Liganded RARalpha and RARgamma interact with but are repressed by TNIP1

The Contribution of Hippocampal All-Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) Deficiency to Alzheimer's Disease: A Narrative Overview of ATRA-Dependent Gene Expression in Post-Mortem Hippocampal Tissue

There is accumulating evidence that vitamin A (VA) deficiency contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), a metabolite of VA in the brain, serves distinct roles in the human hippocampus. Agonists of retinoic acid receptors (RAR), including ATRA, promote activation of the non-amyloidogenic pathway by enhancing expression of α-secretases, providing a mechanistic basis for delaying/preventing amyloid beta (Aβ) toxicity. However, whether ATRA is actually deficient in the hippocampi of patients with AD is not clear. Here, using a publicly available human transcriptomic dataset, we evaluated the extent to which ATRA-sensitive genes are dysregulated in hippocampal tissue from post-mortem AD brains, relative to age-matched controls. Consistent with ATRA deficiency, we found significant dysregulation of many ATRA-sensitive genes and significant upregulation of RAR co-repressors, supporting the idea of transcriptional repression of ATRA-mediated signaling. Consistent with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, Nrf2 and NfkB transcripts were upregulated, respectively. Interestingly, transcriptional targets of Nrf2 were not upregulated, accompanied by upregulation of several histone deacetylases. Overall, our investigation of ATRA-sensitive genes in the human hippocampus bolsters the scientific premise of ATRA depletion in AD and that epigenetic factors should be considered and addressed as part of VA supplementation.

DNA methylation profiling in Trisomy 21 females with and without breast cancer

Background

Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosome anomaly in humans and occurs due to an extra copy of chromosome 21. The malignancy profile in DS is unique, since DS patients have a low risk of developing solid tumors such as breast cancer however they are at higher risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Methods

In this study, we investigated DNA methylation signatures and epigenetic aging in DS individuals with and without breast cancer. We analyzed DNA methylation patterns in Trisomy 21 (T21) individuals without breast cancer (T21-BCF) and DS individuals with breast cancer (T21-BC), using the Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip array.

Results

Our results revealed several differentially methylated sites and regions in the T21-BC patients that were associated with changes in gene expression. The differentially methylated CpG sites were enriched for processes related to serine-type peptidase activity, epithelial cell development, GTPase activity, bicellular tight junction, Ras protein signal transduction, etc. On the other hand, the epigenetic age acceleration analysis showed no difference between T21-BC and T21-BCF patients.

Conclusions

This is the first study to investigate DNA methylation changes in Down syndrome women with and without breast cancer and it could help shed light on factors that protect against breast cancer in DS.

The Anti-Inflammatory Protein TNIP1 Is Intrinsically Disordered with Structural Flexibility Contributed by Its AHD1-UBAN Domain

TNFAIP3 interacting protein 1 (TNIP1) interacts with numerous non-related cellular, viral, and bacterial proteins. TNIP1 is also linked with multiple chronic inflammatory disorders on the gene and protein levels, through numerous single-nucleotide polymorphisms and reduced protein amounts. Despite the importance of TNIP1 function, there is limited investigation as to how its conformation may impact its apparent multiple roles. Hub proteins like TNIP1 are often intrinsically disordered proteins. Our initial in silico assessments suggested TNIP1 is natively unstructured, featuring numerous potentials intrinsically disordered regions, including the ABIN homology domain 1-ubiquitin binding domain in ABIN proteins and NEMO (AHD1-UBAN) domain associated with its anti-inflammatory function. Using multiple biophysical approaches, we demonstrate the structural flexibility of full-length TNIP1 and the AHD1-UBAN domain. We present evidence the AHD1-UBAN domain exists primarily as a pre-molten globule with limited secondary structure in solution. Data presented here suggest the previously described coiled-coil conformation of the crystallized UBAN-only region may represent just one of possibly multiple states for the AHD1-UBAN domain in solution. These data also characterize the AHD1-UBAN domain in solution as mostly monomeric with potential to undergo oligomerization under specific environmental conditions (e.g., binding partner availability, pH-dependence). This proposed intrinsic disorder across TNIP1 and within the AHD1-UBAN region is likely to impact TNIP1 function and interaction with its multiple partners.

