1
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Tamarín S, Galaz-Davison P, Ramírez-Sarmiento CA, Babul J, Medina E. Dissecting the structural and functional consequences of the evolutionary proline-glycine deletion in the wing 1 region of the forkhead domain of human FoxP1. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:2281-2291. [PMID: 38946055 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14972] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The human FoxP transcription factors dimerize via three-dimensional domain swapping, a unique feature among the human Fox family, as result of evolutionary sequence adaptations in the forkhead domain. This is the case for the conserved glycine and proline residues in the wing 1 region, which are absent in FoxP proteins but present in most of the Fox family. In this work, we engineered both glycine (G) and proline-glycine (PG) insertion mutants to evaluate the deletion events in FoxP proteins in their dimerization, stability, flexibility, and DNA-binding ability. We show that the PG insertion only increases protein stability, whereas the single glycine insertion decreases the association rate and protein stability and promotes affinity to the DNA ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Tamarín
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Galaz-Davison
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Bioinformatics, Simulation and Modeling (CBSM), Faculty of Engineering, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - César A Ramírez-Sarmiento
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program, Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Babul
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Exequiel Medina
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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2
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Kolimi N, Ballard J, Peulen T, Goutam R, Duffy FX, Ramírez-Sarmiento CA, Babul J, Medina E, Sanabria H. DNA controls the dimerization of the human FoxP1 forkhead domain. CELL REPORTS. PHYSICAL SCIENCE 2024; 5:101854. [PMID: 38585429 PMCID: PMC10997372 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrp.2024.101854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences and gating access to genes. Even when the binding of TFs and their cofactors to DNA is reversible, indicating a reversible control of gene expression, there is little knowledge about the molecular effect DNA has on TFs. Using single-molecule multiparameter fluorescence spectroscopy, molecular dynamics simulations, and biochemical assays, we find that the monomeric form of the forkhead (FKH) domain of the human FoxP1 behaves as a disordered protein and increases its folded population when it dimerizes. Notably, DNA binding promotes a disordered FKH dimer bound to DNA, negatively controlling the stability of the dimeric FoxP1:DNA complex. The DNA-mediated reversible regulation on FKH dimers suggests that FoxP1-dependent gene suppression is unstable, and it must require the presence of other dimerization domains or cofactors to revert the negative impact exerted by the DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendar Kolimi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Jake Ballard
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Thomas Peulen
- Rudolf-Virchow-Zentrum – Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, Haus D15, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg Germany
| | - Rajen Goutam
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Francis X. Duffy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - César A. Ramírez-Sarmiento
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- ANID – Millennium Science Initiative Program – Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jorge Babul
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Casilla 653, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Exequiel Medina
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Las Palmeras 3425, Casilla 653, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Hugo Sanabria
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
- Lead contact
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3
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Gao C, Zhu H, Gong P, Wu C, Xu X, Zhu X. The functions of FOXP transcription factors and their regulation by post-translational modifications. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194992. [PMID: 37797785 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
The forkhead box subfamily P (FOXP) of transcription factors, consisting of FOXP1, FOXP2, FOXP3, and FOXP4, is involved in the regulation of multisystemic functioning. Disruption of the transcriptional activity of FOXP proteins leads to neurodevelopmental disorders and immunological diseases, as well as the suppression or promotion of carcinogenesis. The transcriptional activities of FOXP proteins are directly or indirectly regulated by diverse post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, O-GlcNAcylation, and methylation. Here, we discuss how post-translational modifications modulate the multiple functions of FOXP proteins and examine the implications for tumorigenesis and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congwen Gao
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention and Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China; College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention and Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Peng Gong
- Department of General Surgery & Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors & Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China
| | - Chen Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Institute of Life Sciences and Green Development, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Xingzhi Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention and Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China.
| | - Xuefei Zhu
- Department of General Surgery & Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors & Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China.
