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De Mandal S, Jeon J. Nuclear Effectors in Plant Pathogenic Fungi. MYCOBIOLOGY 2022; 50:259-268. [PMID: 36404902 PMCID: PMC9645283 DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2022.2118928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear import of proteins is a fundamental process in the eukaryotes including plant. It has become evident that such basic process is exploited by nuclear effectors that contain nuclear localization signal (NLS) and are secreted into host cells by fungal pathogens of plants. However, only a handful of nuclear effectors have been known and characterized to date. Here, we first summarize the types of NLSs and prediction tools available, and then delineate examples of fungal nuclear effectors and their roles in pathogenesis. Based on the knowledge on NLSs and what has been gleaned from the known nuclear effectors, we point out the gaps in our understanding of fungal nuclear effectors that need to be filled in the future researches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surajit De Mandal
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Korea
| | - Junhyun Jeon
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life and Applied Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Korea
- Plant Immunity Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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Role of the Heme Activator Protein Complex in the Sexual Development of Cryptococcus neoformans. mSphere 2022; 7:e0017022. [PMID: 35638350 PMCID: PMC9241503 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00170-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The CCAAT-binding heme activator protein (HAP) complex, comprising the DNA-binding heterotrimeric complex Hap2/3/5 and transcriptional activation subunit HapX, is a key regulator of iron homeostasis, mitochondrial functions, and pathogenicity in Cryptococcus neoformans, which causes fatal meningoencephalitis. However, its role in the development of human fungal pathogens remains unclear. To elucidate the role of the HAP complex in C. neoformans development, we constructed hap2Δ, hap3Δ, hap5Δ, and hapXΔ mutants and their complemented congenic MATα H99 and MATa YL99a strains. The HAP complex plays a conserved role in iron utilization and stress responses in cells of both mating types. Deletion of any of the HAP complex components markedly enhances filamentation during bisexual mating. However, the Hap2/3/5 complex, but not HapX, is crucial in repressing pheromone production and cell fusion and is thus a critical repressor of sexual differentiation of C. neoformans. Interestingly, deletion of the heterotrimeric complex transcriptionally regulated both positive and negative regulators in the pheromone-responsive Cpk1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Chromatin immunoprecipitation-quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the HAP complex physically bound to the CCAAT motif of the CRG1 and GPA2 promoter regions. Notably, the HAP complex was differentially localized depending on the mating type in basal conditions; it was enriched in the nuclei of MATα cells but diffused in the cytoplasm of MATa cells. Interestingly, however, a portion of the HAP complex in both mating types relocalized to the cell membrane during mating. In conclusion, the Hap2/3/5 heterotrimeric complex and HapX play major and minor roles, respectively, in repressing the sexual development of C. neoformans in association with the Cpk1 MAPK pathway. IMPORTANCECryptococcus neoformans isolates are of two mating types: MATα strains, which are predominant, and MATa strains, isolated from the sub-Saharan African region, where cryptococcosis is most abundant and severe. Here, we demonstrated the function of the CCAAT-binding HAP complex (Hap2/3/5/X) as a transcriptional repressor of Cpk1 pathway-related genes in cells of both mating types. Deletion of any HAP complex component markedly enhanced filamentation without affecting normal sporulation. In particular, deletion of the DNA-binding HAP complex components (Hap2/3/5), but not HapX, markedly enhanced pheromone production and cell fusion efficiency, validating its repressive role in the early stage of mating in C. neoformans. The HAP complex regulates the expression of both negative and positive mating regulators and is thus crucial for the regulation of the Cpk1 MAPK pathway during mating. This study provides insights into the complex signaling networks governing the sexual differentiation of C. neoformans.
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The Heterotrimeric Transcription Factor CCAAT-Binding Complex and Ca 2+-CrzA Signaling Reversely Regulate the Transition between Fungal Hyphal Growth and Asexual Reproduction. mBio 2021; 12:e0300721. [PMID: 34781745 PMCID: PMC8593669 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03007-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The life cycle of filamentous fungi generally comprises hyphal growth and asexual reproduction. Both growth and propagation processes are critical for invasion growth, spore dissemination, and virulence in fungal pathogens and for the production of secondary metabolites or for biomass accumulation in industrial filamentous fungi. The CCAAT-binding complex (CBC) is a heterotrimeric transcription factor comprising three subunits, HapB, HapC, and HapE, and is highly conserved in fungi. Previous studies revealed that CBC regulates sterol metabolism by repressing several genes in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway in the human fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus. In the present study, we found dysfunction of CBC caused the abnormal asexual reproduction (conidiation) in submerged liquid culture. CBC suppresses the activation of the brlA gene in the central regulatory pathway for conidiation combined with its upstream regulators fluG, flbD, and flbC by binding to the 5'-CCAAT-3' motif within conidiation gene promoters, and lack of CBC member HapB results in the upregulation of these genes. Furthermore, when the expression of brlA or flbC is repressed, the submerged conidiation does not happen in the hapB mutant. Interestingly, deletion of HapB leads to enhanced transient cytosolic Ca2+ levels and activates conidiation-positive inducer Ca2+-CrzA modules to enhance submerged conidiation, demonstrating that CrzA works with CBC as a reverse regulator of fungal conidiation. To the best of our knowledge, the finding of this study is the first report for the molecular switch mechanism between vegetative hyphal growth and asexual development regulated by CBC, in concert with Ca2+-CrzA signaling in A. fumigatus. IMPORTANCE A precisely timed switch between vegetative hyphal growth and asexual development is a crucial process for the filamentous fungal long-term survival, dissemination, biomass production, and virulence. However, under the submerged culture condition, filamentous fungi would undergo constant vegetative growth whereas asexual conidiation rarely occurs. Knowledge about possible regulators is scarce, and how they could inhibit conidiation in liquid culture is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrated that the transcription factor heterotrimeric CBC dominantly maintains vegetative growth in liquid-submerged cultures by directly suppressing the conidiation-inductive signal. In contrast, calcium and the transcription factor CrzA, are positive inducers of conidiation. Our new insights into the CBC and Ca2+-CrzA regulatory system for transition control in the submerged conidiation of A. fumigatus may have broad repercussions for all filamentous fungi. Moreover, our elucidation of the molecular mechanism for submerged conidiation may support new strategies to precisely control vegetative growth and asexual conidiation in aspergilli used in industry.