TNIP1 in Autoimmune Diseases: Regulation of Toll-like Receptor Signaling

TNIP1 protein is increasingly being recognized as a key repressor of inflammatory signaling and a potential factor in multiple autoimmune diseases. In addition to earlier foundational reports of TNIP1 SNPs in human autoimmune diseases and TNIP1 protein-protein interaction with receptor regulating proteins, more recent studies have identified new potential interaction partners and signaling pathways likely modulated by TNIP1. Subdomains within the TNIP1 protein as well as how they interact with ubiquitin have not only been mapped but inflammatory cell- and tissue-specific consequences subsequent to their defective function are being recognized and related to human disease states such as lupus, scleroderma, and psoriasis. In this review, we emphasize receptor signaling complexes and regulation of cytoplasmic signaling steps downstream of TLR given their association with some of the same autoimmune diseases where TNIP1 has been implicated. TNIP1 dysfunction or deficiency may predispose healthy cells to the inflammatory response to otherwise innocuous TLR ligand exposure. The recognition of the anti-inflammatory roles of TNIP1 and improved integrated understanding of its physical and functional association with other signaling pathway proteins may position TNIP1 as a candidate target for the design and/or testing of next-generation anti-inflammatory therapeutics.

TNIP1 Polymorphisms with the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Chronic Hepatitis B Infection in Chinese Han Population

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is an important etiology for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 3-interacting protein 1 (TNIP1) is linked to specific inflammatory diseases as a novel type of endogenous inflammatory regulator. However, presently, rare information is found about the association between TNIP1 polymorphisms and HBV-induced HCC risk. In this case control study, we genotyped four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TNIP1 gene in 248 HCC patients and 242 chronic HBV carriers using Sequenom Mass-ARRAY technology. Genetic model and haplotype analysis were performed to evaluate the association between candidate SNPs polymorphisms and HBV-induced HCC susceptibility using Pearson's χ² test and unconditional logistic regression analysis. Overall, we found two risk alleles in TNIP1 for HBV-induced HCC in patients: the allele "G" of rs7708392 by genotype model ("G/C" vs. "C/C": OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.17-3, P = 0.009) and dominant model ("G/C-G/G" vs. "C/C": OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.08-2.65, P = 0.023), and the allele "C" of rs10036748 by genotype model ("C/T" vs. "T/T": OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.14-2.92, P = 0.012) and dominant model ("C/T-C/C" vs. "T/T": OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.05-2.59, P = 0.03). However, rs3792792 and rs4958881 polymorphisms didn't significantly correlate with the risk of HBV-induced HCC. Haplotype analysis showed no significant association between haplotypes and the HCC risk in HBV carriers. This study provides evidence for HBV-induced HCC susceptibility gene TNIP1 in the Chinese Han population.

Plasma proteins associated with circulating carotenoids in Nepalese school-aged children

Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments that function as vitamin A precursors, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents or biomarkers of recent vegetable and fruit intake, and are thus important for population health and nutritional assessment. An assay approach that measures proteins could be more technologically feasible than chromatography, thus enabling more frequent carotenoid status assessment. We explored associations between proteomic biomarkers and concentrations of 6 common dietary carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene) in plasma from 500 6-8 year old Nepalese children. Samples were depleted of 6 high-abundance proteins. Plasma proteins were quantified using tandem mass spectrometry and expressed as relative abundance. Linear mixed effects models were used to determine the carotenoid:protein associations, accepting a false discovery rate of q < 0.10. We quantified 982 plasma proteins in >10% of all child samples. Among these, relative abundance of 4 were associated with β-carotene, 11 with lutein/zeaxanthin and 51 with β-cryptoxanthin. Carotenoid-associated proteins are notably involved in lipid and vitamin A transport, antioxidant function and anti-inflammatory processes. No protein biomarkers met criteria for association with α-carotene or lycopene. Plasma proteomics may offer an approach to assess functional biomarkers of carotenoid status, intake and biological function for public health application. Original maternal micronutrient trial from which data were derived as a follow-up activity was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00115271.

Retinoic acid signaling regulates Krt5 and Krt14 independently of stem cell markers in submandibular salivary gland epithelium

BACKGROUND

Retinoic acid (RA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, has been demonstrated to be important for growth and branching morphogenesis of mammalian embryonic salivary gland epithelium. However, it is not known whether RA functions directly within epithelial cells or in associated tissues that influence morphogenesis of salivary epithelium. Moreover, downstream targets of RA regulation have not been identified.