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4
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Coñuecar R, Asela I, Rivera M, Galaz-Davison P, González-Higueras J, Hamilton GL, Engelberger F, Ramírez-Sarmiento CA, Babul J, Sanabria H, Medina E. DNA facilitates heterodimerization between human transcription factors FoxP1 and FoxP2 by increasing their conformational flexibility. iScience 2023; 26:107228. [PMID: 37485372 PMCID: PMC10362293 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors regulate gene expression by binding to DNA. They have disordered regions and specific DNA-binding domains. Binding to DNA causes structural changes, including folding and interactions with other molecules. The FoxP subfamily of transcription factors in humans is unique because they can form heterotypic interactions without DNA. However, it is unclear how they form heterodimers and how DNA binding affects their function. We used computational and experimental methods to study the structural changes in FoxP1's DNA-binding domain when it forms a heterodimer with FoxP2. We found that FoxP1 has complex and diverse conformational dynamics, transitioning between compact and extended states. Surprisingly, DNA binding increases the flexibility of FoxP1, contrary to the typical folding-upon-binding mechanism. In addition, we observed a 3-fold increase in the rate of heterodimerization after FoxP1 binds to DNA. These findings emphasize the importance of structural flexibility in promoting heterodimerization to form transcriptional complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Coñuecar
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Isabel Asela
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Maira Rivera
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- ANID – Millennium Science Initiative Program – Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Pablo Galaz-Davison
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- ANID – Millennium Science Initiative Program – Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jorge González-Higueras
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- ANID – Millennium Science Initiative Program – Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - George L. Hamilton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Felipe Engelberger
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, 04107 Leipzig, Germany
| | - César A. Ramírez-Sarmiento
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
- ANID – Millennium Science Initiative Program – Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Jorge Babul
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Hugo Sanabria
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Exequiel Medina
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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5
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Villalobos P, Carvajal AI, Castro-Fernández V, Babul J, Ramírez-Sarmiento CA, Medina E. Unraveling the folding and dimerization properties of the human FoxP subfamily of transcription factors. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:1894-1905. [PMID: 37199668 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Human FoxP proteins share a highly conserved DNA-binding domain that dimerizes via three-dimensional domain swapping, although showing varying oligomerization propensities among its members. Here, we present an experimental and computational characterization of all human FoxP proteins to unravel how their amino acid substitutions impact their folding and dimerization mechanism. We solved the crystal structure of the forkhead domain of FoxP4 to then perform a comparison across all members, finding that their sequence changes impact not only the structural heterogeneity of their forkhead domains but also the protein-protein association energy barrier. Lastly, we demonstrate that the accumulation of a monomeric intermediate is an oligomerization-dependent feature rather than a common aspect of monomers and dimers in this protein subfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Villalobos
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alonso I Carvajal
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Jorge Babul
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - César A Ramírez-Sarmiento
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- ANID - Millennium Science Initiative Program - Millennium Institute for Integrative Biology (iBio), Santiago, Chile
| | - Exequiel Medina
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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6
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Akter M, Khan SF, Sajib AA, Rima FS. A comprehensive in silico analysis of the deleterious nonsynonymous SNPs of human FOXP2 protein. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272625. [PMID: 35944036 PMCID: PMC9362936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP2 encodes the forkhead transcription factor that plays a significant role in language development. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in FOXP2 have been linked to speech- language disorder, autism, cancer and schizophrenia. So, scrutinizing the functional SNPs to better understand their association in disease is an uphill task. The purpose of the current study was to identify the missense SNPs which have detrimental structural and functional effects on the FOXP2 protein. Multiple computational tools were employed to investigate the deleterious role of non-synonymous SNPs. Five variants as Y531H, L558P, R536G and R553C were found to be associated with diseases and located at the forkhead domain of the FOXP2 protein. Molecular docking analysis of FOXP2 DNA binding domain with its most common target sequence 5’-CAAATT-3’ predicted that R553C and L558P mutant variants destabilize protein structure by changing protein-DNA interface interactions and disruption of hydrogen bonds that may reduce the specificity and affinity of the binding. Further experimental investigations may need to verify whether this kind of structural and functional variations dysregulate protein activities and induce formation of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmuda Akter
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sumaiya Farah Khan
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Ashfaqur Sajib
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fahmida Sultana Rima
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Barishal, Barishal, Bangladesh
- * E-mail:
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7