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Mao Y, Chen C. The Hap Complex in Yeasts: Structure, Assembly Mode, and Gene Regulation. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1645. [PMID: 31379791 PMCID: PMC6652802 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The CCAAT box-harboring proteins represent a family of heterotrimeric transcription factors which is highly conserved in eukaryotes. In fungi, one of the particularly important homologs of this family is the Hap complex that separates the DNA-binding domain from the activation domain and imposes essential impacts on regulation of a wide range of cellular functions. So far, a comprehensive summary of this complex has been described in filamentous fungi but not in the yeast. In this review, we summarize a number of studies related to the structure and assembly mode of the Hap complex in a list of representative yeasts. Furthermore, we emphasize recent advances in understanding the regulatory functions of this complex, with a special focus on its role in regulating respiration, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and iron homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinhe Mao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection and Host Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Changbin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Unit of Pathogenic Fungal Infection and Host Immunity, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Dohn JW, Grubbs AW, Oakley CE, Oakley BR. New multi-marker strains and complementing genes for Aspergillus nidulans molecular biology. Fungal Genet Biol 2018; 111:1-6. [PMID: 29309843 DOI: 10.1016/j.fgb.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Technical advances in Aspergillus nidulans enable relatively easy deletion of genomic sequences, insertion of sequences into the genome and alteration of genomic sequences. To extend the power of this system we wished to create strains with several selectable markers in a common genetic background to facilitate multiple, sequential transformations. We have developed an approach, using the recycling of the pyrG selectable marker, that has allowed us to create new deletions of the biA, pabaA, choA, and lysB genes. We have deleted these genes in a strain that carries the commonly used pyrG89, riboB2, and pyroA4 mutations as well as a deletion of the sterigmatocystin gene cluster and a deletion of the nkuA gene, which greatly reduces heterologous integration of transforming sequences. The new deletions are fully, easily and cheaply supplementable. We have created a strain that carries seven selectable markers as well as strains that carry subsets of these markers. We have identified the homologous genes from Aspergillus terreus, cloned them and used them as selectable markers to transform our new strains. The newly created strains transform well and the new deletion alleles appear to be complemented fully by the A. terreus genes. In addition, we have used deep sequencing data to determine the sequence alterations of the venerable and frequently used pyrG89, riboB2 and pyroA4 alleles and we have reannotated the choA gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Dohn
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Alexander W Grubbs
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - C Elizabeth Oakley
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | - Berl R Oakley
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, 1200 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA.
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Gerwien F, Skrahina V, Kasper L, Hube B, Brunke S. Metals in fungal virulence. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2018; 42:4562650. [PMID: 29069482 PMCID: PMC5812535 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fux050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metals are essential for life, and they play a central role in the struggle between infecting microbes and their hosts. In fact, an important aspect of microbial pathogenesis is the 'nutritional immunity', in which metals are actively restricted (or, in an extended definition of the term, locally enriched) by the host to hinder microbial growth and virulence. Consequently, fungi have evolved often complex regulatory networks, uptake and detoxification systems for essential metals such as iron, zinc, copper, nickel and manganese. These systems often differ fundamentally from their bacterial counterparts, but even within the fungal pathogens we can find common and unique solutions to maintain metal homeostasis. Thus, we here compare the common and species-specific mechanisms used for different metals among different fungal species-focusing on important human pathogens such as Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus or Cryptococcus neoformans, but also looking at model fungi such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae or A. nidulans as well-studied examples for the underlying principles. These direct comparisons of our current knowledge reveal that we have a good understanding how model fungal pathogens take up iron or zinc, but that much is still to learn about other metals and specific adaptations of individual species-not the least to exploit this knowledge for new antifungal strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Gerwien
- Department Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology– Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Volha Skrahina
- Department Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology– Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Lydia Kasper
- Department Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology– Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hube
- Department Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology– Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Brunke
- Department Microbial Pathogenicity Mechanisms, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology– Hans Knoell Institute, 07745 Jena, Germany
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Bolotin-Fukuhara M. Thirty years of the HAP2/3/4/5 complex. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2017; 1860:543-559. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Hortschansky P, Haas H, Huber EM, Groll M, Brakhage AA. The CCAAT-binding complex (CBC) in Aspergillus species. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2016; 1860:560-570. [PMID: 27939757 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The CCAAT binding complex (CBC), consisting of a heterotrimeric core structure, is highly conserved in eukaryotes and constitutes an important general transcriptional regulator. Scope of the review. In this review we discuss the scientific history and the current state of knowledge of the multiple gene regulatory functions, protein motifs and structure of the CBC in fungi with a special focus on Aspergillus species. Major conclusions and general significance. Initially identified as a transcriptional activator of respiration in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in other fungal species the CBC was found to be involved in highly diverse pathways, but a general rationale for its involvement was missing. Subsequently, the CBC was found to sense reactive oxygen species through oxidative modifications of cysteine residues in order to mediate redox regulation. Moreover, via interaction with the iron-sensing bZIP transcription factor HapX, the CBC was shown to mediate adaptation to both iron starvation and iron excess. Due to the control of various pathways in primary and secondary metabolism the CBC is of crucial importance for fungal virulence in both animal and plant hosts as well as antifungal resistance. Consequently, CBC-mediated control affects biological processes that are of high interest in biotechnology, agriculture and infection medicine. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Nuclear Factor Y in Development and Disease, edited by Prof. Roberto Mantovani.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hortschansky
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Beutenbergstr. 11a, D-07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 80-82, A6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Eva M Huber
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at the Department Chemistry, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstr. 4, D-85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Michael Groll
- Center for Integrated Protein Science Munich at the Department Chemistry, Technische Universität München, Lichtenbergstr. 4, D-85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Beutenbergstr. 11a, D-07745, Jena, Germany; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Friedrich Schiller University (FSU), D-07745 Jena, Germany.
