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The N Terminus of the Retinoblastoma Protein Inhibits DNA Replication via a Bipartite Mechanism Disrupted in Partially Penetrant Retinoblastomas. Mol Cell Biol 2015; 36:832-45. [PMID: 26711265 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00636-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The N-terminal domain of the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumor suppressor protein (RbN) harbors in-frame exon deletions in partially penetrant hereditary retinoblastomas and is known to impair cell growth and tumorigenesis. However, how such RbN deletions contribute to Rb tumor- and growth-suppressive functions is unknown. Here we establish that RbN directly inhibits DNA replication initiation and elongation using a bipartite mechanism involving N-terminal exons lost in cancer. Specifically, Rb exon 7 is necessary and sufficient to target and inhibit the replicative CMG helicase, resulting in the accumulation of inactive CMGs on chromatin. An independent N-terminal loop domain, which forms a projection, specifically blocks DNA polymerase α (Pol-α) and Ctf4 recruitment without affecting DNA polymerases ε and δ or the CMG helicase. Individual disruption of exon 7 or the projection in RbN or Rb, as occurs in inherited cancers, partially impairs the ability of Rb/RbN to inhibit DNA replication and block G1-to-S cell cycle transit. However, their combined loss abolishes these functions of Rb. Thus, Rb growth-suppressive functions include its ability to block replicative complexes via bipartite, independent, and additive N-terminal domains. The partial loss of replication, CMG, or Pol-α control provides a potential molecular explanation for how N-terminal Rb loss-of-function deletions contribute to the etiology of partially penetrant retinoblastomas.
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2
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Philpott A, Yew PR. The Xenopus cell cycle: an overview. Mol Biotechnol 2008; 39:9-19. [PMID: 18266114 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-008-9033-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Accepted: 12/28/2007] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Oocytes, eggs and embryos from the frog Xenopus laevis have been an important model system for studying cell-cycle regulation for several decades. First, progression through meiosis in the oocyte has been extensively investigated. Oocyte maturation has been shown to involve complex networks of signal transduction pathways, culminating in the cyclic activation and inactivation of Maturation Promoting Factor (MPF), composed of cyclin B and cdc2. After fertilisation, the early embryo undergoes rapid simplified cell cycles which have been recapitulated in cell-free extracts of Xenopus eggs. Experimental manipulation of these extracts has given a wealth of biochemical information about the cell cycle, particularly concerning DNA replication and mitosis. Finally, cells of older embryos adopt a more somatic-type cell cycle and have been used to study the balance between cell cycle and differentiation during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Philpott
- Department of Oncology, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, England.
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3
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Cosgrove RA, Philpott A. Cell cycling and differentiation do not require the retinoblastoma protein during early Xenopus development. Dev Biol 2007; 303:311-24. [PMID: 17188261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2006.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2006] [Revised: 11/03/2006] [Accepted: 11/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The retinoblastoma protein (pRb) is a central regulator of the cell cycle, controlling passage through G1 phase. Moreover, pRb has also been shown to play a direct role in the differentiation of multiple tissues, including nerve and muscle. Rb null mice display embryonic lethality, although recent data have indicated that at least some of these defects are due to placental insufficiency. To investigate this further, we have examined the role of pRb in early development of the frog Xenopus laevis, which develops without the need for a placenta. Surprisingly, we see that loss of pXRb has no effect on either cell cycling or differentiation of neural or muscle tissue, while overexpression of pXRb similarly has no effects. We demonstrate that, in fact, pXRb is maintained in a hyperphosphorylated and therefore inactive state early in development. Therefore, Rb protein is not required for cell cycle control or differentiation in early embryos, indicating unusual control of these G1/G0 events at this developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth A Cosgrove
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Addenbrookes Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
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4
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Takemura M. Evolutionary history of the retinoblastoma gene from archaea to eukarya. Biosystems 2005; 82:266-72. [PMID: 16181730 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2005.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2005] [Revised: 08/19/2005] [Accepted: 08/19/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The retinoblastoma gene product (Rb protein) has a role in progression through the cell cycle, regulating the activities of several transcription factors such as E2F. Since its functional loss results in impaired differentiation in the nervous, hematopoietic, and muscular systems, the Rb protein is very important for cell regulation in multicellular eukaryotes. To gain an insight into the evolutionary history of the Rb gene, I have compared the amino acid sequences of Rb proteins in multicellular eukaryotes and unicellular organisms including yeast, archaeotes, and viruses. Two short amino acid sequences, in the N-terminal and pocket A regions of human Rb protein, found to be well conserved, also in a single protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These sequences were also found in proteins of two archaeotes, Archaeoglobus fulgidus and Methanococcus jannaschii. Further, the most conserved sequence in the pocket B region among multicellular eukaryotic Rb proteins was also conserved in several poxviruses. From these data, I conclude that the pocket A and B regions, backbones of the Rb protein, are derived from different organisms, respectively, the ancestors of archaeote and poxvirus, and that the ancestral pocket B region has been lost during evolutionary history of unicellular eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaharu Takemura