RESULTS

Here, we show that canonical RA signaling occurs in multiple tissues of embryonic mouse salivary glands, including epithelium, associated parasympathetic ganglion neurons, and nonneuronal mesenchyme. By culturing epithelium explants in isolation from other tissues, we demonstrate that RA influences epithelium morphogenesis by direct action in that tissue. Moreover, we demonstrate that inhibition of RA signaling represses cell proliferation and expression of FGF10 signaling targets, and upregulates expression of basal epithelial keratins Krt5 and Krt14. Importantly, we show that the stem cell gene Kit is regulated inversely from Krt5/Krt14 by RA signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

RA regulates Krt5 and Krt14 expression independently of stem cell character in developing salivary epithelium. RA, or chemical inhibitors of RA signaling, could potentially be used for modulating growth and differentiation of epithelial stem cells for the purpose of re-populating damaged glands or generating bioengineered organs. Developmental Dynamics 246:135-147, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

ABIN-1 Negatively Regulates μ-Opioid Receptor Function

The μ-opioid receptor (MOR) is a G_i/o protein-coupled receptor that mediates analgesic, euphoric, and reward effects. Using a bacterial two-hybrid screen, we reported that the carboxyl tail of the rat MOR associates with A20-binding inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (ABIN-1). This interaction was confirmed by direct protein-protein binding and coimmunoprecipitation of MOR and ABIN-1 proteins in cell lysates. Saturation binding studies showed that ABIN-1 had no effect on MOR binding. However, the interaction of ABIN-1 and MOR inhibited the activation of G proteins induced by DAMGO ([d-Ala2,N-Me-Phe4,Gly5-ol]-Enkephalin). MOR phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and internalization induced by DAMGO were decreased in Chinese hamster ovary cells that coexpressed MOR and ABIN-1. The suppression of forskolin-stimulated adenylyl cyclase by DAMGO was also inhibited by the interaction of ABIN-1 with MOR. In addition, extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation was also negatively regulated by overexpression of ABIN-1. These data suggest that ABIN-1 is a negative coregulator of MOR activation, phosphorylation, and internalization in vitro. ABIN-1 also inhibited morphine-induced hyperlocomotion in zebrafish larvae (AB strain). By utilization of an antisense morpholino oligonucleotide (MO) gene knockdown technology, the ABIN-1 MO-injected zebrafish larvae showed a significant increase (approximately 60%) in distance moved compared with control MO-injected larvae after acute morphine treatment (P < 0.01). Taken together, ABIN-1 negatively regulates MOR function in vitro and in vivo.

Immune regulator ABIN1 suppresses HIV-1 transcription by negatively regulating the ubiquitination of Tat

BACKGROUND

A20-binding inhibitor of NF-κB activation (ABIN1), an important immune regulator, was previously shown to be involved in HIV-1 replication. However, the reported studies done with overexpressed ABIN1 provided controversial results.

RESULTS

Here we identified ABIN1 as a suppressor of HIV-1 transcription since transient knockdown of ABIN1 led to increased HIV-1 replication both in transformed Jurkat T cell line and in primary human CD4+ T lymphocytes. Depletion of ABIN1 specifically enhanced the HIV-1 transcription from the integrated genome during viral life cycle, but not the earlier steps such as reverse transcription or integration. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed that ABIN1 specifically inhibits the proto-oncogene HDM2 catalyzed K63-linked polyubiquitination of Tat at Lys71, which is critical for the transactivation activity of Tat. The ubiquitin chain binding activity of ABIN1 carried by UBAN domain turned out to be essential for the inhibitory role of ABIN1. The results of immunofluorescence localization experiments suggested that ABIN1 may obstruct Tat ubiquitination by redistributing some of HDM2 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings have revealed ABIN1 as intrinsic suppressor of HIV-1 mRNA transcription by regulating the ubiquitination of Tat.