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Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) remove acetyl moieties from lysine residues at histone tails and nuclear regulatory proteins and thus significantly impact chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation in eukaryotes. In recent years, HDACs of filamentous fungi were found to be decisive regulators of genes involved in pathogenicity and the production of important fungal metabolites such as antibiotics and toxins. Here we present proof that one of these enzymes, the class 1 type HDAC RpdA, is of vital importance for the opportunistic human pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus Recombinant expression of inactivated RpdA shows that loss of catalytic activity is responsible for the lethal phenotype of Aspergillus RpdA null mutants. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a fungus-specific C-terminal region of only a few acidic amino acids is required for both the nuclear localization and catalytic activity of the enzyme in the model organism Aspergillus nidulans Since strains with single or multiple deletions of other classical HDACs revealed no or only moderate growth deficiencies, it is highly probable that the significant delay of germination and the growth defects observed in strains growing under the HDAC inhibitor trichostatin A are caused primarily by inhibition of catalytic RpdA activity. Indeed, even at low nanomolar concentrations of the inhibitor, the catalytic activity of purified RpdA is considerably diminished. Considering these results, RpdA with its fungus-specific motif represents a promising target for novel HDAC inhibitors that, in addition to their increasing impact as anticancer drugs, might gain in importance as antifungals against life-threatening invasive infections, apart from or in combination with classical antifungal therapy regimes. IMPORTANCE This paper reports on the fungal histone deacetylase RpdA and its importance for the viability of the fungal pathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and other filamentous fungi, a finding that is without precedent in other eukaryotic pathogens. Our data clearly indicate that loss of RpdA activity, as well as depletion of the enzyme in the nucleus, results in lethality of the corresponding Aspergillus mutants. Interestingly, both catalytic activity and proper cellular localization depend on the presence of an acidic motif within the C terminus of RpdA-type enzymes of filamentous fungi that is missing from the homologous proteins of yeasts and higher eukaryotes. The pivotal role, together with the fungus-specific features, turns RpdA into a promising antifungal target of histone deacetylase inhibitors, a class of molecules that is successfully used for the treatment of certain types of cancer. Indeed, some of these inhibitors significantly delay the germination and growth of different filamentous fungi via inhibition of RpdA. Upcoming analyses of clinically approved and novel inhibitors will elucidate their therapeutic potential as new agents for the therapy of invasive fungal infections-an interesting aspect in light of the rising resistance of fungal pathogens to conventional therapies.
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Hwang YH, Kim SK, Lee KC, Chung YS, Lee JH, Kim JK. Functional conservation of rice OsNF-YB/YC and Arabidopsis AtNF-YB/YC proteins in the regulation of flowering time. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2016; 35:857-865. [PMID: 26754793 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-015-1927-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Rice Os NF - YB and Os NF - YC complement the late flowering phenotype of Arabidopsis nf - yb double and nf - yc triple mutants, respectively. In addition, OsNF-YB and OsNF-YC interact with AtNF-YC and AtNF-YB, respectively. Plant NUCLEAR FACTOR Y (NF-Y) transcription factors play important roles in plant development and abiotic stress. In Arabidopsis thaliana, two NF-YB (AtNF-YB2 and AtNF-YB3) and five NF-YC (AtNF-YC1, AtNF-YC2, AtNF-YC3, AtNF-YC4, and AtNF-YC9) genes regulate photoperiodic flowering by interacting with other AtNF-Y subunit proteins. Three rice NF-YB (OsNF-YB8, OsNF-YB10, and OsNF-YB11) and five rice OsNF-YC (OsNF-YC1, OsNF-YC2, OsNF-YC4, OsNF-YC6, and OsNF-YC7) genes are clustered with two AtNF-YB and five AtNF-YC genes, respectively. To investigate the functional conservation of these NF-YB and NF-YC genes in rice and Arabidopsis, we analyzed the flowering phenotypes of transgenic plants overexpressing the respective OsNF-YB and OsNF-YC genes in Arabidopsis mutants. Overexpression of OsNF-YB8/10/11 and OsNF-YC2 complemented the late flowering phenotype of Arabidopsis nf-yb2 nf-yb3 and nf-yc3 nf-yc4 nf-yc9 mutants, respectively. The rescued phenotype of 35S::OsNF-YC2 nf-yc3 nf-yc4 nf-yc9 plants was attributed to the upregulation of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1). In vitro and in planta protein-protein analyses revealed that OsNF-YB8/10/11 and OsNF-YC1/2/4/6/7 interact with AtNF-YC3/4/9 and AtNF-YB2/3, respectively. Our data indicate that some OsNF-YB and OsNF-YC genes are functional equivalents of AtNF-YB2/3 and AtNF-YC3/4/9 genes, respectively, and suggest functional conservation of Arabidopsis and rice NF-Y genes in the control of flowering time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon-Hyung Hwang
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Anam-dong 5 ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Kap Kim
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 143-747, Republic of Korea
- Center for Desert Agriculture, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Keh Chien Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Anam-dong 5 ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Soo Chung
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Dong-A University, Busan, 604-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hwan Lee
- Department of Bioresource Engineering, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 143-747, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong-Kook Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Anam-dong 5 ga, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-701, Republic of Korea.