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Human FoxP Transcription Factors as Tractable Models of the Evolution and Functional Outcomes of Three-Dimensional Domain Swapping. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910296. [PMID: 34638644 PMCID: PMC8508939 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The association of two or more proteins to adopt a quaternary complex is one of the most widespread mechanisms by which protein function is modulated. In this scenario, three-dimensional domain swapping (3D-DS) constitutes one plausible pathway for the evolution of protein oligomerization that exploits readily available intramolecular contacts to be established in an intermolecular fashion. However, analysis of the oligomerization kinetics and thermodynamics of most extant 3D-DS proteins shows its dependence on protein unfolding, obscuring the elucidation of the emergence of 3D-DS during evolution, its occurrence under physiological conditions, and its biological relevance. Here, we describe the human FoxP subfamily of transcription factors as a feasible model to study the evolution of 3D-DS, due to their significantly faster dissociation and dimerization kinetics and lower dissociation constants in comparison to most 3D-DS models. Through the biophysical and functional characterization of FoxP proteins, relevant structural aspects highlighting the evolutionary adaptations of these proteins to enable efficient 3D-DS have been ascertained. Most biophysical studies on FoxP suggest that the dynamics of the polypeptide chain are crucial to decrease the energy barrier of 3D-DS, enabling its fast oligomerization under physiological conditions. Moreover, comparison of biophysical parameters between human FoxP proteins in the context of their minute sequence differences suggests differential evolutionary strategies to favor homoassociation and presages the possibility of heteroassociations, with direct impacts in their gene regulation function.
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8
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Reis LM, Sorokina EA, Dudakova L, Moravikova J, Skalicka P, Malinka F, Seese SE, Thompson S, Bardakjian T, Capasso J, Allen W, Glaser T, Levin AV, Schneider A, Khan A, Liskova P, Semina EV. Comprehensive phenotypic and functional analysis of dominant and recessive FOXE3 alleles in ocular developmental disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:1591-1606. [PMID: 34046667 PMCID: PMC8369840 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The forkhead transcription factor FOXE3 is critical for vertebrate eye development. Recessive and dominant variants cause human ocular disease but the full range of phenotypes and mechanisms of action for the two classes of variants are unknown. We identified FOXE3 variants in individuals with congenital eye malformations and carried out in vitro functional analysis on selected alleles. Sixteen new recessive and dominant families, including six novel variants, were identified. Analysis of new and previously reported genetic and clinical data demonstrated a broad phenotypic range with an overlap between recessive and dominant disease. Most families with recessive alleles, composed of truncating and forkhead-domain missense variants, had severe corneal opacity (90%; sclerocornea in 47%), aphakia (83%) and microphthalmia (80%), but some had milder features including isolated cataract. The phenotype was most variable for recessive missense variants, suggesting that the functional consequences may be highly dependent on the type of amino acid substitution and its position. When assessed, aniridia or iris hypoplasia were noted in 89% and optic nerve anomalies in 60% of recessive cases, indicating that these defects are also common and may be underrecognized. In dominant pedigrees, caused by extension variants, normal eye size (96%), cataracts (99%) and variable anterior segment anomalies were seen in most, but some individuals had microphthalmia, aphakia or sclerocornea, more typical of recessive disease. Functional studies identified variable effects on the protein stability, DNA binding, nuclear localization and transcriptional activity for recessive FOXE3 variants, whereas dominant alleles showed severe impairment in all areas and dominant-negative characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Reis
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Elena A Sorokina
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Lubica Dudakova
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Moravikova
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavlina Skalicka
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Frantisek Malinka
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Computer Science, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sarah E Seese
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Samuel Thompson
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Tanya Bardakjian
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA
| | - Jenina Capasso
- Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics, Flaum Eye Institute, Pediatric Genetics, Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14534 USA
| | - William Allen
- Fullerton Genetics Center, Mission Hospitals, HCA, Asheville, NC, 28803 USA
| | - Tom Glaser
- Cell Biology and Human Anatomy Department, UC-Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Alex V Levin
- Pediatric Ophthalmology and Ocular Genetics, Flaum Eye Institute, Pediatric Genetics, Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14534 USA
| | - Adele Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA
| | - Ayesha Khan
- Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus Unit, Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.,Consultant Pediatric Ophthalmologist, Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital, United Arab Emirates
| | - Petra Liskova
- Department of Pediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Elena V Semina
- Department of Pediatrics and Children's Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.,Departments of Ophthalmology and Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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9