- Department of Human Functional Genomics, Life Science Research Center, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
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Liu HP, Thompson AM, Macleod KF. A novel form of pRb expressed during normal myelopoiesis and in tumour-associated macrophages. Cell Prolif 2005; 38:13-24. [PMID: 15679863 PMCID: PMC6495145 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2005.00326.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinoblastoma (Rb) tumour suppressor promotes cell cycle exit, terminal differentiation and survival during normal development and is functionally inactivated in most human cancers. We have identified a novel myeloid-specific form of retinoblastoma protein (pRb), termed deltaRb-p70, that exists in vivo as an N-terminally truncated form of full-length pRb. DeltaRb-p70 appears to be the product of alternative translation and is expressed in primary myeloid cells in fetal liver, bone marrow and spleen. It is also expressed in the human myelomonocytic cell line U937 and is down-regulated as U937s are induced to differentiate. We have also detected deltaRb-p70 expression in primary human breast tumours and we have determined that deltaRb-p70 is specifically expressed in tumour-associated macrophages. These data identify a novel mechanism for regulating pRb expression that is unique to the myeloid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- H P Liu
- The Ben May Institute for Cancer Research, The Knapp Medical Research Building, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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6
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Finkielstein CV, Chen LG, Maller JL. A role for G1/S cyclin-dependent protein kinases in the apoptotic response to ionizing radiation. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:38476-85. [PMID: 12176996 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m206184200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In Xenopus development the mid-blastula transition (MBT) marks a dramatic change in response of the embryo to ionizing radiation. Whereas inhibition of cyclin D1-Cdk4 and cyclin A2-Cdk2 by p27(Xic1) has been linked to cell cycle arrest and prevention of apoptosis in embryos irradiated post-MBT, distinct roles for these complexes during apoptosis are evident in embryos irradiated pre-MBT. Cyclin A2 is cleaved by caspases to generate a truncated complex termed Delta N-cyclin A2-Cdk2, which is kinase active, not inhibited by p27(Xic1), and not sensitive to degradation by the ubiquitin-mediated proteasome pathway. Moreover, Delta N-cyclin A2-Cdk2 has an expanded substrate specificity and can phosphorylate histone H2B at Ser-32, which may facilitate DNA cleavage. Consistent with a role for cyclin A2 in apoptosis, the addition of Delta N-cyclin A2-Cdk2, but not full-length cyclin A2-Cdk2, to Xenopus egg extracts triggers apoptotic DNA fragmentation even when caspases are not activated. Similarly, cyclin D1 is targeted by caspases, and the generated product exhibits higher affinity for p27(Xic1), leading to reduced phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRB) during apoptosis. These data suggest that caspase cleavage of both cyclin D1-Cdk4 and cyclin A2-Cdk2 promotes specific apoptotic events in embryos undergoing apoptosis in response to ionizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla V Finkielstein
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado 80262, USA
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7
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Abstract
The destiny of a cell--whether it undergoes division, differentiation or death--results from an intricate balance of many regulators, including oncoproteins, tumor-suppressor proteins and cell-cycle-associated proteins. One of the better-studied tumor suppressors is the retinoblastoma protein, known as pRb or p105. Two recently identified proteins, pRb2/p130 and p107, show structural and functional similarities to pRb, and these proteins and their orthologs make up the retinoblastoma (Rb) family. Members of the family have been found in animals and plants, and a related protein is known in the alga Chlamydomonas. Members of the Rb family are bound and inactivated by viral proteins and, in turn, bind cellular transcription factors and repress their function, and can also form complexes with cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases and with histone deacetylases. They are found in the nucleus and their subnuclear localization depends on binding to the nuclear matrix. Members of the family form part of a signal-transduction pathway called the Rb pathway, which is important in cell-cycle regulation and have roles in growth suppression, differentiation and apoptosis in different organisms and cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Paolo Claudio
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technologies, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Dipartimento di Scienze Odontostomatologiche e Maxillo-Facciali, Universitá degli studi di Napoli "Federico II", 80130 Napoli, Italy
| | - Tiziana Tonini
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technologies, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
- Istituto di Anatomia ed Istologia Patologica, Universita degli Studi di Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technologies, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
