic studies suggest the possibility of improving cognitive functions via modulation of epigenetic regulators, highlighting a potentially new avenue for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we discuss recent studies on epigenetic regulation in MR and explore the concept of epigenetic therapy for MR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeki Iwase
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, 77 Ave Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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35
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Abstract
A human multi-protein complex (WINAC), composed of SWI/SNF components and DNA replication-related factors, that directly interacts with the vitamin D receptor (VDR) through the Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF), was identified with an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling activity. This novel ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex facilitates VDR-mediated transrepression as well as transactivation with its ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling activity and promoter targeting property for the activator to access to the DNA. It also suggested that in this complex, WSTF serves as a signaling sensor to receive intra-cellular singalings to switch the activity of WINAC as well as WICH, another ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex containing hSNF2h. By making WSTF-deficient mice, some of the heart defects as well as abnormal calcium metabolism observed in Williams syndrome are attributed to the abnormal chromatin remodeling activity caused by WSTF deficiency. Thus, we would propose to designate Williams syndrome as an epigenome-regulator disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirochika Kitagawa
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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36
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Wong LH, McGhie JD, Sim M, Anderson MA, Ahn S, Hannan RD, George AJ, Morgan KA, Mann JR, Choo KHA. ATRX interacts with H3.3 in maintaining telomere structural integrity in pluripotent embryonic stem cells. Genome Res 2010; 20:351-60. [PMID: 20110566 PMCID: PMC2840985 DOI: 10.1101/gr.101477.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2009] [Accepted: 12/14/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ATRX (alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked) belongs to the SWI2/SNF2 family of chromatin remodeling proteins. Besides the ATPase/helicase domain at its C terminus, it contains a PHD-like zinc finger at the N terminus. Mutations in the ATRX gene are associated with X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) often accompanied by alpha thalassemia (ATRX syndrome). Although ATRX has been postulated to be a transcriptional regulator, its precise roles remain undefined. We demonstrate ATRX localization at the telomeres in interphase mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells in synchrony with the incorporation of H3.3 during telomere replication at S phase. Moreover, we found that chromobox homolog 5 (CBX5) (also known as heterochromatin protein 1 alpha, or HP1 alpha) is also present at the telomeres in ES cells. We show by coimmunoprecipitation that this localization is dependent on the association of ATRX with histone H3.3, and that mutating the K4 residue of H3.3 significantly diminishes ATRX and H3.3 interaction. RNAi-knockdown of ATRX induces a telomere-dysfunction phenotype and significantly reduces CBX5 enrichment at the telomeres. These findings suggest a novel function of ATRX, working in conjunction with H3.3 and CBX5, as a key regulator of ES-cell telomere chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee H Wong
- Chromosome and Chromatin Research, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
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37
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Distinct function of 2 chromatin remodeling complexes that share a common subunit, Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:9280-5. [PMID: 19470456 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0901184106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of nuclear complexes modify chromatin structure and operate as functional units. However, the in vivo role of each component within the complexes is not known. ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes form several types of protein complexes, which reorganize chromatin structure cooperatively with histone modifiers. Williams syndrome transcription factor (WSTF) was biochemically identified as a major subunit, along with 2 distinct complexes: WINAC, a SWI/SNF-type complex, and WICH, an ISWI-type complex. Here, WSTF(-/-) mice were generated to investigate its function in chromatin remodeling in vivo. Loss of WSTF expression resulted in neonatal lethality, and all WSTF(-/-) neonates and approximately 10% of WSTF(+/-) neonates suffered cardiovascular abnormalities resembling those found in autosomal-dominant Williams syndrome patients. Developmental analysis of WSTF(-/-) embryos revealed that Gja5 gene regulation is aberrant from E9.5, conceivably because of inappropriate chromatin reorganization around the promoter regions where essential cardiac transcription factors are recruited. In vitro analysis in WSTF(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells also showed impaired transactivation functions of cardiac transcription activators on the Gja5 promoter, but the effects were reversed by overexpression of WINAC components. Likewise in WSTF(-/-) MEF cells, recruitment of Snf2h, an ISWI ATPase, to PCNA and cell survival after DNA damage were both defective, but were ameliorated by overexpression of WICH components. Thus, the present study provides evidence that WSTF is shared and is a functionally indispensable subunit of the WICH complex for DNA repair and the WINAC complex for transcriptional control.