Downregulation of TNIP1 Expression Leads to Increased Proliferation of Human Keratinocytes and Severer Psoriasis-Like Conditions in an Imiquimod-Induced Mouse Model of Dermatitis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease involving both environmental and genetic factors. According to genome-wide association studies (GWAS), the TNIP1 gene, which encodes the TNF-α–induced protein 3-interacting protein 1 (TNIP1), is strongly linked to the susceptibility of psoriasis. TNIP1 is a widely expressed ubiquitin sensor that binds to the ubiquitin-editing protein A20 and restricts TNF- and TLR-induced signals. In our study, TNIP1 expression decreased in specimens of epidermis affected by psoriasis. Based on previous studies suggesting a role for TNIP1 in modulating cancer cell growth, we investigated its role in keratinocyte proliferation, which is clearly abnormal in psoriasis. To mimic the downregulation or upregulation of TNIP1 in HaCaT cells and primary human keratinocytes (PHKs), we used a TNIP1 specific small interfering hairpin RNA (TNIP1 shRNA) lentiviral vector or a recombinant TNIP1 (rTNIP1) lentiviral vector, respectively. Blocking TNIP1 expression increased keratinocyte proliferation, while overexpression of TNIP1 decreased keratinocyte proliferation. Furthermore, we showed that TNIP1 signaling might involve extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (Erk1/2) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β (C/EBPβ) activity. Intradermal injection of TNIP1 shRNA in BALB/c mice led to exaggerated psoriatic conditions in imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis. These findings indicate that TNIP1 has a protective role in psoriasis and therefore could be a promising therapeutic target.

Retinoic acid receptors: from molecular mechanisms to cancer therapy

Retinoic acid (RA), the major bioactive metabolite of retinol or vitamin A, induces a spectrum of pleiotropic effects in cell growth and differentiation that are relevant for embryonic development and adult physiology. The RA activity is mediated primarily by members of the retinoic acid receptor (RAR) subfamily, namely RARα, RARβ and RARγ, which belong to the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily of transcription factors. RARs form heterodimers with members of the retinoid X receptor (RXR) subfamily and act as ligand-regulated transcription factors through binding specific RA response elements (RAREs) located in target genes promoters. RARs also have non-genomic effects and activate kinase signaling pathways, which fine-tune the transcription of the RA target genes. The disruption of RA signaling pathways is thought to underlie the etiology of a number of hematological and non-hematological malignancies, including leukemias, skin cancer, head/neck cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, glioblastoma and neuroblastoma. Of note, RA and its derivatives (retinoids) are employed as potential chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive agents because of their differentiation, anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and anti-oxidant effects. In humans, retinoids reverse premalignant epithelial lesions, induce the differentiation of myeloid normal and leukemic cells, and prevent lung, liver, and breast cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms that regulate the RA and retinoid signaling pathways. Moreover, mechanisms through which deregulation of RA signaling pathways ultimately impact on cancer are examined. Finally, the therapeutic effects of retinoids are reported.

DNA methylation of lipid-related genes affects blood lipid levels

BACKGROUND

Epigenetic mechanisms might be involved in the regulation of interindividual lipid level variability and thus may contribute to the cardiovascular risk profile. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between genome-wide DNA methylation and blood lipid levels high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Observed DNA methylation changes were also further analyzed to examine their relationship with previous hospitalized myocardial infarction.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Genome-wide DNA methylation patterns were determined in whole blood samples of 1776 subjects of the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg F4 cohort using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (Illumina). Ten novel lipid-related CpG sites annotated to various genes including ABCG1, MIR33B/SREBF1, and TNIP1 were identified. CpG cg06500161, located in ABCG1, was associated in opposite directions with both high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β coefficient=-0.049; P=8.26E-17) and triglyceride levels (β=0.070; P=1.21E-27). Eight associations were confirmed by replication in the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg F3 study (n=499) and in the Invecchiare in Chianti, Aging in the Chianti Area study (n=472). Associations between triglyceride levels and SREBF1 and ABCG1 were also found in adipose tissue of the Multiple Tissue Human Expression Resource cohort (n=634). Expression analysis revealed an association between ABCG1 methylation and lipid levels that might be partly mediated by ABCG1 expression. DNA methylation of ABCG1 might also play a role in previous hospitalized myocardial infarction (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% confidence interval=1.06-1.25).

CONCLUSIONS

Epigenetic modifications of the newly identified loci might regulate disturbed blood lipid levels and thus contribute to the development of complex lipid-related diseases.