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Rotchell JM, Scoggins B, Blair JB, Ostrander GK. Isolation and characterization of the retinoblastoma protein from fish. Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol 2001; 130:385-91. [PMID: 11567901 DOI: 10.1016/s1096-4959(01)00460-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The retinoblastoma (Rb) gene represents the first tumor suppressor gene characterized. The encoded protein, pRb, plays a crucial role in cell cycle control, preventing malignant cell proliferation. Recently, homologues of the Rb gene have been isolated in fish and the pocket domain, which is central to Rb function, was conserved. In our studies, using coelocanth (Latimeria chalumnae), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), medaka (Oryzias latipes) and English sole (Parophrys vetulus), we have developed a simple protocol for the isolation of the Rb tumor suppressor protein and determined its' tissue and cellular localization. Fish Rb proteins display apparent molecular weights in the range of 100-110 kDa, similar to the human pRb. The protein was detected in all tissues examined, consistent with the proteins' universal role in cellular signalling. An interesting pattern of immunoreactive bands was detected in each of the cells' two main compartments, suggesting differential proteolysis. Immuno-analysis of the pRb in trout liver tumor material revealed an additional Rb reactive product that was absent in normal liver cell extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Rotchell
- Department of Biology and Division of Comparative Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
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Rotchell JM, Blair JB, Shim JK, Hawkins WE, Ostrander GK. Cloning of the Retinoblastoma cDNA from the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) and preliminary evidence of mutational alterations in chemically-induced retinoblastomas. Gene 2001; 263:231-7. [PMID: 11223262 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1119(00)00566-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We have cloned a medaka homolog of the human retinoblastoma (Rb) susceptibility gene. The medaka Rb cDNA encodes a predicted protein of 909 amino acids. DNA sequence analysis with other vertebrate Rb sequences demonstrates that the medaka Rb cDNA is highly conserved in regions of functional importance. An antibody raised against an epitope of the human pRb recognizes the protein product of the medaka Rb gene, detecting a 105 kDa protein in all tissues examined and at differential levels for the stages of embryonic development studied. The sequence reported herein, combined with the high degree of conservation observed in critical domains, has also facilitated a preliminary investigation of the molecular etiology of chemically-induced retinoblastoma. The mutational alterations characterized suggest that medaka may provide a novel model and, thus, provide additional insight into the human retinoblastoma condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Rotchell
- Department of Biology and Division of Comparative Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21218, USA
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10
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Venanzi S, Destrée OH, Gigliani F, Battaglia PA. Analysis of HIV-1 Tat effects in Xenopus laevis embryos. J Biomed Sci 2000; 5:211-20. [PMID: 9678492 DOI: 10.1007/bf02253471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tat is one of the regulatory proteins of the HIV-1 virus. To date, besides the transactivation activity, a myriad of effects exerted by HIV-1 Tat on cellular and viral genes have been observed. The present study investigated the in vivo effects of HIV-1 Tat protein in the Xenopus embryo. We adopted the Xenopus system since expression of putative regulatory factors in the embryo has been widely used as a quick and effective first screen for protein function. Xenopus' early development is well characterized by stage-specific phenotypes, therefore, an in vivo HIV-1 Tat-mediated aberrant phenotype can easily be detected and analyzed. HIV-1 Tat protein expression through injection of synthetic mRNA into zygotes produced a marked delay in gastrulation leading to altered specification of the anterior-posterior axis and to partial or total loss of anterior structures. HIV-1 Tat effects resulted in a general suppression of gene expression, including that of Xbra and gsc, two early genes whose expression is required for proper gastrulation. The specificity of Tat effects was demonstrated by injecting a 'loss of function' mutant (Tat-C37S), lacking a single cysteine residue, which did not yield any effect. Both Tat and Tat-C37S were found to be localized mainly in the nucleus. The importance of subcellular targeting for the effects caused by HIV-1 Tat was demonstrated by injecting a second mutant (Tat-BDM), carrying an altered nuclear localization signal sequence. The Tat-BDM protein localized in the cytoplasm and accumulated at the cell membrane. Embryos injected with Tat-BDM mRNA did not develop beyond gastrulation. The importance of proper protein conformation and subcellular localization in determining Tat effects is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Venanzi
- Reparto di Genetica Molecolare, Laboratorio di Biologia Cellulare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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11
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Molenaar M, Brian E, Roose J, Clevers H, Destrée O. Differential expression of the Groucho-related genes 4 and 5 during early development of Xenopus laevis. Mech Dev 2000; 91:311-5. [PMID: 10704855 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4773(99)00259-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we demonstrated that the Xenopus Wnt effector XTcf-3 interacts with Groucho-related transcriptional repressors (Roose et al., 1998. Nature 395, 608-612). A long form of the Groucho-related genes, XGrg-4, was shown to repress axis formation in the Xenopus embryo, whereas a short form, XGrg-5, acted as a potentiator. In this study, the temporal and spatial expression of XGrg-4 and XGrg-5 is described in Xenopus laevis embryos. Both genes are maternally expressed. In the gastrula, transcripts of both genes are present in the animal as well as the vegetal region. At later stages, XGrg-4 and XGrg-5 show specific patterns of expression in the central nervous system (CNS), cranial ganglia, eyes, otic vesicles, stomodeal-hypophyseal anlage, cement gland, head mesenchyme, branchial arches, neural crest and derivatives, somites, pronephros, pronephric duct, heart and tailbud. Differences in the expression of XGrg-4 and XGrg-5 were found in the CNS, cranial ganglia, olfactory placodes, stomodeal-pharyngeal anlage, cement gland, head mesenchyme and ectoderm.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Molenaar