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Snijders Blok L, Vino A, den Hoed J, Underhill HR, Monteil D, Li H, Reynoso Santos FJ, Chung WK, Amaral MD, Schnur RE, Santiago-Sim T, Si Y, Brunner HG, Kleefstra T, Fisher SE. Heterozygous variants that disturb the transcriptional repressor activity of FOXP4 cause a developmental disorder with speech/language delays and multiple congenital abnormalities. Genet Med 2021; 23:534-542. [PMID: 33110267 PMCID: PMC7935712 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-020-01016-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Heterozygous pathogenic variants in various FOXP genes cause specific developmental disorders. The phenotype associated with heterozygous variants in FOXP4 has not been previously described. METHODS We assembled a cohort of eight individuals with heterozygous and mostly de novo variants in FOXP4: seven individuals with six different missense variants and one individual with a frameshift variant. We collected clinical data to delineate the phenotypic spectrum, and used in silico analyses and functional cell-based assays to assess pathogenicity of the variants. RESULTS We collected clinical data for six individuals: five individuals with a missense variant in the forkhead box DNA-binding domain of FOXP4, and one individual with a truncating variant. Overlapping features included speech and language delays, growth abnormalities, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cervical spine abnormalities, and ptosis. Luciferase assays showed loss-of-function effects for all these variants, and aberrant subcellular localization patterns were seen in a subset. The remaining two missense variants were located outside the functional domains of FOXP4, and showed transcriptional repressor capacities and localization patterns similar to the wild-type protein. CONCLUSION Collectively, our findings show that heterozygous loss-of-function variants in FOXP4 are associated with an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder with speech/language delays, growth defects, and variable congenital abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lot Snijders Blok
- Human Genetics Department, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Language & Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Arianna Vino
- Language & Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joery den Hoed
- Language & Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hunter R Underhill
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Danielle Monteil
- Department of Pediatrics, Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA, USA
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Francis Jeshira Reynoso Santos
- Department of Genetics, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Hollywood, FL, USA
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Yue Si
- GeneDx, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Han G Brunner
- Human Genetics Department, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, MHeNS School of Neuroscience, and GROW-School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tjitske Kleefstra
- Human Genetics Department, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language & Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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10
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Kim JH, Hwang J, Jung JH, Lee HJ, Lee DY, Kim SH. Molecular networks of FOXP family: dual biologic functions, interplay with other molecules and clinical implications in cancer progression. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:180. [PMID: 31815635 PMCID: PMC6900861 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-1110-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Though Forkhead box P (FOXP) transcription factors comprising of FOXP1, FOXP2, FOXP3 and FOXP4 are involved in the embryonic development, immune disorders and cancer progression, the underlying function of FOXP3 targeting CD4 + CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells and the dual roles of FOXP proteins as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor are unclear and controversial in cancers to date. Thus, the present review highlighted research history, dual roles of FOXP proteins as a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, their molecular networks with other proteins and noncoding RNAs, cellular immunotherapy targeting FOXP3, and clinical implications in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Ha Kim
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee university, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisung Hwang
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee university, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Jung
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee university, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Jung Lee
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee university, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Young Lee
- Department of Herbal Crop Research, Rural Development Administration, National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science, Eumseong, 27709, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- Cancer Molecular Target Herbal Research Lab, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee university, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Blane A, Dirr HW, Fanucchi S. A Phosphomimetic Study Implicates Ser557 in Regulation of FOXP2 DNA Binding. Protein J 2018; 37:311-323. [PMID: 29845391 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-018-9777-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
FOXP2 is a transcription factor expressed in multiple tissues during embryonic development. FOXP2 regulates transcription by binding to DNA at its DNA binding domain, the forkhead domain (FHD) through the recognition helix. Ser557 is a residue located within the recognition helix that has the potential to become phosphorylated posttranslationally. In this study we investigated whether phosphorylation of Ser557 can influence the structure and DNA binding of the FOXP2 FHD. We did this by constructing S557E, a phosphomimetic mutant, and comparing its behaviour to the wild type. The mutation did not affect the secondary or tertiary structure of the protein although it did decrease the propensity of the FOXP2 FHD to form dimers. Most notably, the mutation showed significantly reduced DNA binding compared to the wild type as detected using electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Molecular docking was also performed in which the wild type, phosphomimetic mutant and phosphorylated wild-type were docked to DNA and their interactions with DNA were compared. These results indicated that the wild type forms more interactions with the DNA and that the phosphomimetic mutant as well as the phosphorylated wild type did not associate as favourably with the DNA. This indicates that phosphorylation of Ser557 could disrupt DNA binding likely due to electrostatic and steric hindrance. This suggests that phosphorylation of Ser557 in the FOXP2 FHD could act as a control mechanism for FOXP2 and ultimately could be involved in regulation of transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Blane
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa
| | - Heini W Dirr
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa
| | - Sylvia Fanucchi
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa.