TNIP1 reduction of HSPA6 gene expression occurs in promoter regions lacking binding sites for known TNIP1-repressed transcription factors

TNFα-induced protein 3-interacting protein 1 (TNIP1) represses signaling pathways initiated by specific nuclear and transmembrane receptors. This effect results in reduced activity of distinct transcription factors such as retinoic acid receptors (RAR), peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR), and NFκB. TNIP1-null and TNIP1-knockin defective for ubiquitin-binding mice show increased liver apoptosis, and enlarged spleen and lymph nodes, respectively. To complement current knowledge of TNIP1's broad physiologic functions as interpreted from in vivo studies and specific expression consequences from transcription factor repression, we determined effects of excess TNIP1 on global gene regulation. Following experimentally increased expression of TNIP1 in cultured keratinocytes, our gene expression microarray analysis not only confirmed TNIP1's association in previously known pathways and functions but also found a novel TNIP1-regulated pathway - the cell stress response. Under standard culture conditions, expression of several heat shock proteins, including HSPA1A, HSPA6, DNAJA1 and DNAJB1, was reduced. In heat-stressed conditions, differential regulation of HSPA1A and HSPA6 was observed, where only HSPA6 expression was reduced after heat-shock. Using HSPA6 as a model to elucidate the mechanism of the TNIP1-mediated HSP repression, we determined that TNIP1 likely represses HSPs through factors other than RAR, PPAR or NFκB despite the presence of these factors' binding sites in the HSPA6 promoter. These results indicate that regulation of HSPs may be through a yet unknown TNIP1-associated pathway. Additionally, these results suggest that TNIP1's reduction of HSP expression levels could negatively impact HSP chaperone capacity or their participation in the cell stress response.

Complexity of the RAR-mediated transcriptional regulatory programs

In the past several decades, intensive research in this field has uncovered a surprising number of regulatory factors and their associated enzymatic properties to reveal the network of complexes that function in activation and repression of the transcriptional programs mediated by nuclear receptors (NR). These factors and their associated complexes have been extensively characterized both biochemically and functionally [34, 87, 94]. Several principles have emerged: (1) It is widely recognized that ligand-dependent cofactor complexes mediating repression and activation exhibit ligand-dependent exchange. (2) These complexes mediate modifications of chromatin structure consequent to their binding at regulatory elements, particularly at promoter and enhancer Enhancer sites. (3) The concept about the rapid exchange of coregulatory complexes at regulatory sites has been suggested [88]. Key questions in the NR field have included: (a) What are the cofactors and exchange complexes used to mediate the ligand and signaling network-dependent switches in gene regulation programs; (b) Do long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve as regulatory "factors" for ligand-dependent gene programs, and do enhancers actually regulate transcription units encoding enhancer Enhancer non-coding RNAs (eRNAs) Enhancer RNA that might have functional significance; (c) What is the relationship between DNA damage repair machinery and transcriptional machinery? (d) Do Retinoic Acid Receptors (RAR) also regulate Pol III-dependent, non-coding repeat transcriptional units in stem cells? and (e) How have new technologies such as deep sequencing altered our ability to investigate transcriptional regulatory mechanisms utilized by NRs?

Sp sites contribute to basal and inducible expression of the human TNIP1 (TNFα-inducible protein 3-interacting protein 1) promoter

TNIP1 [TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α)-induced protein 3-interacting protein 1] is a co-repressor of RAR (retinoic acid receptor) and PPAR (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor). Additionally, it can reduce signalling stemming from cell membrane receptors such as those for TNFα and EGF (epidermal growth factor). Consequently, it influences a variety of receptor-mediated events as diverse as transcription, programmed cell death and cell cycling. Thus changes in TNIP1 expression levels are likely to affect multiple important biological end points. TNIP1 expression level changes have been linked to psoriasis and systemic sclerosis. As such, it is crucial to determine what controls its expression levels, starting with constitutive control of its promoter. Our analysis of the TNIP1 promoter revealed multiple transcription start sites in its GC-rich proximal regions along with two transcriptionally active Sp (specificity protein) sites, responsive to both Sp1 and Sp3. EMSA (electrophoretic mobility-shift assay) and ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation) demonstrated physical binding between Sp1 and Sp3 at these sites. A decrease in Sp1 protein levels via siRNA (short interfering RNA) or diminished Sp1 DNA binding by mithramycin decreased TNIP1 mRNA levels. This Sp-binding GC-rich region of the TNIP1 promoter also participates in transcriptional activation by ligand-bound RAR. Together, these results demonstrate newly identified regulators of TNIP1 expression and suggest possible transcription factor targets which in turn control TNIP1-related biological end points ranging from apoptosis to inflammatory diseases.