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Kim SK, Park HY, Jang YH, Lee KC, Chung YS, Lee JH, Kim JK. OsNF-YC2 and OsNF-YC4 proteins inhibit flowering under long-day conditions in rice. PLANTA 2016; 243:563-76. [PMID: 26542958 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-015-2426-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OsNF-YC2 and OsNF-YC4 proteins regulate the photoperiodic flowering response through the modulation of three flowering-time genes ( Ehd1, Hd3a , and RFT1 ) in rice. Plant NUCLEAR FACTOR Y (NF-Y) transcription factors control numerous developmental processes by forming heterotrimeric complexes, but little is known about their roles in flowering in rice. In this study, it is shown that some subunits of OsNF-YB and OsNF-YC interact with each other, and among them, OsNF-YC2 and OsNF-YC4 proteins regulate the photoperiodic flowering response of rice. Protein interaction studies showed that the physical interactions occurred between the three OsNF-YC proteins (OsNF-YC2, OsNF-YC4 and OsNF-YC6) and three OsNF-YB proteins (OsNF-YB8, OsNF-YB10 and OsNF-YB11). Repression and overexpression of the OsNF-YC2 and OsNF-YC4 genes revealed that they act as inhibitors of flowering only under long-day (LD) conditions. Overexpression of OsNF-YC6, however, promoted flowering only under LD conditions, suggesting it could function as a flowering promoter. These phenotypes correlated with the changes in the expression of three rice flowering-time genes [Early heading date 1 (Ehd1), Heading date 3a (Hd3a) and RICE FLOWERING LOCUS T1 (RFT1)]. The diurnal and tissue-specific expression patterns of the subsets of OsNF-YB and OsNF-YC genes were similar to those of CCT domain encoding genes such as OsCO3, Heading date 1 (Hd1) and Ghd7. We propose that OsNF-YC2 and OsNF-YC4 proteins regulate the photoperiodic flowering response by interacting directly with OsNF-YB8, OsNF-YB10 or OsNF-YB11 proteins in rice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon-Kap Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Anam-dong 5 ga, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 136-701, Republic of Korea
- Center for Desert Agriculture, Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, Thuwal, 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hyo-Young Park
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Anam-dong 5 ga, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Hee Jang
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Anam-dong 5 ga, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Keh Chien Lee
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Anam-dong 5 ga, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 136-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Soo Chung
- Department of Genetic Engineering, Dong-A University, Busan, 604-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Hwan Lee
- Department of Bioresource Engineering and Plant Engineering Research Institute, Sejong University, 98 Gunja-dong, Gwangjin-Gu, Seoul, 143-747, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jeong-Kook Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Anam-dong 5 ga, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul, 136-701, Republic of Korea.
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Gonçalves SS, Souza ACR, Chowdhary A, Meis JF, Colombo AL. Epidemiology and molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance in CandidaandAspergillus. Mycoses 2016; 59:198-219. [DOI: 10.1111/myc.12469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Revised: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Santos Gonçalves
- Laboratório Especial de Micologia, Disciplina de Infectologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Remondi Souza
- Laboratório Especial de Micologia, Disciplina de Infectologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo SP Brazil
| | - Anuradha Chowdhary
- Department of Medical Mycology; Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute; University of Delhi; Delhi India
| | - Jacques F. Meis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases; Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital; Nijmegen the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology; Radboud University Medical Centre; Nijmegen the Netherlands
| | - Arnaldo Lopes Colombo
- Laboratório Especial de Micologia, Disciplina de Infectologia, Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo SP Brazil
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Characterization of epistatic interaction of QTLs LH8 and EH3 controlling heading date in rice. Sci Rep 2014; 4:4263. [PMID: 24584028 PMCID: PMC3939452 DOI: 10.1038/srep04263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Heading date is a critical trait for adaptation of rice to different cultivation areas and cropping seasons. We evaluated the heading dates of 1,123 chromosome segments substitution lines (CSSLs) in the genetic background of an elite rice variety Huajingxian74 (HJX74). A CSSL with the substituted segments from Zihui100 exhibited late heading under both natural long-day (NLD) and natural short-day (NSD) conditions, and the late heading phenotype was controlled by two novel epistatic loci on chromosome 8 and chromosome 3, respectively, termed LH8 and EH3. The function of EH3 was dependent on the LH8 genotype through epistatic interaction between EH3Zihui100 and LH8Zihui100 alleles. Genetic and molecular characterization revealed LH8 encodes a CCAAT-box-binding transcription factor with Heading date1 (Hd1)-binding activity and may delay flowering by repressing the expression of Early heading date1 (Ehd1). Our work provides a solid foundation for further study on gene interaction in heading date and has application in breeding rice with greater adaptability.
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Multiple nuclear localization signals mediate nuclear localization of the GATA transcription factor AreA. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2014; 13:527-38. [PMID: 24562911 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00040-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Aspergillus nidulans GATA transcription factor AreA activates transcription of nitrogen metabolic genes in response to nitrogen limitation and is known to accumulate in the nucleus during nitrogen starvation. Sequence analysis of AreA revealed multiple nuclear localization signals (NLSs), five putative classical NLSs conserved in fungal AreA orthologs but not in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae functional orthologs Gln3p and Gat1p, and one putative noncanonical RRX33RXR bipartite NLS within the DNA-binding domain. In order to identify the functional NLSs in AreA, we constructed areA mutants with mutations in individual putative NLSs or combinations of putative NLSs and strains expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP)-AreA NLS fusion genes. Deletion of all five classical NLSs individually or collectively did not affect utilization of nitrogen sources or AreA-dependent gene expression and did not prevent AreA nuclear localization. Mutation of the bipartite NLS conferred the inability to utilize alternative nitrogen sources and abolished AreA-dependent gene expression likely due to effects on DNA binding but did not prevent AreA nuclear localization. Mutation of all six NLSs simultaneously prevented AreA nuclear accumulation. The bipartite NLS alone strongly directed GFP to the nucleus, whereas the classical NLSs collaborated to direct GFP to the nucleus. Therefore, AreA contains multiple conserved NLSs, which show redundancy and together function to mediate nuclear import. The noncanonical bipartite NLS is conserved in GATA factors from Aspergillus, yeast, and mammals, indicating an ancient origin.