- Hubrecht Laboratory, Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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12
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Shim S, Yoon CS, Han JK. A novel gene family with a developmentally regulated expression in Xenopus laevis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2000; 267:558-64. [PMID: 10631101 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1999.1899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We have isolated a new maternal gene called 4G2. 4G2 cDNA encodes a predicted protein of 501 amino acids, and its apparent molecular mass of 61 kDa was determined by SDS-PAGE of 4G2 recombinant protein expressed in E. coli or in vitro translated in rabbit reticulocyte lysate. Amino acid analysis of 4G2 revealed the RGD and LDV motif with a potential cell attachment activity. The open reading frames (ORF) also contained a consensus bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS). There were number of expressed tag sequences (ESTs) from Drosophila, zebrafish, chicken, mouse, and human origin that encode a high degree of identity to the predicted 4G2 protein, thereby suggesting that 4G2 may constitute a novel gene family whose function has not been elucidated. We also present evidence that 4G2 transcript is maternally synthesized in stage IV oocyte, localized to animal hemisphere of egg, and zygotically reactivated in mid-neurula stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Shim
- Department of Life Science, Pohang University of Science and Technology, San 31 Hyoja-Dong, Pohang, Kyungbuk, 790-784, South Korea
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13
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Abstract
A full-length cDNA for retinoblastoma (RB1) has been cloned from a cDNA library prepared from 3-week-old rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) eyed embryos. The trout RB1 cDNA encodes a predicted protein of 910 amino acids and is the most divergent cloned retinoblastoma gene sequence to date. RT-PCR studies reveal high levels of RB1 expression by the second week of embryogenesis, which remains uniformly expressed until hatching. Expression studies of adult fish tissues show the RB1 gene to be expressed in all tissues examined, including the oesophagus, eye, liver, intestine, posterior and anterior kidney, skin, stomach, muscle, spleen, gill, swim bladder, gonads and brain. The RB1 gene appears to be a single copy gene based on Southern analysis, and maps to linkage group XVI in the trout genome map. Polymorphisms in the RB1 gene and in closely linked markers should facilitate LOH analysis of RB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Brunelli
- Department of Zoology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-4236, USA
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14
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Molenaar M, Roose J, Peterson J, Venanzi S, Clevers H, Destrée O. Differential expression of the HMG box transcription factors XTcf-3 and XLef-1 during early xenopus development. Mech Dev 1998; 75:151-4. [PMID: 9739131 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4773(98)00085-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The recent discovery that the HMG box transcription factor XTCF-3 is involved in early axis specification in Xenopus laevis (Molenaar, M., van de Wetering, M., Oosterwegel, M., Peterson-Maduro, J. Godsave, S., Korinek, V., Roose, J., Destree, O., Clevers, H., 1996. XTcf-3 transcription factor mediates beta-catenin-induced axis formation in Xenopus embryos. Cell 86, 391-399) led us to search for other members of the TCF/LEF family in this species. A newly identified HMG box factor was cloned with highest homology to human LEF-1, called XLEF-1. Unlike XTcf-3, XLef-1 is not expressed maternally, but its transcripts become detectable directly after the mid blastula transition (MBT). At later stages, both genes are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), eyes, otic vesicles, head mesenchyme, neural crest and derivatives, branchial arches, developing heart, tailbud and limb buds. The expression pattern of Lef-1 during later stages of development is evolutionarily conserved.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Blotting, Northern
- Cloning, Molecular
- DNA, Complementary/chemistry
- DNA, Complementary/genetics
- Embryo, Nonmammalian/metabolism
- Embryonic Development
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- HMGB Proteins
- High Mobility Group Proteins/genetics
- In Situ Hybridization
- Lymphoid Enhancer-Binding Factor 1
- Molecular Sequence Data
- RNA/analysis
- RNA/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Sequence Homology, Amino Acid
- TCF Transcription Factors
- Transcription Factor 3
- Transcription Factor 7-Like 1 Protein
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Xenopus/embryology
- Xenopus/genetics
- Xenopus Proteins
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Affiliation(s)
- M Molenaar
- NIOB/Hubrecht Laboratory, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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15
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Taieb F, Karaiskou A, Rime H, Jessus C. Human retinoblastoma protein (Rb) is phosphorylated by cdc2 kinase and MAP kinase in Xenopus maturing oocytes. FEBS Lett 1998; 425:465-71. [PMID: 9563514 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(98)00291-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Xenopus oocyte meiotic maturation combines features of G0/G1 and G2/M transitions of the cell cycle. To study the in ovo Rb kinase activity, we have microinjected human Rb into oocytes. Microinjected human Rb localizes into the nucleus, is hypophosphorylated in prophase oocytes, becomes hyperphosphorylated during meiotic maturation and is dephosphorylated as the cell reenters interphase. Inactivation or overexpression of the cyclin D-cdk4/6 complex in an oocyte extract does not affect the Rb kinase activity. This kinase activity could be attributed to both cdc2-cyclin B and MAP kinase, opening new perspectives of investigation in somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Taieb
- Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Reproduction, INRA/URA-CNRS 1449, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
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16
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Taieb F, Chartrain I, Chevalier S, Haccard O, Jessus C. Cyclin D2 arrests Xenopus early embryonic cell cycles. Exp Cell Res 1997; 237:338-46. [PMID: 9434629 DOI: 10.1006/excr.1997.3800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Xenopus cyclin D2 mRNA is a member of the class of maternal RNAs. It is rare and stable during early embryonic development. To investigate the potential role of cyclin D2 during early embryonic cell cycles, cyclin D2 was injected into one blastomere of a two-cell embryo. This injection induced a cell cycle arrest in the injected blastomere. To analyze more precisely the mechanism of this arrest, we took advantage of cycling egg extracts that recapitulate major events of the cell cycle when supplemented with demembranated sperm heads. When Xenopus cyclin D2 is added to egg extracts, the first round of DNA replication occurs as in control extracts. However, Xenopus cyclin D2 blocks subsequent rounds of DNA replication and the oscillations of histone H1 kinase activity associated with cdc2 kinase, indicating that the cell cycle is arrested after the first S-phase. The block induced by Xenopus cyclin D2 is not due to a lack of the mitotic cyclin B2 that accumulates normally. Radiolabeled Xenopus cyclin D2 enters nuclei after completion of the first S-phase and remains stable over the entire period of the arrest. These features suggest that Xenopus cyclin D2 could play an original role during early development, controlling the G2-phase and/or the G2/M transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Taieb
- Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Reproduction, INRA/URA-CNRS 1449, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
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17
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Abstract
Oocyte and egg are suitable model systems for studying cell division since meiotic maturation resembles a G2/M transition and early embryonic divisions are precisely timed and occur without zygotic transcription. The analysis of oocytes and eggs from different species provides the opportunity to understand the roles of proteins that the critical to the progression and maintenance of the cell cycle. Among them, cyclins are certainly worthy of investigation. Mitotic cyclins (cyclins A and B) are clearly implicated in meiosis and early embryonic cell cycles. More recent studies have revealed that G1-type cyclins (cyclins E and D) could also play a role in both processes and cyclin H has been suggesed to participate to CAK activity (cdc2-activating kinase) in oocytes. The study of cyclins in oocytes and eggs clearly offer insights into their roles during the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Taieb
- Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Reproduction, INRA/URA-CNRS 1449, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
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Efthymiadis A, Shao H, Hübner S, Jans DA. Kinetic characterization of the human retinoblastoma protein bipartite nuclear localization sequence (NLS) in vivo and in vitro. A comparison with the SV40 large T-antigen NLS. J Biol Chem 1997; 272:22134-9. [PMID: 9268357 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.272.35.22134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinoblastoma (RB) tumor suppressor is a nuclear phosphoprotein important for cell growth control and able to bind specifically to viral oncoproteins such as the SV40 large tumor antigen (T-ag). Human RB possesses a bipartite nuclear localization sequence (NLS) consisting of two clusters of basic amino acids within amino acids 860-877, also present in mouse and Xenopus homologs, which resembles that of nucleoplasmin. The T-ag NLS represents a different type of NLS, consisting of only one stretch of basic amino acids. To compare the nuclear import kinetics conferred by the bipartite NLS of RB to those conferred by the T-ag NLS, we used beta-galactosidase fusion proteins containing the NLSs of either RB or T-ag. The RB NLS was able to target beta-galactosidase to the nucleus both in vivo (in microinjected cells of the HTC rat hepatoma line) and in vitro (in mechanically perforated HTC cells). Mutational substitution of the proximal basic residues of the NLS abolished nuclear targeting activity, confirming its bipartite character. Nuclear accumulation of the RB fusion protein was half-maximal within about 8 min in vivo, maximal levels being between 3-4-fold those in the cytoplasm, which was less than 50% of the maximal levels attained by the T-ag fusion protein, while the initial rate of nuclear import of the RB protein was also less than half that of T-ag. Nuclear import conferred by both NLSs in vitro was dependent on cytosol and ATP and inhibited by the nonhydrolyzable GTP analog GTPgammaS. Using an ELISA-based binding assay, we determined that the RB bipartite NLS had severely reduced affinity, compared with the T-ag NLS, for the high affinity heterodimeric NLS-binding protein complex importin 58/97, this difference presumably representing the basis of the reduced maximal nuclear accumulation and import rate in vivo. The results support the hypothesis that the affinity of NLS recognition by NLS-binding proteins is critical in determining the kinetics of nuclear protein import.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Efthymiadis
- Nuclear Signaling Laboratory, Division of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Canberra City, A.C. T. 2601, Australia
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Yamada S, Nakagama H, Toyota M, Ushijima T, Sato K, Sugimura T, Nagao M. Linkage mapping of rat Rb1 gene on chromosome 15. Mamm Genome 1997; 8:454-5. [PMID: 9166598 DOI: 10.1007/s003359900471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Yamada
- Carcinogenesis Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104, Japan
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21