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38
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Brown E, Malakar S, Krebs JE. How many remodelers does it take to make a brain? Diverse and cooperative roles of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling complexes in development. Biochem Cell Biol 2008; 85:444-62. [PMID: 17713580 DOI: 10.1139/o07-059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of a metazoan from a single-celled zygote to a complex multicellular organism requires elaborate and carefully regulated programs of gene expression. However, the tight packaging of genomic DNA into chromatin makes genes inaccessible to the cellular machinery and must be overcome by the processes of chromatin remodeling; in addition, chromatin remodeling can preferentially silence genes when their expression is not required. One class of chromatin remodelers, ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling enzymes, can slide nucleosomes along the DNA to make specific DNA sequences accessible or inaccessible to regulators at a particular stage of development. While all ATPases in the SWI2/SNF2 superfamily share the fundamental ability to alter DNA accessibility in chromatin, they do not act alone, but rather, are subunits of a large assortment of protein complexes. Recent studies illuminate common themes by which the subunit compositions of chromatin-remodeling complexes specify the developmental roles that chromatin remodelers play in specific tissues and at specific stages of development, in response to specific signaling pathways and transcription factors. In this review, we will discuss the known roles in metazoan development of 3 major subfamilies of chromatin-remodeling complexes: the SNF2, ISWI, and CHD subfamilies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvin Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
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39
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Kato S, Kim MS, Yamaoka K, Fujiki R. Mechanisms of transcriptional repression by 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2007; 16:297-304. [PMID: 17565270 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0b013e3281c55f16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Vitamin D has diverse biological actions, and consequently the mechanisms behind how it regulates gene transcription are diverse. Unlike its well described positive effects on gene transcription, little is known about how vitamin D induces transcriptional repression. RECENT FINDINGS Vitamin D-induced transcriptional repression of several negative vitamin D receptor target genes has been studied on a molecular level. A new class of negative vitamin D response elements, which are E-box-type motifs, bind the bHLH-type transcriptional activator (VDIR) together with a histone acetyltransferase coactivator. The vitamin D receptor, activated by vitamin D, does not directly bind to the negative vitamin D response elements, but instead associates with VDIR. This leads to the dissociation of the histone acetyltransferase coactivator and recruitment of a histone deacetylase corepressor to transrepress transcription of the target gene promoter. SUMMARY Histone inactivation induced by histone deacetylase co-repressors appears to facilitate vitamin D-induced transcriptional repression via the vitamin D receptor. Following vitamin D binding, structural alteration of the DNA-unbound vitamin D receptor triggers transcriptional repression. Given this, the mechanisms behind vitamin D-induced transcriptional repression are probably more complex than those of vitamin D-induced transactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeaki Kato
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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40
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Argentaro A, Yang JC, Chapman L, Kowalczyk MS, Gibbons RJ, Higgs DR, Neuhaus D, Rhodes D. Structural consequences of disease-causing mutations in the ATRX-DNMT3-DNMT3L (ADD) domain of the chromatin-associated protein ATRX. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:11939-44. [PMID: 17609377 PMCID: PMC1924575 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0704057104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2007] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The chromatin-associated protein ATRX was originally identified because mutations in the ATRX gene cause a severe form of syndromal X-linked mental retardation associated with alpha-thalassemia. Half of all of the disease-associated missense mutations cluster in a cysteine-rich region in the N terminus of ATRX. This region was named the ATRX-DNMT3-DNMT3L (ADD) domain, based on sequence homology with a family of DNA methyltransferases. Here, we report the solution structure of the ADD domain of ATRX, which consists of an N-terminal GATA-like zinc finger, a plant homeodomain finger, and a long C-terminal alpha-helix that pack together to form a single globular domain. Interestingly, the alpha-helix of the GATA-like finger is exposed and highly basic, suggesting a DNA-binding function for ATRX. The disease-causing mutations fall into two groups: the majority affect buried residues and hence affect the structural integrity of the ADD domain; another group affects a cluster of surface residues, and these are likely to perturb a potential protein interaction site. The effects of individual point mutations on the folding state and stability of the ADD domain correlate well with the levels of mutant ATRX protein in patients, providing insights into the molecular pathophysiology of ATR-X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Argentaro