Human TNFα-induced protein 3-interacting protein 1 (TNIP1) promoter activation is regulated by retinoic acid receptors

Coregulator proteins play key roles in transcriptional control by members of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Previously, we demonstrated that tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced protein 3-interacting protein 1 (TNIP1) is a corepressor of agonist-bound retinoic acid receptors (RARs). Additionally, TNIP1 has been shown to repress peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) and NF-κB activity and interact with HIV proteins nef and matrix. TNIP1 transcriptional regulation, however, is under studied. Here we show that under permissive epigenetic conditions, TNIP1 expression is induced by all trans retinoic acid (ATRA). Within a 6000 bp region of the human TNIP1 promoter we cloned, both proximal and distal promoter regions are RAR responsive with the latter having RA response elements (RAREs) recognizable by their sequence and functionality in native promoter and synthetic RARE luciferase constructs, EMSA, and ChIP assays. These findings suggest a feedback loop whereby RARs activate expression of TNIP1, which then attenuates their activity. Together with anticipated constitutive transcription factors and the previously described NF-κB-responsiveness of the proximal TNIP1 promoter, the expected combinatorial control of TNIP1 expression could likely modulate TNIP1's impact in any of its target pathways. The degree of control by RARs or other transcription factors would in turn depend on their cell-specific level of expression and/or activation from signals in the environment such as ATRA and TNFα.

Confirmation of TNIP1 but not RHOB and PSORS1C1 as systemic sclerosis risk factors in a large independent replication study

INTRODUCTION

A recent genome-wide association study in European systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients identified three loci (PSORS1C1, TNIP1 and RHOB) as novel genetic risk factors for the disease. The aim of this study was to replicate the previously mentioned findings in a large multicentre independent SSc cohort of Caucasian ancestry.

METHODS

4389 SSc patients and 7611 healthy controls from different European countries and the USA were included in the study. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP): rs342070, rs13021401 (RHOB), rs2233287, rs4958881, rs3792783 (TNIP1) and rs3130573 (PSORS1C1) were analysed. Overall significance was calculated by pooled analysis of all the cohorts. Haplotype analyses and conditional logistic regression analyses were carried out to explore further the genetic structure of the tested loci.

RESULTS

Pooled analyses of all the analysed SNPs in TNIP1 revealed significant association with the whole disease (rs2233287 p(MH)=1.94×10(-4), OR 1.19; rs4958881 p(MH)=3.26×10(-5), OR 1.19; rs3792783 p(MH)=2.16×10(-4), OR 1.19). These associations were maintained in all the subgroups considered. PSORS1C1 comparison showed association with the complete set of patients and all the subsets except for the anti-centromere-positive patients. However, the association was dependent on different HLA class II alleles. The variants in the RHOB gene were not associated with SSc or any of its subsets.

CONCLUSIONS

These data confirmed the influence of TNIP1 on an increased susceptibility to SSc and reinforced this locus as a common autoimmunity risk factor.

Emerging roles for TNIP1 in regulating post-receptor signaling

A vast number of cellular processes and signaling pathways are regulated by various receptors, ranging from transmembrane to nuclear receptors. These receptor-mediated processes are modulated by a diverse set of regulatory proteins. TNFα-induced protein 3-interacting protein 1 is such a protein that inhibits both transduction by transmembrane receptors, such as TNFα-receptor, EGF-R, and TLR, and nuclear receptors' PPAR and RAR activity. These receptors play key roles in regulating inflammation and inflammatory diseases. A growing number of references have implicated TNIP1 through GWAS and expression studies in chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, although TNIP1s exact role has yet been determined. In this review, we aim to integrate the current knowledge of TNIP1s functions with the diseases in which it has been associated to potentially elucidate the role this regulator has in promoting or alleviating these inflammatory diseases.