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12
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Meerschaut I, Rochefort D, Revençu N, Pètre J, Corsello C, Rouleau GA, Hamdan FF, Michaud JL, Morton J, Radley J, Ragge N, García-Miñaúr S, Lapunzina P, Bralo MP, Mori MÁ, Moortgat S, Benoit V, Mary S, Bockaert N, Oostra A, Vanakker O, Velinov M, de Ravel TJ, Mekahli D, Sebat J, Vaux KK, DiDonato N, Hanson-Kahn AK, Hudgins L, Dallapiccola B, Novelli A, Tarani L, Andrieux J, Parker MJ, Neas K, Ceulemans B, Schoonjans AS, Prchalova D, Havlovicova M, Hancarova M, Budisteanu M, Dheedene A, Menten B, Dion PA, Lederer D, Callewaert B. FOXP1-related intellectual disability syndrome: a recognisable entity. J Med Genet 2017; 54:613-623. [PMID: 28735298 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2017-104579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in forkhead box protein P1 (FOXP1) cause intellectual disability (ID) and specific language impairment (SLI), with or without autistic features (MIM: 613670). Despite multiple case reports no specific phenotype emerged so far. METHODS We correlate clinical and molecular data of 25 novel and 23 previously reported patients with FOXP1 defects. We evaluated FOXP1 activity by an in vitro luciferase model and assessed protein stability in vitro by western blotting. RESULTS Patients show ID, SLI, neuromotor delay (NMD) and recurrent facial features including a high broad forehead, bent downslanting palpebral fissures, ptosis and/or blepharophimosis and a bulbous nasal tip. Behavioural problems and autistic features are common. Brain, cardiac and urogenital malformations can be associated. More severe ID and NMD, sensorineural hearing loss and feeding difficulties are more common in patients with interstitial 3p deletions (14 patients) versus patients with monogenic FOXP1 defects (34 patients). Mutations result in impaired transcriptional repression and/or reduced protein stability. CONCLUSIONS FOXP1-related ID syndrome is a recognisable entity with a wide clinical spectrum and frequent systemic involvement. Our data will be helpful to evaluate genotype-phenotype correlations when interpreting next-generation sequencing data obtained in patients with ID and/or SLI and will guide clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Meerschaut
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniel Rochefort
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nicole Revençu
- Centre de Génétique humaine, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Justine Pètre
- Centre de Génétique humaine, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Guy A Rouleau
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Fadi F Hamdan
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jacques L Michaud
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jenny Morton
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Jessica Radley
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Nicola Ragge
- West Midlands Regional Clinical Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Edgbaston, UK
| | - Sixto García-Miñaúr
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Lapunzina
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Palomares Bralo
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Ángeles Mori
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, CIBERER, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stéphanie Moortgat
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Valérie Benoit
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Mary
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Nele Bockaert
- Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ann Oostra
- Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier Vanakker
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Milen Velinov
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, New York, USA
| | - Thomy Jl de Ravel
- Centre for Human Genetics, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Djalila Mekahli
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Sebat
- Beyster Center for Genomics of Psychiatric Diseases, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Keith K Vaux
- Departments of Medicine and Neurosciences, UC San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, USA
| | - Nataliya DiDonato
- Institut für Klinische Genetik, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - Andrea K Hanson-Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA
| | - Louanne Hudgins
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA
| | - Bruno Dallapiccola
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Joris Andrieux
- Institut de Génétique Médicale, Hospital Jeanne de Flandre, Lille, France
| | - Michael J Parker
- Sheffield Clinical Genetics Service, Sheffield Children's Hospital, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Berten Ceulemans
- Department of Neurology-Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - An-Sofie Schoonjans
- Department of Neurology-Pediatric Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Darina Prchalova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech
| | - Marketa Havlovicova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech
| | - Miroslava Hancarova
- Department of Biology and Medical Genetics, Charles University 2nd Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech
| | - Magdalena Budisteanu
- Psychiatry Research Laboratory, Prof Dr Alexandru Obregia Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, Bercini, Romania
| | - Annelies Dheedene
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Björn Menten
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick A Dion
- Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Damien Lederer
- Centre de Génétique Humaine, Institut de Pathologie et de Génétique, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Bert Callewaert
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Mendoza E, Scharff C. Protein-Protein Interaction Among the FoxP Family Members and their Regulation of Two Target Genes, VLDLR and CNTNAP2 in the Zebra Finch Song System. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:112. [PMID: 28507505 PMCID: PMC5410569 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead transcription factor FOXP2 is implicated in speech perception and production. The avian homolog, FoxP21 contributes to song learning and production in birds. In human cell lines, transcriptional activity of FOXP2 requires homo-dimerization or dimerization with paralogs FOXP1 or FOXP4. Whether FoxP dimerization occurs in the brain is unknown. We recently showed that FoxP1, FoxP2 and FoxP4 (FoxP1/2/4) proteins are co-expressed in neurons of Area X, a song control region in zebra finches. We now report on dimer- and oligomerization of zebra finch FoxPs and how this affects transcription. In cell lines and in the brain we identify homo- and hetero-dimers, and an oligomer composed of FoxP1/2/4. We further show that FoxP1/2 but not FoxP4 bind to the regulatory region of the target gene Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2). In addition, we demonstrate that FoxP1/4 bind to the regulatory region of very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), as has been shown for FoxP2 previously. Interestingly, FoxP1/2/4 individually or in combinations regulate the promoters for SV40, zebra finch VLDLR and CNTNAP2 differentially. These data exemplify the potential for complex transcriptional regulation of FoxP1/2/4, highlighting the need for future functional studies dissecting their differential regulation in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Mendoza
- Institut für Verhaltensbiologie, Freie Universität BerlinBerlin, Germany
| | - Constance Scharff
- Institut für Verhaltensbiologie, Freie Universität BerlinBerlin, Germany
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14
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Gambin Y, Polinkovsky M, Francois B, Giles N, Bhumkar A, Sierecki E. Confocal Spectroscopy to Study Dimerization, Oligomerization and Aggregation of Proteins: A Practical Guide. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17050655. [PMID: 27144560 PMCID: PMC4881481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein self-association is a key feature that can modulate the physiological role of proteins or lead to deleterious effects when uncontrolled. Protein oligomerization is a simple way to modify the activity of a protein, as the modulation of binding interfaces allows for self-activation or inhibition, or variation in the selectivity of binding partners. As such, dimerization and higher order oligomerization is a common feature in signaling proteins, for example, and more than 70% of enzymes have the potential to self-associate. On the other hand, protein aggregation can overcome the regulatory mechanisms of the cell and can have disastrous physiological effects. This is the case in a number of neurodegenerative diseases, where proteins, due to mutation or dysregulation later in life, start polymerizing and often fibrillate, leading to the creation of protein inclusion bodies in cells. Dimerization, well-defined oligomerization and random aggregation are often difficult to differentiate and characterize experimentally. Single molecule “counting” methods are particularly well suited to the study of self-oligomerization as they allow observation and quantification of behaviors in heterogeneous conditions. However, the extreme dilution of samples often causes weak complexes to dissociate, and rare events can be overlooked. Here, we discuss a straightforward alternative where the principles of single molecule detection are used at higher protein concentrations to quantify oligomers and aggregates in a background of monomers. We propose a practical guide for the use of confocal spectroscopy to quantify protein oligomerization status and also discuss about its use in monitoring changes in protein aggregation in drug screening assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Gambin
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Sciences, School of Medical Science, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Mark Polinkovsky
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Sciences, School of Medical Science, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Bill Francois