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Tanaka EM, Gann AA, Gates PB, Brockes JP. Newt myotubes reenter the cell cycle by phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein. J Cell Biol 1997; 136:155-65. [PMID: 9008710 PMCID: PMC2132456 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.136.1.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Withdrawal from the cell cycle is an essential aspect of vertebrate muscle differentiation and requires the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein that inhibits expression of genes needed for cell cycle entry. It was shown recently that cultured myotubes derived from the Rb-/- mouse reenter the cell cycle after serum stimulation (Schneider, J.W., W. Gu, L. Zhu, V. Mahdavi, and B. Nadal-Ginard. 1994. Science (Wash. DC). 264:1467-1471). In contrast with other vertebrates, adult urodele amphibians such as the newt can regenerate their limbs, a process involving cell cycle reentry and local reversal of differentiation. Here we show that myotubes formed in culture from newt limb cells are refractory to several growth factors, but they undergo S phase after serum stimulation and accumulate 4N nuclei. This response to serum is inhibited by contact with mononucleate cells. Despite the phenotypic parallel with Rb-/- mouse myotubes, Rb is expressed in the newt myotubes, and its phosphorylation via cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 is required for cell cycle reentry. Thus, the postmitotic arrest of urodele myotubes, although intact in certain respects, can be undermined by a pathway that is inactive in other vertebrates. This may be important for the regenerative ability of these animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Tanaka
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University College London, United Kingdom
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22
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Molenaar M, van de Wetering M, Oosterwegel M, Peterson-Maduro J, Godsave S, Korinek V, Roose J, Destrée O, Clevers H. XTcf-3 transcription factor mediates beta-catenin-induced axis formation in Xenopus embryos. Cell 1996; 86:391-9. [PMID: 8756721 DOI: 10.1016/s0092-8674(00)80112-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1460] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
XTcf-3 is a maternally expressed Xenopus homolog of the mammalian HMG box factors Tcf-1 and Lef-1. The N-terminus of XTcf-3 binds to beta-catenin. Microinjection of XTcf-3 mRNA in embryos results in nuclear translocation of beta-catenin. The beta-catenin-XTcf-3 complex activates transcription in a transient reporter gene assay, while XTcf-3 by itself is silent. N-terminal deletion of XTcf-3 (delta N) abrogates the interaction with beta-catenin, as well as the consequent transcription activation. This dominant-negative delta N mutant suppresses the induction of axis duplication by microinjected beta-catenin. It also suppresses endogenous axis specification upon injection into the dorsal blastomeres of a 4-cell-stage embryo. We propose that signaling by beta-catenin involves complex formation with XTcf-3, followed by nuclear translocation and activation of specific XTcf-3 target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Molenaar
- Department of Immunology University Hospital, Utrecht The Netherlands
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23
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Du W, Vidal M, Xie JE, Dyson N. RBF, a novel RB-related gene that regulates E2F activity and interacts with cyclin E in Drosophila. Genes Dev 1996; 10:1206-18. [PMID: 8675008 DOI: 10.1101/gad.10.10.1206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Genetic studies have shown that cyclin E and dE2F are critical regulators of S-phase entry during Drosophila embryogenesis. Whereas the ectopic expression of cyclin E activates dE2F-dependent transcription, it has been proposed that cyclin E does not act directly on dE2F but targets a negative regulator of E2F activity. Such a regulator might be analogous to the family of RB-related proteins (pRB, p107, and p130) that associate with E2F in humans; however, extensive efforts have failed to find such homologs in Drosophila. We have developed a two-hybrid approach that allows transcription activators to be used as bait for interacting proteins. From a screen using Drosophila E2F (dE2F and dDP) as bait, we identified a novel gene, RBF. RBF combines several of the structural features of pRB, p107, and p130, suggesting that it may have evolved from a common ancestor to the three human genes. RBF associates with dE2F and dDP in vivo and is a stoichiometric component of E2F DNA-binding complexes. RBF specifically repressed E2F-dependent transcription and suppressed the phenotype generated by ectopic expression of dE2F and dDP in the developing Drosophila eye. RBF was phosphorylated by a cyclin E-associated kinase in vitro, and loss-of-function cyclin E mutations enhanced an RBF overexpression phenotype, consistent with the idea that the biological activity of RBF is negatively regulated by endogenous cyclin E. The properties of RBF suggest that it is the intermediary factor that was proposed to allow cyclin E induction of E2F activity. These findings indicate that RBF plays a critical role in the regulation of cell proliferation in Drosophila and show that analogous pathways regulate S-phase entry in a diverse range of species.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Du
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Cancer Center, Charlestown 02129, USA
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24
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Su JY, Rempel RE, Erikson E, Maller JL. Cloning and characterization of the Xenopus cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27XIC1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1995; 92:10187-91. [PMID: 7479751 PMCID: PMC40761 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.92.22.10187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