- *Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Ji-Chun Yang
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom; and
| | - Lynda Chapman
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom; and
| | - Monika S. Kowalczyk
- *Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Gibbons
- *Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas R. Higgs
- *Medical Research Council Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DS, United Kingdom
| | - David Neuhaus
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom; and
| | - Daniela Rhodes
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QH, United Kingdom; and
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41
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Abstract
The imitation switch (ISWI) family of chromatin remodelling ATPases is found in organisms ranging from yeast to mammals. ISWI ATPases assemble chromatin and slide and space nucleosomes, making the chromatin template fluid and allowing appropriate regulation of events such as transcription, DNA replication, recombination and repair. The site of action of the ATPases is determined, in part by the tissue type in which the enzyme is expressed and in part by the nature of the proteins associated with the enzyme. The ISWI complexes are generally conserved in composition and function across species. Roles in gene expression and DNA replication in heterochromatin, gene activation and repression in euchromatin, and functions related to maintaining chromosome architecture are associated with different complexes. Defects in ISWI-associated proteins may be associated with neurodegenerative disease, anencephaly, William's syndrome and melanotic tumours. Finally, the mechanism by which yeast Isw Ib influences gene transcription is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Mellor
- Department of Biochemistry, Oxford, UK.
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42
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Cavellán E, Asp P, Percipalle P, Farrants AKO. The WSTF-SNF2h chromatin remodeling complex interacts with several nuclear proteins in transcription. J Biol Chem 2006; 281:16264-71. [PMID: 16603771 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m600233200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The WSTF (Williams syndrome transcription factor) protein is involved in vitamin D-mediated transcription and replication as a component of two distinct ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, WINAC and WICH, respectively. We show here that the WICH complex (WSTF-SNF2h) interacts with several nuclear proteins as follows: Sf3b155/SAP155, RNA helicase II/Gualpha, Myb-binding protein 1a, CSB, the proto-oncogene Dek, and nuclear myosin 1 in a large 3-MDa assembly, B-WICH, during active transcription. B-WICH also contains RNAs, 45 S rRNA, 5 S rRNA, 7SL RNA, and traces of the U2 small nuclear RNA. The core proteins, WSTF, SNF2h, and nuclear myosin 1, are associated with the RNA polymerase III genes 5 S rRNA genes and 7SL, and post-transcriptional silencing of WSTF reduces the levels of these transcripts. Our results show that a WSTF-SNF2h assembly is involved in RNA polymerase III transcription, and we suggest that WSTF-SNF2h-NM1 forms a platform in transcription while providing chromatin remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Cavellán
- Department of Cell Biology, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Arrhenius Laboratories E5, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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43
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Cus R, Maurus D, Kühl M. Cloning and developmental expression of WSTF during Xenopus laevis embryogenesis. Gene Expr Patterns 2006; 6:340-6. [PMID: 16448863 DOI: 10.1016/j.modgep.2005.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2005] [Revised: 09/30/2005] [Accepted: 10/10/2005] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The gene WSTF is deleted in the autosomal dominant hereditary disorder Williams-Beuren syndrome. This disorder is caused by a 1.3 megabase deletion in human chromosome 7, encompassing at least 17 genes. The WSTF protein contains a bromodomain, found predominantly in chromatin-associated proteins. Reported association of WSTF with chromatin remodeling factors and functional data support a role for WSTF during chromatin remodeling. Here, we report the cloning and developmental expression pattern of Xenopus laevis WSTF. Xenopus laevis WSTF is a protein with a predicted amino acid sequence of 1441 amino acids. Three discrete domains can be identified in the Xenopus laevis WSTF protein, a PHD finger, a DDT domain and a bromodomain. Alignment of Xenopus WSTF with the corresponding orthologues from Homo sapiens, Gallus gallus, Mus musculus and Danio rerio demonstrates an evolutionary conservation of WSTF amino acid sequence and domain organization. In situ hybridization reveals a dynamic expression profile during embryonic development. WSTF is expressed differentially in neural tissue, especially during neurulae stages in the eye, in neural crest cells and the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Cus