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Fornari M, Calvenzani V, Masiero S, Tonelli C, Petroni K. The Arabidopsis NF-YA3 and NF-YA8 genes are functionally redundant and are required in early embryogenesis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e82043. [PMID: 24303077 PMCID: PMC3841131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0082043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) is a trimeric transcription factor composed of three distinct subunits called NF-YA, NF-YB and NF-YC. In Arabidopsis thaliana, NF-Y subunits are known to play roles in many processes, such as gametogenesis, embryogenesis, seed development, drought resistance, ABA signaling, flowering time, primary root elongation, Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress response and blue light responses. Here, we report that the closely related NF-YA3 and NF-YA8 genes control early embryogenesis. Detailed GUS and in situ analyses showed that NF-YA3 and NF-YA8 are expressed in vegetative and reproductive tissues with the highest expression being during embryo development from the globular to the torpedo embryo stage. Plants from the nf-ya3 and nf-ya8 single mutants do not display any obvious phenotypic alteration, whereas nf-ya3 nf-ya8 double mutants are embryo lethal. Morphological analyses showed that the nf-ya3 nf-ya8 embryos fail to undergo to the heart stage and develop into abnormal globular embryos with both proembryo and suspensor characterized by a disordered cell cluster with an irregular shape, suggesting defects in embryo development. The suppression of both NF-YA3 and NF-YA8 gene expression by RNAi experiments resulted in defective embryos that phenocopied the nf-ya3 nf-ya8 double mutants, whereas complementation experiments partially rescued the abnormal globular nf-ya3 nf-ya8 embryos, confirming that NF-YA3 and NF-YA8 are required in early embryogenesis. Finally, the lack of GFP expression of the auxin responsive DR5rev::GFP marker line in double mutant embryos suggested that mutations in both NF-YA3 and NF-YA8 affect auxin response in early developing embryos. Our findings indicate that NF-YA3 and NF-YA8 are functionally redundant genes required in early embryogenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Fornari
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Simona Masiero
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Tonelli
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Katia Petroni
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Huber E, Scharf D, Hortschansky P, Groll M, Brakhage A. DNA Minor Groove Sensing and Widening by the CCAAT-Binding Complex. Structure 2012; 20:1757-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2012.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Belacortu Y, Weiss R, Kadener S, Paricio N. Transcriptional activity and nuclear localization of Cabut, the Drosophila ortholog of vertebrate TGF-β-inducible early-response gene (TIEG) proteins. PLoS One 2012; 7:e32004. [PMID: 22359651 PMCID: PMC3281117 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0032004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cabut (Cbt) is a C2H2-class zinc finger transcription factor involved in embryonic dorsal closure, epithelial regeneration and other developmental processes in Drosophila melanogaster. Cbt orthologs have been identified in other Drosophila species and insects as well as in vertebrates. Indeed, Cbt is the Drosophila ortholog of the group of vertebrate proteins encoded by the TGF-ß-inducible early-response genes (TIEGs), which belong to Sp1-like/Krüppel-like family of transcription factors. Several functional domains involved in transcriptional control and subcellular localization have been identified in the vertebrate TIEGs. However, little is known of whether these domains and functions are also conserved in the Cbt protein. Methodology/Principal Findings To determine the transcriptional regulatory activity of the Drosophila Cbt protein, we performed Gal4-based luciferase assays in S2 cells and showed that Cbt is a transcriptional repressor and able to regulate its own expression. Truncated forms of Cbt were then generated to identify its functional domains. This analysis revealed a sequence similar to the mSin3A-interacting repressor domain found in vertebrate TIEGs, although located in a different part of the Cbt protein. Using β-Galactosidase and eGFP fusion proteins, we also showed that Cbt contains the bipartite nuclear localization signal (NLS) previously identified in TIEG proteins, although it is non-functional in insect cells. Instead, a monopartite NLS, located at the amino terminus of the protein and conserved across insects, is functional in Drosophila S2 and Spodoptera exigua Sec301 cells. Last but not least, genetic interaction and immunohistochemical assays suggested that Cbt nuclear import is mediated by Importin-α2. Conclusions/Significance Our results constitute the first characterization of the molecular mechanisms of Cbt-mediated transcriptional control as well as of Cbt nuclear import, and demonstrate the existence of similarities and differences in both aspects of Cbt function between the insect and the vertebrate TIEG proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaiza Belacortu
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad CC Biológicas, Universidad de Valencia, Burjasot, Spain
| | - Ron Weiss
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sebastian Kadener
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat-Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Nuria Paricio
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad CC Biológicas, Universidad de Valencia, Burjasot, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Dolfini D, Gatta R, Mantovani R. NF-Y and the transcriptional activation of CCAAT promoters. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2011; 47:29-49. [PMID: 22050321 DOI: 10.3109/10409238.2011.628970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The CCAAT box promoter element and NF-Y, the transcription factor (TF) that binds to it, were among the first cis-elements and trans-acting factors identified; their interplay is required for transcriptional activation of a sizeable number of eukaryotic genes. NF-Y consists of three evolutionarily conserved subunits: a dimer of NF-YB and NF-YC which closely resembles a histone, and the "innovative" NF-YA. In this review, we will provide an update on the functional and biological features that make NF-Y a fundamental link between chromatin and transcription. The last 25 years have witnessed a spectacular increase in our knowledge of how genes are regulated: from the identification of cis-acting sequences in promoters and enhancers, and the biochemical characterization of the corresponding TFs, to the merging of chromatin studies with the investigation of enzymatic machines that regulate epigenetic states. Originally identified and studied in yeast and mammals, NF-Y - also termed CBF and CP1 - is composed of three subunits, NF-YA, NF-YB and NF-YC. The complex recognizes the CCAAT pentanucleotide and specific flanking nucleotides with high specificity (Dorn et al., 1997; Hatamochi et al., 1988; Hooft van Huijsduijnen et al, 1987; Kim & Sheffery, 1990). A compelling set of bioinformatics studies clarified that the NF-Y preferred binding site is one of the most frequent promoter elements (Suzuki et al., 2001, 2004; Elkon et al., 2003; Mariño-Ramírez et al., 2004; FitzGerald et al., 2004; Linhart et al., 2005; Zhu et al., 2005; Lee et al., 2007; Abnizova et al., 2007; Grskovic et al., 2007; Halperin et al., 2009; Häkkinen et al., 2011). The same consensus, as determined by mutagenesis and SELEX studies (Bi et al., 1997), was also retrieved in ChIP-on-chip analysis (Testa et al., 2005; Ceribelli et al., 2006; Ceribelli et al., 2008; Reed et al., 2008). Additional structural features of the CCAAT box - position, orientation, presence of multiple Transcriptional Start Sites - were previously reviewed (Dolfini et al., 2009) and will not be considered in detail here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diletta Dolfini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomolecolari e Biotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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Targeted gene deletion and in vivo analysis of putative virulence gene function in the pathogenic dermatophyte Arthroderma benhamiae. EUKARYOTIC CELL 2011; 10:842-53. [PMID: 21478433 DOI: 10.1128/ec.00273-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Dermatophytes cause the majority of superficial mycoses in humans and animals. However, little is known about the pathogenicity of this specialized group of filamentous fungi, for which molecular research has been limited thus far. During experimental infection of guinea pigs by the human pathogenic dermatophyte Arthroderma benhamiae, we recently detected the activation of the fungal gene encoding malate synthase AcuE, a key enzyme of the glyoxylate cycle. By the establishment of the first genetic system for A. benhamiae, specific ΔacuE mutants were constructed in a wild-type strain and, in addition, in a derivative in which we inactivated the nonhomologous end-joining pathway by deletion of the A. benhamiae KU70 gene. The absence of AbenKU70 resulted in an increased frequency of the targeted insertion of linear DNA by homologous recombination, without notably altering the monitored in vitro growth abilities of the fungus or its virulence in a guinea pig infection model. Phenotypic analyses of ΔacuE mutants and complemented strains depicted that malate synthase is required for the growth of A. benhamiae on lipids, major constituents of the skin. However, mutant analysis did not reveal a pathogenic role of the A. benhamiae enzyme in guinea pig dermatophytosis or during epidermal invasion of the fungus in an in vitro model of reconstituted human epidermis. The presented efficient system for targeted genetic manipulation in A. benhamiae, paired with the analyzed infection models, will advance the functional characterization of putative virulence determinants in medically important dermatophytes.
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Yan WH, Wang P, Chen HX, Zhou HJ, Li QP, Wang CR, Ding ZH, Zhang YS, Yu SB, Xing YZ, Zhang QF. A major QTL, Ghd8, plays pleiotropic roles in regulating grain productivity, plant height, and heading date in rice. MOLECULAR PLANT 2011; 4:319-30. [PMID: 21148627 DOI: 10.1093/mp/ssq070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Rice yield and heading date are two distinct traits controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The dissection of molecular mechanisms underlying rice yield traits is important for developing high-yielding rice varieties. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of Ghd8, a major QTL with pleiotropic effects on grain yield, heading date, and plant height. Two sets of near isogenic line populations were developed for the cloning of Ghd8. Ghd8 was narrowed down to a 20-kb region containing two putative genes, of which one encodes the OsHAP3 subunit of a CCAAT-box binding protein (HAP complex); this gene was regarded as the Ghd8 candidate. A complementary test confirmed the identity and pleiotropic effects of the gene; interestingly, the genetic effect of Ghd8 was dependent on its genetic background. By regulating Ehd1, RFT1, and Hd3a, Ghd8 delayed flowering under long-day conditions, but promoted flowering under short-day conditions. Ghd8 up-regulated MOC1, a key gene controlling tillering and branching; this increased the number of tillers, primary and secondary branches, thus producing 50% more grains per plant. The ectopic expression of Ghd8 in Arabidopsis caused early flowering by 10 d-a situation similar to the one observed by its homolog AtHAP3b, when compared to wild-type under long-day conditions; these findings indicate the conserved function of Ghd8 and AtHAP3b in flowering in Arabidopsis. Our results demonstrated the important roles of Ghd8 in rice yield formation and flowering, as well as its opposite functions in flowering between rice and Arabidopsis under long-day conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Hao Yan
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement and National Center of Plant Gene Research (Wuhan), Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
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21
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Dai ZM, Li R, Dai L, Yang JS, Chen S, Zeng QG, Yang F, Yang WJ. Determination in oocytes of the reproductive modes for the brine shrimp Artemia parthenogenetica. Biosci Rep 2011; 31:17-30. [PMID: 20353401 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20090141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The brine shrimp, Artemia, reproduces either oviparously, producing encysted embryos (diapause cysts), or ovoviviparously, producing free-swimming nauplii. Environmental factors, such as photoperiod, have been applied to control the reproduction mode of Artemia, but when the determination of a reproductive mode occurs remains unknown. We analysed the differential gene expression between oocytes from oviparous and ovoviviparous Artemia reared under different photoperiods. A total of 692 qualified cDNA clones were obtained by subtractive hybridization, 327 of which matched GenBank® Nucleotide Sequence Database entries. Gene expressions of 44 cDNAs (representing 56 clones) were analysed in oocytes using real-time PCR. Among these genes, 11 (21 clones) were significantly (P<0.05) up-regulated and 7 (9 clones) down-regulated in Artemia oocytes that subsequently enter diapause. Remarkably, known diapause-related proteins such as ArHsp22 (Artemia heat-shock protein 22) and chitin-binding proteins are found to be already differentially expressed. Furthermore, RNAi (RNA interference) knockdown of a differentially expressed gene, polo-like kinase 1, in oocyte of ovoviviparous Artemia led to the production of white embryos rather than free-swimming nauplii. In summary, our results provide evidence at the molecular level that the reproductive mode of Artemia is already determined at the oocyte stage of their life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Min Dai