We have isolated a gene encoding Xic-1, a 27-kDa cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor from Xenopus ovary that shares significant homology with both mammalian CIP1 and Kip1/Kip2. The N- and C-terminal halves of Xic-1 are sufficient for interacting with Cdks and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, respectively. Recombinant Xic-1 inhibits Xenopus cyclin E/Cdk2, cyclin A/Cdk2 and cyclin B/Cdc2 activities, although with quite different IC50 values. Truncation of the N terminus of Xic-1 increases the IC50 value for cyclin A/Cdk2 50-fold with no effect on the inhibition of cyclin E/Cdk2 or cyclin B/Cdc2.Xic-1 inhibits both single-stranded and nuclear DNA synthesis in egg extracts, an effect reversed by proliferating cell nuclear antigen or cyclin E/Cdk2, respectively. These results suggest a function for Xic-1 in the control of DNA synthesis by cyclin E/Cdk2.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Y Su
- Howard Huhges Medical Institute, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver 80262, USA
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25
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Sterner JM, Murata Y, Kim HG, Kennett SB, Templeton DJ, Horowitz JM. Detection of a novel cell cycle-regulated kinase activity that associates with the amino terminus of the retinoblastoma protein in G2/M phases. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:9281-8. [PMID: 7721848 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.16.9281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent genetic and functional evidence suggests that the amino terminus of the retinoblastoma (Rb) protein plays an important role in Rb-mediated growth suppression. To explore the mechanism(s) by which this portion of Rb may regulate cell growth, we have sought to characterize cellular proteins that associate with the Rb amino terminus using an in vitro protein-binding assay. Here we report that at least one such protein is a cell cycle-regulated Rb/histone H1 kinase (RbK) whose enzymatic and/or Rb association activity is most prevalent in G2/M phases of cells. In contrast to previously characterized cyclin-dependent and Rb-associated kinases, such as cdk1 (cdc2) and cdk2, G2/M RbK 1) is not depleted by incubation with p13suc-beads, 2) is not detected with antisera against several Rb-associated cyclins-cdks, and 3) associated with Rb via the Rb amino terminus, a region that is dispensable for interaction with other Rb-associated kinases. RbK is clearly distinct from previously characterized mitotic cdks since cyclin A-cdc2, cyclin A-cdk2, cyclin B-cdc2, and cyclin B-cdk2 did not associate with the Rb amino terminus. Coprecipitation experiments with Rb antisera confirmed the association of Rb with a RbK-like kinase in metaphase-arrested cells in vivo. Interestingly, G2/M RbK did not appreciably associate with an analogous portion of p107, a Rb-related protein. Taken together, these data indicate that the Rb amino terminus specifically associates with a novel cell cycle-regulated kinase in late cell cycle stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Sterner
- Department of Molecular Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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Girling R, Bandara LR, Ormondroyd E, Lam EW, Kotecha S, Mohun T, La Thangue NB. Molecular characterization of Xenopus laevis DP proteins. Mol Biol Cell 1994; 5:1081-92. [PMID: 7865876 PMCID: PMC301132 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.5.10.1081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely believed that in mammalian cells the cellular transcription factor (DRTF1/E2F integrates cell-cycle events with the transcription apparatus by interacting with important regulators of the cell cycle, such as the retinoblastoma gene product (pRb) and related proteins, cyclins, and cyclin-dependent kinases. Here, we have defined DRTF1/E2F in Xenopus laevis that, like its mammalian counterpart, specifically binds to the E2F site, is regulated during development, and interacts with pRb and related proteins. We have isolated cDNAs that encode the functional homologue of mammalian DP-1, X1 DP-1, together with a close relative, X1 DP-2. X1 DP-1, which is highly conserved with murine DP-1, is a major DNA binding component of X1 DRTF1/E2F. Both DP-1 and DP-2 synergistically interact with members of the E2F family of proteins, E2F-1, E2F-2, and E2F-3, to generate DNA binding complexes that specifically recognize the E2F site and functionally interact with E2F-1 in E2F site-dependent transcriptional activation of cellular genes. DP-1 and DP-2 encode maternally stored transcripts that are expressed during early development. In the adult however, the expression of DP-1 and DP-2 is tissue restricted. This study therefore defines a new family of transcription factors, the DP proteins, members of which can interact combinatorially with E2F proteins to generate an array of DNA binding complexes that integrate cell-cycle progression with the transcription apparatus through the E2F binding site. The tissue-specific expression of DP family members suggests that the combination of DP/E2F heterodimers that constitute DRTF1/E2F is influenced by the phenotype of the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Girling
- Laboratory of Eukaryotic Molecular Genetics, Medical Research Council National Institute for Medical Research, London, United Kingdom
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Abstract
The transcription factor E2F has been implicated in cell cycle control by virtue of its association with cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, and pRb-related tumor suppressor gene products. Eggs and embryos from the frog Xenopus laevis have been used to investigate the characteristics of E2F-like molecules in the Xenopus cell cycle and throughout early development. We find multiple E2F species in Xenopus eggs, at least one of which is modified by phosphorylation. The vast majority of E2F remains in the free form throughout the very early embryonic cell cycle, and it also remains predominantly free until some time after the mid-blastula transition, the onset of zygotic transcription. At this time, E2F complexes significantly to pRb but not to cdk2, although cdk2 binding is found in tissue culture cells from a very advanced stage in embryogenesis. This suggests that the complexing of E2F to cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, and tumor suppressor gene products may be controlled separately in early Xenopus development. Thus, the association of E2F with other molecules may not result solely from processes affecting cell cycle progression but may also reflect developmental and differentiation cues.