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, D-89081 Ulm, Germany
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44
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Vanolst L, Fromental-Ramain C, Ramain P. Toutatis, a TIP5-related protein, positively regulates Pannier function during Drosophila neural development. Development 2005; 132:4327-38. [PMID: 16141224 DOI: 10.1242/dev.02014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The GATA factor Pannier (Pnr) activates proneural expression through binding to a remote enhancer of the achaete-scute (ac-sc) complex. Chip associates both with Pnr and with the (Ac-Sc)-Daughterless heterodimer bound to the ac-sc promoters to give a proneural complex that facilitates enhancer-promoter communication during development. Using a yeast two-hybrid screening, we have identified Toutatis (Tou), which physically interacts with both Pnr and Chip. Loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments indicate that Tou cooperates with Pnr and Chip during neural development. Tou shares functional domains with chromatin remodelling proteins, including TIP5 (termination factor TTFI-interacting protein 5) of NoRC (nucleolar remodelling complex), which mediates repression of RNA polymerase 1 transcription. In contrast, Tou acts positively to activate proneural gene expression. Moreover, we show that Iswi associates with Tou, Pnr and Chip, and is also required during Pnr-driven neural development. The results suggest that Tou and Iswi may belong to a complex that directly regulates the activity of Pnr and Chip during enhancer-promoter communication, possibly through chromatin remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Vanolst
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Department of Developmental Biology, CNRS/INSERM/ULP, Boite Postale 10142, 67404 Illkirch Cedex, France
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Smoot L, Zhang H, Klaiman C, Schultz R, Pober B. Medical overview and genetics of Williams-Beuren syndrome. PROGRESS IN PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ppedcard.2005.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome is a segmental aneusomy syndrome with manifestations affecting the vascular, connective tissue, endocrine and central nervous systems. Most patients show a similar heterozygous approximately 1.5 Mb deletion at 7q11.23 that contains a number of reported genes. Deletion mapping in the few atypical patients with smaller deletions suggested that additive effects of haploinsufficiency for two or more genes might be necessary for the phenotype. Vascular stenoses are caused by haploinsufficiency at the elastin gene, while the genes responsible for the cognitive deficits are likely located at the telomeric edge of the deletion, including CYLN2 and GTF2I. Large region-specific segmental duplications predispose to misalignment and inter- or intrachromosomal unequal crossing-over causing the deletions. Atypical alleles at 7q11.23 such as inversions and deletions/insertions of large repeats, also generated through aberrant recombination between the local segmental duplications, are found in approximately 35% of transmitting parents. Genomic instability at 7q11.23 is directly related to the genomic structure of the region.
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Hirota H, Matsuoka R, Chen XN, Salandanan LS, Lincoln A, Rose FE, Sunahara M, Osawa M, Bellugi U, Korenberg JR. Williams syndrome deficits in visual spatial processing linked to GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I on chromosome 7q11.23. Genet Med 2003; 5:311-21. [PMID: 12865760 DOI: 10.1097/01.gim.0000076975.10224.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the relationship between specific genes and phenotypic features of Williams syndrome. METHODS Subjects were selected based on their deletion status determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a panel of 24 BACs and cosmids spanning the region commonly deleted and single gene analysis using Southern blotting. From the cohort of subjects, three had atypical deletions. Physical examinations and cognitive tests were administered to the three subjects and the results were compared to those from a cohort of typical WS subjects. RESULTS The molecular results indicate smaller deletions for each subject. In all three cases, typical Williams facies were absent and visual spatial abilities were above that of full deletion WS subjects, particularly in the qualitative aspects of visual spatial processing. CONCLUSIONS Combining the molecular analysis with the cognitive results suggest that the genes GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I contribute to deficits on visual spatial functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamao Hirota