- Institute of Cell Biology and Genetics, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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22
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A stress response related to the carbon source and the absence of KlHAP2 in Kluyveromyces lactis. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2010; 38:43-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s10295-010-0827-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2010] [Accepted: 07/26/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Kumimoto RW, Zhang Y, Siefers N, Holt BF. NF-YC3, NF-YC4 and NF-YC9 are required for CONSTANS-mediated, photoperiod-dependent flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2010; 63:379-91. [PMID: 20487380 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-313x.2010.04247.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
NF-Y transcription factors represent a complex of three proteins called NF-YA, NF-YB and NF-YC. Each protein is highly conserved in eukaryotes, and in the plant lineage has undergone numerous rounds of duplication. Individual NF-Y are emerging as important regulators of several essential plant processes, including embryogenesis, drought resistance, maintenance of meristems in nitrogen-fixing nodules and photoperiod-dependent flowering time. Building on the recent finding that NF-YB2 and NF-YB3 have overlapping functionality in Arabidopsis photoperiod-dependent flowering (Kumimoto et al., 2008), we have identified three NF-YC (NF-YC3, NF-YC4, and NF-YC9) that are also required for flowering, and physically interact in vivo with both NF-YB2 and NF-YB3. Furthermore, NF-YC3, NF-YC4 and NF-YC9 can physically interact with full-length CONSTANS (CO), and are genetically required for CO-mediated floral promotion. Collectively, the present data greatly strengthens and extends the argument that CO utilizes NF-Y transcription factor complexes for the activation of FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) during photoperiod-dependent floral initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roderick W Kumimoto
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Oklahoma, 770 Van Vleet Oval, Norman, OK 73019, USA
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24
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Thön M, Al Abdallah Q, Hortschansky P, Scharf DH, Eisendle M, Haas H, Brakhage AA. The CCAAT-binding complex coordinates the oxidative stress response in eukaryotes. Nucleic Acids Res 2009; 38:1098-113. [PMID: 19965775 PMCID: PMC2831313 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkp1091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The heterotrimeric CCAAT-binding complex is evolutionary conserved in eukaryotic organisms. The corresponding Aspergillus nidulans CCAAT- binding factor (AnCF) consists of the subunits HapB, HapC and HapE. All of the three subunits are necessary for DNA binding. Here, we demonstrate that AnCF senses the redox status of the cell via oxidative modification of thiol groups within the histone fold motif of HapC. Mutational and in vitro interaction analyses revealed that two of these cysteine residues are indispensable for stable HapC/HapE subcomplex formation and high-affinity DNA binding of AnCF. Oxidized HapC is unable to participate in AnCF assembly and localizes in the cytoplasm, but can be recycled by the thioredoxin system in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, deletion of the hapC gene led to an impaired oxidative stress response. Therefore, the central transcription factor AnCF is regulated at the post-transcriptional level by the redox status of the cell serving for a coordinated activation and deactivation of antioxidative defense mechanisms including the specific transcriptional activator NapA, production of enzymes such as catalase, thioredoxin or peroxiredoxin, and maintenance of a distinct glutathione homeostasis. The underlying fine-tuned mechanism very likely represents a general feature of the CCAAT-binding complexes in eukaryotes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcel Thön
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Beutenbergstrasse 11a, D-07745 Jena, Germany
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25
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Deletion analysis of the promoter of Aspergillus oryzae gene encoding heat shock protein 30. J Biosci Bioeng 2009; 107:345-51. [PMID: 19332290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2008.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2008] [Accepted: 11/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In order to find a promoter that could be influenced by temperature shift, we explored and isolated an Aspergillus oryzae gene expressed at high temperatures (37-42 degrees C) by the cDNA subtraction method. Of the 96 cDNA clones isolated from the subtraction library, one cDNA clone showed 73% identity with Aspergillus nidulans heat shock protein 30 (hsp30). Based on this, we designated the isolated gene hsp30 of A. oryzae. A. oryzae hsp30 was weakly expressed at 30 degrees C, but strongly at 40 degrees C. We showed that the promoter of this hsp30 induced heterologous gene expression at high temperatures using beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene as a reporter. Regarding elucidation of the region essential for heat shock response, we showed that the minimum length of the promoter region that was essential for heat shock response was located between -388 and -272 (+1 indicated the first position of the translation initiation codon) of the hsp30 promoter. This promoter region harbors several putative transcription factor binding sites, including heat shock elements (HSEs), a CCAAT box, and a TATA box. Furthermore, site-directed mutagenesis of this promoter revealed that HSE1 (aTTCgtcGAAacgcccaGAAa) and HSE2 (cGAAagTTCtcGACg), located between -342 and -272 of the hsp30 promoter, were its cis-acting elements for heat shock response.