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28
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Abstract
The transcription factor E2F has been implicated in cell cycle control by virtue of its association with cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, and pRb-related tumor suppressor gene products. Eggs and embryos from the frog Xenopus laevis have been used to investigate the characteristics of E2F-like molecules in the Xenopus cell cycle and throughout early development. We find multiple E2F species in Xenopus eggs, at least one of which is modified by phosphorylation. The vast majority of E2F remains in the free form throughout the very early embryonic cell cycle, and it also remains predominantly free until some time after the mid-blastula transition, the onset of zygotic transcription. At this time, E2F complexes significantly to pRb but not to cdk2, although cdk2 binding is found in tissue culture cells from a very advanced stage in embryogenesis. This suggests that the complexing of E2F to cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases, and tumor suppressor gene products may be controlled separately in early Xenopus development. Thus, the association of E2F with other molecules may not result solely from processes affecting cell cycle progression but may also reflect developmental and differentiation cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Philpott
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Charlestown 02119
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29
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Gao X, Kalkhoven E, Peterson-Maduro J, van der Burg B, Destrée OH. Expression of the glucocorticoid receptor gene is regulated during early embryogenesis of Xenopus laevis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1994; 1218:194-8. [PMID: 8018720 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4781(94)90010-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
To study the possible role of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in early embryogenesis, we isolated a Xenopus glucocorticoid receptor cDNA from an embryonic stage 17 cDNA library. Overexpression of this Xenopus GR in COS cells confers the ability to transactivate a GRE-tk CAT promoter construct in a ligand dependent manner. Expression of the Xenopus GR gene at the RNA level was analyzed by Northern blot hybridization. Transcripts of 4 and 6 kb are present in oocytes. The 4 kb mRNA is abundant and is degraded together with the 6 kb mRNA during cleavage stages of early development. Between stages 17 and 24, GR messengers are extremely rare. From stage 32 onwards, both GR transcripts start to be expressed again at intermediate levels. These results provide the first evidence that expression of the GR gene is regulated during early embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Gao
- Hubrecht Laboratorium, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
The first human tumour suppressor gene, the Retinoblastoma Susceptibility gene (RB1) was first demonstrated in retinoblastoma, a rare paediatric eye tumour which has been studied extensively over the last century. Genetic studies of retinoblastoma have yielded unique insights into familial cancer syndromes and the mechanisms of oncogenesis by tumour suppressor genes such as the RB1 gene. In this view, we will summarize past research into the genetics of retinoblastoma that led to the discovery of the RB1 gene and discuss the influence these results have had on the field of cancer research. In addition, we will discuss current research into RB1 as it relates to cancer and its potential for new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E L Schubert
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030
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Feinstein R, Bolton WK, Quinones JN, Mosialos G, Sif S, Huff JL, Capobianco AJ, Gilmore TD. Characterization of a chicken cDNA encoding the retinoblastoma gene product. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1994; 1218:82-6. [PMID: 8193168 DOI: 10.1016/0167-4781(94)90103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
We have isolated a chicken cDNA that encodes the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene product (RB). The predicted amino acid sequence of the chicken RB protein is highly similar to that of the mouse, human and Xenopus RB proteins in regions of known functions; however, chicken RB has distinct species-specific differences, including a shorter N-terminal region as compared to the mouse and human RB proteins. In vitro-translated chicken RB co-migrates on SDS-polyacrylamide gels with endogenous RB synthesized in transformed chicken spleen cells. Finally, chicken RB is located in the nucleus of chicken embryo fibroblasts when overexpressed from a retroviral vector.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Feinstein
- Department of Biology, Boston University, MA 02215-2406
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