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Henry JJ, Carinato ME, Schaefer JJ, Wolfe AD, Walter BE, Perry KJ, Elbl TN. Characterizing gene expression during lens formation in Xenopus laevis: evaluating the model for embryonic lens induction. Dev Dyn 2002; 224:168-85. [PMID: 12112470 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.10097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Few directed searches have been undertaken to identify the genes involved in vertebrate lens formation. In the frog Xenopus, the larval cornea can undergo a process of transdifferentiation to form a new lens once the original lens is removed. Based on preliminary evidence, we have shown that this process shares many elements of a common molecular/genetic pathway to that involved in embryonic lens development. A subtracted cDNA library, enriched for genes expressed during cornea-lens transdifferentiation, was prepared. The similarities/identities of specific clones isolated from the subtracted cDNA library define an expression profile of cells undergoing cornea-lens transdifferentiation ("lens regeneration") and corneal wound healing (the latter representing a consequence of the surgery required to trigger transdifferentiation). Screens were undertaken to search for genes expressed during both transdifferentiation and embryonic lens development. Significantly, new genes were recovered that are also expressed during embryonic lens development. The expression of these genes, as well as others known to be expressed during embryonic development in Xenopus, can be correlated with different periods of embryonic lens induction and development, in an attempt to define these events in a molecular context. This information is considered in light of our current working model of embryonic lens induction, in which specific tissue properties and phases of induction have been previously defined in an experimental context. Expression data reveal the existence of further levels of complexity in this process and suggests that individual phases of lens induction and specific tissue properties are not strictly characterized or defined by expression of individual genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Henry
- Department of Cell and Structural Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
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Lu Z, Xu S, Joazeiro C, Cobb MH, Hunter T. The PHD domain of MEKK1 acts as an E3 ubiquitin ligase and mediates ubiquitination and degradation of ERK1/2. Mol Cell 2002; 9:945-56. [PMID: 12049732 DOI: 10.1016/s1097-2765(02)00519-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
ERK1/2 MAP kinases are important regulators in cellular signaling, whose activity is normally reversibly regulated by threonine-tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, we have found that stress-induced ERK1/2 activity is downregulated by ubiquitin/proteasome-mediated degradation of ERK1/2. The PHD domain of MEKK1, a RING finger-like structure, exhibited E3 ubiquitin ligase activity toward ERK2 in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, both MEKK1 kinase activity and the docking motif on ERK1/2 were involved in ERK1/2 ubiquitination. Significantly, cells expressing ERK2 with the docking motif mutation were resistant to sorbitol-induced apoptosis. Therefore, MEKK1 functions not only as an upstream activator of the ERK and JNK through its kinase domain, but also as an E3 ligase through its PHD domain, providing a negative regulatory mechanism for decreasing ERK1/2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Lu
- Molecular and Cell Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Bozhenok L, Wade PA, Varga-Weisz P. WSTF-ISWI chromatin remodeling complex targets heterochromatic replication foci. EMBO J 2002; 21:2231-41. [PMID: 11980720 PMCID: PMC125993 DOI: 10.1093/emboj/21.9.2231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Williams Syndrome Transcription Factor (WSTF), the product of the WBSCR9 gene, is invariably deleted in the haploinsufficiency Williams-Beuren Syndrome. Along with the nucleosome-dependent ATPase ISWI, WSTF forms a novel chromatin remodeling complex, WICH (WSTF-ISWI chromatin remodeling complex), which is conserved in vertebrates. The WICH complex was purified to homogeneity from Xenopus egg extract and was found to contain only WSTF and ISWI. In mouse cells, WSTF interacts with the SNF2H isoform of ISWI. WSTF accumulates in pericentric heterochromatin coincident with the replication of these structures, suggesting a role for WSTF in the replication of heterochromatin. Such a role is supported by the in vitro activity of both the mouse and frog WICH complexes: they are involved in the assembly of regular spaced nucleosomal arrays. In contrast to the related ISWI-interacting protein ACF1/WCRF180, WSTF binds stably to mitotic chromosomes. As dysfunction of other chromatin remodeling factors often has severe effects on development, haploinsufficiency of WSTF may explain some of the phenotypes associated with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul A. Wade
- Marie Curie Research Institute, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0TL, UK and
Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
| | - Patrick Varga-Weisz
- Marie Curie Research Institute, Oxted, Surrey RH8 0TL, UK and
Department of Pathology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA Corresponding author e-mail:
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