TNIP1, a retinoic acid receptor corepressor and A20-binding inhibitor of NF-κB, distributes to both nuclear and cytoplasmic locations

An increasingly wide range of functions, from repression of NF-κB signaling to protection from apoptosis, is being recognized for tumor necrosis factor α-induced protein 3-interacting protein 1 (TNIP1). The authors recently demonstrated TNIP1 interaction with and repression of liganded retinoic acid receptors, distinguishing it from the more typical NCoR and SMRT corepressors, which function only in the absence of ligand. To improve their understanding of TNIP1's roles in physiologic and pathologic events, the authors examined its distribution in normal and malignant human tissues and cultured cells. They found cytoplasmic and nuclear TNIP1 in normal skin keratinocytes as it colocalized with retinoic acid receptor α, one of the nuclear receptors it corepresses. Nuclear and cytoplasmic TNIP1 was also found in the malignant keratinocytes of squamous cell carcinomas. Compared to adjacent normal tissues of other organs, TNIP1 staining and distribution varied with increased levels in esophageal cancer and marked decreases in prostate cancer. The varying levels and distribution of TNIP1 in normal and disease state tissues could be expected to affect processes in which TNIP1 is involved, such as NF-κB and nuclear receptor signaling, possibly contributing to the disease course or response to therapies targeting these key players of cell growth and differentiation.

PPARγ and NF-κB regulate the gene promoter activity of their shared repressor, TNIP1

Human TNFAIP3 interacting protein 1 (TNIP1) has diverse functions including support of HIV replication through its interaction with viral Nef and matrix proteins, reduction of TNFα-induced signaling through its interaction with NF-κB pathway proteins, and corepression of agonist-bound retinoic acid receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR). The wide tissue distribution of TNIP1 provides the opportunity to influence numerous cellular responses in these roles and defining control of TNIP1 expression would be central to improved understanding of its impact on cell function. We cloned 6kb of the human TNIP1 promoter and performed predictive and functional analyses to identify regulatory elements. The promoter region proximal to the transcription start site is GC-rich without a recognizable TATA box. In contrast to this proximal ~500bp region, 6kb of the promoter increased reporter construct constitutive activity over five-fold. Throughout the 6kb length, in silico analysis identified several potential binding sites for both constitutive and inducible transcription factors; among the latter were candidate NF-κB binding sequences and peroxisome proliferator response elements (PPREs). We tested NF-κB and PPAR regulation of the endogenous TNIP1 gene and cloned promoter by expression studies, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitations. We validated NF-κB sites in the TNIP1 promoter proximal and distal regions as well as one PPRE in the distal region. The ultimate control of the TNIP1 promoter is likely to be a combination of constitutive transcription factors and those subject to activation such as NF-κB and PPAR.

TNIP1 is a corepressor of agonist-bound PPARs

Nuclear receptor (NR) coregulators include coactivators, contributing to holoreceptor transcriptional activity, and corepressors, mediating NR target gene silencing in the absence of hormone. We identified an atypical NR coregulator, TNFα-induced protein 3-interacting protein 1 (TNIP1), from a peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) α screen of a human keratinocyte cDNA library. TNIP1's complex nomenclature parallels its additional function as an NF-κB inhibitor. Here we show TNIP1 is an atypical NR corepressor using two-hybrid systems, biochemical studies, and receptor activity assays. The requirements for TNIP1-PPAR interaction are characteristic for coactivators; however, TNIP1 partially decreases PPAR activity. TNIP1 has separable transcriptional activation and repression domains suggesting a modular nature to its overall effect. It may provide a means of lowering receptor activity in the presence of ligand without total loss of receptor function. TNIP1's multiple roles and expression in several cell types suggest its regulatory effect depends on its expression level and the expression of other regulators in NR and/or NF-κB signaling pathways. As a NR coregulator, TNIP1 targeting agonist-bound PPAR and reducing transcriptional activity offers control of receptor signaling not available from typical corepressors and may contribute to combinatorial regulation of transcription.

New insights in the immunologic basis of psoriasis

Psoriasis vulgaris is a multifactorial heritable disease characterized by severe inflammation resulting in poorly differentiated, hyperproliferative keratinocytes. Recent advances in genetic analyses have implicated components regulating the interleukin (IL)-23 and nuclear factor-kappaB pathways as risk factors for psoriasis. These inflammatory pathways exhibit increased activity in skin lesions, and promote secretion of various cytokines, such as IL-17 and IL-22. Unrestrained, the activated inflammatory cytokine network in psoriasis may trigger a vicious cycle of inflammation and cellular proliferation that ultimately results in lesion formation. These advances in genetic analyses, together with the progress made in targeted biological therapy, pave the path to tailor treatment on the basis of an individual's genetic and immunologic profile.