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26
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Fleck CB, Brock M. Characterization of an acyl-CoA: carboxylate CoA-transferase from Aspergillus nidulans involved in propionyl-CoA detoxification. Mol Microbiol 2008; 68:642-56. [PMID: 18331473 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2958.2008.06180.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Filamentous fungi metabolize toxic propionyl-CoA via the methylcitrate cycle. Disruption of the methylcitrate synthase gene leads to an accumulation of propionyl-CoA and attenuates virulence of Aspergillus fumigatus. However, addition of acetate, but not ethanol, to propionate-containing medium strongly reduces the accumulation of propionyl-CoA and restores growth of the methylcitrate synthase mutant. Therefore, the existence of a CoA-transferase was postulated, which transfers the CoASH moiety from propionyl-CoA to acetate and, thereby, detoxifying the cell. In this study, we purified the responsible protein from Aspergillus nidulans and characterized its biochemical properties. The enzyme used succinyl-, propionyl- and acetyl-CoA as CoASH donors and the corresponding acids as acceptor molecules. Although the protein displayed high sequence similarity to acetyl-CoA hydrolases this activity was hardly detectable. We additionally identified and deleted the coding DNA sequence of the CoA-transferase. The mutant displayed weak phenotypes in the presence of propionate and behaved like the wild type when no propionate was present. However, when a double-deletion mutant defective in both methylcitrate synthase and CoA-transferase was constructed, the resulting strain was unable to grow on media containing acetate and propionate as sole carbon sources, which confirmed the in vivo activity of the CoA-transferase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian B Fleck
- Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology e.V., Hans Knoell Institute, Beutenbergstr. 11a, D-07745 Jena, Germany
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27
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Hortschansky P, Eisendle M, Al-Abdallah Q, Schmidt AD, Bergmann S, Thön M, Kniemeyer O, Abt B, Seeber B, Werner ER, Kato M, Brakhage AA, Haas H. Interaction of HapX with the CCAAT-binding complex--a novel mechanism of gene regulation by iron. EMBO J 2007; 26:3157-68. [PMID: 17568774 PMCID: PMC1914100 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7601752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2006] [Accepted: 05/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron homeostasis requires subtle control systems, as iron is both essential and toxic. In Aspergillus nidulans, iron represses iron acquisition via the GATA factor SreA, and induces iron-dependent pathways at the transcriptional level, by a so far unknown mechanism. Here, we demonstrate that iron-dependent pathways (e.g., heme biosynthesis) are repressed during iron-depleted conditions by physical interaction of HapX with the CCAAT-binding core complex (CBC). Proteome analysis identified putative HapX targets. Mutual transcriptional control between hapX and sreA and synthetic lethality resulting from deletion of both regulatory genes indicate a tight interplay of these control systems. Expression of genes encoding CBC subunits was not influenced by iron availability, and their deletion was deleterious during iron-depleted and iron-replete conditions. Expression of hapX was repressed by iron and its deletion was deleterious during iron-depleted conditions only. These data indicate that the CBC has a general role and that HapX function is confined to iron-depleted conditions. Remarkably, CBC-mediated regulation has an inverse impact on the expression of the same gene set in A. nidulans, compared with Saccharomyces cerevisae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hortschansky
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), and Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Eisendle
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Qusai Al-Abdallah
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), and Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - André D Schmidt
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), and Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bergmann
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), and Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Marcel Thön
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), and Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Olaf Kniemeyer
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), and Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Beate Abt
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Seeber
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ernst R Werner
- Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Masashi Kato
- Department of Biological Mechanisms and Functions, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Axel A Brakhage
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), and Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), and Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany. Tel.: +49 3641 656601; Fax: +49 3641 656603; E-mail:
| | - Hubertus Haas
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biocenter, Innsbruck Medical University, Fritz-Pregl-Strasse 3, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. Tel.: +43 512 9003 70205; Fax: +43 512 9003 73100; E-mail:
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Spröte P, Brakhage AA. The light-dependent regulator velvet A of Aspergillus nidulans acts as a repressor of the penicillin biosynthesis. Arch Microbiol 2007; 188:69-79. [PMID: 17375284 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-007-0224-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2006] [Revised: 01/19/2007] [Accepted: 02/05/2007] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of the beta-lactam antibiotic penicillin in Aspergillus nidulans is catalysed by three enzymes that are encoded by the genes acvA, ipnA and aatA. Several studies have indicated that these genes are controlled by a complex regulatory network, including a variety of cis-acting DNA elements and regulatory factors. Until now, however, relatively little information is available on external signals and their transmission influencing the expression of the structural genes. Here, we show that the light-dependent regulator velvet A (VeA) acts as a repressor on the penicillin biosynthesis, mainly via repression of the acvA gene. Expression of a regulatable alcAp-veA gene fusion in an A. nidulans strain carrying, in addition, acvAp-uidA and ipnAp-lacZ gene fusions indicated that under alcAp-inducing conditions, penicillin titres and expression of acvAp-uidA were drastically reduced compared with untransformed wild-type strains. The same level of repression was found irrespective of whether the alcAp-veA gene fusion was expressed in a veA1 or DeltaveA background, with or without light. The expression of the ipnAp-lacZ gene fusion was only moderately affected indicating a less prominent effect. These findings were confirmed by the analysis of a regulatable niiAp-veA gene fusion. Under niiAp-inducing conditions, penicillin titres and acvAp-uidA expression were much lower than in untransformed wild-type strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Spröte
- Department of Molecular and Applied Microbiology, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), Beutenbergstrasse 11a, 07745 Jena, Germany
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