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Sciences, School of Medical Science, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Nichole Giles
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Sciences, School of Medical Science, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Akshay Bhumkar
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Sciences, School of Medical Science, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Emma Sierecki
- EMBL Australia Node in Single Molecule Sciences, School of Medical Science, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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15
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Lee DS, Vonrhein C, Albarado D, Raman CS, Veeraraghavan S. A Potential Structural Switch for Regulating DNA-Binding by TEAD Transcription Factors. J Mol Biol 2016; 428:2557-2568. [PMID: 27016204 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
TEA domain (TEAD) transcription factors are essential for the normal development of eukaryotes and are the downstream effectors of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. Whereas our earlier work established the three-dimensional structure of the highly conserved DNA-binding domain using solution NMR spectroscopy, the structural basis for regulating the DNA-binding activity remains unknown. Here, we present the X-ray crystallographic structure and activity of a TEAD mutant containing a truncated L1 loop, ΔL1 TEAD DBD. Unexpectedly, the three-dimensional structure of the ΔL1 TEAD DBD reveals a helix-swapped homodimer wherein helix 1 is swapped between monomers. Furthermore, each three-helix bundle in the domain-swapped dimer is a structural homolog of MYB-like domains. Our investigations of the DNA-binding activity reveal that although the formation of the three-helix bundle by the ΔL1 TEAD DBD is sufficient for binding to an isolated M-CAT-like DNA element, multimeric forms are deficient for cooperative binding to tandemly duplicated elements, indicating that the L1 loop contributes to the DNA-binding activity of TEAD. These results suggest that switching between monomeric and domain-swapped forms may regulate DNA selectivity of TEAD proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Sun Lee
- Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehak-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, 690-756, South Korea
| | - Clemens Vonrhein
- Global Phasing Limited, Sheraton House, Castle Park, Cambridge CB3 0AX, UK
| | - Diana Albarado
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, 6400 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - C S Raman
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Sudha Veeraraghavan
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine St., Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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16
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Morris G, Fanucchi S. A Key Evolutionary Mutation Enhances DNA Binding of the FOXP2 Forkhead Domain. Biochemistry 2016; 55:1959-67. [PMID: 26950495 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.5b01271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors share a conserved forkhead DNA binding domain (FHD) and are key role players in the development of many eukaryotic species. Their involvement in various congenital disorders and cancers makes them clinically relevant targets for novel therapeutic strategies. Among them, the FOXP subfamily of multidomain transcriptional repressors is unique in its ability to form DNA binding homo and heterodimers. The truncated FOXP2 FHD, in the absence of the leucine zipper, exists in equilibrium between monomeric and domain-swapped dimeric states in vitro. As a consequence, determining the DNA binding properties of the FOXP2 FHD becomes inherently difficult. In this work, two FOXP2 FHD hinge loop mutants have been generated to successfully prevent both the formation (A539P) and the dissociation (F541C) of the homodimers. This allows for the separation of the two species for downstream DNA binding studies. Comparison of DNA binding of the different species using electrophoretic mobility shift assay, fluorescence anisotropy and isothermal titration calorimetry indicates that the wild-type FOXP2 FHD binds DNA as a monomer. However, comparison of the DNA-binding energetics of the monomer and wild-type FHD, reveals that there is a difference in the mechanism of binding between the two species. We conclude that the naturally occurring reverse mutation (P539A) seen in the FOXP subfamily increases DNA binding affinity and may increase the potential for nonspecific binding compared to other FOX family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin Morris
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand , 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, 2050, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Sylvia Fanucchi
- Protein Structure-Function Research Unit, School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of the Witwatersrand , 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, 2050, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
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